Funny Face ~ From Tex To Amy Jo

I was the apple of my Grandaddy's eye.  Ask anyone.  They'll agree.
In my world, Grandaddy hung the moon.

I vividly remember Grandaddy's love for music.  Country music.   Lefty Frizzell, Eddy Arnold, Porter Wagoner, Patsy Cline.  Classic, y'all.  (I know he has rolled over more than once for what is called 'country' music these days.)

When I was growing up, there was a Fort Worth radio station called KXOL.  Grandaddy was friends with the djs (you know, back when they were called djs) and he would call the radio station and have songs dedicated to me (back when djs did that sort of thing).  "From Tex to Amy Jo".  In that moment, I thought nobody else in the whole world was as special as me. 

This was his song to me.  It's silly, I know.  But I love it.  And it's MY song.  And when I miss Grandaddy, I play it.  Over and over and over.

The 'Why'

I have been passionate about photography my entire life.  My first camera (I think) was a disc film camera.  In fact, somewhere around here, I have an undeveloped disc.  Wouldn't it be interesting to see what's on there?

My passion for preserving memories comes from my Granny.  Throughout her entire life, she was a 'picture-taker'.  I loved this about her because her life and my life with her is well-documented.  During difficult times in my life, I have been comforted by perusing through the lovingly-taken photos of a much simpler life.

I am the 'picture-taker' in our family.  And I love it.  My kids can never say "Why aren't there more pictures of us?" 

I document the important stuff.  And stuff some people may deem 'not as important'.  But isn't it?  Isn't that simple photo of a child's toothless smile, a funny face or the Blizzards we had for supper important?

My memory is not good sometimes.  There are many periods of time throughout my life that I just cannot remember.  But I have photos to remind me.  Or that I can use to make up my own stories.  Either way, they serve their purpose.

And so I hope that, if others cannot remember, they will have my photographs to remind them of a happy time.  Even if they laugh at me for taking too many photos, isn't my job done?

Earlier this year, I officially started my photography business, Amy Hobbs Photography.  I spend time preparing before photographing my clients .  Taking into account each person I'll photograph and how I can capture their personality.  My goal is to express my creativity through my photography and to share my gift.

  That's the 'why'.



This moment is why.





And they are why.





And she is why.




And capturing Gabriel so proud he is turning 3 is why.



Thanks And Giving

November always brings campaigns to help the less fortunate.  (side rant ~ I feel the focus is usually on 'financially' less fortunate.  But we should not limit our help to monetary.  There are lots of hurting people and it has nothing to do with money.)  And while I believe these campaigns to be a wonderful thing, it makes me curious as to why we don't really pay attention to people's needs ALL YEAR LONG.  I am guilty myself, and I am not proud of it.

The current influx of nudges to help worked.  I had been thinking of ways I could bless someone else.  The list is infinite and a little overwhelming for my perfectionist-procrastination brain.  sigh. 

Yesterday, while visiting the local superstore, God presented me with 2 opportunities.  'In my face, don't miss these' opportunities.  It was divine.  And scary.

I had to step out of my comfort zone to seize these opportunities.  (Remind me to tell you the story of being rejected while trying to give.  Now THAT was a learning experience!)  I stepped out in faith.  "How much faith does it take to help someone?" you may be asking.  Sometimes...a lot.  I had to make sure my heart was in the right place.   The WHY.  I had to make sure I was gentle and not demeaning.  The HOW.  I had to overcome my fear of totally screwing up.  The WHAT IFs. 

What happened was nothing less than spectacular.  And by this, I don't mean there were fireworks, a parade, and a 'look what I did' celebration.  My help was well received and there were very special moments between 6 people which left everyone blessed.  See, that's an amazing facet of sharing God's love.  In giving, I was blessed.   And the impact of this experience will resonate for a very long time for each of us.

Thanks and Giving.  I challenge you to both.  Year round.

Be thankful for what you have.  Share it with others.