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Just a Moment

Just a Moment | True Rest

Just a Moment | True Rest

(sorry folks, gonna go a little deep today)
Over the past year, I’ve been pondering the idea of REST. Real rest. What is it? What does it look like? How does it make me FEEL?
For years my idea of rest was bingeing on my favorite Netflix episode (ugh… auto next episode) or lounging around with my favorite novel. But I realized that, even though these things feel relaxing while I’m doing them, I end up feeling tired… worn out… empty.
But I thought I was resting?
On a recent trip to the beach with my family I realized that true rest is restorative, nurturing, soul fulfilling. Rest grows us from within. Fuels us. Makes us better people. And it’s hard. Rest takes work! It’s the effort of doing when we don’t feel like it, and being present when we might not want to be. But afterwards we feel whole instead of depleted. Worthy instead of sucked dry.
For me, that weekend, it was being completely present with my family. Instead of drowning in a book on the beach, we searched for the perfect seashells, dug our feet into the chilly sand, and threw rocks into the waves. We made memories and moments instead of just taking a time out.
So what gives you rest? Where is your passion? Is it volunteering, exercising, cooking, creating, organizing? These are the things that will restore you!

So, as we enter fall, rest well, friend. Rest well.

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Just a Moment

Just a Moment | From France to the Farm

Just a Moment | From France to the Farm

Did you know that you can buy my work on Amazon?
Once upon a time, while waiting for our girls during dance class,Angela Reed and I struck up a friendship. (We would later find out that we’re related! Small world!) I learned that she was a local momma blogger who was writing a cookbook, and when she asked if I wanted to help, I grabbed my camera and ran over! We spent fun afternoons in her kitchen and garden capturing slices of her passion (and even one of her in the bathtub!) Those shots went into her cookbook, and you can buy your own copy today! (pardon the dirty fingerprints on my edition- I use it all the time)
I recently shot a lifestyle session for her, and you can see glimpses of her amazing house and adorable family on my blog.

AND you can order your very own copy here!

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Just a Moment

Just a Moment

Just a Moment

Happy birthday to me! Jessica Lynn Studio is 3 years old! When I decided to start this little business 3 years ago, I had no idea what I would look like today. I have loved being able to grow into my craft and teach myself new skills (truly the whole reason I picked up a camera in the first place). And I am ever so grateful for the friends, and clients who have become friends, who have stood by me from the very beginning. What I never expected was all that goes into running a small business. In the past three years I have had:
-3 cameras
-3 computers
-3 websites
-3 lenses
and hundreds and hundreds of hours of classes and workshops. I have loved pouring myself into my passion and becoming the artist I am today. The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is watching yourself grow! (This is one of the dear families who has been by my side since the very beginning. Enjoy how much we BOTH have grown)

Looking forward to many more memories!

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Just a Moment

Just a Moment

Just a Moment

These are the luckiest girls on the planet to have a daddy who loves them so much. He is the hardest working man I know, which means he has become a jack of all trades! In honor of Father’s Day, see if you can try to guess which job my husband HASN’T had in his lifetime.
-Electrician
-Stone cutter
-Landscaper
-Professional carpet cleaner
-Inner city youth choir director
-Golf pro assistant
-Used car salesman
-Professional Pianist
-Bouncer
-Waiter
-International investment director
-Kirby vacuum salesman
-Worship director
-Crane maintenance operator
-Line cook at Schlotzskys Deli

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Just a Moment

Just a Moment

For the past 12 years we have been blessed to be able to vacation with our closest friends in one of the most beautiful places on earth in Colorado! We take time to get away from it all and hike, eat, relax, and adventure. I forget how necessary and therapeutic it is to put a pause on life. To wake up with zero agenda and no place to be.

Our kids roam the mountainside collecting pinecones and rocks, while their daddy and I drink coffee in our pj’s and watch the hummingbirds flutter around us (although there is one persistent birdy that insists on trying to drink from my pink iphone!) The best of part of our yearly trip is the evenings that Jason and I spend on the deck, under the blanket of stars, dreaming. With wine in hand we discuss “what ifs” to our heart’s content. Little by little, we are getting to see our dreams come true!

So, this is where you’ll find me for the next week. And when I get home, I have a baby boom waiting for me! I can’t wait! See you soon!