The Happy Home: Deanna D... And Photography???

As I check my Facebook and see all of my past teacher friends, along with parents of children, all starting a new school year, I can't help but feel a bit out of the loop.

I have taught for five years and decided at the absolute worst time in history to quit my very safe and secure position as a High School English III teacher. I loved my job, my school, and my kids.  But, I knew last year that with Hubs leaving for Iraq, I was going to move when he returned, so what better time to travel? It was one of the best Life decisions that I have ever made... Career wise?  Not so much.

Now, another school year is rolling in and since we are moving at the most inconvenient time for a teacher, mid-Fall, and there are absolutely no jobs in the vast desert where we are moving... let me rephrase, there is ONE English position ...two hours away... I am finding myself again at the door of unemployment (although, the job of Housewife, a.k.a. Domestic Goddess, really can be a full-time job).

I pretty much knew that this would be the situation when we found out that we were getting relocated, so for the past few months, I have been plagued with the question of, "What will I do once we get there?!?!?"

I assume that for many people, the answer to this question wouldn't be that difficult.  They would just go out and get the first job that came along. I'm not saying that I won't do the same... but, for me: the dreamer, the student, the passionate girl that puts all of her energy into the work that she loves, the thought of this just doesn't come easily.

Thank the Lord that I have a man who understands me.

We have exhausted every scenario; every idea... What if I go back to school for my Masters? But what for? Administration? English literature? Will I be happy with whichever choice I make? Will it be the economically right decision? Will I even be able to find a job after taking out more student loans? Is it all even worth it?  My questions would go on and on... And then after talking with Joe about my indecisiveness, I'd have to talk to my two other closest confidants, my sister and my bestie, who would both patiently listen and discuss the pros and cons of each option. Absolutely exhausting.

As much as I wanted to simply hurry up and make a decision, I could not find peace in any route that I looked at. And, with age, I have learned two things: 1) To trust my instinct.  There's a reason that none of it was sitting right with me. And 2) As much as I thought and questioned and talked and talked and talked, God would eventually show me the exact path that I needed to be on and then, and only then, would I know in my heart that it was the right decision.

So, here I was, plagued with all of this indecisiveness but little did I know that a seed had already been planted a long time ago. I have always loved photography. I love pictures, documenting moments, and then surrounding myself with all of these memories in my house (and yes, even in my classroom).

It wasn't until Joe and I were in The Dominican on our honeymoon and had pictures taken that the little seed started to grow. After our wonderful experience, I started thinking, Man, maybe I could do that... I have enough creativity and patience to work on learning this craft, learning how to really work and use a good camera camera, and taking time to edit pictures. Maybe... But then, of course, I thought, how nuts! Your nearly 30!!! You're talking about a whole new career path!!! So much to learn, so much to figure out...

Somehow, for my birthday, I got everything that I needed to pursue this crazy endeavor. The fantastic camera, a book to show how to use the fantastic camera (thanks again, Steph!), and an editing program that had my sister's boyfriend drooling. A sign??? Who knows... All that I know is that photography has me more excited than I have been in a very long time. I am planning on taking photo classes when we get to Cali and then see where it all goes from there. If nothing happens, well, I'll be able to take some really fantastic pics of my family! But... I have been so inspired by people that I know who have pursued their photography careers and this girl can't help but dream... just a little.

So, if you have advice, tips, comments, or just want someone to take your pic while I'm still in town, let me know! I'm a sponge and am trying to soak up as much as I can. Do I still feel nuts about all of this??? Absolutely!

With all of that said, I will leave you with some of the photos that I have been working on! Have a fantastic weekend!

One of the first pics that I took with the new camera. For some reason, I am absolutely in love with this picture and everything about it: the contrast between the green and the blue, the live plants and the dead tree. LOVE it!