So in strategizing my goals and word for 2011…I came up with three lists. I won’t bore you with the fluff, but I realized a few things:

Some things worked amazingly well (i.e. going to WPPI; meeting new incredible couples, families and awesome business mentors), and some things didn’t quite meet my expectations (i.e. taking time for a personal project or two; comparing myself to others :: that never ends well). So I’m using those thoughts and experiences to work toward bigger and better things this year.

One of the things that I’m repurposing this year is the mall display. I liked having it–it was awesome to be able to display recent work in a really public setting. While it was scary and exposing to do at first, I came to appreciate having others talk about having seen their portraits, or the portraits of other people they knew. And for that opportunity, I’m grateful.

But you know what? It didn’t do much for you, and making your photography experience utterly amazing. And that’s what I’m discovering I’m after. (see? CLARITY!) I want you to walk away from your photography session thinking back to how enjoyable your experience was, how excited you are to see those images (and how we can best display them for your home), and how you can’t wait to tell someone else about it.

There’s another photographer going into the space coming up. I’ve decided to end my lease and put those advertising/marketing dollars to another use… new products, bonus items, and things that you’re going to love!

It’s just another step on the path to clarity…

This is a couple of weeks behind, but the new issue of Manhattan Magazine is out on doorsteps! Inside are some amazing stories of people in our own community – I was so pleased to photograph some of them.

Be sure to check out the featured cottage, restored from a nearly-demolished home to a cozy, warm space filled with art and antiques — we had a great afternoon to photograph this charming home in all its splendor. And the story about a retired Army Colonel who is helping to give children tools for education through his organization Help us Learn…Give us Hope. He was recognized with the 2010 National Spirit of Service award for his efforts! Amazing. You’ll also meet families who chose adoption and the delight they share in new family traditions, and a group of moms who organize activities to build a community of support for their children. (That’s just a sampling of the stories I worked on–and there is SO much more!) Click below to see the whole issue (RSS readers can find it here)

We’re working on the Spring issue now — watch out…so much good stuff to come!

Do you use Pinterest? I just received an invitation (whooppeee!) and am so excited to have one collective place to put ideas, images and stuff I love. There is SO much eye candy everywhere you look.

If you would like an invite, email me! info {at} cathymoresphotography {dot} com

One of my personal goals this year is to run a half-marathon. I’ve always had this feeling of oh, wouldn’t that be fun and never really let it sink in that I could actually DO it. I wouldn’t call myself a runner (although you’ve witnessed me profess the enjoyment and CLARITY it brings) but I like feeling like I’m working toward an awesome goal in the end.

Don’t be fooled. I am not training to win said half marathon. I am in it to merely finish. This is my first race of any significance other than the just-for-fun 5k and 10k’s over the last few years. So my intention is to cross the line the best way I know how. I’ve wrangled up a couple of friends to join me in the journey — one of whom is training for the New York City marathon this fall. I’m committing myself to 13.1 miles for the time being…but I understand these races are like potato chips – you can’t only do one.

I’ve started training already…race day is scheduled for April 2 and will be here in a jiffy. In the meantime, I’ll be logging plenty of miles…

I’ve spent much of the last few weeks reflecting on this past year. Evaluating what worked. What didn’t. And how to move forward with intention and purpose.

Last year blew my mind in every expectation! It was absolutely beyond my dreams. I came face to face with some of my fears, personally and professionally. Peeled back layers of self-judgment and doubt to reveal a life-changing perspective of freedom and confidence. I met and photographed people’s stories and documented their lives in a way that a few years ago had only held a candle of thought in my mind. Now, it’s a full-blown bonfire. I could not be more humbled and proud of the many, many gifts that 2010 gave me.

But. There is still SO much work to be done. While all of this was blazing around me I oftentimes felt myself fumbling in the dark. Arms outstretched, tripping over stuff on the floor, trying to find the best way to continue moving toward my definition of success. Because in the beginning, I thought I’d just see what happened instead of moving forward without a goal in mind. Which led me to people like Fay and Karen and Jeff. I’ve since realized the fatal error in that regard :: those kinds of steps forward aren’t really steps if you don’t know where you are going.

I’ve had a lot of things come up recently that have brought me to one word :: one word that has invited itself into my life. I listened quietly, kept my eyes and heart open for this word to present itself. My intention is for it to guide me and my heart to ensure that each step forward has purpose toward the goals I have in mind.

I have BIG aspirations for this year. BIG, people. Like monster-truck size. Some personal, which I’m excited to share, and some focused on enhancing your photography experience. And having clarity of mind and heart is one way to get there. Knowing why I’m going where I am, its purpose for you, and the joy it brings along the way is going to make this year our best ever. Together.

Ooooo! Who wants to be the first to send me some of these?! Nary a green one in sight!

I’m kind of giggling to myself that they come from Paper Source, but whatever, Dots are Dots in my book.

Like so much of the rest of the country, we got walloped with several inches of snow on Monday and Tuesday — which meant for a great snow day for Little Man. When I asked him about what he’d like to do with his day off, he replied, “First, brush our teeth, then put on warm clothes, play outside, then hot chocolate, and (shrugging his shoulders) maybe a movie.” Okay, moms, how do you say no to all that :: especially when he first mentioned brushing his teeth?! That’s my Mr. Responsibility…

We delighted in catching the fresh flakes on our faces ::

How did you stay warm and toasty while it snowed in your neighborhood this week?