Friends, Serendipity and Photography

A couple of years ago I ordered a learning DVD from Calumet Photo, Calumet Portrait Lighting Techniques with Bobbi Lane. A woman on the back cover appeared to be someone I knew from High School. I started the DVD and when I saw her in it, I was certain it was she. I got out my High School yearbook to confirm.

After viewing the DVD, I contacted Rachel via her photography website. It seems, though, that happenstance reconnected us. I had moved from Los Angeles, CA to the Seattle area in 2004. After reconnecting with Rachel who still lived in the Los Angeles area, she too moved to the Seattle area within the last year or so.

While I did not know that Rachel was interested in photography in High School, I now know that she is a very talented photographer. That isn't much of a surprise since she has always been artistically talented and as I learned later, also had Bobbi Lane as a mentor.

Now, that she lives nearby we are both friends and photography comrades. Recently, she helped me to inaugurate my new studio. That's her in the picture. Thank you, Rachel.

Isn't it odd how serendipity can bring people back together after decades?

Being Thankful

I believe in having an attitude of gratitude. So today I sat down to send out what I thought would be a couple of "thank you notes" to anyone who has helped me or even shown a willingness to help me in my business.

Some people I thanked for the kindness of their words, encouragement and support. I thanked others for working with me on a project or being willing to work with me even when a project didn't transpire. I even thanked a couple of building managers for being willing to show me available spaces.

I had two pleasant surprises occur from taking the time to sit down and write out personal "thank you."

One was that I did not expect that expending energy to do this would leave me more energized and refreshed. I imagine this is because expressing gratitude is such a positive experience, one cannot help but personally benefit from doing so.

The other thing that came as a pleasant surprise was the number of people I found to whom I could express appreciation. Where I thought, I could count on one hand the number of people I had reason to thank, it turns out that I had to use both hands and both feet to count. Although most of these people do not know each other, I now view them as "my support team" of individuals who are cheering me on toward success.

Thank you.