It’s amazing how our minds work. Poor memory certainly serves a purpose - helping us cushion the blow of life’s valleys. But I so wish my memory was better with remembering the many, many peeks. Mommy brain helps us forget how uncomfortable childbirth was, how exhausted we are those first days, weeks, months. Sure we remember - but not in the same way we experienced them. We also remember that our kids were once teeny-tiny. But are always blown away when we see a new baby ‘I can’t believe my kid was ever so small!’ and oh that sweet, sweet baby smell. It’s so easy to take for granted the little things- like wrinkled baby wrists and drool. Wherever your baby is today, big or small, remember to take moments to pause and take in their uniqueness.
Asheville
A few months ago I went through one of my typical “I want to run away and join a commune” episodes. Something inside me wanted to go to North Carolina- which is especially ironic because the towns I’ve previously visited in North Carolina left much to be desired. I mentioned this to a girlfriend who recommended we check out Hot Springs, NC - a tiny town about an hour outside of Asheville. I looked into it and it was exactly what I was needing. We booked a cabin and stared at the calendar.
A few days before we were supposed to leave I was on the phone with my childhood best friend. Labor day plans came up and on a whim she decided to hop in her car with her family and head to NC the next night.
Two unplanned last minute nights in a tent with a baby, an almost 4 year old and a Pomeranian made me nervous to say the least. But it was absolutely amazing. The kids played so well. They slept so well. They weren’t scared to get dirty and they were fascinated by all of the critters. It was like my eyes were opened to a whole different side to these little people and it was so beautiful. Our non-stereotypical mountain dog was an excellent watch dog always alerting us when someone was approaching our camp site. Our lives are so full all the time that we forget how to just be. Unlike the kids - it took the first 24 hours for my husband and I to remember how to relax. No set agenda. No set activities. No cell reception within 20 minutes of camp. Swimming under waterfalls by day and cooking dinner over an open fire every night. Take. Me. Back. Now.
The last two days we set out to Asheville. Oh how I love this town. So funky and full of art and diversity. Even though it’s a city it felt like there was room to breathe, the people weren’t rushed and angry but so friendly. . . and who could complain about the backdrop of mountains?? There was a farmers market of sorts with free food (fresh produce and cooked meals) for the homeless and people in need. And even more inspiring is it wasn't run by a religious organization - it was just people taking care of people. And it was beautiful. We need more of it in our lives
There is something about this place that is pulling me back. I love it. It felt like home. After planning our trip I learned that my parents were living in Asheville when I was made. Maybe that is why I felt such a strong connection. I am not sure. All I know is I will be going back ASAP. And my faith in humanity is restored.
Megan Soto Photography is a natural light photographer in St. Augustine, Florida and surrounding areas; specializing in Maternity, Babies, Children and family portraits. For more information or to book a session please email MeganSotoPhotography@gmail.com
NEW LENS!
Was so excited to get a new lens this past week! So much to love so much to learn! The photos are so sharp and vibrant out the gate- but with that sharpness means the slightest missed focus is that much more apparent - so there is no room for error! And using your feet to zoom takes a little getting used to at first but is more natural once you get the hang of it- you can't zoom your eye balls with a button- you move your feet! haha!
Anyway! Took my family out to Alpine Groves to test it out! Love this location! And love the people in these photos!! I'll give you one guess as to which of my kiddos is the ham and which runs from the camera ;)
Megan Soto Photography is a natural light photographer in St. Augustine, Florida and surrounding areas; specializing in Maternity, Babies, Children and family portraits. For more information or to book a session please email MeganSotoPhotography@gmail.com