So with being in the middle of wedding season and glued to a TO-DO list that seems a million tasks long, I decided I needed something to chill me out a bit.

I had received a gift card from one of my fabulous brides to a PAVO Salon in East Memphis.
I was planning on (finally) get my hair done, but with life at its current state, I chose a massage instead.

OH. MY. SWEET. MOTHER. OF. EVERYTHING. THAT. IS. HEAVENLY.

I’m just gonna say this… if you have never had a real massage with atmosphere and everything, you need to get one. ASAP.

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Why am I writing this?

Oh, I don’t know. It could be…
-the migraines I had are gone
-the back pain I have been dealing with for so long is gone
-my eye and knee stopped twitching (after weeks of driving me crazy)
-I slept like a rock (I’ve been sleeping like crap lately)
-my mood is much calmer and I’m able to see clearer
-I feel rejuvenated

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I’m not one of those people that is hooked on the latest trend of how to cure this and fix that, but let me tell you…

Our bodies aren’t meant to be bundled up in knots like a dog’s chew rope. My body was wearing me out because it was so tangled.
My experience with Ashley at PAVO was incredible. I would encourage anyone (especially BRIDES) to take an hour for yourself and go see Ashley.
To be able to shut out the world for a solid hour, relax, and just breathe was the best thing ever. Wow.

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www.pavosalonspa.com

(I was not paid or asked to write this, I just wanted to share an incredible experience for anyone who is struggling with pain, stress, or balance in their life.)

From memphisvision.org ‘s site:

- 80% of a child’s learning comes from their visual input

- 13.5 million children in America have vision problems.

- Vision disorders are the 4th most common disability among children in the U.S.

- 90% of children who need prescription glasses are not wearing any.

- Almost 60,000 of Tennessee’s 2 million children have problems reading in the classroom and only 31% will have a comprehensive eye exam this year.

When I began having blurry vision in third grade, I was too shy to say something and some of my educators didn’t really seemed concerned. I can’t help thinking how many other children feel the same way!

As a photographer, a person who can’t see squat without her glasses, and the sibling of a legally deaf-blind sister, I understand how important and meaningful vision is in any person’s life.

I applaud this group for their work! They are changing Memphis-area children’s confidence, education, lives, and eyes!

Your photo could be in the next Memphis Zoo calendar!

If nothing else, just go to the Memphis Zoo, because it’s AWESOME!

MEMPHIS, TN.

• I can’t wait to get out of Memphis.
• I hate this city.
• If I were somewhere else, I’d be so much happier.

I hear these things all the time. Here are a few of my thoughts…

• If you wanted to leave so badly, you would really leave. Now. So, why are you staying?
• If you hate where you are, you will never be content. You will always be looking for more and you will always come short of peace and joy.
• What makes you so miserable? What are you doing to change it? 

I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot in my life, over half of the states and six countries.

I have seen the gut-wrenching, painful reality of poverty and wealth of epic proportions.
I have been in communities of hope and communities of apathy.
I have met both the rudest and most welcoming people alive.
I have heard the most horrid sounds and the most beautiful music.
I have witnessed terrible acts to people and the most humbling, generous gestures towards another human being.

I have experienced all of things around the globe, in every city, as well as my own.
Every city has its ups & downs. Ask the people who live there.

So, you can choose to be negative & miserable or to be hopeful & joyful.
It’s all about perspective and outlook. It’s also YOUR choice.