From Today On...

It's been in the back of my mind for a long time.

Much like the time I suddenly decided to lose weight and get in shape, something inside me clicked and I just did it.

I bought myself a domain and started a little website.

I'm not ready to let go of this blog...there is just too much potential...so much I can say on an Etc blog.

But, it is also time to move forward!!

FROM TODAY ON:

I am launching http://natalietuggle.com/

Please come and visit me!!!!

...and Like me on my new Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTuggle

Thank you <3

Coffee and Friends

For me, it doesn't get much better than a cup for coffee and good conversation with an old friend.  Add the fact that my coffee was a Choco Cream, and we have the potential for the best day ever!

Finding a non-Starbucks coffee shop can be a challenge, so I was pretty excited to find a couple in Dallas that neither me or Faith had ever tried.

This is Crooked Tree, a very delightful house that has been converted into a coffee shop (complete with couches).  The coffee was awesome!

And this is Faith, modeling her awesomeness.

1/2 Marathon

Mid February, I ran a distance that a few years ago I thought impossible.

The morning was cold and raining.  This meant that my cute cotton attire was not going to work...I was really concerned until I found a windbreaker suit that I got when I was maybe 14.  I was a rather hefty 14 year old 'cause I  really had to pull on those drawstrings.  The two pieces didn't match.  But at least now I would be dry.

I didn't expect anyone to be at the start especially in the rain.  I felt really lucky that I would have my friend, Faith, to see me through the finish line.  So I was super surprised to find Lacey already there with a camcorder!...In the rain!

After I started, Lacey was joined by Marie who drove around with the most awesome sign and even once jumped out of a bush to..surprise cheer? haha!

Honestly, I would not have done nearly so well as I did if they where not there.  Especially at the last two mile, the thought of my friends waiting at the finish line was what kept me going even when my hips gave out (I've never realized how important hip muscles are to moving!!)

2 hours and 11 minutes.  That was my time :)

(The most awesome sign...after it was in my room for a while)

But since running I've been asked

Why did I run a half marathon?

I've been asked that question just enough times to turn my simple answer of really wanting the bummer sticker into a question like the meaning of life.

Why did I run 13 plus miles?

I'm not in ancient Greece with important battle information, so why bother with such distance? 

The whole reason I started running in the first place was to help me lose weight.  And, I chose running cause 1) I love cardio, and 2) my mom and I always jogged together growing up.

But there is something in me that wants to get a pat on the head saying good job.  So, when I got a bronze medal at my very first 5k two years ago, I was hooked.  In fact I ran races all that summer hoping I could get one more.  One more "Good job, Nat!"

Then I started noticing the stickers.  Simple little white circles that said 13.1 and 26.2 proudly displayed on the back windows of very health people in my neighborhood.

So, yup! The simple answer really is true...I just wanted the sticker.  I wanted people to see it on the back of my car.

Even though that selfish bit bothers me about myself, at least enough for me to keep journalling about it, I'm going to keep running...maybe all the way to full marathon...'cause what would happen if I really did need to deliver an urgent message on foot?

(:P)

Senior Special!

They've been working at it for years, now the end is in sight!

The time has come to announce to the world the awesome accomplishment of graduations to all your friends and family...And you better not forget to include the photo, or grandma will be very disappointed.

Daniela and the Lighting Kit!

I was going to do so well in February!  I had at least one blog idea for each week, and one for this week as well.  But I ran a race...a big 13.1 miles!  From which I was traumatized for a week, and spent the next week trying to catch up.

But more on that later.

During my time of recovery, a lady I am working with, Karen, gave me a lighting kit complete with three lights and two background as payment for a recent job.

I am ecstatic to announce that I can now do studio lighting with (or without) backgrounds.

My friend Daniela came over the weekend that I got my new toy and helped me test it all out.  Isn't she gorgeous!  I've been sitting on these for almost a week, dying to get them out!

Tim and Judy

For all the years that we have been Texans, neither me or Judy have ever been to the Gaylord Texan.  I wasn't even sure where it was.  Without knowing it, my dear cousin really knows how to pick a place for photos!  We got the River Walk, railroads, and the Woodlands all in one place!

I was so happy to catch up with them!  And very happy that they were able to take time away from work and kids for themselves.  Couples with kids nearing teenage hood really need that! Oh man..how old are we..My cousin has a 12 year old!  Neither of us could believe it, me especially since little Drew is still about 5 or so in my head...not 12!

But kids and all the years past aside, I made sure they got plenty of time to stare deeply into one another's eyes and get in some kisses.  They were more than happy to oblige. 

Tim and Judy Sneak Peek!

One of the surprising benefits of being a photographer is having a great reason to meet up old friends and family after year(s) of unnecessary not meeting up.  My cousin Judy and Tim are awesome people!  Can't wait to share the rest of these photos with you tomorrow :D!