Alyse French | Fine Art Portrait Photographer | Houston, TX »

Yesterday a friend asked me when I usually get up in the morning. “Um, whenever my body decides to!” Realizing how ridiculous (and awesome) that sounded had us bursting with laughter. I mean, seriously? There are perks to this job! Unfortunately, my body still wakes itself up at around 8AM without an alarm clock. But knowing that I DON’T have to set an alarm? Is priceless. Speaking of sleep… I think a nap is in order for today!

Over the weekend, all my pleading FINALLY worked!! Dylan decided to go see Silver Linings Playbook with me. And he LOVED it. We both did, actually! I thought JLaw was definitely deserving of her recent Oscar for best actress. But I was sad Bradley didn’t win any golden statues… What an incredible, realistic, hysterical, and wonderful film. If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to! It’s not-so-surprisingly still in theatres!

Hallelujah for daylight savings time! I really have no idea why people hate springing forward so much… It gives us an extra hour of LIIIGHT!! Granted, I’m one of those people who gets quite down in the dumps if kept in the dark for too long. (I could never live in Alaska.) But missing one hour of sleep isn’t so bad! ESPECIALLY if you – like me – totally sleep through your alarm for church on Sunday morning and wake up once it’s already started. ;)

Song of the Week: Atlas Hands by Benjamin Francis Leftwich. Grey’s Anatomy first introduced me to this song. (I’m one of those people who gets SO excited when it comes on during the day, yet has no idea what’s going on, or what’s happened in any of the past seasons.) This song is just so my style. Easy listening. Listen HERE!!

Last weekend’s wedding was absolutely perfect. Zero stress. A warm, overcast day. And a GORGEOUS bridal party. I’m stoked to share more – hopefully by the end of the week. But until then…

Happy Tuesday!!

Because of the wedding I shot on Sunday, I wasn’t able to live-tweet the Oscars – much to your dismay, I’m sure… ;) But after catching up thanks to my DVR, let me tell you some things! Seth MacFarlane’s voice is like BUTTER. Butter of the sweetened variety. I was pleasantly surprised at what a fabulous job he did hosting (minus a few jokes that just weren’t funny). I could also listen to Adele give award acceptance speeches every day of my life! And that Les Mis performance? I’m positive it left Sully thinking his momma was dying. I was an absolute wreck at 1AM. Yes, I stayed up AFER my wedding to watch the Oscars. Sign of addiction? :)

This weekend I was talking with a friend about working for yourself – and how keeping yourself accountable to actually DO work when you could just watch TV in your yoga pants and husband’s hoodie all day just wasn’t something she thought she could do. It got me thinking and it got me thankful. I never question whether I’m “allowed” to slack off. I CAN’T. It’s my job. Just like anyone else has a job. I’m not sure where this gusto comes from. But I’m thankful I have it! I’m also – now, don’t hate me for saying this – in love with Mondays. Sure, they mostly have slow starts. But they are a fresh new start each and every week! What’s not to love?!

So, this weekend Dylan and I made a special trip to Target for a 1,000-piece puzzle to occupy our free time. (Of course nobody leaves Target with ONLY what they came in for – we picked up a card game, Guinness, nine hand towels, two oven mitts, and a box of orange creamsicles.) I thought I was signing up for some brainless, leisurely activity. But this hunky home-schooled boy has done a few puzzles in his day. ;) He has a very precise strategy. I have ZERO. He called my bluff on multiple occasions when I said, “If you don’t help me find more pieces of this dog’s body, I’m QUITTING!!” But I can’t!! The perfectionist in me just can’t handle it being incomplete! :)

Song of the Week: Have Mercy on Me by Sovereign Grace Music. Can I just say I absolutely love my church? The worship is always so genuine and deep and beautiful. Kaleo first introduced me to this song, and it’s been playing on repeat since last week. It’s message? A broken and a contrite heart, He won’t turn away…

Looking back on this post… It’s LONG. So I’ll keep this next part short and sweet. :) Until later this week, here’s one of my favorite images taken during Krystal and Jeremy’s pretty day!! Much more to come!

Happy Tuesday!