My job pulls at my heart strings. And for that reason I will
always value it and appreciate it’s unspoken lessons. It can be emotional and
quite a responsibility to be in charge of recording someone’s memories. Taking
photos on this cruise ship may be mechanical but I’m learning how to make it my
own and people are appreciative for it. They see my effort and reward me with
thank yous, handshakes, and hugs.
Tonight alone I photographed 9 newly weds who choose to
honey moon on the Norwegian Epic. And 2 couples were celebrating their 30 year
anniversary and another celebrating 11 years of marriage. Everyone cruises for
their own reasons and these type of celebrations are amoungst my favorite!
This job is aging me. And I can’t be out spoken about it
being so young on my team. But this is my blog so I can vent to you like you’re
my boyfriend lol.
Those who know me well know that my emotions go hand in hand
with my keen eye for observation.
I see the couple oooo and aww at each other. I hear the smirk
and smile of the husband watching his wife pose for a photo. I embrace the
raunchy comments and poses of the English and Irish. Its humorous but also
beautiful to see the spark still ignited in these older couples. I see the
smooth caressing of fingers on shoulders, waists, chests, and cheeks. Observing
married people remind the soft hearted what is out there waiting for them.
I notice the new mom and dad who take turns rolling the
fussy toddler up and down the deck until they fall asleep. I see the warmth in
the cheeks of a new mom so proud of the baby on her hip. I love to see the dad
carrying his exhausted little girl all dressed up in her frilly dress, knocked
out on his shoulder, feet bare, hands dangling, and mouth wide open fast
asleep.
I know that I’m 22 (in 6 days) and I am aware that I am
young. I don’t need anyone to remind me of that. But in my eyes getting married
and having a family doesn’t mean my life has ended and doesn’t mean the fun is
done. In my eyes marriage is that beautiful new beginning, the fresh
sketchbook, the newly sharpened pencil, the sequel to your very own book of
life.
I think when you have a sound relationship with God things
are surer and you have a confidence you have never had before. When you know
you know. Between me and you blog I could get married today and not fret a
thing. After this ship life give me two years to dig deeper into my art then
baby I want a ring lol. I’ve been on this ship for a month now and I have 5
more to go. I have learned more about valuing my family and loved ones in this
little time than ever before.
I just wanna lay in my mom’s bed and cuddle next to her
embracing her even though she’ll resist.
I just want to sit in the truck with my dad and drive for
miles as we talk about nothing.
I want to watch my nephew play football and handle animals
in his awesome middle school.
I want to learn my brother in laws cooking secrets
I want to spend days relaxing with my big sis sharing our
passions and beliefs of the world
I want to dance all night to other sister’s hottest DJ mixes
I want to sit and stare at my two month old nephew for DAYS
he’s so damn handsome!
I only wish my family could understand the concoctions in my
head. But perhaps God rather keep them in the dark and leave things unsaid.
A lot of what I’m sharing and feeling I’ve told my parents
once before.
“Daddy
I wanna be a young mom, kids before 30”
“Mommy
you gotta pull all the stops out for your baby’s wedding!”
I hope they remember and know I wasn’t playing….
I’m a romantic, a softy, and a trooper for sure. I’m
grateful for the job, the lessons, and a lot more.
In the end I’m only getting stronger, my heart can withstand
a lot, but Lord knows I’m gonna ball my eyes out when these 6 months are done!
