Typically when I post on my blog, it is to feature a wedding, newborn, maternity, or portrait session. However, I also love to photograph my own personal experiences.

Over the past several months, I have done a lot of exploring and have documented it along the way. This post shows the various places that have caught my eye in New Orleans, Alabama, Connecticut, Boston, and Maine.

I was compelled to post this after reading an article called "Training Our Trains of Thought." The author, Kristi Nelson, explains that there are many things that happen in the course of our lives that can hinder our ability to think positively. She offers insight on how to achieve mindfulness, which "helps us to stop in our tracks, and take a breath." Nelson explains that "Gratefulness incorporates and builds on mindfulness; once we have paused, it purposefully shifts our awareness into direct curiosity, focus, and action, and can help re-direct the mind’s attention toward something at those moments when a shift in attention – or change of tracks – is called for."

My favorite part of the article is at the end when she says, "Gratefulness as a “habit of mind,” and living gratefully as a way of being, awaken us to notice and nourish the things in life for which we are truly appreciative, but often take for granted. Given that our minds and feelings are capable of taking us on great adventures at a moment’s notice, hopping aboard a grateful train of thought may be a good way to keep ourselves focused and on track, and to actually end up where we had intended and hoped to be."

I have been blessed to live and travel to many beautiful places recently. I am grateful for all the special people in my life and for each experience. I hope this article and post inspires you to tap into whatever it is that brings out your creativity and passion. Telling a story through images is what inspires me.

Below are some of the people and places, but certainly not all, that have encouraged me to adjust my train of thought.