This blogging thing.

The word "blog" used to embarrass me. I mean, "Blaaagghhhhg". It sounds like someone gargling mashed potatoes. I'd say I did it "for my portrait business", "so clients could get to know me", "so I could keep my portfolio updated". These things are true. The bigger truth is just that I liked doing it. It's changed my life tremendously. But somewhere along the way I started to feel guilty about doing anything that wasn't "productive". And by productive, I mean generating income. BOO!

I think over the last year I've let work consume me, partly because I love it and partly because it's comfortable. At work I know where I belong, what to do, where to stand. It's easy. What's hard is all the other stuff. Like making time for a walk, or girls night, making a salad, knowing what to do on the ball field when my child is heartbroken about striking out again. Work, in all it's straight-forward glory becomes a way of hiding from all that complication. It's a way of hiding from the times when you don't know where to stand, what to do, or where you belong. And since people respect the idea of work, you even get to appear noble while you're hiding. But the problem is that if you're hiding from the complicated stuff, you're also hiding from the stuff that means the most, like your family, your health, your friends, your interests. Life becomes less full, more one dimensional. 

I just got back from a retreat that, among other things, made me realize I need to spend less time working, more time on the other stuff. More time remembering things I enjoy like photographing sans paycheck, going out with girlfriends, connecting with my family. Blogging is also one of these things I've missed. So this is me, yet again trying to find some balance. I'm sure it's not for the last time. 

But speaking of all the amazing people that the internet has brought into my life, meet Karen. She's one of my dearest friends, and if it weren't for this blogging thing, I would have never known her. I hosted a book signing for her a few months ago with Laura and Jenny. It was really just my sneaky way to get her to come to San Antonio. 

She did a segment on Living. 

Then Philippe at Coco treated us to a fantastically different book-signing party. It was so much fun, and if you need to host anything in San Antonio, he is truly the BEST, most warm, accommodating, creative person. He even taught us how to make a candle from an orange peel! 

A couple weekends ago I didn't go to SxSW because big conferences overwhelm me. And because that one seemed to be the motherlode of not knowing where to be or stand. Then I got an invitation for a brunch that Intel and Maggie + Laura were hosting. That sounded do-able and fun. I was just going to drive up for the afternoon until Karen mentioned that she'd had to last-minute rent a way-too-big house and that there was plenty of room for all of us if I wanted to bring the fam. So we did, and now I love her family as much as I do her. 

Karen is the author of The Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit. It's a fantastic collection of gorgeous photography and lovely stories. The last time she was here, she left me one to give away. Want to win? Enter by leaving a comment here about what makes you different. I'll announce the winner on Thursday before noon. 

Comments

[Lee-Ann]

Well, I don't know what sets me apart, except maybe my bra size. Don't ask. :) Oh! Your photo over there on Karen's page...WOW!!

[Roxanna]

Maile! These photos took my breath away. (And yay to more blogging from you!)

[rachel]

oh. my heart.

Just. YES.

(don't enter this)

love you. love her. love this.

[Kristin]

I'm the vanilla version of different. You don't think it's going to be much of a flavor, but when you pay attention - oh wow! Vanilla is much maligned, I think.

[Kristen]

I can definitely relate to the "all work and no play" dynamic. I am trying to be better about that one.

Man, those family photos. STUNNING.

[Nancy]

Such lovely photos... esp love the last colour one with the girl beaming skyward!

So, to answer your question... hmmm... i'm different because I'm turning the big 4-0 this year and striving to be HAPPY about it!! A lot of my girlfriends in a similar boat are already groaning about this milestone, and my younger sisters are making wisecracks, but as bday creeps closer along, I remind myself that "growing old is the price we pay for not dying young", so bring on those laugh lines and birthday cake!

On a lighter note, I'm also different because I'm the type of person more comfortable in an off-the-beaten-path type of place with no running water / electricity / phones versus a 5 star resort. My husband would probably use another term... like, insane. :)

[Savvy in San Francisco]

Maile - I am so glad you are back! I miss your posts and YOU! These pictures of Karen and her family are amazing! You can really see their love just bursting out of the pictures! LOVE YOU! XOXO

[xanthe]

I miss you blogging, so it's lovely to see you and... those shots of Karen and family are fabulous! x.

[emily]

What makes me different is that I embrace my gray hair. I've had it since high school and see no need to cover it, even though most of the people I see on a daily basis spend a lot of time and money hiding theirs.

[Valerie S]

The photos of Karen and her family are gorgeous. I'm not sure what makes me different, being a mom who plays hockey and does volunteer work maybe?

[starrlife]

What's different about me- I live in the world of different is beautiful because of my daughter who has Down syndrome. She has taught me just how beautiful different can be. I've always been a little different related to my big mouth - I put it out there and my thinking is my speech. Some people appreciate that some don't! Would love a book and love those photos of Karen and her family- excellent! Glad to hear that you are back to blogging!

[Jen]

What makes me different? Well, I'm me and not anybody else! And I have a passionate love for cornfields in July, wheatfields in June, and soybean fields in September. Oh, and I have lots of freckles-like nutmeg on cappuccino. And I make fabulous homemade pickles-out of cucumbers, green beans, carrots, peppers...you name it. Yay for different!

Those photographs Maile, are just, sigh, divine.

[Rebecca]

Your photos are so beautiful! What a gift you have.

What makes me different is I always always go for the underdog. ALWAYS.

[Sue]

I can understand why Karen said these pictures were her favorite family pictures ever!

What makes me different? For one thing, I'm a CPA (accountant) that really enjoys a joke - even a bad one.

[Corri C]

I'm so glad you are going to try to blog more again. This makes my day. And those pictures are inspired and wonderful.

[dgm]

I actually LIKE going to the dentist.

[Lesley]

Finding balance with work, being a mom, being a friend, being true to yourself is VERY difficult. I struggle with it everyday. Keep up the hard work. Its worth it!

Thank you for offering Karen's book. It has been on my wishlist for awhile.

Have a beautiful day!

[cathy]

Oh my word...I don't know Karen or her family, but your images brought tears to my eyes...they are beautiful. More beautiful than I can say. They are the kind of images I wish I had of my family. amazing.

Would love to win the book!...hmmm...what makes me different?...i dunno...I am easily excitable...like squealing with delight at the cheese counter at Whole Foods. :)

[Marie]

Those are absolutely incredible photos!!! Love love love them!!

I'm a lawyer who's predisposition is to trust people, and believe in their basic goodness.

[Julie B]

Delurking for the chance to win this beautiful book (it's been on my wish list for awhile now). What makes me different? I love solving puzzles (fun puzzles and life's puzzles); I love the color pink (except for houses and cars); I'm a dabbler and love to learn about as many different things as I can; I'm an optimist; and I can't for the life of me make the transition from knowing about aperture, shutter speed, etc.in my head and actually implementing it with my camera (I know...practice, practice, practice).