Brooke: art + image: friends

Well, after about three months of writer's block, I'm excited to be writing again! I took some time off focusing on the holidays and time with family but I'm back and ready to take 2015 by the horns! My holidays were filled with friends and family -- like the pictures below (ice skating in Forest Park). For the second year in a row our best friends visited us during Christmas and it was the best time. I'm so grateful for friends who encourage, pray and love you through hard times.

I love January and this special time of year. It is a great time for reflecting to set goals and dream how you want to spend the next year of your life. There is something about it that just feels so new and fresh. And, to start my year off focused on God and my goals, I took part in a social media fast with my church. I had no idea how wonderful it would be. If you know me, you know I LOVE photography and Instagram. Border line obsessed. Along with half with world.

I was expecting to really, realllllly miss instagram and facebook. Like dread being away. Have extreme fomo (fear of missing out) and totally fail. At best, I thought I'd only make it halfway through the week before getting "back on." BUT, I'm proud to say... I stood strong and have learned so much about myself and our culture during the week I was "off the grid."

I learned how I fill every spare moment checking my latest feed on Instagram and how obsessed I was with how many "likes" and comments I was getting on my latest pictures. And, most importantly, I realized just how much anxiety social media was causing me. It's hard for me to admit that I am/was struggling with anxiety but it's the truth. But, this week... I feel like a weight had been lifted off of me. Filling my minutes and hours looking at other people's lives whether good or bad, has slowly began giving me anxiety -- daily anxiety to be exact.

Discussing this with my mom earlier this week, we chatted about how social media and it's far-reaching network gives us a way to see into the lives of so many people and how that just isn't normal. We are not meant to be that hyper-connected. It is just too much to take in on a daily basis. No one's heart or soul can take in that much information about every little detail of everyone's life.

So...all that to say, I'm excited to share my thoughts on how I'm going to take this week and apply it to my life moving forward in 2 0 1 5.

Social Media Boundaries:

1. Get all my instagram notifications turned off so I'm not

constantly reminded of what is happening on instagram.

2. Keep my instagram app hidden on my phone -- meaning, it will

help me avoid constantly opening the app when I have a free moment.

3. Delete the facebook app completely off my phone.

Because honestly, that will cut down 90% of the time I am on facebook. It will make me open my laptop(which isn't everyday)

in order to get on facebook.

4. Leave my phone in another room when I get home from work every night so I can focus on my husband who I haven't seen all day & actually get things done and not be distracted by phone.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this social media hyper connected and consumed world and what/if any, actions you take to be in control of it and not let it control you. And, don't get me wrong, I think that instagram specifically is wonderful and it has given me new friendships I wouldn't have otherwise, but it's all about boundaries and finding a balance.

I'm so grateful to have friends like Courtney and many others who encourage me along the way. I pray that if you don't already, you find your "tribe" who can keep you accountable and love you during this journey we have here on earth.

Here's to 2 0 1 5! I am so hopeful for what God has in store this year. If you haven't already, I encourage you to take a social media fast too. It's such a great time to focus and set some goals for yourself. I don't think you'd regret it. And, if you do, let me know how it goes! You got this -- it's not impossible to go a week without it. Trust me. If I can do it.... you can too.

Complete our looks:

Brooke's Look (left)

Red Cozy Zip Scarf - handmade by Noonday Collection

Crescent Moon Earrings - handmade by Noonday Collection - current obsession

Delta River Bangles - handmade by Noonday Collection

Milly Lace Boot Socks - Grace and Lace

Lines and Stripes Catch All Purse - handmade by Noonday Collection

Courtney's Look (right)

Bright Stripes Arm & Leg Warmers - handmade by Noonday Collection

Gem Trio Studs - handmade by Noonday Collection

Hand knit scarf - by Janell Rardon

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Both dresses from Twice. Second hand clothes - game changer.

Happy New Year, y'all! Let's make it a good year.

xoxo

It's not every day your best friends get engaged, and it's definitely not every day they ask YOU to capture their love and take their engagement photos. It is always such an honor when the opportunity arises! Aaron and Taylor have been my husband and I's great friends since college. Aaron was my husband's RA and became his good friend through it. Aaron was even in our wedding party as one of our groomsmen! They have such a special place in our hearts and so obviously, when they called to share the good news....we were SO EXCITED! Those are some awesome moments when your best friends call you to tell you they are engaged.

Aaron & Taylor have such a special relationship. They have been dating for over 3 years and are waiting to say "I love you" until they say "I Do." They are so committed to keeping Christ at the center of their relationship and I think that is such a testament to their commitment to each other! They have waited so long for this day to come and I can't wait to witness their special day.

Capturing their love while taking their engagement photos was a BLAST! They are so in love and make each other laugh so much (which you will see in the photos) that is was so much fun to watch!

God has big things in store for this couple and I am so thankful to call them friends. Thanks Aaron & Taylor for allowing me to capture your love and I hope you enjoy what you see! :)

Much love,

Brooke

xoxo