Took that one up in the snow the other day.
I know it's out of focus, but strangely enough, I think that's part of why I love it.
And yes, that is MY (fully-bearded) child in the foreground.
As I sit here with my mind wandering the way it tends to wander around the New Year, I find it hard to believe that I even have a child who is old enough to grow a full-beard.
Also finding it hard to believe that it's 2015.
And that I was stupid enough to let myself get a salted carmel mocha a few weeks back (They're like crack!) because I can't quit drinking them again after giving up my daily coffee shop run a year and a half ago. (If you get one, only get a pump and a half of chocolate and a pump and a half of toffee nut because they normally put EIGHT pumps of syrup in a Grande and that's enough to send this girl into a sugar-induced coma.)
Also finding it hard to believe that I'm turning 42 (fourty-two!) on Sunday.
And that I'm kicking off my 27th (twenty-seven-th!) round of The Photographers' Workshop on Monday.
When I first started designing that workshop back in 2007, I figured I'd teach it one or two times - maybe three if I got lucky.
But then all of my (lovely) students referred so many more (lovely) students, that it turned into a full-time job for the last eight years. (Thank you all for that.)
I've been working on a new concept for a totally different kind of workshop for awhile now, but have been too scared to tell anyone about it. But then finally, I decided to hand it over to God, with the promise that I'd move forward with it only if He showed me He wanted me to move forward with it by filling up the seats. And when I made a pre-release announcement about it to the small group of ladies who attended the Hometown Workshops I taught a few years back, half the seats filled up (I'm going to share that information with all of my past students in the next few days - so if you're a past student, you can expect that email from me soon), which is leading me to believe that I'm going to be making good on that promise.
And if so, I'll be taking a year off from teaching The Photographers' Workshop (which feels strange, and scary, and sad, and exiting to even write), which means the workshop that starts on Monday, January 5th, might be my last workshop for awhile.
The regular seats in the workshop are already filled, but I'm keeping the auditing seats open because I've found 'the more the merrier' always holds true when it comes to keeping the class forum fun, fast-paced, and an all-around great place to be.
So if you've been wanting to take the workshop, now might be the perfect time, espeically with the New Year underway.
Auditing students can ask questions, post photos, and participate in class just like a regular student. The ONLY difference is that I do not provide evaluations for auditing students. That said, auditors can read the evaluations I write for regular students (which is a great learning tool) and can participate in Peer Groups in order to have their assignments evaluated by their classmates.
It's a 10 week workshop with 45 lessons, 9 assignments, 450+ pages of text, 12+ hours of audio, and a Q&A forum where I answer any and all questions.
And I promise, I really can focus quite well (and can teach you how to focus quite well too) even if the photo in this shot might lead you to believe otherwise. (I wrote a 138-page lesson on that very topic if you're interested.)
If you're thinking of signing up, you can check out more information and access the registration page by clicking here.
Would love to kick off 2015 with you!
But Karen, you are brilliant teacher! And as for your new idea, it sounds Very intriguing! Can't wait to find out the details!
Posted by: Nadya | January 01, 2015 at 11:56 AM
So excited for you Karen! Everything you do, you do it so so well!!Worth every penny! xoxoxo
Posted by: Jennifer S | January 01, 2015 at 12:11 PM
I so wish I could do your new venture! But I can't swing it at this time. Insert saddest of sad faces here. But I'll expect full updates from Cathy! And anyone else I know that is doing it.
And there's nothing like a bearded child to make a mom feel older.
Posted by: Kelli | January 01, 2015 at 01:52 PM
I can't wait to hear about your new adventure. Very exciting!
Posted by: janel | January 02, 2015 at 06:44 AM
Oohh...can't wait for that email to come to the past students about your new adventure. :) I have been thinking about taking another class or doing the auditing session of yours.
My Birthday is tomorrow - Happy early Birthday!
Posted by: Erin in IA | January 02, 2015 at 06:51 AM
You will rock out this new adventure - and I too will follow along with my fellow Hometown workshop girls as this is not in the cards for me at this time either. So know that the group that takes this will have such an amazing year. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and miss you.
Nicky
Posted by: Nicky from Okotoks | January 02, 2015 at 07:51 AM
Can't wait to hear the details!!!
Posted by: Leslie | January 02, 2015 at 09:04 AM
Oh, my. The beard!
And am SO SO tempted to join you with your new venture... will have to speak to hubby as would involve rather large travel expenses...
Posted by: Tara Adams | January 02, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Today Is Sunday-- so Happy Birthday!!! Birthday Blessings to YOU!!
Posted by: colette | January 04, 2015 at 05:48 PM
Happy Birthday, Nellie!! <3
Posted by: kat-in-texas | January 05, 2015 at 02:44 PM
Happy belated birthday! So thrilled to be able to participate in this new adventure!
Posted by: Kim | January 09, 2015 at 07:54 AM
Helllllo! Are you still there??
Posted by: Lorrie | January 21, 2015 at 09:59 AM
You guys doin ok?? Missing my fav blogger. Hope Annie is feeling better.
Posted by: Janna | January 27, 2015 at 03:13 PM
Mother Hens worry - are you OK? Miss you!
Posted by: valerielynn | January 29, 2015 at 02:54 PM