Webster’s dictionary defines purpose as:
noun pur·pose \ˈpər-pəs\
: the reason why something is done or used: the aim or intention of something
: the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something
: the aim or goal of a person: what a person is trying to do, become, etc.
This year I plan to live with purpose and on purpose. This is my word for 2016 and I am prayerful that it will help guide my life in positive ways.
~Enjoy
We are a little over twelve hours into a new year as I write this and I pray that the beginning of your life’s next chapter has begun well. I had a fabulous time ringing in the new year with friends last evening – the fun was so good I didn’t make it to bed until 5 a.m.! Needless to say, today has been pretty relaxed!
The beginning of a new year is a time of reflection, anticipation and resolving to do things differently. You know the usual – lose weight, join the local gym, eliminate the bad things in your life. The unfortunate part of this story is that statistically we as a people are not good at keeping our resolve after February.
I have never been one to make resolutions; however over the last several years I have challenged myself to do new things and set personal growth goals.
This year I will once again attempt to do a 365 Photo Challenge. Utilizing the Capture Your 365 site for ideas I will begin my journey here today.
Today’s fitting theme is Fresh Start and the photo below is of my husband as we start a fresh chapter in our lives. There were many other photos, but barring any conversations about my plans for their pictures I chose not to use.
I hope you will join me for the next 366 days as I document this 365/366 project – it’s a leap year!
~Enjoy!
Tomorrow, photographers around the world will gather for the eighth annual Help-Portrait event. In 2008, Help-Portrait began as an idea that transformed into a movement in just three months. The idea behind Help-Portrait is simple: 1. Find someone in need 2. Take their portrait 3. Print their portrait and 4. Deliver their portrait.
Since the launch, more than 70,000 volunteers have given more than 350,000 portraits. Help-Portrait is a global movement in more than 2500 locations in 67 countries. The annual Help-Portrait event takes place on the second Saturday of December each year in addition to special events as the need arises.
For the fourth year, local writer and photographer Shelley M. Shockley will bring the movement to Cleveland as she and a team of volunteers join forces with the Salvation Army’s Zelma George Family Emergency Shelter to provide portraits to some of Cleveland’s transitional families.
The enthusiasm from site participants is exactly what Shockley was hoping for when she began organizing this effort, “When I learned of this movement and saw some of the photos from other parts of the world I wanted to bring that same sense of joy to the Cleveland community.”
The effort is also appreciated by the Salvation Army. “It is truly amazing! The impact of such a practical program that Shelley and the volunteers do each year for the participants in our Family Shelter. We are thrilled and thankful that they are coming back to Zelma George,” said Beau Hill, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Harbor Light Complex.
From 1-5 p.m., Shockley and a team of volunteers including barbers, hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers and other volunteers will gather at the shelter and set up “mini-studios” to bring the Help-Portrait movement to Cleveland at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Complex, 1710 Prospect Ave.
To learn more about the Help-Portrait movement visit http://community.help-portrait.com.
About Help-Portrait:
Celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart formed Help-Portrait, a non-profit organization, in 2009 as he contemplated using his skills and expertise to give back to those who may not have the opportunity for a professional photo. The idea is that a photographer has the unique ability to help someone smile, laugh and return their dignity. It is a movement, a shift in photography.
From Bangalore, India to Ghana, Africa, the language of Help-Portrait crosses cultural and socioeconomic barriers.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmycleveland.org.
We are gearing up for Help-Portrait 2015 and this is just one example of the joy we hope to bring to this year’s participants. We have photographers, hairstylists, make-up artists and barbers willing to volunteer their time to brighten the day of individuals suffering through life’s transitions.
In order to make this event a success. we will need the help of others willing to donate to aid in assisting with some of the supplies we will need. We hope that you will find it in your heart to contribute to this worthy cause. Join us by clicking here!
The sun shines brightly on northeast Ohio today and without any scheduled activities in the early hours I find myself languishing in that thought.
Mind you, non-scheduled does not equal free! My intent was to start this day early in order to pamper myself at the nail salon before attending a gala this evening. That did not happen.
Instead I prepared a late breakfast and FINALLY began reading Americanah, the award-winning novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. As I sat devouring this book I was prompted to write this brief post and share my current angst with adulthood and responsibility.
You see there is much that I need and should be doing but right now I just want to bask in these words.
Thanks for listening – well reading the rant of the youth trapped in my adult body!
~Peace & Blessings until we meet again!
Shelley Shockley's Views from Collinwood 