The Happiness Code!

What’s the secret to happiness?  Watch the trailer for Domonique Bertolucci’s new book, The Happiness Code and discover the 10 Keys to being the best you can be.

I just watched this and immediately wanted to share it with you...so here it is! I just LOVE this so much and I KNOW you will too.

here is her website for more info.

http://thehappinesscodebook.com/

xo
*c

back from Cali

We headed to San Diego last week so that Max could have an evaluation from one of the best Speech Therapists in the country ( in my humble opinion )

We've been HUGE fans of Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson ever since we heard her speak at a Down syndrome conference when Max was about 8 months old. We had a speech therapist named Amy Johnson in Los Angeles who studied her Oral Motor techniques and incorporated them in with the rest of what she did. We actually got on the waiting list when Max was just 8 months old because we had heard that Amy was the best in LA. By the time Max was ready for Speech therapy - the therapist was available! Seriously she was THAT busy! We loved how she worked with Max. Max loved her - and she told us as we were moving that Max showed promise of talking very soon. Then we moved...

When we moved to Utah - we searched high and low to find a Speech therapist who incorporates Oral Motor Therapy into the mix. No such luck. It was actually heart breaking to me. Speech is so important - not just that Max can talk, but that he can be understood. We want to give him every opportunity to have articulate speech. Oral Motor Therapy provides the way. I've seen it. I've HEARD it. I am 100% behind it. But - no one does it here in UTAH. So - we found out that we could go to a travel evaluation by someone trained by Sara Rosenfeld Johnson. We picked San Diego so we could see family.
We videotaped the 2 hour session. It was......AWESOME!!!

I will download the entire video and put it on youtube so you can see it for yourself. We plan to see her every 6 months. She is going to send us the evaluation and you better believe I'm having the Speech therapist here in Utah watch the video and read the eval. I think it's the BEST money we've spent on any therapy to date. YES - WE LOVE Michael Workman, Max's PT. But Max doesn't really NEED a PT the way he NEEDS Oral Motor Therapy. I would highly recommend both of these therapists to anyone in search of Speech or PT. However - The Speech was so fine tuned, specific, intuitive, educated, insightful in a way we hadn't seen yet. And that is powerful.

After the session we decided to stay and visit friends in San Diego and Los Angeles and I took GOBS of photos.....ready???

GO:

 San Diego freeway at Sunset....yes I took this while driving....

 Michelle from Mom's Club Eagle Rock.

 Lena and Margaret climbing a tree!

 Lisa and Roan!

 You know who this is? It's Gwen Stefani's older brother Eric. Yes it REALLY REALLY is. He is at the park where I met all of my friends. He lives in Pasadena and he and his dog "especially" are always playing somewhere - like at the Farmers Market or the park. he is a cool cat.

 Juliet!

 Zach!

 Michelle and her adorable kids!

 MAX!!!!!!

 here we are - solid as a rock!

 Double dose of MAX!

 Yep - typical California. Sunny and beautiful.

 Juli! Oh how I miss her. Her son Brady and my Son Max were best friends. At least that was what we had decided.

 Here is Brady, Max and Nadia playing at Club 21 together. Last time I saw Brady he wasn't walking yet - and now he is walking and TALKING! GO BRADY!!

 Bridge

 Happy mama - sleeping baby!

 VALERIE!!!!!!

 you think she's an actress? Maybe?

 Fathia!

 Farmer's Market at the Grove

 WOW a closed mouthed kiss! These are new for him. We love that! SO SWEET.

 Dear Friend Emily at our favorite place for Breakfast Mike and Ann's in South Pasadena. And I found out she is pregnant with Baby #2!

 I loved seeing this train when we lived near Mission Street in South Pasadena.

Our first night back home and Max and I are both sick with Croup! The good news is that Max is sleeping through the night for the first time in over 4 months. He had double ear infections that kept him up a LOT - every night. Now he just kicks me in the face and sleeps and sleeps! Took him to the doctor today and he is on meds for that now. His ears looks good. Knock on wood. And we are awaiting the speech therapy evaluation so we can get started. One thing we've already started is to eliminate the sippy cup. only straws for him. And only the kind they suggest. This ONE change can make a HUGE difference in his motor strength and on where he gets used to putting his tongue. too much info to type now - Must get ready for my parents to arrive tomorrow......

Have a GREAT thanksgiving everyone!

xo
*c

Just a quick post - to share with you some very touching words and a photo from one of my favorite photographer/writers Susannah Conway



Click HERE. Enjoy.

My Published Article!

©Catherine Just

I'm excited to share more news! 

Today an article I wrote was published on Meghan Hof's Gathering Light Photography website! The article is a part of the series she is doing called " The Happy Bride Project "

I decided to write  

The Top 8 Tips on Choosing a Wedding Photographer

This topic is near and dear to my heart because I was a wedding photographer for about 5-6 years in San Diego and Los Angeles and I was also a Bride in October of 2007. It was interesting to not only be someone who works within the wedding industry,  but to also be on the other side of things as a Bride who needs to HIRE the photographer! 

 I really LOVED getting to know the bride and groom and making sure I was a good fit as their photographer as well as having the couple feel the same about me! It's SO MUCH MORE than just picking someone based on pricing and portfolio.

Ready to go read my article?

Here is the LINK!

http://gatheringlightblog.com/2011/11/happy-bride-project-choosing-a-wedding-photographer/

Once you read it - please use the facebook and twitter links on Meghan's Website to forward the article to others! Thank you so much for checking it out.

xo

*c

EXCITING NEWS!!!

Oregon Coast Photo Retreat ©Catherine Just

Today I opened up registration for my Oregon Coast Photography Retreat June 7-11th 2012!!!!

The photo above is from the first trip - and let me tell you - it was magical. I miss those gals and I am still in touch with most of them.  A few of them are currently taking my Soul*Full eCourse which is in the 5th week. We are all starting to comment that we don't want it to end! It's been a wonderful experience and I cannot believe we only have one more week after this one! I am touched beyond words by the honesty, openness and talent in the group and feel blessed to have such incredible women taking this eCourse.

Here are some things the participants are saying about the Soul*Full eCourse so far:

"Thank you so much for sharing your way of making photos. It touches my heart and helps me to take more attention and time to express the love I feel when I create photos.
I am so thankful to have these weeks with you and with the group." - Anky Floris

"I was thinking about something you said in your video yesterday, with regards to the focus of the class, and I had an image. For me you are a gardener. All of my potential to live a soul full life has always been with me, yet I was not taking the time to nurture it. You have been such an inspiration to assist me, as a flower bud, to essentially bloom. The videos, interviews, photography exercises, journaling, and flicker community have all worked together brilliantly to coach me in my discoveries and encourage me to grow spiritually.

Keep doing what you do so well. 

You are making a beautiful difference in this world." Love, Sarah K

"I wanted to make sure you know how great your eCourse is. Your content is interesting, thought provoking and nurturing....thank you thank you thank you!" - Heidi Beucking 

"I am so enjoying Soul*Full and am happy that I signed up on a whim..It has really changed me..for the better!" - Sandie J.

I'm so touched ladies! Thank YOU for being a part of this eCourse with ME!

The January Soul*Full eCourse is open for registration! Don't miss out on an incredible - life changing opportunity! 

Click HERE to find out more.

And if you are interested in heading to the Oregon Coast in June you can CLICK HERE!

Hope to see you in the online class or along the magical coastline!

xo

*c

For those of you who haven't seen it yet - here is a video I made from the last Oregon Coast Photography Retreat  enjoy!

Let Go!

the Soul*Full eCourse is in it's 4th week right now. 

I'm soaking in all the deliciousness of the content and discussions from the participants.

I'm touched by the feedback I am already receiving about it:

” I wanted to make sure you know how great your eCourse is. Your content is interesting, thought provoking and nurturing….thank you thank you thank you!” – Heidi Buecking

"Dear Catherine, You inspire us/ me so much with the eCourse. I am so thankfull I am participating in it. The pure and natural way you share what you are and believe in is really enriching."xoxo Anky

I am still soaking that in!  

 

This week we are hunting for our Power Objects. 

What is a power object?

It's something - that when you see it - it reminds you of who you really are. It has a message for you. It calls to you.

Some people find heart shaped rocks

others find messages written on windows or license plates

When I took my son Max out to swing in our backyard  yesterday and he opened up his arms and closed his eyes and smiled big - I knew that this was the "power sign" or "power object". 

The ease he had letting go.

The joy he expressed so openly and freely

Taking it all in and being present for it.

All a big message for me.

"Let Go!"

It's so easy for me to see all the areas in my life where I need to practice letting go. There's a little voice in my head - who sounds like a 5 year old who says " I don't wanna wait! " " I want it NOW ". I call her my inner Veruca Salt. Remember her from Willy Wonka? Yea - She lives in my head. If I act on what my inner Veruca says - I am all sorts of controlling and trying to push things the way I want them. But if I Let Go and Trust that the universe supports me - My life feels so much more free. Like Max in the swing. 

What Power Signs or Power Objects have you seen this week? What was their message to you? Do you have an inner Veruca Salt? What does she say to you?

*And don't fret - If you want to join in on the Soul*Full eCourse - there's a new session starting January 16th! Here is the link to register.

xo

*c 

And the Winner is..........

Sophia

who said:

"What an awesome contest! While I don't have a fancy camera, I would like to learn how to better compose photos with the point and shoot camera that I have."

Congratulations!!!! I'll be e-mailing you today to get started on our month long adventure!

Thank you to EVERYONE who signed up for this contest. I loved reading everyone's comments and what they wanted to explore or learn with their cameras.

There will be more opportunities like this one and all of you who entered the contest are already first in line to hear when it's time to enter.

Ok Sophia! Let's Get Started!

xo

*c

CONTEST! One on One Photography Coaching for FREE!!

Soul*Full ©Catherine Just

Need more Soul infused into your images? 

( Who doesn't? )

I'm giving away a Free Month of One on One Photography Coaching !
( and you don't need to live in Utah to receive this special offer ! )


What does that mean?


*I will create sessions specifically based on what your needs are and what results you are looking for with your photography.
*We will meet over skype once a week, and regularly on a private flickr page to share photos and you'll get feedback and tips for the month of November!

This is a $500.00 Value! Can you stand it? 


Sound good?


There are TWO steps to enter this contest:


1. Comment on this blog post below letting me know what you would like to learn most in photography.


2. Add your e-mail address in the safe and secure form down below where it says 
" Enter this Contest! " and click "Join". 
You must take this step in order to officially enter. I won't know how to contact you when you WIN if you don't do this step!


The Winner will be announced on Tuesday November 1st!  Yep You only have a WEEK to enter! So go for it! What are you waiting for??


You + Camera + Soul = Juicy Photos!!


Ready GO!

This Contest is Closed! Check out the post for November 1st to find out the WINNER!!!!

Enter the Contest! Email:

For Email Marketing you can trust

Friday Link Love

Trees at Silverlake © Catherine Just

A little photo from our trip to SilverLake today. It was GORGEOUS up there.

Here are some things I'm lovin right now:

This video!

I'm loving the video interviews here and that it's free!

I've known about her for a while and I am LOVING her work.

I want to buy everything they make and take their classes! And they are in UTAH! yay!

Should I sign up for this?  It's here in SLC! How can I resist!

COUNTING THE DAYS until Jo from The Darling Tree gets back from her month long European vacation. We've got lots of new work brewing and I cannot launch it without her talent.

I ran across this CD  and cannot stop playing it.

I purchased this back in May and I think it's the best book I've read on lighting your own fire! The resources, videos, content....kicks ass butt!

That you can pre-order Susannah Conway's book on Amazon.com! I've already purchased mine.

Quote by Andrea Scher of Mondo Beyondo
"Are our dreams just intuitive hits on our future?" " None of them are impossible if you dreamt them from your heart. It's just a matter of how much you want to bring to them "

Have a great weekend! I'll be over on my Soul*Full eCourse hanging out with some incredible women. I'm so glad that each and every one of them signed up for my first run of it. It's been incredible. People are already signing up for the January Session! I'm pinching myself.

xo
*c

Can you believe you would have to PAY to LOOK! That just makes me laugh.

I must say that looking and discovering new things is on the top of my favorite things to do list.
Not just through the viewfinder. I mean - in every which way.

I love to go on a road trip with no destination and see what I see.
I love to take a walk with my camera and discover new things in my own neighborhood.
I love to go to new restaurants, boutique shops and parts of town I've never been to.

Another way I love to "look" is what I call research. I love research so much it feels like I'm on a luxury vacation when I'm doing research! Isn't that odd? But I love it. I love researching artists, bloggers, cities, towns, photography techniques, photographers etc.

But one of my all time favorite things to research is.....
the beginning phase of starting up my own business.

When I am inspired by a new project - I dive into it like it's a big fat piece of Chocolate cake.
And new projects revolve around my new business ventures and it's yummy here!

I love taking eCourses on doing what I love
I love reading the Spark Kit forward and back and foward and back again. I bought it back in May and I think it's the one book that I recommend the MOST for people who want to Spark their own Fire!
I love learning about social media, being a great business woman, and making it fun, exciting and helpful for myself and for people who want my "products".  I love watching videos by Marie Forleo .

I love looking at other artist/blogger gals like me. Making connections, hearing their hearts spill onto the page and relating to them. I think of that as research too - the "where are my people" research.

I love how one website leads to a list of other amazing places and people.
Yesterday I went on the Alt Summit website ( still thinking about whether I should go to this or not - since it's in SLC and I live in SLC and there are FANTASTIC speakers ......no brainer? )
And found out there is an incredible printmaker that lives HERE in UTAH. I mean....I keep feeling like my "people" live " there" over there not HERE - but there she was! And yep I signed up for her newsletter. I'd love to take one of her letterpress classes. More yum. ( and her work is sold at.....Anthropologie.....I'm in love )

I love creating something out of nothing. That just turns me on. And research plays a big role in that for me. Even researching what happens when I use new film from the Impossible Project.  Or what happens when I mix a red ink with a little but of orange ink....you get the idea. Research is like playing. It requires my attention, and requires some letting go and just moving forward.

That's what's happening over here late at night after Max goes to sleep. Lots of Research. I'm having a great time. And this weekend we are going to research Silver Lake. I've never been and am so excited to explore unknown territory. Yea - I guess you could say I'm an explorer of the unknown. It excites me. Especially when the unknown leads me to a greater understanding of myself, how to run my business successfully and authentically, learning about others and what feeds their soul, and the world around me.

When you think about who you are - and what you like to do - what comes to mind? Not in the usual sense of "I like to paint" but what else makes you feel like you are on vacation even if others might find it grueling work or boring.

Curious!
xo

Max shows us his sign language

I've been trying to make a video of all of his signs for a while now - but each time I turn on the camera - he gets shy. This time he did it! He was tired and distracted - but he did it! We wrote out all the signs we thought he knew and asked him to show us each one. Some are more obvious than others - but because we are around him a lot we recognize his "baby" signs. It's just like baby talk. Only the parents really understand them! This morning he showed me 3 more signs that I didn't realize he knew...so I'm going to add to the list and do another one in a month or so. It's truly incredible to me how much sign language he has picked up. He LOVES Rachel Coleman and Signing Time DVD's. I cannot recommend them enough. We have a portable DVD player and we have it when we go out to eat so he can watch and learn while Jerry and I actually have conversations with each other. It's so helpful on many levels! I don't think I would be fond of it if all he did was sit in front of it watching any such thing. But I'm so grateful that they made Signing Time DVD's because the singing and dancing and repetition create a fun learning experience....for all three of us. I literally wake up with the songs in my head.

Right now Max is outside swinging in our backyard with our babysitter! We hired someone to come here 3 times per week so I can actually work on my photography business and get some much needed time for myself. It's been a hard thing for me to actually do for myself. I feel guilt. I feel inadequate. I feel like I'm missing out on time I could be with Max. Time that I can't get back. But I do notice a big difference inside my being. I notice that when I am with Max I feel more present. I feel more light hearted. I feel less distracted by my business and all the things I want to get done that I cannot get to. Mama NEEDS this time. I've got my tea, my favorite candle is lit, I'm going to turn on my itunes playlist and let myself sink deeper into my own skin so I can be an even better mama for Max - and a better friend to MYSELF! I do notice that Max benefits from having a mama who is more fulfilled. Don't get me wrong. It is very fulfilling to be Max's Mama. AND it's fulfilling to create my artwork, create my business, be alone, take a bubble bath, sip tea in a quiet room and wear my favorite boots and dress up for no reason. Yes - I put on make up and did my hair for my day in the studio. I'm curious what fills you up when you get time away from mamahood? What is on your dream list when you are deep in diaper duty and dream of having time to just do what ever  you want? Add a comment and let me know.
xo
*c

Costume? and an Anniversary!

This was what Max wore on is first Halloween.

The next year he was a cheeseburger.

What should he be this year? I'm thinkin Pizza?

on another note - Today is our 4 year anniversary! HOORAY FOR US! Thank you sweet Jerry for being my partner, my favorite, my love.

We are actually going to a movie tonight. Can you believe that one. We've only gone to ONE movie since Max was born! What should we see?

YAY US!!