Getting past the nitty gritty

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Rachael Grace Photography

(After months of thought and reflection, I’m finally writing about my trip to Nepal. This is what I’ve learned and wish to share with you.)

It can feel like once you’ve made up your mind, the universe throws up a mountain sized road block. The kind of road block you’re not sure can truly be conquered. It looks like Mt. Everest covered in the blizzard of the century. Oh and by the way you’re out of oxygen.
My road block came from a place close to home. I had to convince the people closest to me that yes it was ok that I go. That I needed to go and not going meant a little piece of me was going to die. Dramatic? Maybe, but it’s how I felt deep down in my core. For me, going was so much more then, I wanted to travel. I wanted to feel like I was making a real instant impact on someone’s life. I wanted to do something for someone, that could never repay me back personally. I needed to know there was more to life then what I was starring at before I left.
It’s an incredible thing for a marriage to go thru, a cross roads that could either strengthen or tear you apart. For us, it strengthened our bond and marriage to a whole new level. A level of understanding and unwavering support. Through late nights and deep discussions we came to a middle ground and we are infinitely stronger because of it.
The lessons learned from this trip were already happening and I hadn’t even bought my plane ticket.

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Delight in full bloom

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Rachael Grace Photography

Can you smell the lilac and crab apple trees? I clipped lilac off the bush and set a huge vase of them on the kitchen counter and the entire house smells so heavenly. Why is this the first year I’ve done that? It should be a spring ritual, just something that thrusts spring into the entire house. Even if the storm windows are still on.
The past few weeks have been just gorgeous and warm. Perfect for a spring inspiration shoot. I paired up with Bare Root Flora, Common Couture and Frills Cake Shop and our gorgeous models Seth & Holly to do a spring shoot. I’m in love with how it turned out! And I’m not even done editing or seen the film yet. But *sigh* the colors and the light just exude romance. Just how spring should be. A little sneak peak at what’s to come. Do you have a favorite spring bloom? I’d love to hear your thoughts, right a comment.

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Fancy Tiger

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Rachael Grace Photography

The first time I stepped into the Fancy Tiger shop almost 3 years ago, I was entranced with the gorgeous fabrics and unique designs. The jewelry that spoke to my crafty and creative side. I love that they carry both local artist and artist from over seas. The artist that do amazing work, but don’t always see their work in a shop. ‘We’re sometimes known for our hefty collection of local independent designers from our very own town but we carry great styles from national and international lines as well. We throw all kinds of parties to celebrate these talented creatives. We bring in local deejays, breweries, and even local musicians to help make these celebrations comfy, fun and attractive.’

‘We like to think of ourselves as more than a clothing store. We’re that place that takes time out of it’s week to introduce you to the best new music, the best people and just make sure you’re having a good time while you ride this crazy adventure called Life.’Go check them out. In fact spend sometime along South Broadway there are so many great shops to explore. Unique and so easy to get lost in. If you need a shopping buddy, call me! I never pass up an opportunity to shop there!

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I honor the greatness in you

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Rachael Grace Photography

‘Tashi deley’ In Tibetan it means I honor the greatness in you, a way of greeting someone. During the winter months when it’s slow I read a lot…a lot. I read during commercials when I’m watching Modern Family. I read in the line at Starbucks, thank you Kindle Fire. I read while I’m eating breakfast. After the busy season I think I just need to recharge my batteries and catch up on reading. The Other 90% by Robert K. Cooper is my current can’t take my hands off book. I’ve read it before, but since returning from Nepal it has all sorts of new meaning. It’s one of those books you read every year, just to refresh and recharge.

Robert talks about a trip to Tibet and how the Tibetan people view life, it’s challenges and the people around them. The Tibetan way of life isn’t far off from what I experienced in Nepal. Just an overwhelming sense of happiness. You hope for better, but life is good and as it should be right here and now.

Tashi Deley. Just to stop and let those words soak in, I honor the greatness in you. Everyone has greatness. And to slow down life just a little and recognize that, is a beautiful thing. Finding my why, why I do what I do. Why am I a photographer. Has been a challenge and incredibility empowering journey. And it’s not over yet. I know that I want to use my photography and change lives. How I’m not 100% sure yet, but it’s going to start with the Ronald McDonald house. Photographing families that are in a situation we hope we’ll never have to face. Enduring things that can break a person down, but if you let it, build you back up to be an even stronger person.

I can’t wait to share the first family with you all!

xoxo – Rachael

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So much graditude…

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Rachael Grace Photography

…for everyone that said yes, that said prayers, that gave words of encouragement before and after the trip, that where there when I needed someone and put money on the table. Thank you. I’ve left a piece of my heart in Nepal that someday I will have to go back to. The children are beyond adorable and melted my heart on more then one occasion. And the shire generosity and humanity of the Nepali people blew me away.

I have so many stories, photos and videos to share. I scarcely don’t know where to begin. I feel a huge obligation to the people of Nepal not to forget everything I saw. And to tell the rest of the world how incredibly humble, happy and resilient the Nepali people are.

I’m still working through everything that a trip like this gives you, but I promise to share more as the desire stirs in my heart. And as I find the words that the Nepali people deserve.

A quick glimpse into Nepal. My wonderful host family in the village of Phulali. We were the first westerns to ever stay in the village let alone help build a school. Honor doesn’t go far enough. Boys enjoying the view while reading

This is the view of Phulali as we hiked into the village. The pile of rock and dirt to the right is where the school will be.

The view as we left the village just 7 days later.

A progression shot of the site. All the rocks were moved, crushed, dirt sifted by us or the incredibly strong Nepali workers. No earth movers here!Bright, resilient, and giddy with happiness these are just three of the girls that will benefit from the school.

And just a few shots of Nepal life.

My life will never be the same in the best way possible. Nepal has a piece of my heart forever and I can’t wait to share more stories of these beautiful people.

Humbled and so much gratitude. Life is good.

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