Finding My Way Back

Free Textures, Class Updates & a Give Away

edited in Lightroom and textured in photoshop with today's freebie, Return

Hello lovelies. How are you? I've missed this, I've missed you… It's been too long. It feels like months since I've been here.

'sigh'….

Where does one begin? Hmm, let's see.....

The hustle and bustle of Christmas and family gatherings happened, then a nasty cold knocked me off my feet for several days. Sadly on January 2nd, John's father passed away. What began as a short hiatus moved into weeks of time away….. I'm so ready to be back. I'm longing for normal again….I miss my quiet simple life…photographing treasures.... sharing photos and inspiration...such a huge highlight in my life. I want it back.

'smile'

How was your holiday? the new year? Tell me something new, dear friend….. 

This past week, in between the chaos, I've been taking lots of tea photos...... I suppose it's the season...the comfort of hot tea is so special..... I've also gathered a few new cups over this past month that I've been bursting to photograph.

Okay, It's definitely time for a texture….. or 2. Don't you think?

Check out today's lovelies.... 're-entry & return'.

Texture Lovin' Listers your download link should land in your inbox in just a few.... New to the site? Be sure to sign up for my list and start receiving freebie textures right away. Click HERE to get on the list!

Before I go.... a few updates and reminders.... don't miss the give away surprise at the end.

I wanted to remind you that a new year of Beyond is coming soon….. Class begins on January 23rd. You can find all the details HERE….. In this year long course I will be sharing loads of photography and processing tips & tricks; including lightroom, photoshop, texture and iPhoneography lessons.....
Good news.... early bird registration is still open. I'm not upping the price…. with all that's been happening, I didn't get in to make the change…. so I decided to leave it at $65.00 $52.00. There's also an option to access last years Beyond Layers course. Click HERE for all the details.

Also my Lightroom class, Round Trip, begins on the 15th… that's next week already….. I'm leaving the early bird price on it as well. Lightroom is amazing....I don't know how I lived without it...it's been life changing.... I know that sounds dramatic, but I'm totally serious.... It's truly an incredible program!

As for 2013….. I have some exciting plans brewing... One thing I'm excited about is sharing more Lightroom tips and tutorials here at the Café. Texture Tuesday will be back next week. I will have more details later this week. And I hope to offer a brand new collection of textures in the shop later this month! 

Other dreamy offerings I'm working on…. a photography course, a creative lightroom editing class….and... and.......more soon. :)

: :

So good to be back....  

To celebrate my 're-entry' I'd love to offer up a give away with a twist.....

The twist....The give away is a surprise..... I will reveal the mystery gift and the winner here on Friday.

To enter please leave a comment below.... perhaps a little note about your holidays, something new in your life or maybe a special wish for 2013.... Sound good?

: :

Until Friday.... love & gratitude...always....

xo,

Comments

[Jenny Lowe]

Balance. key word for 2013. family/work/rest

[Carolyn]

Thanks so much for these beauties!

[Michelle]

I look more forward to New Year's Eve than I do to Christmas. Not only is it a 'fresh start', but I also get to choose a new word for the year, as per Ali Edwards. I had a few in mind that didn't seem right, so I opened it up to my friends, and we found one. Luminosity. Staying in bed feeling sorry for myself isn't very luminous. Getting up and taking on the day is. Bemoaning my lack of marketing skills isn't very luminous. Getting involved with a new art group is. So that's it. My word for the year, and my goal in all my actions. To bring a sense of luminosity into my life.

Cheers!
Michelle

[Debbie]

I've missed you too. Fall was crazy and then came Christmas. I am just ready for some of that cozy tea, relaxing and reconnecting with my creativity and YOU! I am sorry for your families loss...big hugs to you all.

[deb k]

i got a shiny new grandbaby for Christmas.

and a new laptop.

i like my grandbaby MUCH MUCH better. i don't have to try to figure out how to adjust his colours. *HEAD DESK*

[Yolanda]

Welcome back! I have been trying to think of my word for 2013 but I have so many to choose from! I will keep thinking... I don't know what the giveaway item is but I bet I would love to win :)

[Becky Sue]

That blue texture is gorgeous! Thank you! My word for 2013 is DO and I'm already off to a fabulous start with one car load donated today. Hoping that I don't lose steam.

[bernadette]

so sorry to hear about your father-in-law but glad that life is returning to normal for you. Always enjoy your news and textures. Happy New Year

[Connie E]

Welcome back! My Christmas was wonderful but it put me several weeks behind on editing pictures.

The last couple days I have been on a texture kick. I bought myself some flowers to photograph. Tomorrow I shall....take more pictures of them add one of your beautiful creations and share. ;). Thanks tons! Connie

[Terri]

The holidays were wonderful...not the traditional Christmas as we spent it with family in Hawaii...with lots of time on the beach and in the water, rather than in the snow and on the mountains...connecting with family was the BEST and not worrying about all the details of holiday meals and preparations, allowed us to create great memories!

[Carol aka traveller]

so sorry about John's Dad, may you all find peace.
can't wait to start Beyond Beyond - something new to challenge my creativity.
Carol aka traveller

[Linda Kittmer]

2013 is all about JOY...finding the joy and focussing on the positive!

[Maleah]

Something new for 2013 that I'm soo excited about: my husband and I will run our first race next month! It's pretty much an act of God! LOL! But we're several weeks in and loving it! Hoping for a healthier 2013! Hope your's is great as well!

[Suzette McIntyre]

Welcome back Kim - you're writing is like a warm cup of tea on a cold winter day...

[Cindi]

"Happy New Year!" I wish the best for you...Our oldest son is getting married
this year and I am so excited! That is my wonderful news, thus far!
Many thanks, Cindi

[Monica de Moss]

My condolences on the passing your Father in Law. We lost my Hubbys mom on Dec 4th. It was tough to get into the Christmas spirit, but we managed it with plenty of guests descending on us for yuletide cheer. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family who know just what it takes to make every situation bright. I am so thankful to be surrounded by these very special people.

Also want to send out Thanks to you, Kim. Week after week you share your amazing life and talents with us. You open the doors to your home and family and give of yourself generously. I know that I am not the only one who is grateful to you for all that you do.

My wish for 2013 is that it be a good year for all of us.

[Petra H]

The holidays were a stressful time for me. The new year is a time for letting go and finding a happy place. Happy New Year!

[cathy @ ma vie trouve]

Welcome back Kim - we have all missed you! Oh and I have sooooo missed Texture Tuesday. Looking forward to playing with you and your groupies in 2013 !!!

[Claudia]

Condolences on your family's loss. I have missed you. I so enjoy your "cafe". I am looking forward to you photography class and hope that I will get up my nerve to take it! Blessings....

[Kari Clark]

Needing some peace in 2013. :)

[Renee B]

I will write about a wish for 2013.... The last couple of years have brought about many changes and challenges for me. The most devasting thing for me was losing my job of 12 years (bad thing). But, because of that, I became a college student for the first time (good thing). I am just beginning my final semester. So, my wish for 2013 is that I find a job...and to always remember that everything happens for a reason and that when one door closes, another door opens.
Kim...sorry for the loss in your family.

[Aggie Fegan]

Hi Kim, glad to hear things are getting back to normal for you and looking forward to another year of your inspiration, textures and creativity! We had an interesting New Years ... Our newlywed daughter and son-in-law flew from California to NY to spend Christmas with us. My husband and I then flew back with them on New Year's Eve. So we celebrated New Years twice; once on the plane at midnight NY time, and then again in California at midnight! Maybe 2013 will be twice as good!!!

[Laurel]

Glad your back! 2013 IS going to be a wonderful year! My word for the year is YES! Say yes to myself more often! Say yes to others too!!! Every chance I get, say yes!

[marilyn]

hugs to you, kim ... a tough way to start the year.

thank you for all of the inspiration and creativity you share ...

just received lightroom 4 as a Christmas giftie ... installed today ...
reviewing your classes and planning to jump in. xoxo

[Roxi]

Been missing you too! And I hadn't textured anything in awhile tip yesterday. It felt so good. My word for 2013 is 'Altered'. Plan to do a little altered art and alter a ton of stuff in my life. Started yesterday in fact. check the old blog. Thanks so very much for the textures. I meant to email you a Christmas card. sorry, I should go that now.

[carol]

Love the new textures!!!! and LOVE surprises!!! Thanks

[TDashfield]

I got a new camera for Christmas and now I'm going nutty learning all of it's wonderful bells and whistles! 2013 will be about learning new things.

[Carola Bartz]

I'm glad you're back, Kim. I'm sorry that you had some tough times recently.

My holiday was very quiet which was exactly what I needed. I also became sick with the flu (so much for flu shots!) which was a wonderful excuse for me to just relax on the couch and read. Shortly after that my daughter became sick as well and we coughed en concertino (which actually made us laugh a lot). New Year's Eve was very low key, we had a couple friends over for cheese fondue, and everybody was in bed way before midnight.

Your plans for 2013 sound exciting, and I wish you all the best for it!

[Amalia Ferreira]

Welcome back Kim! We did miss you :) I had a fabulous holiday and I am energized and ready for 2013. I have a lot plans/goals/changes for my photography business. It is going to be a lot work but it will be worth it and I am looking forward to it.

[Caryn]

Kim, I love reading your blog. Even though we've never met, I feel like I'm listening to an old friend. So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for peace and comfort.
Thank you for the opportunity and excitement of a mystery giveaway...fun!
May 2013 be all you hope...and more...

[dee]

we had a great but busy Christmas season...full of a wonderful little boy tearing through gifts, chowing down treats and giving lots of hugs : ) it was also that little boy's birthday today... the big three!! so more gifts..

how quickly they learn about that...in fact on boxing day when he got up he started yelling mommy mommy I can't wait to see what Santa brought me...so when I explained that no honey Santa didn't come...he looked at me and said...no presents???? and i said no honey...and he looked at me with his big blue eyes and you could see the wheels turning.....and then he said well when's easter....
I am so grateful that he had so many people that love him and spoil him but I think we are going to work a little bit more on the giving next year and less on the receiving : )

and of course my condolences on you loss...Christmas time is such a joyous time but can be hard for people too especially when it marks the loss of a loved one.

PS glad you are back....i need some inspiration : )

[Siobhan Wolf]

Something new. Well, I'm looking forward to learning a lot more this year and I'm embracing the word Discover for the year. I'm so happy to have your love and guidance on this journey. I've been thinking of you and your family and sending you so much love.

[Debora]

I'm just going to go with my first thoughts, which are just how much I love seeing you photos. I love your perspective, your subjects, your quotes, your style, feel, aura...I'm so envious. I'm sure I have my own style too, but I don't see it. I see yours, and I love it. That's all. Thank you for your generosity in your textures and your insights, thoughts, and the sharing of your life. You remind me of my favorite author, Elizabeth Berg who can express so much just by noticing and acknowledging the nuances of life that we all know are there, but never sometimes thing to comment on.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks for all the great textures. These are lovely. I had great fun making Holiday cards from my snow photos from the Smoky Mountains the end of October since we rarely get snow in MS. I got a new OM-D camera and 3 lenses for Christmas, oh boy!

[Niki Bradley]

Happy 2013!! I just love all the textures you come up with!! Thank you. Looking forward to purchasing the Nikon D7000 in a month or two and really pushing forward with my photography this year! :)

[Linda K.]

All the best in the New Year Kim, it has been great getting to know you this past year and thank you for all your kindness.
Linda

[lea]

looking forward to the challenges that 2013 will bring!

[Marilyn]

Glad you are back. I spent Christmas in Hawaii at my daughter's wedding. Saw my son and grandson. When I got back I signed up for multiple mixed media online classes. I'm going to be busy this year.

[Beth]

Sorry to hear about John's dad. I love tea cups... lovely pictures.

[Lissa @ lafcustomdesigns]

I am so glad you are so dedicated to your work and that I found you! Always love your textures, your ability to draw people together, and your authenticity!! Love you, Kim.

[Michelle]

So sorry for your families loss. Welcome back, you were missed.

[Rani]

So glad to see you back! Looking forward to change this year with a new job on the horizon. Looking forward to creating more too!

[Diane C.]

Thank you for the sunshine in my email... aka the two new textures today. They look divine.

I am so sorry for your loss during this season.

This Christmas season brought my three newly married children and their spouses home for the holidays. After such a busy wedding year, it was fun to gather together for games, food, and laughter. Loved having them, and seeing the growth that has happened to them all.

[Peggy]

I want to post a thank you to you Kim for offering textures and showing how to use them. A big part of my new years resolution is try new editing techniques and to develop more of a style to my editing. Thank you for helping in that goal. ;)

[Pamela Schafer]

Thank you for the little happys that you send our way!

Santa surprised me with a spiffy new camera for Christmas! I am so excited to be in a thriving photography club that can help me learn to use it :)

[Kathy]

INERTIA--need to get past it.

[harry2010]

My holidays were excellent, as always. So glad to see you back on your feet. Sicknesses always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times. I have been in an exciting new relationship since November and I wish to build upon it in 2013 so my word for this year is "Build." Also I want to catch up on your course lessons as I'm about 20 weeks behind. Wishing you all the best in 2013!!

[Pamela]

So very sorry about losing your father-in-law. I too was a litle worried about you and am glad you are back doing what you love that brings you peace, comfort and joy. My word is forgiveness, something I need to work on more. I also have a second, "create, because I haven't been able to find much of my joy through creating lately and NEED to get back to that. Your generosity of sharing will contribute, indeed! Isn't it wonderful that we can have these cyber "relationships" and feel we can really get to know someone. Thank you for your transparency with all of us. that takes courage.

[Lyn]

Glad you are back and sorry for your family's loss. I had a very quiet holiday season but still glad its over. The older I get the less I am enamored of the holidays and the presents. My word and/or resolution for 2013 is unclutter, or is it declutter. Either way my new mantra is "don't need" whenever there is something I want to purchase.

[Anita]

I love surprises, such fun! I enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. My new grandson (my son recently married and she has a little boy) called me Nana for the first time. He wanted ME to pick a name to be called. That was so hard! But it warmed my heart to hear him say it :)