Photographs and Memories

I have spent the better part of today scanning and retouching 41 photographs that belong to my father. He is writing his memoirs and asked his “Photoshop Savvy” daughter to help out.

It’s been an interesting day, looking into the eyes of family I never knew. I wonder what they might say if they saw their great, great grand daughter, touching up images of themselves when they were young. Photography was still in its infancy. They could never have imagined how technology would change the world within a few generations. Harder yet to believe that someone in their own family would come to know how to do these strange and amazing things.

I am thankful for the technology I have learned, but equally thankful for what the generations before us have taught. Hard work in hard times was often all they had. Even so, their passion for discovery and undying pursuit to leave the world a better place for us humbles me.

So as I smooth a wrinkle here and take out a scratch there, I am struck by the talents I posses to preserve their images for future family to enjoy. I wonder who might touch up my images someday, in a whole new way that I cannot even begin to imagine. It makes me smile.

Back from vacation and “refreshed!”

We all need a little down time to relax and recharge. My husband and I recently went to Kauai to celebrate our 15th anniversary. It was my first time to that Hawaiian island, and I enjoyed it’s beauty and diversity very much.

Now I am back home and ready to get back to business. I am struck by the fact that even a 10 day break from everyday routine, has energized me and given me new perspective on many things. And, it also made me realize how we all get into ruts.

It’s so true for our business’ as well. We take great care (usually) to create a logo and brand, web site and marketing plan, and then don’t go back and look to see if they are working or really attracting our target. In the beginning we are jazzed and excited and then we get caught up. We all do it, it’s human. But, I would encourage you all to look at your brand, your marketing strategy and business plan. Do you know how many hits your web site is getting every week, month? Is the money you are spending to market yourself or your business really working for you as best as it can? If not, it might be time to take a break, take a look and refresh!

Rain in Seattle, and all is (good) washed clean again!

OK, so no one wants rain on a long weekend. I understand.

We have finally had an amazing summer in the northwest. Long overdue in my opinion. Most agree, that after a very, long cold winter, we deserved the hot and dry summer we were gifted with. Memorial day weekend was  great, 4th of July, amazing. We all had family pick-nics and reunions and the weather was… well, perfect!

Labor day weekend was a different story wasn’t it? In a weird way, I am OK with it. Beyond plans falling apart and being thankful for the yard getting its fix, I too felt a  re-newal, mixed with a sense of change.

Life is always changing. And the season are a constant reminder that while we as humans, like to hold on to things, we are not capable of that in all aspects of life.

The rain came and washed clean more than my driveway. It scoured my dry, and dusty thoughts. It has given me a sense of a new season, for both the earth, and my new life direction. The sun will be back, but summer I fear is close to and end. With it will go a part of my life in 2009 and with the rain, I am birthing a vibrant new hope, career path and dream for the rest of the days I am blessed with.

All in good time. Marketing your business well, doesn’t happen overnight.

OK, second blog. Still new to this, but when it comes to marketing a business, I do know what is important, and it’s not the first time, or second time, I have done that.

Branding is the key to good marketing. But branding doesn’t always bring in customers to your web site or bricks and sticks business overnight. Good branding builds confidence in your business or service.  It ensures longevity. It makes a statement and it underscores the value that you give to your customer. There are a million ways to make that happen, but the best way, is to trust a marketing professional’s long term plan and really let it ride. It’s easy to knee jerk after a few weeks and say its not working, but a well executed and diversified plan takes time, and trust.

Believe in your business or service, and believe in a long term marketing plan. All good things take time. The rewards usually last a while too!

When your creativity is stuck, take a walk. Camera optional.

Learning to be a creative again has been a bit more challenging than I would have thought. I am going from leading teams of graphics professionals to going back to hands on graphics myself while starting my own design, marketing and promotions business.

I found myself a little “stuck” today. No inspiration, none, at all. Instead of beating myself up, I grabbed my camera and took a walk. I photographed nature and interesting things around me. I went to a light house and a cemetery and was struck by the beauty of things that man created long ago, more of necessity than for artistic expression.

I came home with some great shots and some new ideas. Everything old is new again. So here I go…

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