Woohoo!! My trip to Seattle is quickly approaching which means that my heart is absolutely singing :D
Because of this lovely trek, I decide to make a list of a few things I would like to accomplish while there. So here it goes:
- Get as close as I can to the dinosaurs (aka loading cranes) to take pictures of course
- Sip another fantastic latte from Stumptown
- FINALLY get my hands on more vegan cinnamon donuts from Metropolitan Market (...since I found out about my egg allergy I've been craving them non-stop!)
- Possibly stop in for another marvelous meal at La Carta De Oaxaca (only one of the best Mexican restaurants *ever*!)
- Visit Pike Place again and possibly Lowell's.
- Watch the sunset near the Puget Sound
- Visit Mars Hill Church
- Purchase more air plants, preferable from the cute little shop in Ballard (if you don't know what "air plants" are, please Google them. They might just rock your world!)
...and the list continues, but I honestly need to go to bed. Besides, I like spontaneity... so I don't want to get too carried away with 'to do' lists ;)
Okay, for realz. I'm going to bed. Night world.
Rachel Grace
Identity
The last several days I’ve been mulling over “who I am" and "who I am as a photographer.” Yes, many hours have been spent wandering and trailing in thought on said subject, which I imagine [and hope] to be normal while one is occupying their hands in countless hours of card making. I cannot say what started the rabbit trail of thoughts, but somewhere along the way I was reminded of a conversation I had with my big sis Rebekah. She asked me last week how my photography was going and I tried to give her my honest report, which went something like this:
Photography has been somewhat non-existent lately, partially due to busyness of work, but also because I needed a break. So many photographers advise to NEVER put down your camera, but rather challenge yourself daily with your equipment, the foundational principles and the ever growing photography knowledge/industry. But for me, I felt at peace about laying down Dear Henry (my Nikon D700), if only for a moment. I can say that my love for photography never died or even subsided, nor was I tired or frustrated with said hobby/my wannabe career, but rather, I felt like some time away would do me some good and ultimately help me refocus my goals and aspirations. As a result, this summer’s pictures have been few and far between compared to recent years, but don’t worry... the resting time is coming to an end, at least for now, and I’m beginning to set aside time for photo sessions and incorporating photography activities back into my weekly schedule (hooray!).
Okay, now back to the point! ...During the process of seasonally laying down my passion for shooting people [with a camera], I learned some valuable things about my identity. I believe God used the time to show me that no matter what I pursue, my identity is always going to be in Him. So whether I pursue photography, accounting or getting married & becoming a mom, my identity is in Him rather than what I do. The discovery of that brought so much comfort to me because I was trying so hard to figure out how I was going to carve myself into "the photographer” and establish an identity among the plethora of other photographers. You see, I had read multiple online articles and books that said to highlight yourself as the object of your photography, thus promoting your identity for the purpose of making your business unique, but in the end, I didn't really understand who I was or what my identity was as a photographer. Yes, I knew my character and personality traits, but I didn't know how to advertise myself or paint a picture of my identity.
I'm still not quite sure how to advertise my photographer-self in words, but I am certain that God will give me the wisdom when the time is right (hopefully before I start taking my business more seriously and trying to get it off the ground...). But until then, I'm not going to fret about it because finding who I am in Christ is a journey and one to be enjoyed. I don't need all the answers now. Yep, I'm more than happy with the fact that I am His and He is mine, and that my purpose in life is to bring Him glory. Which ultimately means He's got my back :)
Sincerely,
Rachel Grace
Photography has been somewhat non-existent lately, partially due to busyness of work, but also because I needed a break. So many photographers advise to NEVER put down your camera, but rather challenge yourself daily with your equipment, the foundational principles and the ever growing photography knowledge/industry. But for me, I felt at peace about laying down Dear Henry (my Nikon D700), if only for a moment. I can say that my love for photography never died or even subsided, nor was I tired or frustrated with said hobby/my wannabe career, but rather, I felt like some time away would do me some good and ultimately help me refocus my goals and aspirations. As a result, this summer’s pictures have been few and far between compared to recent years, but don’t worry... the resting time is coming to an end, at least for now, and I’m beginning to set aside time for photo sessions and incorporating photography activities back into my weekly schedule (hooray!).
Okay, now back to the point! ...During the process of seasonally laying down my passion for shooting people [with a camera], I learned some valuable things about my identity. I believe God used the time to show me that no matter what I pursue, my identity is always going to be in Him. So whether I pursue photography, accounting or getting married & becoming a mom, my identity is in Him rather than what I do. The discovery of that brought so much comfort to me because I was trying so hard to figure out how I was going to carve myself into "the photographer” and establish an identity among the plethora of other photographers. You see, I had read multiple online articles and books that said to highlight yourself as the object of your photography, thus promoting your identity for the purpose of making your business unique, but in the end, I didn't really understand who I was or what my identity was as a photographer. Yes, I knew my character and personality traits, but I didn't know how to advertise myself or paint a picture of my identity.
I'm still not quite sure how to advertise my photographer-self in words, but I am certain that God will give me the wisdom when the time is right (hopefully before I start taking my business more seriously and trying to get it off the ground...). But until then, I'm not going to fret about it because finding who I am in Christ is a journey and one to be enjoyed. I don't need all the answers now. Yep, I'm more than happy with the fact that I am His and He is mine, and that my purpose in life is to bring Him glory. Which ultimately means He's got my back :)
Sincerely,
Rachel Grace
India Inspired Note Cards
I cannot begin to tell you of all the hours I've spent on that site... mostly browsing random items, sometimes to purchase them and other times to get ideas for future art projects and whatnot. The online community offers a perfect place for artsy people to sell their creations while allowing others (pretty much everyone and everyone's mom) the perfect way to find the amazing goods. Yep, Etsy is great!
All that to say, I listed some handcrafted cards on Etsy in hopes of raising more support for my upcoming missions trip to India (Nov. 4th-13th, 2010). All proceeds from the cards will go towards my trip, so please pass along the word! Thanks so much :)
For more details, please visit: http://rachelgrace.etsy.com
India - Freedom Firm
Some of you may have already heard about my upcoming missions trip, but for those of you that haven't, I thought I would post my support letter for all to see :)
Here it is:
Freedom Firm Missions Trip
Ooty India
Hello Dearest Friends & Family,
With much excitement, I write to tell of my forthcoming adventure!
I have been invited to join a small team of ladies from my church on a journey to Ooty India where we will be working with Freedom Firm, a non-profit organization that saves minor girls from sex trafficking and provides them with rehabilitation and aftercare.
As part of the rehabilitation process, Freedom Firm encourages the rescued girls to take part in a trade and artisan training program. In doing so, the girls learn skills such as jewelry and card making, sewing, basic business structuring and more. My team’s core responsibility while on the trip will be to work with the girls, equipping them with new trades to enhance their business capabilities. We will also be working with the staff of Freedom Firm to provide support and help where needed.
I cannot begin to express how honored I am to have the opportunity to serve the girls and the dedicated humanitarian workers. I have followed and supported Freedom Firm’s work for several years now, so to have the chance to help and serve firsthand is stunningly grand and something I am really looking forward to!
For those interested, you can be a part of sending my team toIndia
In addition to prayer, financial support is also needed; each team member must raise $1500 to cover the costs of transportation, lodging, food expenses, etc. If you feel led to support us financially, please make your check payable to “Grace Church,” writing “India Missions Trip - Rachel” in the memo line and return to myself or to my church. Please note that contributions are tax deductible.
I have been invited to join a small team of ladies from my church on a journey to Ooty India where we will be working with Freedom Firm, a non-profit organization that saves minor girls from sex trafficking and provides them with rehabilitation and aftercare.
As part of the rehabilitation process, Freedom Firm encourages the rescued girls to take part in a trade and artisan training program. In doing so, the girls learn skills such as jewelry and card making, sewing, basic business structuring and more. My team’s core responsibility while on the trip will be to work with the girls, equipping them with new trades to enhance their business capabilities. We will also be working with the staff of Freedom Firm to provide support and help where needed.
I cannot begin to express how honored I am to have the opportunity to serve the girls and the dedicated humanitarian workers. I have followed and supported Freedom Firm’s work for several years now, so to have the chance to help and serve firsthand is stunningly grand and something I am really looking forward to!
For those interested, you can be a part of sending my team to
In addition to prayer, financial support is also needed; each team member must raise $1500 to cover the costs of transportation, lodging, food expenses, etc. If you feel led to support us financially, please make your check payable to “Grace Church,” writing “India Missions Trip - Rachel” in the memo line and return to myself or to my church. Please note that contributions are tax deductible.
If you are curious and would like to learn more about Freedom Firm, you can visit their website at http://freedom.firm.in. There you will find various articles to read, photos you can browse and so much more; it’s worth checking out!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, I really appreciate it!
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you :)
Many Blessings,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, I really appreciate it!
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you :)
Many Blessings,
Rachel Grace Armstrong
home away from home
I meant to sit down last week and tell of my exciting news, but daily activities got the best of me.
Anyways, I bit a bullet last Tuesday (figuratively that is) and purchased airfare to my adoring city, Seattle!
Since last year I had been planning to trek back out there, specifically in the fall time, but was hesitant to book airfare because of an uncertain schedule and a tight budget. But alas! Airfare is booked and I am eagerly awaiting my departure date of September 30th!!
I don't know what it is about Seattle, but I feel like it's my home away from home.
When I went to London in November 2002, I remember marveling over the culture and loving the aesthetics, and maybe secretly wishing I could be a Brit (hence my ever growing British tendencies), but London didn't become engraved in my heart quite like Seattle did. Yes, I did dream of moving to England and finding a British boy to keep me there, but it was always a whimsical dream/wish, not a feasible reality. At least, it wasn't a reality that I felt I should heartily pursue. However, Seattle is entirely different. I ventured there in April of 2009 and immediately feel in love with the city, knowing in my heart-of-hearts that I would someday call it my home. I cannot explain the certainty I have. I just know. Maybe it's hope, maybe faith, or maybe a simple gut feeling. I just know that someday I'm going to call the gorgeous state of Washington my home. I have no idea if it will be in one year's time or fifty, but I have faith that it'll happen.
Well, I need to run.
Cheers!
Rach
P.s. If you ever want to make my day, ask me about my Seattle adventures - it will surely bring a smile to my face :)
Anyways, I bit a bullet last Tuesday (figuratively that is) and purchased airfare to my adoring city, Seattle!
Since last year I had been planning to trek back out there, specifically in the fall time, but was hesitant to book airfare because of an uncertain schedule and a tight budget. But alas! Airfare is booked and I am eagerly awaiting my departure date of September 30th!!
I don't know what it is about Seattle, but I feel like it's my home away from home.
When I went to London in November 2002, I remember marveling over the culture and loving the aesthetics, and maybe secretly wishing I could be a Brit (hence my ever growing British tendencies), but London didn't become engraved in my heart quite like Seattle did. Yes, I did dream of moving to England and finding a British boy to keep me there, but it was always a whimsical dream/wish, not a feasible reality. At least, it wasn't a reality that I felt I should heartily pursue. However, Seattle is entirely different. I ventured there in April of 2009 and immediately feel in love with the city, knowing in my heart-of-hearts that I would someday call it my home. I cannot explain the certainty I have. I just know. Maybe it's hope, maybe faith, or maybe a simple gut feeling. I just know that someday I'm going to call the gorgeous state of Washington my home. I have no idea if it will be in one year's time or fifty, but I have faith that it'll happen.
Well, I need to run.
Cheers!
Rach
P.s. If you ever want to make my day, ask me about my Seattle adventures - it will surely bring a smile to my face :)
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