February 03, 2008
bigger than the sum of its parts
Denise, Swirly, Jen, Santa Monica, CA, Canon Digital Rebel Xti
I am learning that you can create so much more in collaboration than you can alone. I first started seeing that with Shutter Sisters. I've gone it alone with my business and site for so long, it was such a delight to be asked to collaborate. Even though I could only commit to making a small contribution, that's exactly the point. Each sister doing one thing they do best creates something even greater than the sum of its parts.
When I was asked to teach a workshop in New Hampshire this September I was thrilled. It was an easy yes, I had so many ideas about what to teach, but I was also afraid. Me in front of a classroom? for three days in a row? I'm one of those people who gets really nervous in front of a group, my voice gets a bit shaky and I struggle to stay in my body. I was up for the challenge, but was holding this workshop as a big personal challenge, something to conquer, hopefully with grace.
Everything changed when Jen Gray asked if she could be my assistant. Really? I marveled. "All three days," she went on. I was so delighted I wanted to shriek with joy. The thought of someone I knew and loved by my side each day changed everything. Teaching didn't sound so scary anymore, just fun. I didn't have to spend so much energy now on preparing my state of mind and could just focus on how magical we could create the class to be.
My aim for going to LA last week was both to see my creative girls and also to try out some exercises and ideas for the workshop. Once again, I was amazed at the support I received, how committed and focused they were on participating fully, offering feedback and giving me tons of encouragement as a facilitator. They all also said that they were going to sign up and be there with me! I had to fight that part of me that felt unworthy, that wanted to thank them over and over again or felt I owed them for how much they gave...I had to remind myself to simply receive. I also had to shake that part of me that was attached to this project being hard and challenging. I felt a little like I was cheating. You mean it's okay to have your friends by your side? It's okay for it to feel safe and fun?
Each one of my friends brings out something a little different in me. Some bring out my quiet side, some make me feel silly, some make me dream bigger. I noticed that spending time with these ladies made me feel more lighthearted, confident, and powerful... They brought out the storyteller in me, the wild girl, and the passionate artist. In only a few days, we created so much more than I could have imagined.
We are each so amazing, so full of gifts, stories and strength. Together we are even bigger and more beautiful. And it's a heck of a lot more fun.
P.S. The new superhero photo challenge is up at Shutter Sisters. Check it out!
Posted on February 3, 2008 07:43 AMNice site!
Posted by: Nikolet at March 18, 2008 05:12 AMNice site!
Posted by: Nikolet at March 18, 2008 05:12 AMHaha, I love this picture! And I love Jen! :)
Posted by: Gooseberried at February 17, 2008 12:30 AMI live in NH too and would love to take your workshop! Please post/send details whenever you have them! :-)
Posted by: Crystal at February 10, 2008 07:36 PMoh, goooooodie! I LIVE in NH, and I want to be there. (oh, and September will be a perfect time to visit!) you don't know me from adam, but that just doesn't matter:) It would be like a wonderful learning experience and a chance to meet all these angels in person at the same time. What a blessing to have such wonderful friends in your life.
Make sure to post info about when and where we can sign up for the seminar...
xo
B
i would be THRILLED to take your workshop in NH. please tell! need the deets so i can sign up!! (you can send directly to my email, svp)
you will be fabulous. you ARE fabulous!
isabelle
Posted by: isabelle at February 8, 2008 11:04 AMIt is amazing what we can all do when we come together. It makes it more fun, more peaceful, and not so much stress on yourself to create something massive. You can make a small contribution and yet it adds to this enormous beautiful sum.
I am very interested in your photography and coaching workshop. I hope there is enough room for me.
Thank you for all your inspiration. And I love your photos. So crystal clear, so beautiful, and filled with so much love.
Posted by: Jennifer at February 6, 2008 08:00 AMhey, i live one minute from NH! i can't wait to hear more about the workshop. i would love to meet you and boho- maybe we can convince pixie to fly over for it, too? and keri and her babe? aaaahhh....
Posted by: nina beana at February 6, 2008 06:51 AMnothing beats sisters.
Posted by: tracey at February 5, 2008 08:46 PMOh! The three of you are definitely my superheros! Can't wait for more info on the workshop. xo
I just found your blog and LOVE you pics from the plane of LA. I too have a Canon Rebel Xti that I got in December and am just getting started in my photography journey. I would love to know what lens you use. I just bought a fixed 50mm that I am loving right now. Thanks for any advice and best of luck with your teaching. Way to step out of your comfort zone and going for it!
Posted by: Melissa at February 5, 2008 06:35 PMandrea,
you already ARE a wonderful teacher.
i find it odd that all the things i tell myself i'm not good enough to do, are exactly the things i AM good at and it turns out i find great JOY in doing.
i was lucky enough to have a similar first teaching experience. i taught at a friends studio in toronto and 2 friends signed up for my workshop. it was an amazing weekend and i can't believe i built it up to be a scary thing when it was one of the most enriching experiences i've ever had.
you ARE your very own superhero!
hugs,
meesh
Just stopping by to say that I nominated you for the You Make My Day award on my blog. You do just that! I always look forward to your posts. ;) Happy Tuesday!
Posted by: Stacia at February 5, 2008 12:44 PMyou have assisted me through so many times over the years,
it is only perfect to be able to give back somehow. plus,
how could we not have a beautiful blast while dancing around the On Golden Pond neck of the woods?!
love you xo
jen
so glad so many of you are excited about the NH workshop!
It will be September 10th-14th at Squam Lake... It will be a workshop combining photography and coaching.
More details to follow soon!
:)
andrea
I, too, am wondering where in New Hampshire! And what will you be teaching?
Oh how I would LOVE to be there-it is sooooo close to me.
Oh I will keep my fingers crossed there is room.
It is wonderful that you girls have eachother-the support-the honesty-the love.
It shines through in the photos of you:)
XO
Posted by: Thea at February 4, 2008 07:20 PMBabes!
Posted by: Tom Mohan at February 4, 2008 06:30 PMHi Andrea,
OMG, I'm going road trippin' to you-- to be a part of your magic! Northeast Autumn will provide the perfect backdrop too. I cannot wait to see you, to learn & grow from you - that's all I need to know! Send me the dates when you have them so I don't plan anything else.
Done and DONE!
love,
Eileen
Hi Andrea,
OMG, I'm going road trippin' to you-- to be a part of your magic! Northeast Autumn will provide the perfect backdrop too. I cannot wait to see you, to learn & grow from you - that's all I need to know! Send me the dates when you have them so I don't plan anything else.
Done and DONE!
love,
Eileen
I think you'll do great teaching a 3 day class. I wish I could take it. And how nice of Denise to offer. What a treat.
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu at February 4, 2008 04:38 PMA some definitely greater than its parts.
Posted by: Karen at February 4, 2008 02:02 PMHow beautiful and amazing...
Posted by: PixieDust at February 4, 2008 02:01 PMi am so excited that you are going to be doing this in september! i know you will have a great turnout. it's wonderful you were able to be in a safe place last week to take a trial run and that it turned into even more than what you were hoping for. i am in need a of a little "we" power myself, so thank you for posting this. go andrea!
xoxo
You summed it up perfectly as always, wise one.
Posted by: Swirly at February 4, 2008 12:46 PMwhere in nh??!! i am so there -- that is my birthday month and would be a fabulous way to celebrate my -- ahem -- gasp, cough, choke -- 50th!!?
Posted by: patricia at February 4, 2008 12:42 PMI will sign up too! I don't even know what it is - but as a faithful reader I know if it has anything to do with you, photography, superheroism, creativity, etc. I am there!
Posted by: Holly at February 4, 2008 11:55 AMThat's exactly it!!! Together. I've always practiced this with motherhood, but I am rapidly realizing that it applies applies to almost every area of action in my life, even praying with others can be healing. I've recently reconnected with Debtors Anonymous when it seemed a clear answer to prayers. Even though now it's a matter of accepting abundance and prosperity(w/o anxiety)and not because I am nearly homeless(10 years ago), I NEED these people just as much. This has been my lesson this year so far, that skills, strength and recourses are still feeble if I am not connected in truly supportive and supported ways with my people, in any area of life. I see now that connecting in this way in each aspect of living brings light, spirit and substance to every moment. Thank you. You have added new dimension to this growing realization! Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Posted by: heidi at February 4, 2008 11:55 AM