Each and every one of you are amazing, unique individuals that I am thankful for getting to know, no matter how short or long our time together.  I can’t wait to see what impact you make on this world!!  It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of life so remember to stop every once and awhile to reflect on the past and observe the present. Before you know it, you’ll be in your 30′s, 60′s, 80′s… single, married, with children… wondering where the time went and what the kids these days see in the weird music playing on the radio.  (TRUST ME!)  As you prepare for the next chapter of your life, do me one favor, go to your music source of choice and listen to “Everybody’s Free (to wear sunscreen)”.  Yes, it’s cheeeeeeesssssssy, but it’s message will remind you of the important things in life.  I promise.

Congrats to all of you!!!

Desiderata -  Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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I was right – it’s taken me FOREVER to narrow down the photos from Ally’s senior session for this post!  This girl is ridiculously photogenic.  :)  Ally is going to be a high school senior at Perpich Center for Arts Education (The Arts High School) … isn’t that COOL?!?!?  Ally is an amazing singer, so she’ll be studying Music along with general curriculum… I’m seriously sooooo, so jealous.

I met Ally and her parents at her dad’s amazing home in Lake Elmo, which was perfect for the warm light from such a beautiful evening.  We took advantage of their landscaping, patio furniture, lake… and Ally was even nice enough to try out a few not-so-senior-picture-y poses on the street… which, I may add, could be some of my absolute favorites ever. :)

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