I’ve been posting for years with a solid and amazingly beautiful and inspirational group of women who I am so lucky to call my friends. Some of us have met in person over the years, others not. Someday, someday we’re going to have an epic and amazing meetup. Until then, though, I’d love if you’d pop around on this little monthly journey to take a peek at their work too. Head on over to Staci Lee’s site. It’s more worth your time than I can possibly state.

Yesterday was my birthday. I don’t say that to beg for the chorus of well wishes, but more as a marker. It’s kind of odd, growing older. I’m past the point of a lot of landmarks with only the bigger ones looming, and I’m solidly in that next bracket to check on surveys. You know, because that’s a measure.

In years past (many years past), I gathered up a list of items equal to the number of years of my new age. They were things I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. Bad habits to break, good habits to start, fun things, scary things, easy check marks, and big pushes. It was an attempt to live with curiosity, with a sense of adventure and daring, and to not take for granted all that can become so very ordinary.

I decided recently that I want to bring that back this year. My list isn’t quite complete yet, and I’m trying to make sure that it’s at least a little reasonable given the day-to-day that I do need to complete. This year I want to floss, I want to read more, to get outside more, to eat more varied foods, to pick up and really do some learning with that sweet banjo that my honey gave me a year ago. It’s a fun list, in some ways a safe list and in other ways an ambitious list. It’s one that I really am looking forward to helping push me toward a more light-hearted way of living this year.

What are your birthday traditions, rituals, practices? Are there intentions that you set, that you drive toward or that you wish on? Related – what books, stationery, recipes, blog topics would you recommend? What do you want to know? What do you want to see? (More blogging is on the list!)

Weddings | Families | Seniors | Personal

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Alison Bents is a Minnesota photographer specializing in Family and Senior portraits and Wedding Photography. She lives in Rosemount with her husband, two children and dog who have all put up with her lens pointing their way for a long, long time. Alison is now booking 2018 and 2019 weddings and portrait sessions on an ongoing basis. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the greater metro area, she is also available for travel nationwide.