number two : Instagram Itinerary

Here we are again! A short and sweet kind of update on what I've been up to. Grab your affogato and enjoy a little peek into what happens behind the scenes over here :)

I had my first affogato. I know, I had to look it up too. Affogato: espresso over ice cream. Basically the best summertime treat this side of the lakes. Serious. I'm thinking about one right now. Note to self: get one tomorrow no matter what.

I tried out a pair of red specs a la Sally Jesse Raphael for a week and they're on order now. Can't wait to show off these beauties.

Ate fruit. Lots of it. Also did the best job carbo-loading for my first ever half marathon. Or maybe it was the time when I woke up at 4am to eat a bagel and yogurt before the race, only to go right back to sleep. Finished in record time: 2:05:15. Next goal? To break the 2 hour part this fall.

I met Bert Blyleven! Love those perks of the corporate gigs.

Being the trendsetter I am, I bought a maxi skirt and can't seem to find my way out of it. Currently trying to figure out how that might work into my fall and winter wardrobe. So far? No ideas.

I had a little car mishap and ended the night perfectly at Kings with my bestie over a bottle of red wine aptly named Friends.

Started rocking bling on my right hand inscribed with Jeremiah 29:11.

Spend a marathon night of meetings at Kings and ended with booking a wedding for October 2013. Wait until you meet this couple. You'll be head over heels in love with them!

Attended my first Twins game of the season. Looking forward to a few more before the snow flies!

Celebrated a milestone birthday with the one and only Dino aka my dad. We wined and dined at Jax Cafe and loved every morsel. Still dreaming about that bread basket.

My heart melted about three times over when I was reunited with my best boys: Beckett and Bowen. They're almost five and one. Don't get any crazy ideas.

Rocked out time at the studio and sent out my very first email newsletter. Want dibs on the info? Send me a love note and I'll add you to the next one!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

number one : Instagram Itinerary

Turns out, one of my top five must-haves in life is Instagram. I was cautious at first (who am I kidding? Maybe for five minutes at the MOST) but now? I'm that girl that posts four photos in a row just because. They're mostly photos of my dog, but you know you love those too.

To celebrate this addiction, I'm starting a series of posts called Instagram Itinerary. Because like all English majors, I can't live without alliteration, wit and catchy nicknames. It might be weekly, it might not be. But for this first installment, I think we should get acquainted. If you're going to be coming here every week expecting tea, photos and a comfy seat, you might need a little background... :)

Growing up, I strived and strived to be one of the cool kids. It wasn't until I reached middle school and watched Little Women (you know, the one with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon? The one I watch about three times a year and bawl my eyes out? Yep, that one) and the film comes to the part when Marmee says to Jo, "Oh, Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and find a good use for your talent. And see what wonderful things come of it."

I've lived my life by this quote ever since. Sure, the road has been challenging and unsure at several points. But one thing remains: live with liberty and live doing extraordinary things.

In the last month, extraordinary has maybe been my middle name. I'm saying this is in the most humble way; out of everyone, I was the one who doubted I'd ever do any of these things. But I did them and I thrived. And now, when I look back on these moments, I'm still in awe that it's me in those photos. I'm standing on the other side of things now, just so thankful for the people who pushed me to run, to show up, to do the work, to be awesome and to live. Thank you.

Now for the list:

I've been running. A lot. I'm that crazy girl who's leaving the house before the crack of dawn in running shorts to get to the lake by 6 am. I ran 13.1 miles on probably the hottest 4th of July ever to prove to myself I was ready for my half marathon coming up a few short weeks. Alice pushed me in the most quiet, patient and encouraging way. Plus she made us medals. I mean, come on. #winning

I attended Live Letters v.2.0 and was finally, after all these years, ushered into the cool kids group. I don't think my mouth shut the entire night, I was so in awe of the Mpls music community. I totally witnessed history. I'm truly blessed to say "oh yeah, I know that girl that started Live Letters. Yep. She's so fabulous." Thank you, Sara. I can't wait for 3.0.

I ran a race and got messy. Really messy. On purpose. (I know what you're thinking and yes, I signed up on my own accord. Yikes!) The Color Run 5k is really truly the happiest run on earth. Unashamed, uncontrolled happiness exuded from my rainbow-colored clogged pores. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. Much thanks and overwhelming gratitude to Eric and Steph for running, jogging, color throwing, screaming, dancing and brunching alongside me that day. I might never get these pink streaks out of my hair but I think that only adds to my new cool factor.

My list of dreams accomplished just keeps growing. And with every dream checked off, another two or three get added. But that's the thing with life. You keep growing, keep moving, keep doing. Otherwise, what's the point? We've been blessed with a life to live. And I'm going to keep living. Who's with me?

Follow me on Instagram here. Let's be friends, share photos and coffee. See you next week!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

Viva ... Nevada?

I'll be "out of the office" until Sunday on a much-needed vacation to Las Vegas more like the Desert, photographing my little heart out and spending time with the fabulous Maria. 

And okay okay, maybe I'll go look at the Vegas Strip too :)

Follow my adventures on Instagram, username sydneebickett.

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

2012: This is Your Year

I have a confession to make: I've been keeping you all out of the loop. I've been lax in my posting, lax in my honesty and authenticity.

So here I go, making a 1/4th of the way through 2012 resolution - starting now, I'm going to be real on this blog. I know it's photography based, business based, YOUR story based. But I can't hide from the fact that your stories affect me. Your laughs and smiles and voices affect me deep down in my core. I leave every session with this mammoth smile on my face, rushing home (okay, I speed, how's that for honesty?) to load your images on the computer because I just can't wait to see more of the magic that we made together. 

But in order to be a better photographer, a better business woman, a better woman in general, I have to tell you my stories too. There is nothing better in life than a reciprocal relationship - one where you give just as much as I do and vice versa. 

There's a lot on my plate for the rest of 2012, but in order for you to understand where we're going, I need to catch up a little bit first. Are you ready?

Fear faced: I went running. In shorts. Outside. People saw. I ran faster. Record time!

Family: we drove 10 hours to Deadwood, South Dakota to witness a marriage that to this moment, still has me on my knees thanking Jesus for allowing me to witness that promise. And we saw Mt. Rushmore. Looks a little smaller when you're about 18 years older but still, truly majestic. The 3 full days I spent with my three favorite people ever are 3 days I pray I won't forget or ever take for granted.

The Plan: God revealed a little bit more about the person He wants me to be: a motivator. So sure, I make signs to encourage my friends and I post them on Instagram. For all you ladies and gents out there that need a little push, this sign's for you too.

Another fear faced: as part of my half marathon training, I ran 10 miles. For fun. I did not collapse. No one was chasing me. I did not die. I thrived. My knee didn't cramp up, I didn't get a mammoth side ache. I lived. And then, I kind of wanted to do it again. 

Friends: reciprocal relationships take work. Oh gosh, they take work. They take understanding and love and compassion and respect. And really, a whole lotta communication. Marissa is that person for me. You'll be seeing her soon on this blog, but really, you should watch out world. Because she's going to be doing some real big things. And you're going to wish you could call her your bestie. I'm grateful everyday because I can.

Commitment: Easter Sunday is one of my favorite days of the whole year. This year was no different. I felt God's calling stronger and more evident than ever before (more on this later!). The best part? We had a chocolate fondue fountain at the youth breakfast. Even better? My baby brother ditched our Mom and sat by me during worship. Best. Easter. Ever.

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So there it is. A little catch up. There's a lot more coming this way. Big changes, big life-changing sorts of things. But all in all, I've learned over the last few months this one simple truth (courtesy of the beautiful ladies of Making Things Happen):

Honesty and Authenticity Always Win.

I know I've made this my mantra... will you make it yours?

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com