…gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – George Eliot.
Waiting.
This is one of those accident shots that end up being your favorites. My best friends’ little man Kian loves him his daddy. While he has been known to throw any and all objects my way, he has a sweet loving side and on command, goes to the window when asked where his dad is. Broken down, I love all the contrasting elements: the sunlight against the dark curves of the door, the height and grandness of the side banisters compared to petiteness little Kian and his bright pajamas that stand out against the warm, classy background colors. The shafts of light bring a dreamy quality to it, that keeps me looking back at it wondering what he really thinks is about to come through those doors…
It’s so perfectly fitting that my number 29 inspiration is the mother of the boy in the picture… My best friend, Shervin. She is more than my best friend, she is my sounding board, my text partner in crime, my long lost sister, my stress relief, my constant in life. She is proof that one should never judge a book by its cover, as i first came to know of Shervin through an old friend and I quickly named her ‘doily girl’ because I assumed any beautiful Persian woman, getting married so young had to wear a doily and stay indoors. Yes, I was that terrible. However from the second I actually met and spoke with her there was an undeniable connection. One I must admit, I have never felt with any other human being. It was as though I was meant to meet the friend that introduced us and move to Atlanta just to meet her. All my life I grew up with a lot of friends… but never one that I felt was my other half. Enter Shervin.
We couldn’t be more opposite… She is married, Persian, long dark hair, a good cook, an amazing mother to Kian and pregnant with another little chick on the way. Seriously, exact opposites. :) I rarely see her but when I do it is as though we live together. She took care of me for one week through some tough times that I now quote as, ‘The Best Week of my Life.” I often reflect on the time we have together and the discussions we have… I think, ‘Gosh, I guess we never talk too seriously or about sad things.’ But every time I go to see her its because I need a break from those hard times, from a long shoot day, from a stressful week of edits or I miss my family. It is when I am with her that nothing is sad nor bad, hence why we never have to have those ‘serious’ talks.
Her inspiration to me is most definitely NOT a work one… as she is my release from work, though she does inspire me to wait to have children! :) However, she is a constant part of my happiness that allows me to stay strong in work and life. She reminds me, without words or proof, just of her being there, that life is good and that the things we battle over and work hard for are worth it but are nothing without those we love. Through loving her and being loved by her she gives me strength and courage… I love you Shervin, thanks for inspiring me! Can’t wait to meet Baby Kayden……… it’s still not too late to name her Erika! :)
For those just joining us, it is ELP’s 1YA (One-year anniversary) Countdown Extravaganza (say that three times fast) where we’re counting down the top 30 images and inspirations of the last year… giveaways and other fun stuff coming soon.
Two down, 28 to go… stay in touch… erika@erikaleighphotography.com!
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