My soul has been tired.  And somewhat discouraged.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the “ought-tos”.  The comparisons.  The “I’m not enoughs…”  To land smack dab in a rut.

I knew I needed to do something.  A shoot just for me.

So I called her…

This lady?

She inspires me to the very core.

She challenges me to give everything I have to being the best artist I can be.  To do what it takes.  To stop the noise and dig a little deeper.  She makes me want to be the best mom I can be…  And wife…

And so we spent time getting swarmed by mosquitoes, walking in the middle of the road, dancing, getting honked at and playing some banjo.  (She played banjo.  I listened, smiled and slowed down instead of just shooting away with my camera.)

Thanks, Aun, for hanging out with me.  For all the ways you push me to grow, go there and face the ugly in my life on a daily basis.  For teaching me to laugh and love life in the deepest way.  To always be proud to sing some Bluegrass.  And to not be ashamed to admit my undying love for the movie, Tangled.  I love you, lady…

PS: Do your life a favor and check out her incredible music.  You can find her latest CD on itunes and you can check out her concert schedule HERE.  (And to see her perform live?  So great…  And equal parts hilarious.  And I happen to also adore her back-up singer!)

We were eaten alive by mosquitoes.  She pointed out where she had just nailed one…

Aun – you.are.stunning.