I'm Natalie. Welcome to my little piece of the www.
I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.
Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.
1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.
2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.
3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.
4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.
But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.
May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.
Thank you for being here. Let's be friends forever!
xx,
Natalie
I am based out of Gilbert, Arizona and Oahu, Hawaii. I am available for travel worldwide. Please contact me for information at aloha@natalienortonblog.com.
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i’d love to hear from you. Contact me using the form below.
In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!
*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!
**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.
Pictured (L to R): Racquel Marvez, moi, Manjula Varghese
My episode of The Generations Project won an Emmy last night in the Human Interest category. Pardon the above screen shot of someone else’s cell phone picture, but metaphorically, it’s the perfect example of how last night felt— a blurry moment in the middle of someone else’s dream. It was surreal to say the least. Wonderful, yes, and totally surreal.
This morning, I woke up to this face. I woke up to real life, and that moment wasn’t blurry and surreal. It was perfectly clear. . . and exquisitely beautiful. . . and filled with real life joy—real life joy that is at least a thousand times more wonderful than all the pretty shoes, fancy dresses and yes, even Emmy awards, the world over.
Over the last 8 weeks, I’ve been really sick. I mean very, very, ill. (No, I’m not pregnant, promise). Because of this, I’ve had to retract from nearly every facet of my life that doesn’t require my absolute presence. Essentially this equates to every ounce of my available energy being focused solely on breathing in and out and loving on my children—there hasn’t been any time left for blogging, shooting, writing, (cleaning, eh hem) . . . or running around like a glorified chicken with her head detached and tucked pridefully under her wing.
And guess what? I finally remember.
I remember that life isn’t about anything except for what’s right in front of you. Oxygen—breathing it in and out, all day long. People—loving them with every last beat of your heart. God—trusting his will and timing, even and especially when it’s confusing and seemingly unfair. Everything else is merely peripheral to what matters most. No, everything else MUST exist solely to SUPPORT the things that matter most.
None of this to say that Emmys (and fancy shoes) aren’t amazing! Last night really was a dream, not to mention an incredible honor! But waking up to that drippy, freckle faced, little boy reminded me, for the trillionth time, that if I want to not only survive but THRIVE in this thing called life, I have to turn down the volume on the things that matter least and emphatically embrace the things that matter most, for therein lies real life joy.
PS. Speaking of fancy shoes, I couldn’t walk in mine. I may be the only person in history ever to walk up on stage to accept an Emmy. . . in bare feet. (Just keepin’ it real.)
Jeanette:
What an honour! Well done!! And well done too, for keeping real. Glad you're not that ill anymore October 7, 2012 12:13 pm
Jaye:
Was wondering where you'd run off to! Hope you are feeling top notch soon, and congratulations on your incredible achievement. Well deserved! October 7, 2012 12:19 pm
Laura:
"...if I want to not only survive but THRIVE in this thing called life, I have to turn down the volume on the things that matter least and emphatically embrace the things that matter most, for therein lies real life joy." I can't even tell you how much that speaks to my heart.
Congratulations on your Emmy - that is SO exciting!! October 7, 2012 12:42 pm
Dolly:
This message is just as inspiring-- more so than some of the conference session that I am also listening to right now. :) Very REAL indeed. I love how you use the minimum of words to say so much. Still--I want to see a photo of those bare feet and the dress. Are you still sick? Hope you are all better. XO October 7, 2012 2:29 pm
Rachel Bennett:
I love that you went barefoot. SO YOU! i love that you got that honor and that you love real life more. I love you! you are the best! October 7, 2012 5:10 pm
shari:
barefoot and fabulous! you truly have a gift for speaking truth. i love reading your inspiring words and am in awe of you always. i saw a guy walking across the street this morning - barefoot (no, not homeless...just a beach town!) - and I thought of your comment about forgetting your shoes and going to walgreens. ha! now envisioning you on stage, accepting an Emmy barefoot, makes my heart swoon! you are awesome Natalie! xoxo from HB October 7, 2012 6:03 pm
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
And this is one of the many, many reasons I love you!!! October 7, 2012 6:24 pm
Melissa:
Congratulations, Natalie. I've never forgotten your story from when I heard you so openly share it at MTH. You are so strong and it's amazing how God is using you to share your story with others to bring awareness. You're AMAZE! Congrats!
Melissa October 7, 2012 7:26 pm
Rachel Whetten:
COngrats Friend!!!!!!!!! You deserve it! You are amazing and a great example to me. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of focusing on what is important in my life, the little things and little people, etc Praying you are feeling better soon! October 8, 2012 10:11 am
Kim Orlandini:
You. Are. Amazing. THE END. October 8, 2012 10:12 am
Ashley D.:
This is so amazing Natalie! I'm glad to see your platform for inspiring others keeps growing. And I LOVE that you kept it real and went on stage without your shoes - Hawaiian all the way! ;-) I would love to see a photo of that! Love you girl! October 8, 2012 11:17 am
Janae @ Bring-Joy:
Congrats Natalie! I'm so sorry you've been sick. Ah, that is hard, hard, hard. Especially when everyone (your kids!) depends on your energy & vitality. Sounds like you're feeling better?
Also, so where were the Emmy's--L.A.? I saw a few episodes of you in the Generations Project--you were fab & I'm not surprised you won the award. Awesome job. (& I love that you went up there barefoot!). October 9, 2012 8:11 am
Emilie Iggiotti Photography:
Congrats for the Emmy award!!! I love your episode, it was so moving!!!! October 9, 2012 1:53 pm
Sarah:
So glad you have resurfaced. Have truly missed your presence online, but we Moms have to do what we gotta do to keep things moving forward. Hope you will be back in a regular capacity soon. CONGRATULATIONS. How rewarding to have such a special part of your life recognized with an honor. A double blessing! October 12, 2012 9:15 pm
mer:
barefoot of course!!! you make me giggle friend... love it! October 21, 2012 4:22 pm
Laurenbythesea:
You write about life in such a heartfelt and honest way it is so refreshing. Thank you for writing this post. It has reminded me of something so important and for that I cant thank you enough. Lauren :) October 23, 2012 1:11 pm
pink designer dresses:
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having oone
or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space itt out better? September 30, 2014 6:30 pm
TNT:
You completed some good points there. I did a search on the issue and found a good number of persons will have the same opinion with your blog. February 23, 2019 8:11 pm
Successful entrepreneurs have the potential to radically improve the world on multiple fronts.
Not only can they meet economic needs and please customers, but they can also help their employees achieve their full potential.
If you dream of making a difference in this way, you just might make a great entrepreneur. But first, it’s important to know what an entrepreneur is and the qualities that set successful them apart from the rest, Visit website.
Are You An Entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur takes an idea and makes a business out of it.
Successful entrepreneurs have a passion they want to share with the world and turn it into a business they profit from.
Because you set up your own business instead of working for someone else’s, you take responsibility for all the risks, but you also benefit from all of the rewards.
Most entrepreneurs venture into the unknown. They are innovative and hone important entrepreneurial skills to overcome challenges, fears, and doubts to become fearless, think big, and dream big.
Entrepreneurs set up their businesses with their own money, loans, or by partnering with venture capitalists to fund their dreams.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are often attracted to this venture because they get to build a career that aligns with their interests, talents, skills, passions, or beliefs.
Entrepreneurship allows you to have autonomy and the opportunity to improve your standard of living and quality of life.
You can often set your own schedule, connect with like-minded people, and have many opportunities to grow and learn new things.
Many entrepreneurs have the desire to change lives and a strong sense of adding value to their communities.
11 Qualities Of A Successful Entrepreneur
Aspiring entrepreneurs may have visions of turning their creative ideas into reality, having their own business or multiple businesses, becoming independently wealthy, or being great philanthropists. Whatever your ultimate goal, if you endeavor to be a successful entrepreneur, you must cultivate certain key traits that will set you above the rest and allow you to achieve real success.
Becoming a successful entrepreneur means developing entrepreneurial skills that help you create long-term success. Consider the following qualities that most successful entrepreneurs possess so you can start living your dream.
Goal Oriented
Successful entrepreneurs regularly define their business goals and come up with detailed plans to achieve them.
This allows them to focus their actions toward a consistent, positive outcome for the company.
A penchant for planning means you will always have a clear sense of what to do next and can better assess individual decisions based on how they fit into your broader strategy.
If you’re not used to setting goals, try setting SMART goals.
Conceptional chalk drawing – SMART Goals
Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer company by being an avid goal-setter. He set both long-term and short-term goals to achieve his ultimate goal of building an enduring company that prioritized people.
Entrepreneurs require vision and a business plan that includes steps and reachable goals to get them from the idea stage to their own businesses that are fully functioning and thriving.
Passionate
One of the most important elements of successful entrepreneurship is loving what you do.
This means not just a love for doing business but also a passion for your specific field.
Not only does loving your work make it easier to carry out your daily duties, but it can make those actions seem like they aren’t even duties at all.
You are likely to spend your free time brushing up your skills or thinking of ways to attract more clients.
Those who love what they do are also more likely to deal with failure constructively, learning how to do better rather than getting discouraged.
To be a successful entrepreneur, know your purpose in life and then strive to achieve it. When you enjoy what you are pursuing, you will have greater resilience to overcome failures that inevitably come and continue striving forward.
Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in our modern time by cultivating self-awareness. She believes everyone has a calling and that it is vital to take the time to find out who you are and why you are here. And then go for it.
Successful entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, counsels, “Some 80% of your life is spent working. You want to have fun at home; why shouldn’t you have fun at work? You are far more likely to be inspired and have great ideas if you love what you do, and can instill that spirit of fun throughout your company.”
Takes Initiative
Effective entrepreneurs and business leaders spend every moment of their time taking productive actions.
They constantly look for opportunities to enhance their business and act decisively whenever they find one. A very important quality for successful entrepreneurs is the ability to take initiative.
Constant action doesn’t mean deciding without thinking; careful thought, after all, is a necessary action in business.
What it means is remaining productive so that all you do contributes to your goals.
Elon Musk is currently the richest man in the world, with an estimated net worth of nearly $152 billion. He has made billions by being extremely decisive. He thinks quickly and takes action without hesitating.
As the co-founder of PayPal, Tesla, and many other business ventures, this famous entrepreneur advises, “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”
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Flexible
As important as it is to make plans, commitment to a long-term vision or strategy should not come at the expense of flexibility.
Sooner or later, something will happen that you did not expect, and you will have to respond to it without hesitating.
A successful entrepreneur is able to adjust her plans when they prove impractical, quickly making the changes necessary to deal with any new development.
When you are taking on new opportunities, you will inevitably meet roadblocks and even failures. If you do not, you are not being innovative enough.
Expect difficulties on your road to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and have the flexibility to change course when it means greater customer satisfaction, increased sales, better service, or greater long-term success.
Self-Disciplined
To start and build your own successful business, you need special discipline. Self-discipline is practiced by all successful entrepreneurs and self-made business millionaires as it helps put you on the fast track to accomplishing your goals.
Learn and practice self-discipline early in your entrepreneurial career. The sooner you incorporate self-discipline, the sooner you will create positive outcomes for your business, including higher sales, a higher rate of accomplishing your goals, and keeping life-long customers.
Being self-disciplined means avoiding distractions and staying focused on your goals. Envision your long-term goal and stay laser-focused on it so that all of your actions will lead to your success.
The fourth richest person in the world, Bill Gates, revealed that when he was a student at Harvard University, he had a terrible habit of procrastinating. While it seemed comical to his classmates for him to cram the night before each test and not even attend his classes, he found that this did not translate to success in the business world.
Through self-discipline and additional key entrepreneurial skills, Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen, traded this habit to become one of the most successful people on the planet.
Has Integrity
Honesty is not just a moral virtue; it is also a practical necessity in the business world.
Employees, suppliers, customers, and regulators all have to know that they can trust you.
If they learn that you misrepresented yourself, they will refuse to cooperate with you, dooming your business.
You have to have a reputation for honesty and integrity to be a successful entrepreneur, and there is no reliable way to secure that reputation other than by actually being honest.
Warren Buffet, one of the most successful entrepreneurs and investors with a net worth of $118 billion, says, “Look for three things in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother.”
At the early age of 20, Sir Richard Branson became an entrepreneur by starting a mail-order record business and then running a chain of record stores within two years. Eventually, he founded the Virgin Group and today controls more than 400 companies. He is known as a man with high integrity, valuing people and their unique, creative ideas.
On the topic of building a successful business and integrity, Branson says, “Building a business is not rocket science, it’s about having a great idea and seeing it through with integrity.”
Emotionally Intelligent
Emotional intelligence is indispensable in the business world.
Your own emotions can easily get in the way of decision-making, causing you to view an incorrect choice positively or overlook a correct one.
You must recognize your emotions but not be controlled by them.
It is also important to be sensitive to your employees’ and partners’ emotions, understand how your decisions impact them and strive to keep them happy and healthy. By following these steps, your success as an entrepreneur is virtually assured.
Larry Page, co-founder of search engine and company Google–which is worth nearly $1,200 billion–is known for his emotionally intelligent leadership style. He says, “My job as a leader is to make sure everybody in the company has great opportunities and that they feel they’re having a meaningful impact and are contributing to the good of society.”
Risk Tolerant
To be a successful entrepreneur, you must be willing to take risks.
Without taking risks and venturing into the unknown, you will remain where you are instead of accelerating toward something better.
However, you must understand how to take intelligent risks. You do this by assessing your options, thinking through the possible outcomes, making a plan to meet challenges and deal with a potential worst-case scenario, and taking action.
Andrew Carnegie, founder of the Carnegie Corporation and one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of the early 19th century, risked losing his family’s home by investing in an express delivery company. The risk paid off, leading to multiple subsequent investments and an eventual fortune.
Steve Ballmer took the risk of dropping out of Stanford University to join a new technology company called Microsoft. He eventually became CEO and has a net worth of $78.6 billion.
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg shares, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
Donna:
Beautiful Natalie. Beautiful as always. Thank you for your sharing your gift. September 23, 2012 7:54 pm
natalie:
Donna, THANK YOU. It feels good to be back in the saddle again. :) Hadley was a perfect place to start. :) xxoo! September 23, 2012 8:00 pm
Kendall:
That last one...MELT.MY.HEART. September 23, 2012 8:06 pm
Katie Roderick:
Beautiful family! We knew Chelsea and Ben from Austin. Love this last one. September 23, 2012 8:07 pm
April:
Oh my goodness these are stunning. I LOVED how your processed them. And the last one is just pure magic! September 23, 2012 8:09 pm
natalie:
Kendall, I love it so much too. THANK YOU! xo! September 23, 2012 8:11 pm
natalie:
Katie, FUN! All they have talked about since they got to AZ is how excited they were to meet the baby and how much they miss Austin. I guess now that Hadley is here, they'll only talk about Austin from now on. :) September 23, 2012 8:12 pm
natalie:
April, It's the VSCO actions. They are seriously one click and MAYBE some fine tuning. They best actions I've ever owned. Bar none. September 23, 2012 8:13 pm
Jess:
Welcome baby Hadley. You are so very precious. Such a bundle of joy who is so very very loved and with a gorgeous name. Natalie, these photos are stunning. Thank you for sharing these photos. Huge congrats to you all - especially Chelsea and Ben. Jx September 23, 2012 8:43 pm
Camille:
Oh I love Chelsea!!! What a beautiful sweet little girl. And good heavens that last picture...took my breath away! September 23, 2012 9:20 pm
Jenn:
Yay for Auntie Natalie!
But seriously, my milk is coming in looking at these. September 23, 2012 9:52 pm
kristin brown:
wow, that last one took my breath away. so beautiful. September 23, 2012 10:39 pm
Shelly:
Thank you, thank you, Dear Natalie! You went above and beyond to do these while feeling so rotten -- and just look at how GORGEOUS they are! What a talent. Love them. Hadley, Chelsea, Ben, the photos, and YOU. September 24, 2012 12:00 am
natalie:
Jess, I was THRILLED with the name too. Such a beautiful surprise. XXOO! September 24, 2012 12:36 am
natalie:
Camille, Chelsea is pretty amazing. Hadley is one lucky little princess! September 24, 2012 12:36 am
natalie:
Jenn! Hahahahaha hahahahaha!!!!! (But who am I kidding, BTDT.) September 24, 2012 12:37 am
natalie:
Kristin, I'm in love with it too. Thank you. September 24, 2012 12:37 am
natalie:
Shelly, And I will add the disclaimer that yes, I was sick, but not even a chance of being contagious. << just FYI friends, and um, potential clients. ;) :) Love you Grandma Shelly and that beautiful baby too! September 24, 2012 12:39 am
Shelly:
Oops. I should have clarified that:) Thanks, Nat, for fixing my omission! September 24, 2012 9:13 am
shari:
beautimous!!! sweet perfection. and WOW Chelsea is gorgeous. what a treasure to have such beautiful photos of their new little family. :) xo from HB September 24, 2012 9:47 am
natalie:
Shelly, ha ha! ;) September 24, 2012 11:50 am
natalie:
Shari, She is so beautiful. Hadley scored some good genes, for sure. :) xoxo September 24, 2012 11:51 am
Shannon:
I am laughing about the being sick part that you clarified. I am a freak! The last picture is my favorite. It's perfect. Hadley is the best name! ;) (My maiden name) September 24, 2012 11:54 am
natalie:
Shannon, It was kindof a necessity to clarify, you know? I'm pretty serious about keeping babies healthy. :) :) xoxoxoxoxoxo! September 24, 2012 1:14 pm
Liz:
Natalie - have missed seeing your beautiful images and these are just amazing! The last one just radiates peace. Congrats on the new addition to your family. And I know you're crazy busy, but don't be a stranger on your blog :) September 25, 2012 4:01 am
Kristin L:
Oh my goodness! That yawn sequence is to die for! Wonderful pictures, Natalie. September 26, 2012 9:46 am
Mary S:
LOVE. THESE. What a precious baby. Beautiful job, Natalie! And I'm not gonna lie... I kind of want Chelsea's sweater. September 26, 2012 12:31 pm
natalie:
Mary, Thank you, and yes, I want Chelsea's sweater too! October 7, 2012 11:13 am
natalie:
Kristen, Aren't those images just precious? She is wonderful. I think we'll keep her. October 7, 2012 11:14 am
natalie:
Liz, I know. I've been the worst. I just HAD to take an inventory and choose to work only on the things that were most vitally important. When it's all weighed out, the blog wasn't at the top of the list at the time. I'm hoping to get back in the rhythm soon. :) xo! October 7, 2012 11:15 am
Lovebirds. | Natalie Norton Photography Lovebirds. | Blog:
[...] two became parents a few weeks ago. . . remember perfect baby Hadley? It has been a dream to watch Chelsea become a mom. She’s a natural—it’s beautiful to [...] October 22, 2012 9:26 am
Our Hadley Girl. | Natalie Norton Photography Our Hadley Girl. | Blog:
[...] did this happen? Like lightening, really. You are ONE. An entire year has passed since that magical night when we first met! I’ll never forget the joy on your momma and daddy’s faces. The were smitten, [...] September 20, 2013 2:38 pm
I had to take some time off to do just a little bit of this, living that is.
I needed to fall apart just a little.
I needed to have a good, long cry—to face the messy parts of what is.
I needed to shake some of the sorrow up to the surface, and exhale it away. . . or inhale it in. (I’m not sure there’s much of a difference with grief.)
It’s been 2 years now, almost 3, but usually it feels like last Thursday.
I go through this madness, thinking I shouldn’t be falling apart anymore. It’s foolish. What will people think? How will they react when they know the truth? What will they say when they know that sometimes, no often, it still hurts like Hell? That sometimes, no often, I still feel like I’m suffocating underneath it all?
. . . and then the sun comes out.
And then despite the rain, despite the thunder and the lightening, despite the begging and the longing and the bargaining and the pleading . . . through all of that weight. . . there’s light. And you know, somehow, someway everything truly is OK.
Out from under all.that.pain, you’re watching a miracle unfold. Right there in front of you. Layer by layer. Breath by breath.
And the miracle. . . is you.
You breathe in deep, flooded with inexplicable gratitude—oxygenating your very soul. Suddenly, for the first time in months, your feet hit the ground. You see all the pieces of yourself—the pieces of your sanity— and you know you can put it all back together again.
A day ago, or even a moment, you wouldn’t have believed.
Marsha:
You are such a beautiful soul Natalie. I so enjoy reading your blog, your tweets and your facebook comments, you never sugar coat your life and thats what I find the most endearing.Your honesty is what makes you so brave and yet so fragile at the same time. I do wish though with all my might that I could take away your pain and sadness. xx September 13, 2012 12:55 am
Lindsay:
Welcome back :) September 13, 2012 7:00 am
Jamie M:
Thank you, this was beautiful and I needed it today!! September 13, 2012 7:36 am
Natalie Norton:
@Lindsay: why, thank you very much. :) September 13, 2012 7:38 am
Natalie Norton:
Marsha, brave and fragile. I think that right there is a recipe for a good life. And the pain makes me. . . me, so I'll keep it. :) :) Mwa. You are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. September 13, 2012 7:41 am
Natalie Norton:
Kate, Thank YOU. xoxoxo September 13, 2012 7:41 am
Natalie Norton:
Jamie M, Nothing makes me happier than hearing THAT: "I needed this today." I'm glad it was there for you when you needed it. :) I think I needed you and your comment today, too. So, thank YOU. September 13, 2012 7:43 am
Monica Brown:
Natalie - your strength always amazes me. And inspires me. I think of you often dear friend. September 13, 2012 7:52 am
Natalie Norton:
Monica, You make me so happy. September 13, 2012 8:11 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
I've missed you! :) I love your honesty and your bravery in sharing things like this. You make me want to be brave, too. September 13, 2012 8:20 am
shari:
oh YOU! YOU YOU YOU! I just love you. SO.VERY.MUCH! I have missed you. I have missed your beautiful words. I have been thinking and praying for you during your silence on the blog. Don't think I could ever forget you. Thank you dear, sweet Natalie for sharing your beautiful heart and soul with me. I wish my words could buoy you up and you could feel strength from my long distance hug (just wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze like crazy!) and imagine me by your side. I wish I could take the pain away. wish i could squash that awful emptiness and fill you up with happiness. through it all, you always come around to see the light, the positive side. your humble attitude is such an amazing example to me. lovely love you! XOXO from HB September 13, 2012 8:53 am
Kelly:
Oh, Natalie. How I ache for you in the pain that comes. I'm so sorry. ((hugs)) Thank you for your honesty and your reality. It reminds me of Philippians 4:7...the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. There's no other explanation for what sustains our broken hearts. "The miracle of YOU."...love it. September 13, 2012 9:00 am
Ashley:
tears flooded my face as my eyes gazed upon each of your word. It felt like what you wrote were the echoes of my heart & I felt, finally, understood. September 13, 2012 9:19 am
Kim:
Here. Always. Love you. September 13, 2012 10:43 am
Dolly:
The fact that I know what you mean is daunting. Most days.... I want to ignore the grind of each day and I simply want to go there. Either [there] or at least to that place in grief where everything in the world disappears and all I am left with is the connection to the infinite hope of glorious reunion. September 13, 2012 11:09 am
Angi:
Oh Natalie... you have a way of really really getting into my heart and soul with your words. You articulate exactly what I want to say and how I feel. YOU are such an inspiration and breath of fresh air that is much needed in this chaotic crazy world. I love you and your sweet big fantastic heart! I pray and pray that I can find an out, a way to exhale it all out, or breathe it in, as you say. Either way, you give me such hope! Thank you so much for being you and opening your soul! Aloha!!! September 13, 2012 12:19 pm
Julee George:
You are so eloquent, soulful, faithful, gentle, brave, real, beautiful, an inspiration, and a miracle! Thank you for being so open and sharing your soul. I hope it does bring you peace, often. September 13, 2012 7:29 pm
Jenny Solar:
Oh Natalie... I know this is hard. And just because it's hard doesn't mean we'll think any less of you... if anything, I think even more of you. You, my friend, you're changing the world. Every day. You're SO SO brave and strong and loving and I'm SO thankful to have you as a friend. I'm sending you a HUGE hug through the interwebs... I hope you can feel it September 13, 2012 7:30 pm
Stephanie Joy:
You beautiful soul I love you. You are honest, but uplifting even in your darkest moments. I love you for it. Dearly. September 14, 2012 1:19 am
echo:
i couldn't agree with stephanie more. you are wonderful. and inspiring. thank you for being you. September 14, 2012 6:01 pm
Breanna:
These words are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and being so very authentic. September 16, 2012 3:18 pm
natalie:
Breanna, Thank YOU for reading and for connecting with me. Genuinely. September 20, 2012 10:34 am
natalie:
Echo, I miss you, beautiful girl! September 20, 2012 10:35 am
natalie:
Steph, Oh, you. I love you. September 20, 2012 10:35 am
natalie:
Jenny, I love you times 10 (or 20). Thank you for being ever supportive. September 20, 2012 10:36 am
natalie:
Julee, I think I need to print your comment and frame it on my desk. Seriously though. THANK YOU. September 20, 2012 10:36 am
natalie:
Angi, You fill me with joy. Thank you for your kind words. They encourage me in equal proportion to what my posts do for you. Sincerely. September 20, 2012 10:37 am
natalie:
Dolly, I would give anything for you NOT to know what this feels like. I hope you know that. I love you, and I am ALWAYS here. September 20, 2012 10:37 am
natalie:
Kim, Kim, Kim. I know you are. You are one of the most genuinely empathic people I know. I love you. September 20, 2012 10:38 am
natalie:
Ashley, I wish you didn't understand. I wish no one did. But I hope these words brought your brittle heart some comfort, some knowledge that you are never alone. I am here and so is He, always. September 20, 2012 10:39 am
natalie:
Kelly, It truly does. . . surpass all understanding that is. It is a tender mercy from God. He loves us more than we know, doesn't he? It's pretty amazing to be privy to that knowledge. If only all the world knew how very, very close he really is. September 20, 2012 10:40 am
natalie:
Shari, You are forever here to buoy me up. I am so thankful for your tender heart, your loyalty and your love. xoxoxoXO! September 20, 2012 10:41 am
natalie:
Oh Rachel, How I love you. September 20, 2012 10:41 am
Diane:
Wow, I know exactly those feelings and that's exactly how I dealt with the grief too. Wishing you light and an evergrowing new normal plus the joy that will come again. September 21, 2012 9:09 pm
Candy:
oh how this resonates with me. I did not lose a precious baby as you did, so I know I can't relate but your words capture the grief of losing my Dad so well that I can barely type. And then, the hope and promise of a new day... thank you for sharing so much of yourself. September 24, 2012 4:02 pm
natalie:
Candy, I'm so sorry about your dad. Sincerely. All my love to you, N October 7, 2012 11:15 am
check out here:
dekang e liquid Baby Gavin | Natalie Norton Photography Baby Gavin | Blog July 12, 2014 1:29 am
Leisa:
Thx for this.
it was so refreshing and real :) Mahalo!
-sounds like you're in a good place being back here on the rock :) July 3, 2012 4:27 am
Sarah:
Amen. Thanks for starting off my day with such a refreshing perspective. July 3, 2012 4:36 am
Jo Thomas:
You have a way of making topsy-turvy seem normal and achievable and even quite an adventure. Beautiful thoughts to finish my day with and be inspired for tomorrow, thank you times thirty four! xxx July 3, 2012 4:53 am
Kelley Danielson:
AGREED! Love it! NEEDED it! Especially the LET GOOOOOOOO Reminder! xoxoxo July 3, 2012 5:12 am
Annie:
Can you hear my heart singing? See my tears glistening? Feel the depth of my gratitude? I love you Gann. July 3, 2012 6:22 am
Kate:
Perfect and poignant. Thanks for continuing to teach, so that we may all learn to breathe a little more. XO July 3, 2012 6:47 am
Amy Paulson:
Oh sweet Natalie...I love you. And I love every last word here. Cannot wait to hear more about your time in Hawaii. Praying you enjoy soaking up EVERY last second. And that book proofing goes SO well! July 3, 2012 7:08 am
Camille:
Sweet Mercy!! This list is perfect. I want to post this list all over my house and at work....for everyone to see!!! July 3, 2012 9:58 am
Megan:
This is perfection. Absolute perfection. Can I just please move to Hawaii now? July 3, 2012 10:08 am
Marsha:
Thank you Natalie for sharing this. I needed to read this today. xx July 3, 2012 6:08 pm
Ryan:
Beautiful Natalie. I love it. July 4, 2012 9:29 am
Kendall Souter:
These are perfect.. truly.. please type them in a neat scroll-y font, frame them, and display them in your home, regardless of how long the frame may need to be.... My ultimate top two (because you were dying to know) :)
Worry is nothing more than praying for what you don’t want.......HOLY MOLY.. SCARY just how true this is!!!
Being in the ocean is the best practice in mindfulness there is.... FACT: I ALWAYS feel closest to God in our near the ocean...
Truly though, thank you for these!!! July 4, 2012 10:19 am
yvonne:
You Are Awesome!! :) Love reading your blog. July 5, 2012 10:18 am
mer:
plain and simple... i heart your face off beautiful friend! July 5, 2012 10:54 am
Anna Packard:
I love this post! It's like those framed posters you find at Target full of inspirational statements, except WAY better because it is full of your personal truth. This post inspires me to try meditating again. July 7, 2012 9:38 pm
Isabelle:
Beautifully authentic and comforting. Thank you. July 11, 2012 11:01 pm
Caitlin Sullivan:
Needed these today. Thx, N! :) July 19, 2012 8:26 am
marjorie:
reading this came in the nick of time. was just about ready to lose it what with clients, another bad date, etc. i hope you don't mind - i just sent this to two friends (with credit given to you). you made an impact on this person's life and i say thank you. July 27, 2012 9:48 am
chelsea:
I love everything about this! July 31, 2012 11:00 am
Naomi Go:
I'm printing this out. It is so inspiring :) August 2, 2012 12:28 pm
Kristin:
Love this - would love to share! I hope you don't mind with a link back :) Loves!!
Kristin August 19, 2012 6:53 am
Marta:
Thank you for this. I really needed it. August 24, 2012 9:06 am
Emily:
THis is good. Thanks Nataleeee August 25, 2012 8:20 pm
Yvonne:
I absolutely Love this post! You are Amazing! September 15, 2012 9:44 am
Dorothy:
what a woderful verse. so true and so touching,
Bless you you have made this day for me and I will return often and read again October 5, 2012 1:02 am
natalie:
Dorothy, Thank you. Blessings to you, my dear. October 7, 2012 11:13 am
lisa:
you're my hero. I want to repost this all over the place! It touched me right at the depth of my soul. You're amazing.
simply stated. October 16, 2012 6:28 pm
Lucky Red Hen:
I misread water for "Wear a plant." Hahaha. These are gems! January 4, 2013 10:24 pm
natalie:
Lucky Red Hen! Ha ha ha! Well, wearing a plant would also be pretty cool. ;) January 7, 2013 1:47 pm
I’ve been thinking a lot about this. . .the long way, the road less traveled, the river deep, the valley wide.
So many things in our life have taken us, well, the looooooong way. The mountains have been higher and the valley’s lower and wider than I could have ever anticipated (in my wildest of dreams). But in retrospect, this really has made all the difference in the world. I’ve seen more, I’ve done more, I’ve learned more than I ever could have otherwise. The lessons have been as deep as the mountains have been high.
You want shallow lessons? You take the easy way. You want surface level understanding and fulfillment? Short cuts will serve you well.
I don’t want these things. I don’t.
The trick (and yes, there really is one) is letting go, leaning in, and not wasting your life in worry, doubt or fear. As long as you’re tuned in, and committed to what’s truly best for you (not what you WANT, or think you NEED, but what’s best), everything really does have a way of working itself out. (Yes, even THAT. You know, that thing you’re worrying about right this very second? Yes, even THAT will work itself out, in the perfect way and at the perfect time for you.)
Someone I really love once said, “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.” And I believe him. With all my heart.
PS. Love this pretty little stretch of highway between Wahiawa and Waialua. Kaukonahua Rd takes just a little longer than the “standard” route through the pineapple plantations (Kam Highway), but it’s soooo totally worth it.
PPS. This post took a thousand years to write. 3 kids, one frazzled momma, a studio apartment, and all kinds of sleep deprivation. . . snerk. SOS! I’m d-d-d-drowning. Can’t wait for Richie to get here next week!
Ashley R:
I love your honesty and your way with words. Absolutely beautiful. And somehow they're always what I need to hear at that point in my life. You rock. June 21, 2012 3:38 am
Abbey bernardi:
Im so glad you wrote this, it is beautiful and do helpful! Xo June 21, 2012 5:18 am
LIz:
Beautiful writing again Natalie. I know that my marriage would not be what it is today (and probably wouldn't even be), if we hadn't had to go through a bunch of yuck at the beginning of everything.
And no Richie all this time?? You are a super mama!! :) June 21, 2012 5:32 am
Kathleen:
Exactly what I needed to hear today! You're awesome, thanks for posting that! June 21, 2012 7:08 am
christina moodie:
Love this Natalie. It is so much easier to take that main road but that road less traveld, though hard, can be so worth it! Those lessons learn, although so difficult in the moment, they normally are exactly what you need. June 21, 2012 7:11 am
Jenni Bailey:
I've been thinking about this a LOT lately, too. It's comforting to hear the same sentiment from you. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, Natalie. You inspire me a million times a day. Seriously, you have no idea how much. xoxo June 21, 2012 7:21 am
Amie White:
How is it done? You have once again reached across the ocean to hug my soul ...
I will remember and rejoice that I have never walked alone on my "road less traveled".
Drink your shakes and get your water sister! Sleep is on the horizon. (Hurry Richie! Nat needs a nap!) LOL June 21, 2012 8:12 am
Kris:
Well said, Nat! Welcome home. :) June 21, 2012 9:58 am
Shelly:
True -- such very true words. It kind of rankles me to stop and know that I've gained the most from the hardest of times. I don't really want it to be true. That's the kid inside of me. The adult tries to remember that it's true, and I'm thankful you reminded me! This is beautiful. I love you. June 21, 2012 10:02 am
Shelly:
P.S. -- your photos are magnificent!!! June 21, 2012 12:38 pm
erin:
How did you know I was worrying right this second...ha! Thanks for a well written post filled with your beautiful images. June 21, 2012 12:44 pm
Kristy Degraaf:
One of my favorite quotes is similar. Just looked up the credit and I guess it's by Patrick Overton. It's says "When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and you take the first step into the darkness of the unknown you must believe one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught to fly.". Thanks for your blog. I look forward to your posts ;) June 21, 2012 3:17 pm
Maren:
So beautiful. And, as hard as it is, exactly what I needed to hear. I've definitely been wasting my life in worry and fear - it's been paralyzing, really. I still don't really know how to let go, but I know I need to try again. And that cloud photo? Can I please have a ginormous print of that?! (Really. I'm serious. I really want one.) I could stare at those clouds forever. June 21, 2012 4:56 pm
ally:
As always...just what I need to hear. 18 moves later...I'm greatful for the road less traveled and for memorizing this poem in 8th grade. I really took to it. Only now, I'm seeing why!!! Thanks Natalie for writing about more than the status quo!! June 26, 2012 10:19 am
Juanita:
I'm smiling, laughing and crying at the same time reading your post. It's soooooooooooooo what I needed at this very exact time in my life right now. Thank you for your words, courage, faith and diligence in writing this post. Although we are so far from each other right now, and haven't really talked talk in years, and weren't exactly super close to begin with, I have been so touched many times over from a variety of your post and felt so close to now then ever before because you follow the spirit often and you open your HEART not only for me to see but
for EVERYONE. Thank you Natalie for being an instrument in God's hands and for being a part of an answered prayer. Like I said I'm crying and laughing right now with joy in my heart for answered prayers. Love you girl:) June 26, 2012 12:48 pm
natalie:
Juanita, Now I'm laugh-crying, too! Craughing?? Lrying? xoxoxoxoxo! God loves his children. Isn't that knowledge the best feeling in the world?! July 3, 2012 2:48 am
natalie:
Ally, EIGHTEEN? You deserve some kind of . . . I don't know. . . special miracle in your life for enduring that. Bless you, woman. BLESS.YOU. July 3, 2012 2:50 am
Thomas Long:
Thanks for the post! I really appreciate your work. Please share more information like this in the future. April 17, 2022 10:01 pm