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.
As a college student, you need to eat to fuel your body for a hectic season in your life, where you’re busy with classes, studying, and work (and some play too). But you may feel like you don’t have the time, energy, or even the nutrition know-how you need. And maybe you are worried about that “freshman 15″ you’ve heard about.
The good news is that you can build healthier eating habits, even on a budget and a busy schedule. Start with these strategies.
Know What a Balanced Diet Is
Eating a healthy diet means you’re getting the correct balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (also known as macronutrients), along with the vitamins and minerals (or micronutrients) your body needs to function well. To get all of these nutrients you want to make sure you are eating a variety of foods and that your meals contain some carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber at each meal.
A good rule of thumb for eating a well-balanced meal is to consume about 1-2 servings of vegetables or fruit per meal, along with a serving of fat, a starch (such as a whole grain, legume, or starchy vegetables) and some protein (legumes, tofu, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, yogurt, etc).
For example, you may have 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt with 3/4 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts and a handful of whole grain cereal for breakfast. Or you might eat 2 slices of whole grain toast with 1/3 avocado, lettuce, sliced tomato, and chopped egg. Each meal contains some carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. This will leave you feeling full and energized.
A common mistake is not eating enough fruits and vegetables or high-fiber foods. Another pitfall is eating too much fried food and sugary snacks and sodas (or any foods that supply a lot of calories without many nutrients). This is the Best diet pills.
2
Add a Fruit or Vegetable to Every Meal
PhotoAlto / Laurence Mouton / Getty Images
The average American only consumes around 1/2 of the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables daily. So add a fruit or a colorful veggie to every single meal you can. It’s easy—you only need to be more mindful of what goes on your plate.
Top a bowl of cereal or oatmeal with sliced fruit, or fresh berries at breakfast, or start your day off with a fruit and vegetable smoothie.
At lunchtime, choose green beans to go with your sandwich or grab some crunchy raw carrots. End your meal with an apple or banana.
Dinner works the same way. And even if you’re out for pizza with friends, you can order a side salad or opt for veggie toppings instead of meats on your pie.
One of the easiest ways to eat a balanced diet is to aim for 2 to 3 cups of veggies and a serving or two of fruit every day.
3
Work in Some Extra Calcium Sources
Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman
Calcium is essential for all kinds of things—blood clotting, muscle and nerve function, healthy teeth, and strong bones. In fact, you’re building up bone mass until you reach about 30 years of age—then it gets tougher to add calcium to bone. So take advantage of this time and get plenty of calcium every day.
Milk and dairy products are well-known calcium sources. Try Greek yogurt with fresh berries, nuts, and honey, or drink a glass of milk with your meals. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium too. One serving of cheese is only about an ounce (about the size of two dice).
If milk’s not your thing, there are still plenty of calcium sources available. Dark leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and fortified cow’s milk alternatives like fortified soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk will provide you with plenty of calcium. Tofu is also a good source of calcium, as well as sardines, salmon, fortified orange juice, cottage cheese, chia seeds, and some breakfast cereals.
Diane:
Hadley truly is loved by so many! These pictures capture the joy in this sweet family. You are a wonderful photographer! September 23, 2013 8:14 am
Kate S.:
So privileged to know and adore this sweet babe. Love these photos. September 23, 2013 8:23 am
Philippe Dame:
Great shots. I love the lightness of the image and glow of the baby's skin (so crisp). Do you get that all in-camera or some extra processing in post? Well done again. September 24, 2013 11:16 am
natalie:
Diane, Aren't we lucky to have Haddie in our lives??! I am so thankful that you raised such a fabulous son to marry that wonderful Chelsea! We are so so blessed by them both! Love you, lady! Natalie October 2, 2013 9:11 am
natalie:
Kate, She is the greatest! xoxoxoxxo October 2, 2013 9:13 am
natalie:
Phillippe: I do my best to get it right in camera, however shooting raw, I do some processing as well. . . particularly to correct skin tones. Levels and curves mostly, and these images were processed using the VSCO Film Pack in lighroom 2. Hope that helps! Aloha! Natalie October 2, 2013 9:14 am
Jupiter Chiropractor:
Such wonderful photo's! you are truly an inspiration :) July 31, 2017 10:13 pm
Key west fishing:
I love how you are so passionate about photography! It really shows in your photo's! July 31, 2017 10:15 pm
Business Insurance:
What an amazing post! I love the photo's you've captured! August 3, 2017 12:38 pm
Logo Contest:
I really appreciate photographers that genuinely love their work like you do. August 4, 2017 6:53 am
We want to rejoice, we want to be merry and bright. Yet we find ourselves facing a largely unfamiliar solemnity, a collective ache, an inescapable undercurrent of pain. . .
Because their stockings are still hung by the chimney with care.
Because their gifts still lay wrapped tenderly beneath the tree.
And there will be no eager footsteps in their hallways come Christmas morning. . .
_______________
Felix’s brave momma, Jenna, elected to give birth to him at home. . . with the help of only a midwife and a few trusted friends. (Her husband, Brian, was away on deployment and took part in the experience via Skype.) When I arrived at the home where Jenna was preparing to welcome her son into the world, it was the middle of the night. The stars burned bright in the Scottsdale sky (I mention it only because it was the kind of sky you never forget your entire life through). The lights inside were dim, and there was a tangible tenderness in the air. A room full of women. . . Jenna in the middle. . . slowly, confidently breathing her way through the excruciating pain. As the night wore on, and Jenna’s pain increased, there were moments when it was nearly unbearable to watch. Tears spilled from my eyes, and I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her. I would have done anything to help bear her pain, and I know my feelings were shared by every other woman in the room that night.
And things went on this way.
For hours.
The intensity of pain Jenna was experiencing lasted all through the night and well into the afternoon of the next day. All the while, there was nothing any of us could do—except for love, encourage, support and stay by her side. All we could do was make certain she knew we loved her and that we weren’t going anywhere.
After Felix was finally placed into his mother’s eager arms, I listened to her genuinely and adoringly thank every woman for their presence through her pain. I listened as she told every one of us, individually, that she couldn’t have survived without us. We had done nothing to ease her pain. Nothing. She brought that baby into the world on her own. She suffered through every breath of anguish. And yet, somehow, our love, our simple presence had made a real difference for her. Jenna’s gratitude was unforgettable, unbelievable and extraordinarily sincere.
So, where do we go from here?
There are so many in this world who are writhing in emotional pain, laboring through overwhelming fear, sorrow, horror . . . and loneliness that cannot be described. For many, and certainly those of Newtown, CT, Hell is a matter of every day life.
Where DO we go from here? I’m afraid I don’t have a perfect answer. I can only explore the question right along with every other member of the human family. . . But I imagine the answer lies somewhere near the region of LOVE. A love that is more complete, more open, more unconditional—a love that is not bound by pretext or restraint.
We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us…. We need to walk more resolutely and more charitably the path that Jesus has shown. We need to ‘pause to help and lift another’ and surely we will find ‘strength beyond [our] own.’ If we would do more to learn ‘the healer’s art,’ there would be untold chances to use it, to touch the ‘wounded and the weary’ and show to all ‘a gentle[r] heart —Howard W. Hunter
May we come together, as members of the human family, irrespective of race, political affiliation or creed, and let each other know that we are here for one another in complete charity (love) —and we aren’t going anywhere.
kimberly oyler:
you, natalie, are a beautiful writer. thank you for this. December 22, 2012 10:36 pm
natalie:
Kimberly, thank you so much. It's such a tender subject and a very hard one to handle with care. . . I appreciate your kind words. xo. December 22, 2012 11:16 pm
Alie:
i needed this tonight. thank you for your words. December 22, 2012 11:28 pm
natalie:
Allie, I just hopped over to our blog. I'm so sorry for your loss. Amelia is beautiful. I'll be thinking of you this Christmas. xoxoxoxo December 23, 2012 12:01 am
kelly:
what a blessing it must have been for you to share that experience. thank you from the very bottom of my heart for sharing it with us. December 23, 2012 4:13 pm
Janet:
Today in Church we sang the carol, "Away In a Manger." We sang the 3rd verse, "Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with thee there." I thought of all those dear children who returned to Him this year, and in years past, and felt immediate assurance that He can "fit us" so we can live with Him and them again. Such is Hope. December 23, 2012 4:34 pm
christine hall:
beautiful just beautiful . Merry Christmas December 24, 2012 3:11 pm
Shari:
lovely, sweet tender words. thank you for putting it so beautifully and connecting it to your experience with the birth of baby Felix... it was so right. i always feel enlightened reading your words...you speak to my heart. love you dear friend! was thinking of you over christmas, and praying for your heart to be full as you celebrated with your family and one more christmas passed without your sweet Gavin(s) -- one more christmas closer to being with them again. XOXO from HB ALWAYS December 28, 2012 6:17 pm
Kate:
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words. Sometimes just being there is enough. Thanks for the reminder. December 30, 2012 11:54 am
Shannon:
What a beautiful, beautiful post! January 3, 2013 9:55 am
natalie:
Shannon, Thank you. It's been so heavy on my heart. I appreciate the validation. It was such a tender subject to try to discuss. . . January 4, 2013 6:00 pm
natalie:
Kate, Sometimes, just being there is EVERYTHING. Isn't it? . . . I want to remember this every moment of the rest of my life: "be there." You know? xoxo. January 4, 2013 6:01 pm
natalie:
Shari, You always have a way of making people feel so loved. I'm so thankful you are in my life. January 4, 2013 6:02 pm
natalie:
Christine, THANK YOU. Merry Christmas (belated) to you too. All my love! January 4, 2013 6:02 pm
natalie:
Janet, Yes, such is hope. You know, once, when I was in college, I became very interested in the word "hope"—the depth of it's meaning (including origin etc). In the end, I found that the most accurate definition was "to expect with confidence." How's that for beautiful? January 4, 2013 6:04 pm
natalie:
Kelly, It was such a sacred experience to be there. . . it's an interesting "correlation" between Felix's birth and moving forward from Sandy Hook. . . but every time I thought about it, it was the ONLY way I could help myself know how to move forward. . . we're all desperate to DO something. . . anything. I really believe the most profound thing we can do is "be there." I really and truly do. . . January 4, 2013 6:05 pm
Jamie:
Natalie, I found your blog because so many friends had been tagging #gisforgavin on instagram and so I was curious. I read a little bit about the background of your blog and suddenly, I feel very... ungrateful. I lost my sister in 2010 to an asthma attack, while I was pregnant with my first child, my daughter, Claire. I absolutely cannot imagine losing my sister AND my baby, all within a relatively short amount of time. I find that I still find it difficult to even live my life normally because I miss her so much. I am actually afraid to have any more children because I almost lost Claire (she had amniotic fluid in her lungs and stopped breathing right when she was born). I simply don't get how people can find so much joy and beauty in the world when their heart hurts so much. I guess if you, who has been through more, can do it, then I can certainly try. Thank you for inspiring me. I guess bad things happen no matter what, and just because you have something awful happen doesn't make you immune for a while (though I tend to think that surely God wouldn't allow more heartache on top of what I already have, but that is proven untrue). You are a great example of the triumph of human spirit. Thank you. January 8, 2013 4:11 pm
natalie:
Jamie, Thank you for this heartfelt comment. I sincerely understand the feelings you are describing. I think anyone who has experienced significant loss has gone through similar mental and emotional processes. I sure have. It's hard to admit, but there have been times (more than I would like to mention) where I have felt pity for myself—all out, down right, sorry for myself. . . and you know, I've come to realize that it's OK to feel that way from time to time, and I try not to judge myself when those emotions do inevitably arise. They're only natural. The trick is not allowing yourself to get stuck there, right? (Easier said than done, I get that.) I'm so sorry about your sister. With all my heart, I'm sorry. I want you to know, that I KNOW that you will pull through this in a way that is joyous and that you can and will live a happy, full life, despite the pain. It just takes (a lot) of time and (a lot) of patience with yourself, God and the process of grief. Gratitude is good. It really does help us to heal, but we still have to walk the path of grief. . . and we can't beat ourselves up about it. Thank you again for this loving comment. It got me thinking, and I definitely learned a thing or two myself. . . Every single drop of my love to you, beautiful girl. xx, N January 22, 2013 10:51 am
Short medium hairstyles:
Beautiful and cute images of baby.Looks so handsome and adorable .I like this post so much . February 15, 2013 11:26 pm
Julee George:
I have missed you! And adventures of your beautiful family! I sincerely hope that this hiatus from social media means you are doing well and has been good for your soul. But if not, I mourn with you.
You are beautiful. The world is beautiful. God is good; all of the time! February 28, 2013 7:55 am
Rebecca H:
We miss you. Hope all is going well. Please come back home soon! March 16, 2013 3:59 pm
julie:
where did you go from here? April 23, 2013 9:47 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
Two weeks ago, I photographed the funeral of a beautiful, strong, sensational 16 year old girl. “Coincidentally,” she died 2 years after my sweet son, to the day. I arrived to the funeral early and had the opportunity to spend some time “with her” in private before the family arrived. I looked into her radiant, peaceful face, and I asked her to find my brother. To please find him and to tell him I love him and that I’m doing my best to really LIVE my life for him. I held her mother in my arms as she cried. I comforted her in a way that only a mother who’s “been there” ever could. It broke my heart wide open. SHE broke my heart wide open. I learned so much from this girl. This beautiful girl I had never met. I left the funeral that day knowing, deep in my heart, that I had been exactly where I was meant to be.
Exactly one week later, I stood helpless and watched a man die after being struck by a truck while riding his motorcycle (without a helmet). I held the man who hit him in my arms while he cried, over and over, “I don’t want to kill anybody; I don’t want to kill anybody.” I prayed with him as they covered the victim with a sheet and loaded him into the ambulance. Then I took his face in both of my hands, looked him squarely in the eyes and told him, with all the energy of my heart, “THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU DID. YOU ARE GOING TO GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE, AND YOU ARE GOING TO REMEMBER, THIS.WAS.NOT.YOUR.FAULT.” We held each other tightly as I offered one last prayer. . . and then I got in my car, and I drove away. Changed. Knowing that for whatever reason, I had been in the right place, at exactly the right time.
A day shy of a week later, I found myself here, watching Chelsea give birth to her first child. A beautiful little girl. She was born 5lbs 6oz, with dark eyes, and a beautiful head full of hair. It was awesome—in the literal sense of the word: as in, I was full of awe at the beautiful miracle God was bringing to the Earth. After Baby J was born, she experienced a bit of distress, and Chelsea wasn’t able to hold her for long before they whisked her away. At that moment, Chelsea and I locked our tear filled eyes and she thanked me, in very few words that were full of every ounce of her heart. Again, I knew, there was nowhere else on Earth for me to be in that moment but there.
I don’t share these things from a base of egotism. Quite the opposite. I am humbled by the gifts God has given me in such quick succession. Gifts that have changed my heart, completely, and reminded me that THESE are the moments that life is all about. Moments of true, significant love and contribution. Moments where we let our guards down and simply love one another as God so freely loves us. Moments where we are able to see into the Heavens and to KNOW that somehow, someway, this is all part of a greater plan.
I hope these images touch you as much as they do me.
Like I said, when Baby J was born, she was quickly taken away from her mom to be checked by the “nursery team.”
She didn’t love them. Obviously. ;)
My favorite image of the day (times a million):
Chelsea simply watched her new daughter from afar, with so much love written all over her face you could smell it in the air.
Her mom showed her cell phone pictures of Baby J, so she could see close ups of her new daughter! I love this image, so much. Look at Chelsea’s face! RIGHT?!
I did a guest post on Kitchen Corners! Candied Pecan Salad. Check it out here.
My Making Things Happen post is up: The ART of Living. Read that here.
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Email me with questions regarding Breathe using the contact form above.
Tineka:
Natalie you wrote with such beauty. Hugs to you from one mother to another. January 26, 2012 1:22 am
Lauren:
Gosh, Natalie... You have this way of conveying so much more than your intended message to me. You don't know me, but I've been a grateful follower of your radiant, beautiful, spirit-filled self, and I am so thankful for you.
You really were in the right places, however heartbreaking they may have been. You needed to be right where you were.
Thank you. Thank you for allowing yourself to be led to where you are, answering the call you needed to, and for sharing with all of us on the interwebs. January 26, 2012 1:26 am
Jaquilyn Shumate:
Beautiful. I have no doubt we have trials in our life to help others and have complete understanding. Unfortunately much of the world doesn't see it that way. I am so glad you do. Times a billion. You are an inspiration to all of us. January 26, 2012 1:29 am
Ajja:
Thank you for sharing, really, these three things you got to be involved in...so heart wrenching on so many levels. I love how you feel it all! January 26, 2012 2:08 am
Mandy K:D:
Love you Homegirl. You are powerful beyond all description:D Thanks for reminding me. January 26, 2012 2:10 am
Victoria Derrick:
Your strength as a mother, as a person I will forever admire. You just completely filled me with joy, hope, and a little side of tears! THANK YOU, NATALIE :) xx January 26, 2012 6:29 am
jarrod renaud:
Totally speechless and tear filled sitting at my computer at work. Beautiful experiences you've shared with people. January 26, 2012 8:04 am
Christa:
So powerful! These pictures convey so much, and the stories convey your heart. It amazes me how much you are around people in deep need. You are a healer of souls. I remember when we were living in your studio, and there was an ancident on Kam Hwy. You were out there holding the man's head up to keep it straight, with no thought of yourself.. You are trully inspiring us to be more....to give more. Thank you for this post., and allowing me and others to see and to feel the true love of Christ. January 26, 2012 8:05 am
stephanie vogel:
Look at your life natalie. You've touched so many that you have met and others that you run into even at the worst circumstances. What you told that man is probably the most powerful thing he will ever hear after accidentally hitting that man. Thank God for you. Thank you for this post. Amazing. January 26, 2012 9:16 am
Abbey:
Goosebumps
Every. Single. Word. January 26, 2012 9:48 am
davina:
You are such a powerful, spirit filled person, Natalie. I'm inspired by the way you live not just from this post but in so many others as well. You are beautiful in ways that I hope to be. Thank you. January 26, 2012 9:49 am
mer:
oh my word beautiful friend! could you be anymore fantastic and inspiring?! your humble spirit shines through... i am in awe. love you! January 26, 2012 11:16 am
Cyn:
So beautiful. You are such a strong, kind and compassionate person who has an invaluable gift. Thanks for sharing and being you. Hope to meet you one day. January 26, 2012 11:33 am
Emily Ley:
You are remarkable. God is so good. January 26, 2012 12:57 pm
Aileen:
I read your post this morning, and it's come back to me throughout my day. Your life is beautiful Nat, and you bring that beauty to shine wherever you go. xo January 26, 2012 1:55 pm
Emily:
Wow. How huge all of this is, how remarkable that your life leads you where it does.
That man was so lucky to have you at that moment.
You are clearly here for lessons, to help us KNOW, that whatever we believe in really is out there, working in the ways It/He is supposed to.
A wonder. January 26, 2012 2:09 pm
Jamie:
Love...oh how he blesses us with LOVE. You have capture and painted each circumstance with beauty, grace and love. January 26, 2012 2:34 pm
StephanyCJ:
Your posts are always SO uplifting.
Thank you very much for sharing such special moments from your life. January 26, 2012 2:38 pm
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
Your words make me think of a truth that has been more and more apparent to me as the last few months have transpired--that when you are trying to fulfill your INDIVIDUAL purpose, doing what it is only YOU alone can do, amazing things happen. You end up being in the "right place" at the "right time".....the birth photos are absolutely breathtaking and completely transformative. I love them. I love you! I love seeing you pursue your unique purpose. January 26, 2012 2:57 pm
Emily:
RBD knows what's UP. January 26, 2012 6:47 pm
Lara:
Oh Nat I love you. What blessings you've been able to give and receive in the last days! I. Love. Your. Heart!!!! January 26, 2012 7:41 pm
Shelly:
Nat, these are the most beautiful photos of a birth I've ever seen. LOVE the expressions you captured. And the one of her mom! Really, really beautiful. January 26, 2012 9:20 pm
Kristen Tuifua:
So beautiful Nat. And that's a complete understatement. Thank you for sharing. xoxo January 26, 2012 9:47 pm
Damaris:
To me the beauty of it all is not the moments you were in but the life that you live, the choices that you make, that allows for these moments to happen. You could of said "no" a million times, but because you are willing to say "yes" you consequently bless so many. As always thanks for inspiring us. Also, have fun in the D.R a vacation is always nice. January 27, 2012 4:07 am
ashmae:
I keep going over these three events in my head. I'm so glad you were there for all three, for you and for the other people. Thanks for being courageous and finding the good. January 27, 2012 10:48 am
Andrea Harper:
I cannot tell you how much I love your blog. It is always EXACTLY what I need. So thank you :) January 27, 2012 5:34 pm
crystal winger:
You are SUCH an inspiration, you really are changing lives. I am so touched by this post. The song "temporary home" by Martina Mcbride I believe? Comes to my mind. Great post! January 27, 2012 6:56 pm
Liz Shelts:
AMAZING IMAGES !!! love the one of the baby looking wide-eyes @ the world! One of the best photos ive ever seen!!!! LOVE your photos...cant wait to order mine, still deciding because they are all so good :) January 28, 2012 8:24 pm
Oriana:
WOW......just wow. I am completely blown away. January 28, 2012 9:00 pm
natalie:
@shelly, Thank you! January 29, 2012 5:48 am
countesskaz:
You are so talented and your blog feeds my soul everytime I read it. The photos made me tearful at all the emotion leaping out from them. Thank you. February 4, 2012 5:43 am
April:
Oh how I love birth pictures!!!! February 8, 2012 8:03 pm