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.
I’m instituting a HUGE overhaul to the current model.
This isn’t a sales technique. This is simply the RIGHT thing to do. I want MORE people to be able to access this material, I want MORE people to have the opportunity to experience the life changing effects of coming to this workshop and putting in the work it requires.
The impact of this content should be felt deep and wide, and THIS is the way to do it.
Let me explain:
As much as I WISH I could accommodate each and every one of you, it’s logistically impossible.
Seats will go FAST at this price.
rachaelmarie:
natalie...you look so beautiful! i need to find a way to gather the funds, but if i can do that + figure out who will care for my kids I will be there. i am so excited for you! January 23, 2012 12:28 pm
shannon kelley:
Ah! I SOOOOO wish I could come! Guess I will have to wait for the Haiti version:) You are awesome and this is sure to be amazing! xoxo! January 23, 2012 2:40 pm
natalie:
Rachelmarie, OH! Please do! I would LOVE to have you there!!! Love, love, love! January 23, 2012 4:03 pm
natalie:
Shannon!!! Oh! You're killing me! I'd die to have you there! Why do you have to be off, like following your dreams and stuff?? ;) xoxoxo! January 23, 2012 4:04 pm
Shari Hanson:
have a husband as an accountant kind of sucks as a photographer because HIS busy season is MY slow season..and when I say busy, I mean 7 days a week from JAN-APR - practically single parent. i wish wish wish wish WISH i could come. not only because $300 is more in my budget, but because i could really, REALLY use this... if you have a minute, read my most recent blog post http://shortbutsweetlife.blogspot.com and i have a 4 month old nursing baby. hmmm. my mind is reeling! i want to make it happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i only live 4 hrs from vegas for pete's sake! ok. i'll stop babbling now. xoxo from HB January 23, 2012 9:36 pm
rachel thurston:
I would be there in a heart beat. I need this! BUT I can't come on the 18th!!! It is my daughters 1yr birthday that day!!!! Do two!! Or another one when I can come. You are awesome (and gorgeous in your video!). January 23, 2012 9:56 pm
Krista:
Oh Natalie you are gorgeous and amazing as always! I would ADORE to come. I really can't stress that enough but I have to hope there will be one this summer or one in England or one in three years when we come home. I know it will rock! Hoping for a miracle so I could come :) January 24, 2012 1:29 am
Shelly:
I love this video! Awesome! AND I wish I could be there! Sounds incredible. January 24, 2012 7:26 am
Jennifer Buenviaje:
Thank you for sharing! I wish I could attend...but I'm due to give birth to our first baby boy on 2/12/12!!! Please keep us posted on further intensives and best of luck. January 24, 2012 10:26 am
Angi:
I am sooooo excited to say that I will be there! January 24, 2012 4:35 pm
natalie:
Rachel! I'm so bummed! I'd LOVE to have you! January 25, 2012 10:44 am
natalie:
Krista! I would love to have you! January 25, 2012 10:45 am
natalie:
Um, Shelly, COME! January 25, 2012 10:45 am
natalie:
Jennifer! A million congratulations!!!!! January 25, 2012 10:46 am
natalie:
Angi, yay!!!!!!! January 25, 2012 10:46 am
Kim:
Sent you an e-mail with a few questions! Really hope I can make this work & that this is the right opportunity! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
All the same, I simply find you inspirational. January 25, 2012 11:13 am
Emily:
I echo Kim. This is what my world needs. Let's do this, yeah? January 25, 2012 7:17 pm
Natalie:
Kim, I'll get back to your email first thing tomorrow morning! xoxo! Hope to see you in Vegas! January 25, 2012 10:58 pm
Natalie:
EMILY! I would DIE if you came. I'm so eager to meet you face to face! January 25, 2012 10:59 pm
Emily:
Aaaand...booked. My heart is racing. January 27, 2012 11:03 am
Denise:
This sounds amazing! Will you ever be doing one in SLC? Pretty please, with sugar on top? January 27, 2012 6:38 pm
Oriana:
What can i say? Always be positive. Always believe. Love is the strongest thing in the universe/everything. Think on what you want not what you don't want. Create. Never give up. Stop seeing just one or your own perspective/point of view. Inner peace.....and........BE HAPPY!!!!!!!! :D Hahaha! January 28, 2012 9:13 pm
natalie:
@oriana, "be happy"- I totally concur. XO! January 29, 2012 5:46 am
natalie:
@Denise, I'm not sure. The future of the intensive is somewhat uncertain. HOWEVER the best place to find updates on future intensives is the blog!! I love SLC and am always looking for an excuse to visit, so we shall see! XO! January 29, 2012 5:48 am
Let the Kid Dress Themselves - Natalie Norton | Let the Kids Dress Themselves:
[...] the good info!! Natalie is SO GENEROUSLY giving one of our readers a seat to her SOLD OUT – ALL NEW Breathe Intensive in Las Vegas on February, 18th!!! How amazing is that?!! This is the last possible way to get [...] January 31, 2012 1:23 am
Breathe is coming to Vegas, and just in time for WPPI!
What is Breathe?
Breathe is an intensive designed to empower wives and/or moms with the tools they need to achieve success in business while also achieving balance, order, harmony, and success on the home front. 2012 is your year to achieve your professional goals without sacrificing your personal and family values!
After 2 sold out pilot workshops in 2011, I’ve modified the format and lengthened the time slot by 2 full hours! I can’t wait to launch the new and improved workshop format in Las Vegas on February 18th!
In order to provide the best experience possible for all participants, the Las Vegas intensive size will be limited to 15.
Do I have to be a photographer to attend Breathe?
Absolutely not. None of the material covered in the workshop is industry specific.
Additional questions?
Email questions to aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com, however with Christmas right around the corner, don’t expect an immediate response.
To Register:
Reserve your space by registering for The Breathe Intensive here. Both 2011 intensives sold out quickly; seats will go fast. Register today to reserve your space! See you in Vegas!
Shari Hanson:
i'm confused why the link for sample profiles goes to wppi? December 14, 2011 11:59 pm
natalie:
@Shari, Oops. Ha! Fixed the link. Thanks for letting me know! December 15, 2011 12:06 am
Millie:
If you are on the edge about signing up, just do it! Breathe is such an amazing experience that leaves you refreshed and excited about life. It gave me the push and the tools to make things happen in my life. Not only that, it has given the biggest support group that I can call upon anytime when I have a question or need uplift meant. Breathe is open, Breathe is honest, and if you allow it to be, Breathe can completely change your life. December 15, 2011 9:15 am
Jenny Solar:
I LOVED attending Breathe this past February in Vegas. I am SO excited to be attending again this year! It was just the kick in the butt that I needed to get back in gear and put my family first. I learned so many things that helped me get more organized in my business, which ultimately leads to more time with my family. I love Natalie's passion for life and family and am super thrilled to get re-energized and re-organized! December 15, 2011 2:45 pm
natalie:
@Millie, I love you, Lady. xoxoxo! December 15, 2011 9:47 pm
natalie:
@Jenny, You are amazing. Can't wait to see you soon! Love you! xoxo! December 15, 2011 9:47 pm
mer:
breathe is a life changing experience. to be surrounded by a group of women that love their families and crave a genuine experience so fiercely is inspiring... and now i am thankful to call them friends! natalie's spirit shines during your time with her... do something amazing for yourself and sign up! December 15, 2011 10:27 pm
QUICK wrap up and then back to our regularly scheduled programming, scout’s honor.
Above: Instax: Crew + me: @ the airport. As per every other second of our lives.
I know.
I’m sorry that this blog was completely hijacked by my sudden genealogical mid life crisis (of sorts). We’ve all been completely and totally saturated by The Generation’s Project, but I’m happy (and very sad) to report that the journey has officially come to a close. . . though truth be told, in my actual life and heart, it’s only just begun.
To say, AGAIN, that my involvement in this project has changed my life sounds ridiculously trite in contrast to the true feelings of my soul.
I will never be the same.
Above: Instax: The last scene of the episode was filmed here in Phoenix.
It was SO refreshing to have my family involved.
Missed them like crazy.
What I learned, in CliffNotes form:
1. We are closer to those who have gone before us than we might think. They care about us and are very much invested in the types of lives we lead. (I KNOW how absurd that must sound, but this experience has shown me that it is, in fact, truth.)
2. We should live each day in grateful tribute to those who have gone before. . . family yes, but also, leaders, innovators, heroes of all shapes and sizes, even the lost, lonely and forgotten. . . and on and on and on. We have been given MUCH; we have MUCH to be grateful for.
3. A grateful heart, is a happy heart. A grateful heart is NEVER a victim of circumstance and can withstand even the cruelest occurrences in life with courage and even joy.
4. Being anxiously engaged in the service of others, carries with it a deep sense of satisfaction (and hope) that cannot be found in any other way.
5. It is important that we keep a history, that our children, and their children, and on and on and on, might learn from our challenges and mistakes and rejoice in our successes. We must write, that they might know that the same courage and will to prevail that lives within us, is inherent also to them. We must record that they might know that they are LOVED, and even before they are consciously known, they matter.
Above: Instagram (NatalieNorton)
En route to the airport: final flight.
Officially bidding this journey a very fond aloooooha!
My commitment moving forward. Again, very much abridged:
1. I will thank God for my blessings every, single day.
2. I will LOVE and CHERISH my living children. . . in honor of Almira. . . who could not do so for her own.
3. I will continue the legacy of service left by brave and beautiful Lucy. I will not wallow in grief or hide behind self pity and doubt; I will step forward and lose myself in doing good, every day, and always.
4. I will continue to write, that my children (and theirs) might know me, completely–that they might know my deep, abiding love for them and for that God who gives us life. I will write the TRUTH, as I see it, from the bottom of my soul.
5. I will seek God more completely. I will strive to know him more intimately, through sincere prayer, openly expressed gratitude, and daily study of his inspired word.
My sincere gratitude (and so much love you can taste it) to those who made this episode possible: Racquel, Kohl, Marcia, Jack, Katiene, my soul sister, Chantelle, and allllll the folks at Mirror Lake!
Aloooooha, N
Now, as promised. . . and you’re welcome, in advance:
Bridget:
I'm so excited for you that you are doing this project. I first heard about it a few weeks ago and have watched a couple of the episodes. Seeing that you are personally involved is exciting to me. Makes me want to do it, too. November 13, 2011 8:57 pm
Shelly:
I cannot WAIT to hear each and every detail. November 14, 2011 4:46 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
That video is GENIUS! Hhahahhaha....oh, man. That makes me smile hugely. What a good start to my day. November 14, 2011 6:22 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
Also--very excited about everything else you wrote. November 14, 2011 6:22 am
Natalie:
@Rachel, I honestly have watched it like 300 times, and every time, I've laughed until i cried. Ha ha ha! November 14, 2011 7:24 am
Shari Hanson:
the best part is that you fell down out of the view of the camera, and then it ends! so we are left wondering "is she OK?" but laughing all at the same time! AWESOMENESS! thank you for sharing! xoxo from HB November 14, 2011 8:52 am
rachel B:
What a crazy life you live! who is that monkey in the tree?!!! I love to drop. definitely nice! I love all the instax pictures. Oh I bet the boys missed you like crazy. I know I am right now. I can't wait to hear MORE details. November 14, 2011 9:48 am
Mackenzie:
I don't know you and probably will never get the chance to, but I just wanted to let you know I truly love your blog. Your honesty and your reality. You are true and open. I have never cried reading a story on a blog until I read about your sweet baby Gavin.
I just wanted to say I appreciate your work and thank you.
Oh, and you are gorgeous my dear. Just gorgeous! November 14, 2011 12:23 pm
Jodie:
I can't open the video. I was able to view the last one, but there is just blank space where this one is supposed to be. (iPad). :( November 15, 2011 5:17 am
Amie W:
You crack me so, totally, UP with that video!!! And I needed some cracking UP today!
Thank you for sharing your lessons learned. Your commitments are something that we can all be blessed by as we follow your lead. Thank you for having the courage to lead. Miracles happen to (and because of) hearts that are broken wide open. I love your open heart Natalie. November 15, 2011 1:41 pm
Kristen:
Nice, Nat! You're hilarious! This looks like it has been ajust amazing experience! So fun to see your beautiful family. Much Aloha! November 15, 2011 10:10 pm
Raquel Marvez:
I will never forget it! Thanks for helping us to get the perfect shot xoxox :) December 6, 2011 9:09 am
Natalie Norton, some inspiration… | the shards:
[...] I became absorbed in Natalie Norton, a wonderful photographer whose blog I’d found over a year ago, although I don’t recall [...] December 6, 2011 10:47 am
Natalie Norton, a bit of inspiration… |:
[...] I became absorbed in Natalie Norton, a wonderful photographer whose blog I’d found over a year ago, although I don’t recall [...] December 6, 2011 10:57 am
Chantelle:
I am so sad I missed the last scene today. Natalie, you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It's been an amazing journey for all of us and I'm grateful I was able to be a part of it. November 10, 2011 8:19 pm
Shelly:
Yes, Yes, YES!!! Seems to me that someone I know told you this would be lifechanging....:) :) :) I'm so THRILLED you're taking this journey, not only for yourself, but for your family and generations to come. November 11, 2011 3:56 am
Erin:
Wow, I feel the same, and sometimes I am really embarrassed because for so many people in our age category family history isn't even on their radar. I am excited to see the final product! November 11, 2011 4:11 am
Shari Hanson:
YAYYYYYYYYYY I am so excited for you and thrilled that you are able to experience this. Honestly I am quite a bit jealous too...in a friendly way! So...maybe you could say that your journey is nudging me to learn more about my ancestors so I can experience things like that too... So happy for you and can't wait to hear more of the details! xoxo from HB November 11, 2011 5:57 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault:
YOU live a life that is a tribute to God, even with the losses you've sustained. I'm so happy for you to be discovering these amazing things! November 14, 2011 6:15 am
Barbara Bair:
Natalie, I just watched your episode on The Generations Project. We are related! My great great great Grandparents are Elias and Elmira. In fact my great great Grandpa is George Washington Adams (whom I saw was your ancestor too!) I live less than 1/2 mile from where Elias settled in Layton UT. In fact, the first house that George Washington Adams and his wife built is still standing! Thanks for sharing your story. It is good to know about our ancestors and what they went through. By the way - Steve Young (yes the quarterback)is also a descendent of George Washington Adams. We have great ancestors that I truly believe are watching over us and are our guardian angels! September 19, 2012 3:58 pm
natalie:
Barbara, Hi cousin! Fun, fun, fun! And I agree, I really do believe that they are involved in our lives. It's a beautiful thing to know. With love, Natalie September 20, 2012 10:34 am
Note: I left Quincy, IL today and arrived here in Logan, UT. I’ve completed my research on one particular line of my pedigree chart, and I’m now moving on to research another ancestor here in Logan. One word. . . er sound. . . Brrrrrrrrrr. Details to come. Stay tuned.
Today. . .
I’m simply not ready to talk about it. I’m too fearful that anything I might say could dilute the overwhelming significance of the experience. Until I’m ready to elaborate, I will leave you with this:
Today, for the first time in my life, I undoubtedly felt what The Bible refers to as “the spirit of Elisha.” There are no words to describe the significance of this day in the overall story that is my life here on Earth.
“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6
This power is real, it is important, and feeling it. . . is an honor (and a joy) I cannot yet find words to describe.
I left a part of my heart in Quincy, IL today . . . or perhaps I simply brought a piece of Quincy along with me . . . or maybe. . . it’s just a little bit of both. . .
Any way you slice it, I will never be the same.
Above family headstone reads: “Asleep in Jesus’ peaceful rest.”
RAchel B:
What an experience! I can't wait to hear ALL the details. I can't imagine what you are feeling and the experiences you are going through. What an opportunity.
Love the headstone, its beautiful. November 9, 2011 9:44 pm
Shari Hanson:
sooo happy for you! so exciting to hear what you're experiencing...thanks for sharing! xoxo November 10, 2011 4:43 am
lindsey briggs:
Thank you for sharing glimpses of this journey with us. You've always shared your heart honestly with us, and I admire that bravery. November 10, 2011 7:25 am