In summer, the song sings itself. ~William Carlos Williams

Ahh, June...

Who doesn’t have fond memories of the month of June? Everyone who has ever been a child recalls the feeling that settles in your heart when school’s dismissed, and the summer stretches out, seemingly endless and with possibilities galore.

I was raised in a small farming community in Utah, and summer was a glorious, magical time. In addition to the usual joys kids had in the summer, my childhood summers gave me opportunities to learn some entrepreneurial skills.

A favorite summer memory is of climbing trees at 5:00AM to pick cherries. I loved starting the day high up in the sky as the sun rose and birds greeted the day. As I worked away alongside my siblings and cousins, I tallied up the money I’d make. At 10 cents a pound, at the end of the day I’d have a few dollars. Some would go to pay admission to the public pool and enjoy an ice cream cone, and the rest I saved.

Financial freedom came early, and the lessons I learned have stayed with me. So, in addition to the fun of summer, I also learned to embrace the opportunities that summer offered.

These days, between moments of making memories with my four children, long June days give me the opportunity to join my clients outside to capture beautiful portraits of sun-kissed children and happy families. I’m blessed to love what I do and provide my clients with portraits they’ll cherish forever.

This June, step outside and enjoy the sweet days of summer. Roast some marshmallows, fly a kite, catch fireflies, and just enjoy time spent with loved ones. That’s what I’ll be doing.