Hey there!I'm Melissa. A few random things about me...
-I was born in Idaho, but moved to Las Vegas when I was 15. I lived in Utah and Germany for three years in the middle but have lived in Las Vegas for the majority of last 35 years.
-I love potatoes. See above.
-I start my morning with a Rock Star and meditation...what can I say? It works for me.
-I have raised three kids ranging from 22 to 28. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. And I recently became a grandma. It's just as great as being a mom, just different in an amazing way.
-I'm awkward. I try not to be, but it doesn't help.
-I LOVE people and I love making pretty pictures. It makes this business perfect for me.
A little story about how I chose what I do-I don't normally wear cartoon t-shirts. Really. I just thought it was fitting because Kermit the Frog inspired me to do what I do...he inspired the direction I wanted to take my photography.
When my kids were little they had a book of songs by the Muppets. It had a cute keyboard attached to it so we could play and sing along. My favorite song in the book was called "Bein' Green" by Kermit, of course.
In the beginning of the song he is melancholy, wondering why he has to be green, because green is boring and no one notices him. He thinks how much better it would be if he were different and sparkly like water or stars, or even how much nicer it would be if he were just a different color. He works through things and decides that it might actually be ok being green, because green has its own important qualities. It can be big, important and tall, like trees. He realizes he is made the way he is for a reason, so why wonder why? He eventually comes to the conclusion that green is beautiful and exactly what he wants to be.
I think his struggle is something most of us can relate to. I've never been green, but I have struggled with insecurities, and I have often been guilty of comparing myself to others. It took me a very long time to get to the point where I could really embrace my own self and appreciate the differences...to really love them. I'm not going to lie, I still struggle at times, but when I do I stop and take a look around and really see the beauty in everyone around me. Everyone has it, and it reminds me we are all different for a reason.
So my advice to you (because I know that's why you came here, lol) is to be like Kermit and love who you are. You are awesome. You are beautiful. And you should really let me photograph you and show you how true it is.
And whatever you do, do not go to YouTube and listen to the song...it will be permanently stuck in your head. Ok, do it...just don't say I didn't warn you!
