Come away with me to Blackberry Farm

Welcome to Blackberry Farm and the incredible lifestyle of the amazingly, fabulously talented Kimberly Taylor! It was my distinct honor and privilege to spend two glorious days photographing Kim's life on her beautiful farm. As you can see I'm using tons of flowery adjectives to describe my time on Kim's lovely piece of land. I deeply admire Miss Kimberly! When you spend that much time in someone's home you get to see their true character. Kim is a lovely lady. I feel incredibly blessed to be allowed into her life. She has so many gifts! A true talent! She really should be one of the "big boys" because she blows Martha Stewart out of the water! Kim is the real deal and probably one of the hardest working women I know! She also raises four sweet boys. I'm sure they would hate to be called sweet but that is what they are! They are friendly and jovial and are quick to include me in conversations. I've really enjoyed meeting them! She and her husband are also an amazing example of generosity. Kim has no idea how she is an example to me! I want to be more like her and her husband! Generosity is so impressive to me because I don't think we see it often anymore and so it's something that really stands out about the Taylors. I've also spent time walking markets in the past with her lovely mother and it's such a joy to be so close with someone that inspires me so greatly.

Kim loves the french lifestyle and it's contagious! She diligently works to bring that quality of life into her home. When you visit her lovely farm you feel as though you could sit at the kitchen table for hours enjoying all of the wonderful foods that she has prepared. And let me tell you, I know that she has poured love into those meals and that's how she is showing you that you're important to her! I could spend hours upon hours sitting at her dining table or at the kitchen counter. Kim's gift of hospitality is unparalleled. I hope the beauty of her life and the generosity she displays in hospitality shines through in these photos.

When I went to Costco the other day to pick up these photos for my final assignment my eyes got teary! I could NOT believe I took these photos! Next Tuesday is my last day of class and I've finished one year of photography schooling. What a DREAM COME TRUE!! It was only three years ago when I was so lost and without direction. I remember trying art classes, taking a part time job, etc. looking for something to be passionate about. I was a mediocre cook at best and didn't have the slightest clue what ISO or aperture was. You might as well have been speaking french to me. I was reading lots of blogs back then and kept finding myself captivated by food blogs. I began experimenting in the kitchen, trying leeks, roasting my first chicken, steaming bok choy. I tried everything. Before long I found myself beginning to make pretty food and I would try to capture it with photography. My photos were so-so at best and it led me down the road to photography school. Taking photos is a JOY for me! I've never thought of myself as an artistic person. I used to joke that my brother and sister were the artists and that I was quite capable of balancing your checkbook or helping you set up a budget. While those are good things I would feel a little sad inside because I wanted a way to express my creativity as well. Cooking and photography have become my artistic expression. I can't believe I'm living such an amazing dream! It's been quite a journey. If you're at that place where I was 3 years ago and you feel broken or lost please remember that God has infinite creativity at his disposal and he's placed special and unique gifts inside of you and he's busting at the seems to see those wonderful things begin to come pouring out of you! If you find yourself in that lost place DON'T GIVE UP! This is only the beginning! The best is yet to come and God will use everything you've learned to bring those special things he's placed inside of you to a deeper level.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." Elizabeth Kubler Ros

To Kimberly, my friend.

Thank you!!! You helped make a dream come true for me! Being at your farm is like taking a vacation. I admire you, adore you. You are one class act!! I'm proud and privileged to call you friend.

To discover more about Kimberly and her lovely farm click here.