Mee Inspiration

Here's to the Brave Ones. You. Who surrender to your Passions, Your Intuition and your Heart Longings. // youhadmeeathello.com

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"The Bear is the keeper of the dreamtime, and stores the teachings of dreams until the dreamer wakes up to them. " -from an old legend (as in map) I went to the mountains this week, myself, to do a bunch of photoshoots with a human touch in the natural elements. And I CANNOT WAIT to show you some of the images from Mee journey, stay tuned! Together, we saw not one, not two, but FIVE bears, all in different locations. No bears with cubs, all different. We were like WHOA! What does this mean? Then we were reading about the bear constellation in the sky, and how it's connected with the North Star (wild because that's my thang!) And then outside our hotel they were having a watch the stars night, where they had these giant lenses you could look through and see the stars. We saw the volcano craters (that's what the star guys said) on the moon in such crazy detail, it was so close I felt like I could touch it. And then we saw Jupiter and 4 of its moons. I had no idea that Jupiter has over 60 moons! We got to see 4, and they looked like diamonds glittering around it. Felt like the wholeness of the trip was magical and it felt so amazing to get away. I'm sitting with my journal taking notes. And I'm so glad I got away for some quiet refresh time. #gowander #hikingboots #travelalberta

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"Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs; The future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so." - #lifehack When I was at the gym this morning there was this sign on the wall that said something about being a success and be coming transformational. Those two words just stuck out to Mee "Success," and "Transformational." They weren't "you are stuck," or "transition," but something your actions are moving you towards. @johnmarkearle and I have a saying, "every little thing helps. Every little thing makes huge impact." You don't eat an elephant all at once-it's one bite at a time. (Who came up with that saying? I'm not sure I want to eat an elephant just saying.. 😀🙌🏻) Your checklist, no matter how small the things are on the list, they make a difference if they are heading you in the direction you want to go in. #celebratethewins #youcandothis #girllboss

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"Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don't see it in yourself." I was listening to a scope last week by Danielle Kinney, author of Harmony Binders. She was talking about sisters, not blood related, but spirit and soul connected sistership. After hearing her talk about the power of sisterhood, I wanted to give her a standing ovation, instead pounded my thumbs against the screen as fast as I could to give hearts, as was everyone else who was watching too. Sisterhood is a valuable, heart building, strength giving resource. You are the five people you surround yourself with, so choose well. Do you have sisters online or in person that you feel warm your heart? #sisterhood #sisters #sisterfromanothermister #treeline #journeytosuccess

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She was sitting on the side of her driveway with a baby on her lap, bouncing him up and down, while talking to another little boy who was facing her. I was driving by and I looked at her and my eyes were instantly glued. It wasn't because she was beautiful, that I couldn't stop looking, nor because they all seemed to be wearing the exact same outfit, shirt, hat, shoes and all. Which made Mee smile, but no that wasn't it. As I drove by, I noticed her lips were shimmering like she had put in this gorgeous lip stick and gloss. But what really stuck out above all else, was her infectious smile. It seemed like whatever she was talking about with both boys, she loved, and loved it with all her heart. I was hooked, I wished I could hear what she was saying and went to lean out my window till it dawned on Mee that I was still driving. Yes. All that happened in a millisecond. It only takes a millisecond for someone to tell if you are passionate about what you do. She was in her element, and something they were talking about had lit her right up. I wanted to know more, I wanted to hear, I wanted to be involved. I wanted to know her. Your happy place, that's where you create. But take that happy and let it shine all around you the rest of your day too. You never know who might be driving by...😀👌🏻😂 #thehappynow #cookingwithlove #cookinginthekitchen #apron #yoursmile

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With Summer right around the corner, somehow my life always seems to speed right up, like a VHR tape on the fastest fast forward that it can handle. They say that a habit starts by doing something once a day for 21 days, and if that’s so, then right now is the perfect time to start a new habbit before summer gets here. The habit of stopping to smell the roses. Stoping to enjoy, celebrating the wins, contemplateing the not so wins, sitting with friends in the cool of the evening, playing with your little kids in the sprinkler. So for Mee, it’s going to be about stopping to smell the peonies, as in- to enjoy and celebrate the little moments that are blooming in Mee life. A few months ago, John Mark told Mee about this really small thing he did that made him feel giganticly good. He had this small goal, and when he reached it, instead of moving along, going to the next step or checking off his list, he stopped. And then celebrated. When I heard this, I was like, “WHA!” I want to try this too. So I did. Every time I had a small thing checked off my list, I would stop. Dance party. Wave my hands in the air. Smell the Peonies. I can’t believe how good it felt to actually stop and celebrate the wins. It’s something that seems so small, but it’s taken Mee this long of my entire life to realize how great it makes Mee feel. So I do. This month my habit is to do this, but more. Whenever I stop and celebrate, I get really really happy. It’s like I acknowledge that there was effort, energy and work that went into that. I acknowledge that I worked hard. So now that I worked hard, it’s time to ballance that out and play hard. Celebrating is part of the work too. #celebrateeveryday #peonies #kindredheartcinema

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They say it takes 21 days to start a new habit. When summer gets here, things can get pretty hectic and before you know summer is gone. If there was one habit you could start today to help you enjoy the season, what would it be? Tell Mee in the comments below what you would like to start, or do, and I'll tell you mine in the next post! #summervibes #sunlightlover #photostyling

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Confidence. What is it? And how do we grow more? I've been having this conversation about confidence for many years now. It's one of those topics that never really ends, because you could always use more confidence. Not ego, but soul stirring, heart lifting gratitude for yourself and the others around you. The word confidence means: "Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-confidence is having confidence in one's self." -Wikipedia It's almost like confidence sounds like you could put your confidence in the wrong place and have it crushed. But we are talking about how to build self-confidence first. One thing I've noticed about confidence is that it's catchy. You see someone else have it, and immediately your spirits are lifted and you feel stronger, and not as emotionally week, but strength, faith and power all of a sudden became easy to obtain and hold on to. If people really do make a difference for our own confidence - then we should be surrounding ourselves with the ones that build this unique skill in us. They say that you are like the 5 people you hang around. So maybe that's where we start, cleaning up our friend pile, to usher in some fresh perspective. I feel like this is one of my Superpowers. When women are around Mee, I hear this a lot. "You gave Mee confidence," "I feel like I could accomplish any dream I have, Mee!" That one I do believe in. I feel like anyone who has a dream can achieve it, and I speak very openly about this with anyone I meet. In fact, I'll probably ask you. So that's one of the reasons I bring up confidence. Because with this tool, we have the strength to go on this journey towards our dreams. Better get some quick. What is confidence and how do we grow it? #sheasksquestions #pursuedreams #girlboss #BeYOUtifulGirl

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"Show your self-care, or way to make your space more soothing." - this was the challenge set out by #kindredheartcinema this week. The one thought that wouldn't leave Mee alone was something @christinagreve said in our #slowliving #photostyling class. 1st thing is 1st, declutter and clean up your office and working space. For when you do, you'll feel more inspired and want to come back to this space you have created. So I did. I envisioned a white top desk, but I loved how sturdy and how perfect the desk I had already in my space was. What held Mee back for a really long time: I wanted a bigger office space. But then I thought about how perfect my nook was-it's in our basement living room so my kids can be with Mee if I need them to be. Perfect set up for our lifestyle right now. So time to embrace it. So my husband and my son refinished the top of my desk with a white Alborite glossy finish. I added a shelf to the corner wall for the printer to have a home, so I could have more space on the desk. I already feel so much more creative-wow. It's amazing how a "spring clean - space face lift" can work magic on you. If you have a work space, it doesn't take much. Cleaning it and using your imagination will do you wonders. #girlbossoffice #springcleanup #herfuture

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Saturday's are one of the best days of the week. For some reason, I feel free to try new things. I heard a podcast recently where the hosts were talking about the lack of creative Instagram photos what to do about it. They were saying how lots of people are not "getting out and experiencing new things, new sensations, letting your senses try lots of different things. As a result so many people are posting photos of what they've already seen. They were talking about how real inspiration comes from getting outside of your industry and be inspired by lots and lots of other things, and pulling the pieces from all that inspiration together to create something unique. I like the idea of that - to get yourself out of your normal routine walls, and play, experiment, try new things. I feel like Saturday is the perfect day for Mee to give myself permission to do this. Then it becomes like a bucket, a place that I create from and work from all week. I don't know about you, but if I've had a day or several hours to experiment and experience fun things, I am then more productive, I feel satiated, I take less time to mess around and I actually use my time management more wisely. Here in Alberta, the winters are really harsh, and when spring comes, everyone starts to get out and "live outside" One of Mee fav things to do is go to farmers markets. Oh the sights, the smells, the exciting buzz in the air. Even if I leave with fresh spinach I am happy, but I seem to find all these little hidden gems and treasures. I've met some of the most interesting and passionate people - and the stories! Wow, I have heard some amazing ones over the years at Farmers Markets. I also love garage sales/estate sale and flee markets. I feel like I am right in the pages of House and Home Magazine when I find a treasure to upcycle. Luxurious Lattes + Sticky cinnamon buns are a must on Saturdays too (even though these days I need to find dairy free and gluten free it's still doable) It's about the leisure. The "taking your time to sip every moment in" and take the color with you the whole rest of the week. #girlboss #coffeeculture #takingitallin

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Days like today, I just want to follow the yellow brick road and jump for joy because spring has sprung. Thanks to @moniqueethomas I get to show what I feel like #daysliketoday #kindredheartcinema #photographerlives

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I just received these words in Mee inbox from a customer I had taken photos for her website. "Wowzers. Thank you from the tips of my toes!!!! over and over again, I love them! I have selected my favorites. Cannot believe it, I have to catch my breath, wait....OK my eyes have teared up! Don't worry, I am fine. OK back to center..... I just love what you did to me – a photo makeover!!!" Doesn't that just warm you to the heart? I love hearing about things like this!!! #testimonies #goodwordsforlife #girlboss #yougogirlfriend

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Do what you love and love what you do! These are all photos that tell little glimpses of the stories and projects I have been working on lately. Because I work with so many businesses, editors and publishers too, I can't always share what I have been creating and photographing because they haven't been published yet. And I have been dying to share some of the projects with you! All in good time! I'm apart of a video challenge group with @kindredcinema on Facebook that challenges us how to post more video. After being in that group #kindredheartcinema I had this idea to share some of the pictures I can quickly share in video form! If you want to know more about using video in your marketing I would suggest joining us! The other reason I'm so excited to be posting this is because it's #mondaymotivation and I know that not every Monday is fired up, but when I surround myself with inspiration, community like you guys and #thegramgang and work that I have accomplished and feel proud that I was apart of those projects to create something- it makes Monday's so much happier and brighter! What do you do to get Monday's be bright for you?

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Creativity and Inspiration don't always hit Mee like lightening, even though it is one of Mee biggest values. Sometimes I have to go in search of it. And carve out time and space dedicated to it. Free of distractions, available surface, with music or clean silence, and time to devote to the project at hand. The other part of creativity for Mee I've noticed is that it's really easy to get sucked into projects or expectations I think other people want Mee to do. So when I realized that the projects that are important to Mee are important enough to work on, and that Mee lists, Mee to-dos are just as must a priority as anything else is, if not more, that's when everything changes for the better. #createspace to be #creative your future self and current one, will both thank you. #sundayfunday #EasyLikeSunday #TheGramGang

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Hello friends! I thought I'd introduce myself to all of my new friends on here. After seeing post like this from my friend @sweet.ish I knew I just wanted to do the same! My name is Melissa E Earle, but you can call me, Mee! Mee editor friends think I photograph lifestyle, my husband @johnmarkearle thinks I shoot details, my kids @joyraes think I am their own personal fashion photographer (I don't mind) and I believe I take photos of creative women who are passionate about what they do. I started photographing when I was 13 years old, started blogging in 1999 and fell in love with it when I connected with all kinds of amazing people from around the world., #exsistinphotos is one of the things I'm passionate about-purposefully marketing yourself in photos and video. I've talked with so many women who all don't want to be in their own brand. I feel like it's super important to over come any blocks we have about our bodies so that we can have a #voice. I'm also a highly enthusiastic about style and being creative with imagination when making photos and online marketing. From backgrounds, props, lighting, talent, fashion and interior design all come together bits and pieces to #tellastory. I'm truly in love not with being behind a computer, but experiences and adventures. This year my word is Colour because I feel I have been living like a bird with my head in the sand, and I'm ready to start feeling and living and breathing. My goal is that this Instagram space is a place I create to have all those characteristics, #fun #creative #stylish #evoke #feeling #depth #color #leap #story. I'm really inspired and motivated by nature and by all my crazy hippie nature friends. To go barefoot outside in the mud in the summer, ahh bliss! I'm so glad, you're here, let's be friends, dream big together, collaborate and be inspired be each other. Just You & Mee #YouandMee #mee

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I am so happy to post this image of behind the scenes, I could tear up just thinking about it! I have wanted for over 3 years to have a blog, and a business where I photographed and blogged about Creatives, Makers, Female Biz owners, who all had a dream and just did it #girlboss style. They say that #juststarting is the hardest part, and it took Mee a lot of courage to step up Mee A game and start asking people to collaborate with Mee. @carriemacisaac is the artist I am photographing and @johnmarkearle is taking video of. I love her story so much I can't wait to share it with you!! This #behindthescenes #sneakpeek showcases that my dream is so close I can actually taste it. And wow, dreams taste better than cotton candy clouds that's for sure!! #exsistinphotos #happyplace #heartspeaks #YouandMee #darebig

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"What we vividly imagine, ardently desire and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass" - Sue Bryce Tomorrow is @johnmarkearle birthday and we are celebrating bringing it in with songs, a tipi and of course, sparklers! Happy Easter to you and your family!!

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“SUCCESS IS LIKING YOURSELF, LIKING WHAT YOU DO, AND LIKING HOW YOU DO IT.” – MAYA ANGELOU When I was younger, a new momma, I felt so lonely and so alone. I didn't like what I was doing, I felt like my hands were idle, like I was sitting on my creativity. I felt like I wanted to make a difference in the world. Then all of a sudden, all these women started popping up all around Mee, supporting Mee encouraging Mee and showing Mee that it's possible to have a dream and go after it. Today, whatever your dream is, I want to encourage you that you can get to it. You just start with one foot in front of the other. "Follow the lead, no matter how big or how small." always says @johnmarkearle The leading of your heart might be of a whisper, but follow it anyways. Teach yourself to listen, to hear it when she softly speaks to you. I love this quote from Maya Angelou about success because, if you don't like what you are doing, you can change it. I started my photography career because I loved it, not because I thought I could make money or become famous, but because my heart was so happy when that's what I was doing. It was my happy place, and still is, even 20 years later. What's your happy place? What brings you so much joy? #happyplace #followyourdreams #YouandMee #exsistinphotos