It was inevitable—summer had to end. It always seems like it's going to last longer than it does, but like everything in life, it flies by too fast. With the kids starting school last week, I find myself once again in the familiar role of enforcing routines, a role that comes with both relief and resistance. As a native Minnesotan, starting school before Labor Day feels like a rushed end to our brief, glorious summers, but they gotta do what they gotta do, I guess. And so do I.

This summer, we were incredibly lax with our day-to-day routine. Parents of the year? Probably not. The kids had the freedom to get up when they pleased, pretty much do what they pleased and generally enjoyed a very latchkey kid summer. I'd like to think they were just being kids, exploring their independence and learning how to entertain themselves. But, if I’m honest, sometimes I worry they spent a little too much time in front of screens. As a business owner trying to juggle photoshoots, client meetings, and emails, it was often easier to let them follow their own rhythms than to micromanage every moment. 

Now, as the school year kicks in, we’re back to the grind of early wake-ups, enforced bedtimes, and the ritual of nagging them about homework and limiting screen time. The transition has been exhausting, but there's something comforting about being forced into a consistent routine. It anchors our days, creating an illusion of order amidst the chaos. For me, it means waking up early to walk our corgi, Rosie. Rolling out of bed at 5:45 a.m. is the hardest part—especially when wrestling a corgi into her harness while half-asleep—but once we’re out the door, the cool morning air and music streaming through my AirPods help me center myself. This simple routine has already made a noticeable difference in how focused I feel at work and in life.

As a solo business owner, my routine is both my best friend and my greatest challenge. I don’t have a team to help structure my day, so it’s up to me to balance work, family, and personal time. Some days, I thrive on the flexibility—deciding when to work, when to take breaks, and how to weave in family time. But other days, the lack of a fixed schedule feels like a burden. Without a clear boundary between “work” and “home,” it’s easy for everything to blur together, leaving me feeling like I’m always on the clock and never quite “off.

Yet, it's in these moments of frustration that I find clarity. I've always been awful at sticking to routines. I was never the parent who put their kid down for a nap at the same time every day. I eat breakfast whenever I feel hungry (usually around 10 a.m., if I remember). Heck, it took one hell of a rosacea outbreak to learn how to wash my face every night. And that’s okay. I'm learning that it's not about perfection—it's about finding a rhythm that works for me and my family.

For parents, business owners, or anyone navigating this busy season, finding balance can feel like an impossible task. But maybe there’s a sweet spot between structure and spontaneity. A little order helps us navigate the chaos, but leaving room for flexibility lets life surprise us in beautiful ways. So, as I continue to wrestle with routines this school year, I’m learning to embrace both—the moments that require discipline and the moments that call for a bit more freedom. 

Let it go?

August was quasi-busy with grad sessions. I only take a few each year—usually for previous clients or friends' kids—and this year was no different. I’ve learned that I truly enjoy photographing kids, families, and seniors when I already know them. There’s an ease and authenticity in capturing familiar faces that makes the process feel more intimate.

At one point, I considered focusing solely on this type of photography and sought new clients. But I’ve realized it's much more rewarding when there's an existing connection. While I haven’t ruled out taking new personal-photography clients, my business is shifting more toward working with businesses exclusively, and I’m excited about the creative challenges and growth that brings. We'll see what happens in the next year or so.

Five Fixations

And now it’s the time in the blog post where I share five things I can’t stop thinking about.

tim Walz

I’m a proud Minnesotan and when our governor Tim Walz was picked as Kamala Harris’ running mate, I was ecstatic. I’m a Walz-fan and think he’s done a tremendous job as governor of our state. I’m so excited to have him as a prospective vice president and quite honestly think he’ll knock it out of the park. Also, this.

Chappell Roan

Okay, I’m late to this ballgame (as my daughter likes to remind me ) but I think I’m officially a Chappell Roan fan. My daughter and I have been singing Hot to Go! all summer long, and after (FINALLY) watching her NPR Little Desk Concert, I’m officially a fangirl.

Cold Fermented Pizza Dough

This summer we purchased one of those outdoor propane pizza ovens and our lives haven’t been the same since. Now, I’ve been learning to perfect the pizza dough process and found this great recipe. Sure, it takes FOREVER to make, but it’s so darn good.

The Ezra Klein Show

With election season heating up, I’m diving back into politics (hoping not to get burned out like before). Lately, I've been hooked on The Ezra Klein Show, a New York Times Opinion podcast where Klein talks with experts about politics, culture, technology, and the big ideas shaping our world. The conversations are deep and thoughtful, making some big topics and a little easier to understand. It's really well done.

Spiders and the fact they are not evil

I’ve been slightly terrified of spiders most of my life. Not like phobic, but “keep them over there” terrified. Last week, I listened to this American Hysteria podcast episode about spiders and now my attitude has done a 180. Spiders are neat and not so scary, y’all!

And now, 10 images, work or otherwise, captured in August.

1: Lacey, owner of Blush Salon, getting primped during their salon photo shoot at Studio Borealis. 2: Image for a campaign produced by Studio 46. 3: Headshots at Brewhalla for NDSU Extension. 4: A resident at Elim Health Care Center receiving a flower delivery from Hope Blooms. 5: Heidi with her pup during her recent UnStuffy Mini Headshot Session. 6: Event for Longwater Opportunities. 7: Cute little Offerman Family. 8: Alex during his grad session in downtown Fargo. 9: Ivy the doggo being the star of her family photo session. 10: Headshots at Studio Borealis for Myna Therapy.