Yes, I take photographs for a living, but perhaps you'd like to see how I'm keeping in shape for those crazy photo shoots?

In 2004 I was slicing an avocado, when my life changed. A slice through my hand severed the nerves on a couple of my fingers and has caused me agonizing pain ever since. For the first 7 years after that, my hand was a fist and I never thought I would be able to use it again. I couldn't hold anything, let alone a camera! Fast forward to 2017 and I am literally flying through the air, hanging onto a trapeze!! We are blessed to have the incredible New England Center for Circus Arts school here in Brattleboro and this fall my 7 year-old daughter, Eliza, and I took flying trapeze lessons together.

It's hard to explain just what this experience means to me. The thrill and sheer terror of jumping off the tiny platform, trusting my body will hold me and that the trapeze (miraculously) does not rub on the part of my hand that can still cause me crippling pain. Then comes the trust in letting go of the trapeze, flying through the air by my body's sheer momentum and trusting that someone (or the net) will catch me. It's one of the most intense sensations I've ever experienced and it brings me such joy and a huge sense of empowerment.

One night before Halloween (hence the costumes), my whole family came to experience what's termed "flight night" where beginners can drop in and try out the flying trapeze. My husband Robin even rocked it, fresh from work in his Carhartts, while our 20 month-old watched with Grandpa nearby. We don't get out and about as a family much due to work, naps and life, but when we do we can go big!

Eliza dropping, with Papa watching on as he climbs up the ladder for his turn.

Eliza dropping, with Papa watching on as he climbs up the ladder for his turn.

Robin's turn!

Zoe wondering what on earth her family is doing!Zoe wondering what on earth her family is doing!

Zoe wondering what on earth her family is doing!

In December Eliza and I performed together. You can see just how much we inspire each other - it was a Wonder Woman theme all the way (and yes, I made the costumes - more on my seamstress passion in another post)!

My turn to perform!My turn to perform!

My turn to perform!

Eliza has told me that she wants to start taking classes without me and as sad as that request is for me, I am grateful for the time we could be together. Sharing this time with my daughter and seeing her be brave and strong and fearless with a smile on her face (or tongue sticking out) is such an inspiration to me. It forces me to show up for her, to calm the nerves and to jump, trust, let go, repeat.