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-shooting landscape shots, Baja, Mexico.

My oldest daughter is mere months away from being an official teenager. I have had the pleasure of watching her passions reveal themselves as she has become more and more her own person with each passing day. From cooking to fashion design to video—the list goes on and on—she has immersed herself in a number of creative outlets trying them each on for size as she “grows up”.

I won’t deny it makes me giddy she’s experimenting with so many creative ways to stretch and spread her wings, try new things, play, and pretend. As I hear her tell stories about her future as a film maker, screen play writer, chef, or even a bridal gown designer, I delight in her visions of following her bliss and living a creative, fulfilling life.

That’s my girl.

As mothers, we never know when—or if—our children will ever appreciate the things that are important to us. Have I always wanted my daughter to establish herself in a creative career? Not necessarily. But I have always tried to show, by example, how to tie in a little creativity every day and how much sweeter life can be because of it.

No matter where my daughter’s career takes her (we’ve got plenty of time until then) I will continue to encourage her collage making, bridal gown sketches, cooking and capturing life through her lens; whether it be video, cell phone, point and shoot or even my own DSLR. I certainly can’t take all the credit for my daughter’s love for being creative but I can sure keep showing her how it can be done, how the world is her oyster and how a creativity—whatever that might mean to her in the bigger picture—is not only possible, it can be a way of life.

About TraceyClark


Tracey is a photographer, writer, mom and an all-around idea girl. She loves natural light, low-tide and her Lensbaby Super-Wide. You can find her on her personal blog or over at Shutter Sisters, where is not only the founder but a regular contributor.

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  • http://www.thefrugalfind.com Julia @ The Frugal Find

    Loved this! My daughter who is still very young, is so incredibly passionate about cooking. She loves to be in the kitchen with me and is giddy about watching the Food Network. Me, eh – I like to cook but not with her zeal. However, like you said – what’s important is to spur them along and offer your support and encouragement. I love watching all of my kids develop their own passions, all so very unique.

  • http://www.themodchik.com Lindsey (aka modchik)

    I am in the same boat with you but not quite experiencing the same joys. My son will be 13 in a few weeks and I could not tell you if he even has any aspirations other than being a professional online gamer at this point. My 4 yr. old on the other hand is my sidekick in the kitchen and the FIRST one to notice when I put on a dress. I guess that’s the difference.

    I’m thinking of shoving my old Rebel in his hands this summer. What do you think?

  • http://rirealmom.wordpress.com Kathy

    Mine is almost 4 and some days feels like almost 14! But I do love seeing little glimmers of what the future might hold even now. She loves to draw, especially with chalk; she loves to explore the backyard collecting little artifacts; she loves cooking shows(probably because I never make recipes with more than three ingredients!); and she loves to twirl! I only hope I can help her hold on to the confidence and courage it takes to be creative especially since I lost both back when I was a teen and only recently seem to have found them again!

  • http://www.jessicanew.blogspot.com Jessica New

    You are very lucky to have her for a daughter. And equally so, she is very lucky to have you for her mother. Great Shot!

  • http://www.HappyHourMom.blogspot.com HappyHourMom

    Precious, Tracey! Your writing and images touches my mama heart like no one else can.