It was more than a photoshoot. ? 
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It was an opportunity to get out of the house with a friend and push myself to have some fun...free of my moody prison. Recently, I’ve discovered why my body has been out of whack for three months, and why almost every day has been an unexplainable battle of depression. Even on my good days! It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t always a spiritual battle. So, it really didn’t make sense. I pieced together that the antibiotics I needed to save me in the ER from an anaphylactic reaction to crab had killed my good gut bacteria! It explained the strange stomach aches I had following that, and my continual illnesses from family colds. My body wasn’t processing foods right, and I started gaining a lot of weight. I couldn’t wear my wedding ring, and if I did, my skin chaffed, swelled, and hurt. My face was rashy and dry. I had random histamine breakouts in 3-4 parts of my body. And...bloating...oh my goodness. The gut and brain are connected, and I was an emotional whirlwind!
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I don’t always do well in front of the camera. I like it to be with someone I am comfortable with and won’t judge me when I am undignified, or when I try to make a pose attractive. I just want to be able to be me and have fun! The past three months, I have struggled with feeling comfortable with myself in clothing because of all the recent changes that are now slowly returning back to normal. In fact, right before this photoshoot my gut was having problems, and I was feeling bloated. I looked bloated! I decided I was going out anyway because life was too short and too valuable to hold back from enjoying it. 
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Angela’s talent and heart is so fitting! Why? Her mantra is to “Celebrate Your Right Now”! I absolutely love that! I found that out mid-shoot...so it was perfect! I may not be where and how I want to be, but I sure can celebrate MY RIGHT NOW and thank God for all He’s done, what He’s brought through, what He’s brought me TO, and I can celebrate NOW because He’s the One taking me wherever I am going.
~ Robyn McLean
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Photo Credit: Diamondheart Photography, LLC
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Carefree...
...Where we can let loose without feeling like someone will find reason to dock us on our dignity.

Joy...
...Where we can just accept it and count it present.

Peace...
...Where we can relax and not worry about trying so hard.

Depth...
...Where we can dive below the surface and connect where it counts.

Selflessness...
...When all the above don’t always go as planned, but we still love fiercely, persevere intentionally, and treasure friendships in the midst of imperfections. 
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- Robyn

I love benches.
Especially, when a dear friend and coffee is included! 

A chilly day in itself is not pleasant to me. However, when you throw in a bench, a friend, and hot drinks...I look forward to that kind of weather! ️

How true is it also, that even when the “cold weather” days of life come and go, that with good friends, those “chilly days” are not only sweetened, but become ones you cherished? ​

When was there a time in your life that good friends made “chilly days” endearing memories? Feel free to share below!