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Children of Domestic Violence : My Testimony

 I am a product of a dysfunctional family. I am child of domestic violence.

I watched my mother be physically and emotionally abused by my stepfather for almost my entire life. One of the earliest childhood memories is of my mother being abused. It wasn’t the first time she was hit, it’s just the first time I remember with great detail. I remember it like yesterday.

(This is a photo of us in 1989)

I was four years old, it was in 1989. I remember watching my step dad yell at mom. He was in her face, really close. He yelled and he yelled. I couldn’t understand how he could be so upset over nothing. It started with a slap, then a punch. I was afraid, but not for myself, for my mother and siblings. I walked into my bedroom to comfort my siblings. My brother and sister (twins) were two years old at this time. I closed the door and told them to play with some toys, turned on my Fisher Price radio and hoped they would get so distracted they’d ignore the screams from our mother coming from the living room. Once they were situated I walked back to the living room. I peeked around the corner and watched my mother being slapped and punched. I watched blood leave her body as she tried to run from my step-dad. He was getting more and more upset because she wouldn’t be quiet. He keeping saying, “Shut up! Shut up before someone calls the police!”

It's all in the details... | Portrait Photography

I love to surround myself with positive, creative people who love art. 

I capture legacies.
Creating one of a kind heirlooms that will be shared with generations to come. 

When my son was born my love of portrait photography grew.

He grew so fast. 

Month to month. And year to year.

That taught me to notice the little things.

I remember when my son was a newborn I was busy. I was so tired. 

I took newborn pictures of him while we were in the hospital, then again when he was one month. 

I didn't plan to wait an entire month but the time slipped by so fast.

That taught me the importance of photographing newborns between 7-14 days old.

Take pictures in a place where everyone is comfortable. 

In your home, surrounded by your things. That way you will never forget.

You will never forget the little things.

Remember to take pictures of your children. Now a days there are so many way to capture a moment. Take pictures, smile, and be present. 

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

Gender Reveal | Is it a boy or a girl?

(Watch the video below to find out)

Follow-through habits for serial quitters | How to find the courage to do anything

I'm a dreamer. 
I dream of these amazing ideas (or so I think) then find myself starting projects that are never completed. 

I've been a fan of Marie Forleo for a few years now.
Every tuesday I'm so excited to see what new video she has to share.
They are always filled with amazing advice that is helping me to create a business and life I love.
 I usually watch her new video every tuesday as soon as it's uploaded. 
Today I found myself feeling discouraged and needing a confidence booster 
so I re-watched a few videos.

I'm in the process of starting a few new projects (I'll be sharing those in a future post). But I could already feel the momentum slipping away. I ran for my laptop because I knew Marie would tell me exactly what I needed to hear. No sugar coating it, just straight to the point sound advice.

The first video I watched was "Follow-Through Habits For Serial Quitters".
(Press play to watch the video below)

"Creative success means balancing your love of starting things 

with the habit of finishing them" -Marie Forleo

Once I watched this video I was super excited again. I wanted to take the first few steps she mentioned in the video to start new creative habits.

I thought to myself, 

"Do you think this is a huge task to try to accomplish on your own? 

Are you sure you can do it? 

What if I get bored and never finish.

What happens if I suck, and what happens if I fail?

How can I start a new project when I have a 5 year old AND I'm pregnant?"

I started to think to myself, how can I do this?

HOW?

Then I realized I just watch a video a fews weeks ago, explaining exactly how I was going to do it. So I ran back to the laptop, went to youtube and found the perfect video to put these fears at bay.

It was perfectly titled, "How to find the courage to do anything."

I hit play and listened to Maire as she helped to melt my fears away.

(Press play to watch the video below)

"I don't regret the things I've done. 

I regret the things I didn't do when I had the chance."-Unknown (Via Marie Forleo)

Thanks Maire! 

That was exactly what I needed to hear.

I'd love to hear from you. 

What are some projects you started and never finished or what projects did you never start and now you wish you had? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

Get to know me | Random facts about Tora Carter

1. My name isn't Tora, it actually begins with an "S"...

2. I have a huge family, and I love them so much. I have OVER 40 cousins. 

(I stopped counting years ago)

3. I'm goofy. I love to laugh and love making other people laugh.

4. I'm still a tomboy. I rather wear jeans and sneakers to the mall instead of trying to look cute in some heels. (Comfort is king)

5. Art is everything to me. I teach my son "You need art just like you need toothpaste." Invest in art. Support for favorite artist.

6. I can't see. I got my glasses when I was 8 years old.

7. I'm an introvert. I don't like large crowds, I'm really shy, and I'm awkward. *shrug* #ABG

8. My camera makes me feel invincible. I'll ask anybody to take their picture, anywhere, and do whatever is needed for the perfect shot.

9. I set goals I can never reach, then I reach them.

10. I'm pretty athletic. I love running, riding bikes, roller skating, working out, and playing sports.

11. Besides my husband, my mom and siblings are some of my best friends.

12. I'm a miracle baby. I was born with 2 extra kidneys and had one removed when I was a few weeks old. They forgot to reconnect my bladder during surgery and I almost died at 3 months. I spent most of my life in and out of Boston's Children Hospital until I turned 18.

13. I love positive people, who set high goals for themselves and inspire me to be a better person.

14. I'm a hippie at heart. If you try to liter around I'll be sure to let you know you dropped something, and even point out where the trash is. Strangers hate it, but I don't care. I know I'm not the only person that watched Captain Planet.

15. I'm addicted to YouTube. (Yup, I can admit I have a problem.) I watch vlogs, beauty videos, hauls, hair tutorials, how to videos, and re-watch my home movies over and over.

16. I'm from Boston, so you know I'm a Pats fan. #PatsNations #NewEngland

17. And lastly, I talk way to much.

Anyways, hope you guys are enjoying you day!

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE

Happy New Year

I'm so excited to see what's to come in 2015!

Thanks for stopping by, until next time...

Stay Positive and Stay Inspired

DREAM | BELIEVE | RECEIVE