Kelli Trontel

First of all- I can NOT believe that my last blog post was 2 months ago. Goodness, I have not been a very good blogger, but believe me- I have plans to change this!

Beginning a new life in Montana, starting a new business with my husband and hosting a few workshops definitely kept me busy this year, but I feel as though I have finally found balance in it all…..and Im super excited about the new photography collaborations and projects that have already taken shape for the new year!

My take away from 2011 is:: Less Is More.
I want whatever I do…Whatever I put my hands to….To be of excellence. The pressure to DO ALL and to BE ALL- to all people is something that will not be an option. Finding WHO YOU ARE….and ROCKING that to your fullest potential is freedom. Life is short and it’s truly impossible to say YES to everything that comes your way, yet be stretched so thin to be in it 100%.

Have you made any goals for 2012?

I’m making extravagant goals for 2012 and will crush fear beneath my feet. The little voices that tell us that we aren’t good enough are just lies. I know there are many people reading this that know what I am talking about- many of you shared this at the JOLT CREATIVE SHOP….and it was so inspiring to encourage so many of you to continue moving forward with your dreams.

I challenge you to stop looking at your competition as merely competition. Focus on what YOU are doing. Stop trying to imitate what you see on all the other blogs and websites. CREATE and BE YOU, which is UNIQUE!

Well, I just wanted to sign in and share a few of my thoughts [sorry, no photos this time] as this year is coming to a close. I’m looking forward to sharing some exciting things/ideas/thoughts/projects with you in the new year!

XOXO

HELLO friends!

While I was in Nashville a few weeks ago, I stopped into one of my favorite shops/sources of INSPIRATION. The shop just so happens to be Anthropologie….and once again, they have blown my mind with an other plain & simple craft project that I knew I had to create for myself.

I actually made these for the Red Caboose, our cozy little frozen yogurt + coffee shop…but Im thinking I’ll be making a few more for our house!

Want to make some for yourself ?!?!? Do it! Just go pick up a few white pumpkins and a whole lot of thumb tacks.

I used a combination of gold + silver. The size I used is:: 13/32″

Let me know if you make your own….maybe post it on my photography page on FACEBOOK!?!? I’d love to see your creation!

In October 2009, I joined 15 other Nashville photographers to do a test of what Help-Portrait could be and do. My friend, Jeremy Cowart has pioneered this movement from an idea to an event that has crossed many state lines and included countries from all over the world! We initially met at the Nashville Rescue Mission and my life was forever changed.

When I moved to Montana last year- I knew that Help-Portrait needed to be experienced here in the Valley. I was overwhelmed by the response from the photographers whom I had never met, the amount of volunteers who showed up and the heart of the people here in the town that I had only lived in for about 3 months. We planned the Help-Portrait event in just 30 days and the day itself was incredible.

I was blessed in my own way during this event. My younger sister passed away right before our first planning meeting and the emails and phone calls from the photographers who had heard of the news meant so much to me. Help-Portrait is about so much more than you think……and it will forever change your life.

Below is a video from the Help-Portrait Montana event last year. If you would like more information, please visit the official Help-Portrait site. If you are interested in being part of Help-Portrait Montana [in the Flathead Valley]- please join our group here. More details to follow…..

See you on Saturday, December 10th!

music :: Saved to Live by COLMANblue

One year ago last night….Reed and I pulled into Kalispell, Montana. We had completed our drive across the country from Nashville, TN and we were beginning a new chapter in our life….together.

Last night we attended the Montana State Fair and went to the RODEO! We had a blast….it was good to be out and away from our shop for a while and enjoy life outside.

As we were watching the Barrel Racing and Bull Riding…we couldn’t help but discuss the lifestyle of the cowboy and cowgirl. It’s rough. It’s tough. And there’s a whole lot of GETTING BACK UP!

We have had numerous monumental events in our life this past year….some happy, some sad and others that have exceeded beyond our imagination. Regardless of the celebration or trial, we’ve had to GET BACK UP.

As the crowd cheered last night….I was reminded of the intercession that is happening daily on our behalf. Whether we are on top or down in the dust. Our God is there. Always.

How we respond to LIFE- the trials, the celebrations, the disappointments, the grey areas….we are writing our legacy.

GET BACK UP!

I’ve celebrated 21 birthdays in Southern California, 3 birthdays in Phoenix, 8 birthdays in Nashville and this year I celebrate in Whitefish, Montana!!!

I’ve recalled many things about this year…..all throughout the year….probably because this year was not like any other. The obvious reason is due to the loss of my little sister, but also a move across the country- to a foreign land.

FAITHFULNESS :: this is what I have learned the most about this year. Gods Faithfulness is the real deal. He truly is near to the brokenhearted and faithful to complete what only He has begun.

My pastor reminded me last week that “Obedience is more important to God than sacrifice.” It’s easy to get caught up in and focus on “sacrifice.” but the danger in this is that we usually turn that around and make it about us- what we have done- and what we should get from our sacrifice. I’ve been there. I’ve done that. However, when we focus on obedience….and adhere to what God is calling us to in our own life…..GREATER THINGS HAPPEN! Reed and I have experience the favor of God this year…in so many ways. I am humbled to be used in bigger ways that I could have ever imagined.

I had no idea what would be in store for me as I claimed Montana as my home last summer. All I knew is that I left an amazing community of friends in Nashville….and I wasn’t sure who would fill those shoes in the Northwest. Silly me for thinking that God would forget about that detail as the friends that awaited me here…..met me with arms wide open and I am blessed to have such incredible women in my life out here. These girls are like sisters to me…who have come beside me and loved me as if we have known eachother for years. The crazy thing is- we haven’t even lived here for a year…..but it really does feel like we have been friends forever.

These sweet girls planned the most amazing “MONTANA BIRTHDAY” for me this past week…..here’s a peek at the fabulous details that awaited me as I arrived. Creativity does not lack here in Whitefish, Montana……these ladies constantly inspire and encourage me.

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday messages…..I am blown away by all the LOVE. My day has been bright…..and I thank you. xoxo