Amy Rizzuto Photography » The Official Blog

I was shamelessly entranced as I watched the couple from my train car window.  Standing on the platform with their arms wrapped so tightly around each other, their adorable beagle staring up patiently, it was obvious to see they were in love.  It wasn’t just love though, it was more.  Respect, adoration, tenderness, passion, and commitment. They had chosen one another, and in the comfort of each other’s arms, life seemed to make sense.   As the conductor blew the whistle signaling the departure of the train from Rome to Florence, they didn’t move, kissing until the door started to close and the girl slipped silently onto the train.  As it pulled away the man she loved stood there watching, feet planted, smiling and waving to the woman he loved.

I thought I was a veteran when it came to moving.  Going from living in Tennessee to Singapore, Singapore to Tokyo, Tokyo to Tennessee, Tennessee to North Carolina, and North Carolina to New Jersey, I truly believed I had this difficult task down to an art!  When it came time to pack up the first place Matt and I lived after tying the knot, it was a little harder than I expected.  I was SO excited to get into our adorable new home, but we were leaving a place that had a lot of sentimental value.  As great as it was reliving so many memories while we packed up the last two and a half years of our lives, we were also letting a lot go, selling furniture, donating clothes, and taking more trash bags out then I can count!

I can’t imagine this move happening without the immense amount of help we had!  A big thank you to Matt’s parents Vic and Sue, Suzanne and Mike, Jackie and Nate, Jonathan, Mom and Dad, and of course, my husband Matt!  You all have graciously donated your time to making this move a great experience for us and I am so thankful!  Our new house is coming along and I can’t wait until the day I can post the before and after pictures!  For now, enjoy a look into our move through iPhone photos.  HAPPY FRIDAY!

There are many things in life that make us happy, but only a few things we feel we cannot live without.  These are our passions, the things that fill us up to the brim with joy, making our hearts jump up and down at their very thought.  For my husband, this is baseball.  Playing since he was old enough to pick up a bat, this sport has brought him a sense of accomplishment, shown him the fruits of true hard work, and given him more ear to ear smiles than many people wear in a lifetime.

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Matt take the field for the first time since his last college game.  I got to watch him get hit after hit, turn double plays, and steal bases.  Watching him play made me so incredibly happy, as I could see how happy it made him.  I hope you all find your passion in life, something that makes you as truly fulfilled as my husband when he plays baseball, or me with a camera in my hand.

Matt’s dad loves watching Matt play baseball, almost as much as Matt loves playing it.

Find a way to do what you love everyday, and life will be a little more beautiful.

Tuesdays might be the best thing that have happened to me since I discovered Edy’s S’mores ice cream three years ago. (And this ice cream….AMAZZZZING!)  On Tuesdays I meet with some of the most incredible photographers in the NYC area.  Not only are these women super talented, they are women chasing after God’s own heart.  That, in my opinion, is their most beautiful quality.  Last Tuesday, our group SPARK met in Central Park to discuss “The Secret Place”.  Kristy Timms shared what it means to find rest in God and where she goes to spend time with Him. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” -Psalm 62:1 After thinking about it a lot this week, I wanted to share more about my “secret place”.

My secret place is filled with yellow wild flowers, only broken by long winding paths.  The hills roll gently and there are places to sit down and rest.  I go to this place most often when I am running, because that is one of my favorite times to pray.  I imagine walking with God there, laughing together as the golden glow of the sun gleams warmly behind us.  I share with Him my joys and successes, along with any struggles or hardships in my life.  He is my best friend and already knows my thoughts before I speak them.  I tell Him anyway and wait for Him to answer.  He is like a father to me, wise and comforting, gentle and always loving.  In my secret place I talk to God, and in this place, I find rest.  ”The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” -Psalm 23:1-3