Molly M. Peterson

A {Lipedema} Update : Long Overdue

Molly — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:11:22 +0000

My life in the past year has taken some turns I never quite imagined. I saw a quote this morning from Marianne WIlliamson that said, “Some things need to be let go before other things can be let in.” and it was a perfectly simple way to describe this year. In the coming months I hope to write more about this year. I will and it has been a long time since I posted last because I just haven’t found the time and the words haven’t come to me desperate enough to be spoken. But this morning I thought I’d post a Lipedema update. I’ve started writing about my journey

HERE / HERE and HERE and another pseudo-Lipedema/Think about your Food Source HERE.

What prompting this morning’s post is that I just bought my first 2 pairs of full length – toe to waist compression stockings. I know I feel better and sleep better, even, if I’m wearing my knee-high athletic compression socks but my legs were beginning to show signs that screamed to me, “Molly, quit with the denial. You have IT – it’s there – you can’t pretend it’s not there. Just order the compression. It’ll help.” For those of you who don’t know, compression stockings are almost imperative for someone with Lipedema. And believe it or not, any exercise without them can be detrimental to your legs. We have a fat disease and exercise can make it worse – how’s that for a catch 22?

I pulled this screenshot from the Cure Lipedema site to describe why:

I also helped my husband move a large chest freezer the other day – the weight was fine, I could carry it but my hands were too small to grip properly and often it had to rest on my legs as I walked. I’ve always considered myself very capable (yes, I CAN carry hay bales, sacks of feed or coolers of meat) but the reality hit me when I saw the heavy bruising on my thighs that showed up just hours later and as I type gets darker and darker. I’ve always bruised easily and Lipedema is the culprit.

So what am I doing about it. Well, as I posted in one of my blogs, I started a digestive enzyme therapy many many months ago. For reasons I won’t go into now I stopped that therapy many months ago. I was sad because I had lost weight/water weight/edema and digestively felt great. I know it was working. The encouraging news is that I am just starting it up again. I’m also even more conscious about the foods I eat and have been guzzling kombucha to pull the toxins out of my body (toxins get really cozy in fat – which then slows down the system more) and to put healthy bacteria in my gut and address systemic candida. I’m also using essential oils and herbs and trying hard to remember to breathe, smile and practice gratitude to keep stress at a minimum.

There are many layers to what’s going on with my body right now: at the core it is digestive — too many years of inflammation (caused by processed foods, inflammatory foods – wheat, sugar, pasteurized dairy) with the digestive troubles, along with hormonal shifts and stress, it triggered my Lipedema and about the same time my hypothyroid, adrenal fatigue, and systemic candida all showed their lovely faces. It is all connected. So it needs to be addressed at the core not just the symptoms. It’s not easy. And some days it sucks. Some days I’m still in denial even when my legs ache, my thyroid burns, and my fatigue is high. But each day is a new day and I can make a choice either direction. Ultimately in order to heal 100% I’ll have to make some very hard decisions. I’m not sure I’m 100% ready. It takes a lot of time, energy, focus, and discipline. Some days I’ve got it. And that’s all I can worry about – doing the best that I can each day with no judgement on myself and no comparison to the next day.

{Life} Life…. can be Grand.

Molly — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 03:19:27 +0000

Sometimes as you go through life, it can be easy to keep your focus straight ahead. It can feel safe to look down the road.

Safe. Smooth. Focused.

…..but if you don’t stray from the path sometimes…..

If you don’t step outside of the box, you may not realize that just a mere 10 feet from that road, just beyond the bushes, could be something more Grand than you ever imagined.

Live Free of Fear. You Never Know What You Might Be Missing.

{Delicious} Ashby Inn

Molly — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:13:41 +0000

Ashby Inn: One of my favorite places to eat…well…sorry to the others…but it just might BE my favorite place to eat. So when I was called to come take some new shots for them I didn’t hesitate one second.

Here’s why I think they’re awesome and think you should think so too:

The entire staff are amazing people. Like, really, really nice, honest, creative, genuine people. People you want to know (am I gushing too much?).

The food is…. oh how do I say it… wildly creative, tastes delicious and…. very locally sourced.

These folks talk to the talk and walk the walk when it comes to real food. You really have to experience it for yourself and you will love every bit of it. Smoke and fire are a common theme with Chef Tarver King and Executive Sous Nathan Shapiro which makes it all the more exciting.

Come hungry and don’t even bother driving home, get a room in one of the suites upstairs so you can blissfully fall to sleep dreaming of another meal at Ashby Inn.

And did I mention they just received 4 nominations for the RAMMYS (we find out who wins on June 23)?

Nathan Shapiro for Rising Culinary Star of the Year, Tarver King for Chef of the Year, Best Fine Dining, and Neal Wavra for Best Wine Program.

Seriously. Book your reservation.

www.ashbyinn.com

{Wedding} A+E :: Barboursville Vineyards

Molly — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:02:12 +0000

The weather could not have been more perfect. The setting the same: intimate, beautiful, and the perfect expression of Amber and Eric in September. So much time was put in to place right down to the menu and the wine and craft brews served at dinner to capture the essence of the two of them as a couple. I’m always honored to be asked to be a part of this moment in a couple’s lives. So, “Thank You Amber and Eric, from the bottom of my heart, for asking me to be a part of your day.” Here are just a few of my favorite images. I always wish I could show more but that would take an awful long time!

And can I just say….the cake. The cake. The cake: those flowers are handmade, people.

Wedding & Decor Planner – Amore Events by Cody
Flowers – Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Design
Venue – Barboursville Vineyards / 1804 Inn / Palladio Restaurant
Catering – Palladio Restaurant
Equipment Rentals – Festive Fare
Beer Selection – Beer Run
Music – DJ Ran Henry
Wedding Cake – Maliha Creations
Bus Transportation – A Goff Limosine

Photography: Molly M. Peterson and Karly Pope for Molly M. Peterson Photography

I love my job. I really really do….

{Birth Story} Baby Natalie

Molly — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:17:47 +0000

A St. Patty’s Day Baby! It’s almost a year since little Natalie made her entrance into this world. How does time go by so quickly?

I received and email at 11pm on the 16th say that Sarah was having contractions but there were no significant patterns. I made it very clear that emails and phone calls were OK with me any time of the night! I was nervous though — I was due to drive to Dulles Airport to pick up my husband who was coming in from a trip to Uruguay at 6am. I had no way of calling my husband and no one to do the pick up for me. SO, I took a deep breath and remembered – if it is to be then it will be. I received another email at 12:30am: “Contractions 5 minutes apart…it’s an interesting night.” Then another email at 4:21 am, “We’ve been admitted…drive safe…but quick! ” They knew I had the airport run to make; I responded saying I would do my absolute best — my husband never goes on vacation and it just happens to be this day – go figure. Another update at 6:30 and and then at 8:30. I had made it to the airport, sort of patiently waited while he went through customs (ok — I was definitely full of excitement AND angst!), safely drove him back home, and then waited…but not too long. And then finally, once I was home, at 9:56am, “8-9 cm. water broke.” I responded with “On my way!”. I got there — while driving the speed limit mind you — hey — I was photographing for a police officer family — there’s no way I was going to break the law ON the way to them!

I remember being so in awe of the love surrounding this family. Sarah was…how do I even describe her…so in the moment and so focused in a beautiful, radiant way. I’m sure she may not have felt that way but everyone around her felt that way. Including Jason who adoringly stood by her side, did whatever was needed of him, worried and probably wished he could take away the labor pains, and even kept the room light with the sounds of 80′s classics (and as a child of the 80s myself, I felt quite at home). There was no rushing around, it was very mellow, very fluid, and we just…waited. And then finally this healthy, petite baby girl arrived. Oh my goodness, the joy and the love when a new baby arrives – there is absolutely nothing like it.

Again, I say this often, I am so blessed and so grateful to be asked to be a part of these moments. To document the beginning of this little, magical life is such an honor. Uh! Putting this together today makes my heart smile all over again for this beautiful family – will someone have another baby soon so I can photograph it, please?!

Happy Birthday Natalie!!

To Jason and Sarah — your words after you saw your images honored me — you will never know how much they meant to me.

“We are so excited. I’m actually in love with the photos. You have a talent. Don’t stop doing this. You have made us so happy. It’s like reliving the event all over again.”

www.mJmphotography.biz

{Beauty} Author, Debra Copeland

Molly — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:38:18 +0000

Debra’s friend asked me if she could gift this session to her friend, a recently published novelist. Sure! Debra was upfront and said she was nervous — I get that way in front of the camera, too — we finally set a date and she brought her friends for support: one for makeup and one for moral. She was surrounded by love that is for sure. I had the intention of doing photos around the farm; I knew we could find a beautiful grove of trees but as the makeup was being put on and champagne was sipped and I saw the gown she had in mind, I knew where to go: the barn. A barn? You’re thinking, “Really, a barn?”. This is not a barn you might have in mind, this is a barn that only enhanced the beauty I was about to document. So there we went joined by my border collie, Dexter, who was just hoping this nice group of women would throw the stick for him instead he back a handsome prop in his own tuxedo to match her gown.

Debra was glowing. Her inner light, essence, and love truly shines from inside out. This session was one of my recent favorites. It was an easy, free-flowing, and inspired session; I’m so blessed to call this my career.

Debra: Beautiful. Powerful. Graceful. The Divine Feminine.

Want to buy her novel? I’m so glad you asked, The Edification of Sissy Dare can be found here: http://www.debraacopeland.com/

Want to have a session like this of yourself (YES you DO deserve it), send me a note.

A big thank you to Eka, Mary, and Kathleen for your love and support of this photo session and I’m so grateful to have met you all, too.

The barn is available for weddings and events: http://www.theinnatmountvernonfarm.com/

When you feel you are being moved by the creative spirit, you are in fact being moved by the divine feminine.

–Teri Degler

Women: Competition

Molly — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:20 +0000

A few years ago a friend – Rikka Zimmerman (one of the most infectious people you will EVER come across) – said (paraphrasing): “There is no competition. Only you can be exactly who you are. And you are amazing!”.

Wow. Well. Yes, that’s true. But how many of us actually believe it?

I’ve never liked competition. It always felt icky in my gut and my chest/heart. Even the term “friendly competition” doesn’t sit. I suppose that for me, competition usually has an ill intent or something ego-based behind it and I’m empathic so I can feel the intent beyond the words. One feels the need to feel powerful and “better than” the other. I don’t feel good when I feel competitive and usually regret when I do feel that way.

Only you can be who you are.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching Iyanla and Oprah (ok – they are totally on my “photography wish list” by the way) on Oprah’s Life Class on OWN and the talk of the day was Why Women Hurt One Another: “we gossip, we lie, we compete” (Oprah). (You can watch the video here). Iyanla says comparison is an act of violence against the self. She also states, “I need to prove how good/worthy I am by setting up how bad/unworthy you are.” Both men and women are capable of competing with and without emotions; let’s just get that out there right now. But for sake of today’s thoughts, we’re going to talk about women.

The reasons stated that women compete are:

“Fear they are not enough.”

“To prove their worth.”

“For personal growth.”

“For validation.”

“Ego driven fears and beliefs.”

Mmmm…. do any of those feel good? Not to me. I think most often there is emotion and/or ego behind the intention and I feel that that is where we get in to trouble.

Yes, I, too, have felt the high of the “I win!” but the “I win” feels different depending on the intent behind it. I think it’s different when it’s a self-validating, “I overcame X” or “I succeeded in Y! Go Me!” but you can feel when it’s ego based; you know, that little feeling in your heart or your gut that doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy. It’s different than, “I beat you and you and you. I validated that I am better than you and you and you because I wasn’t sure before but now I know it to be true because I won”. See the difference?

Iyanla also said, “We are programed to believe that if you get yours, there won’t be enough for me.” That’s living in the fear based realm; the realm of lack and unworthiness. Guess what, there’s more than plenty to go around. This world is abundant – if one chooses to live in abundance, one won’t fear the opposite and one won’t be compelled to live in the ego realm.

I am who I am and I choose to be the best that I can be directly from my heart and by standing in my truth. I choose to be aware of the list above, and while I’m not perfect and never will be, I can certainly make a conscious effort with each action and word spoken to choose to empower rather than break down. To me, woman/feminine is nurturing, warm, and full of grace; women should stand by each other – they shouldn’t be vindictive and competitive of the ego and fear based realm. We should be proud of someone’s accomplishments as big or as small and tell them so. It seems when someone notes sadness or needs help people are there, when one expresses excitement for success, less are willing to join in. Odd how that happens.

I’m proud of you. You’re proud of me. That certainly lifts the vibration, don’t you think?

The exciting thing is that change is coming. As another friend put it vibrational mismatches are becoming intolerable. We’re beginning to live less in our brains and more in our hearts but with that comes clashing of those mismatches. So we must stay united and we must stay in love and like a ripple on the pond, it will grow.

Check out who inspires me {here}.

Just a few thoughts…and there will certainly be more on this topic.

EmotionalScaleFinal_Austine PDF

graphic posted by permission from owner.

{Dog Story} Willy

Molly — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:08:02 +0000

This is an old one but I loved the pure joy of it. Meet Willy, my “little” brother. Willy has since passed on but this is why these photos mean so much to me: Willy in his entire lifetime – before this day – would not let me photograph him. From time to time I find these animals who shy away and he was one of them. But this day, he was with my Mom and I. This day he was at his favorite place in the whole world: Madeline Island on Lake Superior. And he spent the entire day reveling in pure bliss: swimming, digging his napping hole, rolling, and just sitting and watching the waves.

We can all learn from Willy: Some days you just need to breathe and smile with all of your heart.

We miss you Willy.

I Am

Molly — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:29:22 +0000

I am.

Think about those two little words.

Those can shape exactly who you are — or who you think you are, rather.

I am happy or I am sad.

I am grateful or I am ungrateful.

I am rich or I am poor.

I am healthy or I am sick.

I am empowered or I am a victim.

I am successful or I am a failure.

I am strong or I am weak.

I am abundant or I am full of lack.

I am safe or I am scared.

I am blessed or I am damned.

I am trustworthy or I am unfaithful.

I am honest or I am lying.

I am worthy or I am unworthy.

I am loved (and worthy of being loved) or I am not.

I am that I am and all that I am. I am Me and all that I am is divine.

What do you choose to be?

“Man is what he believes.” – Anton Chekhov

For more insight into the power of the intentional “I am” look to:

The Power of I Am by Dr. Wayne Dyer {here}

Joel Osteen’s Sermon The Power of I Am {here}

{Local} Cocoa Bella Brewing Co.

Molly — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:58:25 +0000

Chocolate. Need I say more?

Healthy chocolate? Now, I have your attention.

Karen Mosebrook is the heart and soul behind Cocoa Bella Brewing Company based in a little bitty town in Virginia not far from where I live. Chocolate – pure chocolate direct from the bean not like the over-processed chocolate most of us have easy access to in the snap of a finger – has long been regarded as something that is not only delicious but also good for you.

Some health benefits here: http://www.cocoa-bella.com/drinking-cocoa-bella/health-benefits/

An interesting back story on the ancient brewing of cocoa here: http://www.cocoa-bella.com/drinking-cocoa-bella/the-story-of-brewed-cocoa/

Most enjoy Cocoa Bella just like they would a nice cup of tea or coffee throughout the day. The cacao beans are roasted, ground, and brewed similar to coffee beans. Karen even has a “Cocoa Spice” version that gives you a nice little pop of spice while you drink. You can pick up some Cocoa Bella of your own (I’m not sharing my bag!) at local retailers and on the web.

Why else do I love it? Because it is a locally-owned and operated business and that is awesome.

Brew. Sip. Enjoy. And feel great that you’re not only doing something yummy for your body but you’re also supporting a small business.

Web: http://www.cocoa-bella.com/