{photo by Adam Nyholt}

When I was in high school someone told me that my voice was going to be used to change the world. I knew that was a promise. Since that day I have held on to that promise and believe with all of my heart that is my calling in life. That’s why I’m here…on this planet and here on this blog.

I’m Hannah and I’m a world changer. I try anyway.

I’m a writer and I use that talent to try and make a difference in peoples’ lives – whether it’s by encouraging them not to give up hope, showing them ways to be creative in their own lives, or making them laugh with a healthy dose of humor. I’m currently writing my first book based on my Waiting for Grace series here on my blog! I’m also a contributing writer for Dancing Upon Barren Land Christian infertility support ministry.

I’m also pretty savvy with a camera and love capturing a fleeting moment of beauty that might have otherwise gone unnoticed…in my life and in the lives of others. Along with changing the world, living a creative life through both my writing and my photography is something I’m very passionate about.

I don’t agree with the phrase, “Boys don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses.” Because in 2006 an adorable young man named Aaron did, indeed, make a sweet pass at this four-eyed girl and we are now happily married. He is a marriage counselor and his heart, passion, and talent dwells in helping couples grow and thrive. He is an absolute people person, he is always smiling, and his joy is infectious. I’m very blessed to be married to such a creature. I’m also very proud of my husband.

We have one child – a miniature poodle named Millie Dillmount that I affectionately call, “Booger.”

Aaron and I have been trying to make people for longer than we would have preferred, to no avail. While infertility has been the greatest heartache we have ever faced, it’s also been the best thing that has ever happened to me; I have had the opportunity to minister to hurting women, my marriage is stronger than ever, and my relationship with the Lord has grown exponentially. It is proof that from the ashes, God can bring out a gem of beauty, heal grief, and mold and refine us into who he has made us to be. While I’m still believing in parenthood for me and Aaron, I write about our journey in a series called Waiting for Grace. I’d love for you to read our story and hope that it encourages you.

One of my most dominant qualities is I’m an introvert. All that means is I gain my energy through solitude. I’m pensive and analytical and I live in my head and in my imagination. I come across as shy but I’m not. There’s a difference between being shy and being quiet. When one is shy they are afraid to speak. When one is quiet, they are choosing not to speak. I’m a quiet individual. I’m not afraid to speak my mind, I’m simply observing and taking in everything around me. When I’ve formulated my thoughts or feel passionate about something, that’s when I’ll speak up. That’s why writing this blog comes in handy – it gives me the opportunity to use my voice.

I may be introverted but I have a tremendous heart for people. I’m energized by getting to know the heart of an individual and cultivating meaningful relationships. One of my biggest goals in life is to show people that they are loved, that they have purpose, and that they are priceless. I want to see them through the eyes of Jesus.

I hope you like my blog.

FAQ

What camera equipment do you use?
Nikon D5000, 17-55mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/1.8 are my two favorite lenses.

How long have you been taking photos?
I took control of my dad’s SLR camera when I was 14 and have been an enthusiast since. I started taking photos professionally (aka, charging people money for my skills) in January 2010.

What photo editing software do you use?
I use Lightroom for workflow and my favorite presets are by VSCO. For everything else I use Photoshop. Some of my favorite actions are from The Coffeeshop Blog.

What blog photo software do you use to format all of your photos for your blog?
I use Blogstomp software to reduce my image size (for faster loading time), watermark all of my photos, and even make collages. All in one click of a button.

Do you use a blog template?
Yes, I use Prophoto 4. It’s fantastic and Prophoto’s customer service is the best!

But did you design your blog?
Yes, Prophoto allows you to completely customize your blog so everything you see here is designed by me.

So you do graphic design?
I have a very minimal knowledge of graphic design in the grand scheme of things and I do it for my own personal fun.

I’d love to start a blog. Do you have any advice?
You can read my I Heart Blogging series here where I hand out tons of advice on the world of blogging!

When is your book coming out?
My goal is to have a finished, printed book in my hands by the end of 2013!

My Etsy Shop

My Photography Portfolio

Into blog stalking? Explore my blog.

And because I want to give proper credit where credit is due…

The picture of me on my sidebar…

was taken by Adam Nyholt. He’s awesome!