HEART, MIGHT, MIND AND STREGTH

As a Christmas gift to my brother-in-love, Ken (Erin's husband,) I am starting a new weekly blog entry entitled, "Heart, Might, Mind and Strength." This blog will be dedicated to my experiences and observations of service in my life, whether I am giving service, receiving it, or just witnessing it. This is in Ken's honor, as he and his family have always been a beacon of love and service to me, and I am blessed to be part of thier family!

The title of the blog comes from the scripture in The Doctrine and Covenants (of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) Chapter 4 Verse 2 that reads: O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength. . .

Since today is Christmas, and the world is full of good cheer, I had the chance to observe a lot of small moments of service today, and I'd like to share some with you.

Sometimes it's the littlest thing that makes a difference.
For the last week, I have been working a side job distributing flyers for Broadway shows in Times Square. It's a real glamorous job, and I even get to wear a sandwich board while standing in some very cold whether (note the sarcasm.)
It has come to my attention as I try to distribute these flyers (playfully chanting "Save-a-lot, See Spam-a-lot!") that there are a few types of reactions I get. There is the curious acceptance from the people who want to know what I'm talking about. There is the people who avoid eye contact and just take what I hand them, only to drop it on the ground about 10 second later. There is the people who get annoyed, scowl, and vere wide to avoid my reach.
But there is a type of reaction that I actually find is the most frequently displayed. They make eye-contact, shake a gentle "no" with their head, and smile a pleasant "Thank you" right after. Whether mouthed or audibly spoken, I noticed that the simple courtesy they give actually makes my day a little brighter. I'm so grateful for those little moments and the time that people take to give them, when they could easily just pretend I don't exist.
It's a reminder to us all that the easy and simple act of a smile and a "thank you" can be the gateway to giving service to everyone we come in contact with.

So, imagine a little smile, a little "thank you," and a very Merry Christmas from me to you.

Erin Hall

Yesterday, the skies parted, the air was warm, and I had one of my favorite photo shoots to date. Erin Hall is a professional dancer who works with me at LuluLemon (hence the Lululemon gear she has on!) She was such a sweet girl to shoot, and she has the most incredible eyes I've ever seen! And the light was incredible! I couldn't narrow it down and I ended up editing 17 photos! (easy to do with 5 inches of snow falling suddenly out my window today!)
Hope you enjoy!




















My favorite shot of the day. . . check out that broken ankle!

Let It Show! Let It Show! Let It Show!

So, last week, my friend Ryan contacted me to put together some promotional shots for his forth coming Christmas Cabaret! Boy, did I not quite realize what I was in for! We met up at Columbus Circle, and proceeded to cause a commotion as we looked for locations throughout mid-town! The best moments were when people would shout, "Love the suit," and he would respond in his signature showman voice, "Just trying to spread a little holiday cheer!"
By far, one of my favorite shoots to date!
If you're in NY on the 17th, be sure to catch his show!

Let Us All Give Thanks

For those of you who have not heard of the Nielsons, I encourage you to go to www.NieRecovery.com, and hear the story of this truly inspirational family and movement. Not only are the Nielsons some of the most incredible people I've ever seen, but the outpouring of love and support reminds us all that our journey through this life is one we all walk together! Over the last few months I have been uplifted and inspired and humbly reminded that my challenges, though overwhelming at times, are not that big of a deal. As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, I am reminded again of how grateful I truly am for my overwhelming blessings!
Praise be to God, and Let Us All Give Thanks!
xo
kat



watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtLoMosPri0

Sarah Fitchner

As promised, here is the video of me performing at Monday Night New Voices, last week.
This song, written by the ridiculously amazing Ryan Scott Oliver, about a "disenfranchised" girl dealing with the mean girls in her life.
*Warning* There are so not so innocent words in this song, which might not be appropriate for the young'ens!



Click here to view video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1vPWhu8fSs

My Mammoth Men Obsession!

Every few months, a group of 12 men, all professional photographers, rent a tour bus and spend a week on the road capturing incredible images! The images range from the breath taking to the jaw dropping, and even the shocking few. These men are funny, fabulous and so talented, and their 20-30 blog posts per day have me checking my RSS feed every 20 minutes! Go check it out, and have your day get just a little bit brighter!
www.mammothmen.com

Cruella de Jenny

So, just now, as I'm laid up with my sprained ankle (hence all the mad blogging!) Jen came out in the living room with her hair half straightened to tell me something. I begged her to let me take a picture, and gracious as she is, she obliged. I think she looks like a black Cruella deVil! Muah-ha-ha!

Other Random Shots

I've been a bit behind on my blogging, so here are a few other shots that I should have posted ages ago!

JENNY BAKES:
She doesn't really like being called Jenny, but since her Mom, niece and family members call her that, it's sort of stuck! So, Jenny is a health nut (and for those of you who think I'm a health nut, you have no idea!) When Jenny needs to relax, she bakes. But the nice part is that her baking is healthy!! And I get to reap the benefits! I though she looked so cute so I busted out the camera.
I think she should have her own cooking show!







JACK-O-LANTERN
Frankie from the OC lives close by, so come over to catch up. It was a week before Halloween, so we carved pumpkins, baked the seeds, then stood over the stove and scarfed them down fresh out of the oven! Then proceeded to sing round the piano and annoy our neighbors!



ROCK OF AGES
Lara is a fellow USJ Elphie who's now the understudy for Sherri in ROCK OF AGES of Broadway. She invited me to opening night, and I had such a great time!
Pictured here with her boyfriend at the raging afterparty.


CHARLIE'S FAREWELL
Right when I got back to NY, Charles was leaving to Nashville for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular! So Sad.


OKAY, I THINK THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!