HEART, MIGHT, MIND AND STREGTH

Some of you may have noticed that in the upper right hand corner of my blog there is a proud declaration:
I AM NICE!
For a few months now, I have been an avid reader of the blog Operation Nice (http://www.operationnice.com/)
This simple and beautiful blog centers around the idea that we can change the world simply by being a little nicer! The blog entries include testimonials, giveaways, and NICE assignments, where you are challenged to do something a little more thoughtful that you would naturally think to do. One of my favorite challenges was to talk to everyone in the elevator with you! So simple. Yet such a great impact can come from the simple act of a stranger's kindness.
For today's NICE assignment, we are challenged to create a Mantra.
After some thought and processing (cause you know my first mantra was a total run-on sentence that almost be confused for a thesis paper. . . ) I was able to come to something simple that I have been focusing on in the recent weeks.

This is the moment, right now. . . I am taking it all in, then passing it on.

That may not make sense to everyone, but a lot of my life has been lived in anticipation for this destination that I never seem to arrive at. I know that it's not about the destination but the journey, yet sometimes it is hard to live that statement honestly.
This year, it is my goal to recognize that every moment I live is an experience that I should cherish. I am going to let myself feel, slow down to take time and notice the details, to appreciate all that I have been blessed with, and then (and most importantly) share it with others.

Happy New Year Everyone!

My Amazing Grandparents

My Grandparents having been coming to New York for Christmas for the last 10 years. This year was no exception, and while they were in town, I got spoiled silly! We went out to amazing restaurants, did a little shopping, and spent lots of quality time together. I have been so grateful to get to know them over these last few years, and I look forward to the years to come!

With my adorable Grandpa, Bob!


My stylish Granny Nikki! (The necklace I have on in the pic she made for me!)


Bob with Vernon who they've been friends with for over 40 years! He lives here in NY! These guys are so funny together!


I miss you guys already!

Lululemon Athletica

As most of you know, I work part time for an amazing company called Lululemon Athletica.
It's a yoga-inspired fitness wear company, but it's so much more than just a clothing store.
I love working for this company because it inspires me to do more with my life, even while just working part time. Through their goal coaching and mentoring, free group fitness classes anywhere (which means they pay for me to take dance, trapeze, yoga classes, etc.) zero tolerance "no gossip" policy, and amazing employees, I feel constantly motivated every time I step through those doors.

I was asked to take photos for this month's window display, and had the best time doing it. The idea morphed and changed several times in the process, but the basic idea was based on a quote from the New York Times.
"Whatever can be done, will be done. Will it be done by you or to you? Choose."
The photos feature every day heroes, an army of Lulu's marching out of the darkness and into the future and Lulu product featuring the phrase, "Breathe Deeply."
All that is juxtaposed against the "What" in the quote. The mannequins are covered in various derogatory terms. One man covered in words like "Ugly, Stupid, Fat," and a arrow with the work "Tiny" pointing down to a certain region. He is holding a sign saying "BE CONFIDENT." There is a couple featuring the words "Cheater, Liar, B****," holding a sign saying "BE HONEST." And another mannequin wrapped in red tape with words like, "Mortgage, Student Loans, New Car," holding a sign saying "BE RESPONSIBLE."
Below are shots of the completed project.
If you get a chance to head over to Lincoln Center, my work will be on display through all of January @ 64th and Broadway.














below with Brandon, one of my favorite Lulu's out in front of our finished window at 2am!

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