Hey everyone!
So… I’m going to get really personal right now. My friends & family know that it’s REALLY hard for me to share my feelings, and to be honest, I’ve always envied those people who are able to wear their heart on their sleeve. For some reason, it’s just not that easy for me to open up like that. And then there’s this blog, where Marissa and I are writing to photographers from all over the world, putting ourselves out there and just trying to be connected w/ our blog readers. So take the girl who finds it hard to share her emotions with her FRIENDS… and now I have to share with hundreds of new blog readers who check this blog every DAY? Oh, it’s funny how things work out. 🙂 It’s just not easy for me to put myself out there… BUT, I’ve decided this morning that I do want to get a little personal with you all. (Thanks in part to a nasty comment on a blog – this comment attacked me and said that I’m a ‘man-hater, and that it’s no wonder I’m still single, etc…) I am not letting this comment affect me. If this person knew me personally, they would know that nothing they wrote is true. I know who I am, I am confident in that, and in my opinion, this blog-commenter can just eat it. 😉 Seriously, though, I thought it was about time to open up to all of you faithful blog readers… the ones who know me through this Boudoir Diva blog… I just wanted you to know a little bit more about me and my story.
About three years ago, I was married. The relationship became very unhealthy for me (verbally & emotionally-abusive) within just a few months after we said our vows, and before our first anniversary, he left me. I’m not gonna lie… it was definitely a difficult thing to walk through. I am SO thankful for the people who supported me through that season, to those who walked with me through it… and above all, I am thankful that GOD walked with me through it all. He has been SO good to me. So faithful. Even when my world was crumbling around me, He was my foundation, and the only thing I could cling to. Since then, I have found healing through that situation – and I know now that I am a much stronger person because of it all! Although I wouldn’t wish to go through that pain again, I know that it has shaped and molded me into the person I am today, and for that I will be forever grateful. I have not lost hope in men. I am not bitter or angry; I have truly forgiven, let go, and moved on from that past relationship. I am thankful. I am full of joy. I am content. And I am hopeful. Hopeful that God still has a special someone out there for me!
On that note… if you know of any tall, single, good-looking men out there who love Jesus… hook a sistah up! J/K… sort of. 😉
good for you for doing this entry girl!
Catching up on Twitter, etc, and amazed at how people could say such mean things! This brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing your heart….now AND all that you’ve shared before. Your Africa photos make we want to drop EVERYTHING and jump on any plane that will get me in that direction! 😉 My sister lives in Ethiopia and I haven’t been able to visit her yet, but I can’t wait to do so! I relate to a lot of what you’ve written, and I can tell you that I am so excited to have found role models like you to look up to in starting my photography business.
thanks Leah & Christine! xoxo
I totally understand where you are coming from, I had a marriage that went south after the “I Do’s.” When I stopped looking is when I found “THE ONE” that I was meant to grow old with, you will too. You are adorable and super sweet (from the few times I’ve met you) and the right guy will be there someday. 🙂
Well, it’s certainly easy to tell that whom ever that hateful commenter is has never met you! Seriously, in the brief time I got to know you in Paris I couldn’t believe how kind you are, and you always seemed to have a smile on your face.
Pretty sure that commenter meant to say “More people should be like you!”, but their jealously got in the way.
I think people are going to appreciate you sweet heart that you just shared more than you know. Another reminder of why we shouldn’t judge anyone..that is definitely God’s job.. we all can never know the full story of a person’s life.
Thank you for your post girl.
BTW.. I grew up at Mapleview with the Breuninger Family.. small world!
God & time heals all wounds eventually.
Thank you for sharing a difficult segment of your life….
Although why someone would attack you is beyond me, but i guess some folks feel empowered by being cruel. People who do things like this are 100% unhappy in life.
Your gentle spirit shows and i hope you do find that special someone if it is meant to be.
Blessings!
Kim..having met you at the SD April 09 workshop, I can sincerely say that you are a caring, giving soul. It’s reflected in everything you do. Your faith, the instruction you have given us fledgling boudoir photogs, your charitable work, showing us your funny and silly side, and now posting a most personal, difficult thing for all the world to see. You are amazing and don’t let anyone ever tell you different. One thing I have learned from this whole boudoir thing is that it’s not just about the images we shoot ~ it’s about bolstering each other up and being there to help someone through a trying time. I have connected with so many women who were initially customers and through sharing many things going on in their lives, have become friends. We need each other, plain and simple. Ignore the haters, be true to your self. Love doesn’t hurt and you shouldn’t stay with someone who doesn’t respect you. Many times the most painful choice is the right choice, unfortunately. Trust me, when you least expect it, love AND respect will come knocking – you have taken the best steps to opening that new door. Blessings to you! xo
It really breaks my heart that there are such cruel people in the world. It also breaks my heart that you were the one who had to endure cruelty from one of them. I agree with Elena who commented before me that some people feel empowered by being cruel and that must truly be a very sad and lonely existence (along with being jealous). Thank you for keeping it real and sharing your story, you are very courageous! Having gone through two very similar relationships as you did, it took many years to find “the one” and believe me, it was worth every second of the wait. You will say that one day soon too! Blessings!
Okay, I was kinda out of the computer/social networking world this weekend. I JUST read the terrible things this Sam person said. I am shaking I am so mad and hurt that someone could say such malicious things about someone who deserves only the kindness in return that she so generously gives to those around her. How could someone post such hateful words on a forum that is supposed to be used to build each other up? Kimee you rock, I love the way you handle this, you are right to not let it affect you, but as your friend and protector I am beyond angry and disappointed this fellow photographer.
Kim you are AMAZING! God will bless you.
Good for you for not letting those ridiculous and ignorant comments get to you. Honestly, I had to stop reading them after 4 or 5 of them were just full of garbage. It makes them look petty and unprofessional. Every business has to find its niche and differentiate itself — it’s Business 101. You and Marissa have done an amazing job of that. I think it’s a testament to how successful and popular you are that you have sparked so much “conversation!” I know it hurts (a little) that some small people felt they had to attack you personally, and it’s really easy to hide behind a computer screen and fire away. Seems cowardly to me. People seem to forget that there is a real person on the other side of it.
Hi Kimberlee
It takes a lot of guts to be that personal in a blog post. Even the most hardcore blogger keeps a certain amount of things to him or herself. In some ways I’m glad I don’t have access to the mentioned forum there is enough problems in the world one can get angry, worried or sad about. But I am sorry to hear that it affects you both so much. I don’t know any of you personally and you don’t know me but you have always come across as really nice people that one would like to meet some day.
I would love to go to your workshop in Paris (I’m male) but only because it would be a lot easier since I live over here. But I understand perfectly that the Paris Workshop concept is as much about a group of female photographers learning something new about Boudoir as it’s about being together and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. This relaxed atmosphere WOULD change or be different if this workshop was a male/female workshop I’m sure.
Keep up the good work – Ole Vangsgaard
Thank you for sharing- it’s amazing at how rude people can be and I commend you for being so brave to share. I’m proud of you for getting through such a rough time and facing life in a new light. You sound like a fighter and you should be so proud of yourself for not only making a horrible situation better for yourself but also for sharing with complete strangers. For getting face to face with that horrible blog commentor and telling them to back off- God will bless you with happiness, sometimes we just have to wait a little longer for that special someone to find us! 🙂
What the samargile was he thinking??? I’m with Marissa, I was shaking after I read that and really wanted to invite him to a workshop for one in which I could personally kick his samargile. I love you girl.
Hey I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. It’s nice to know that even if there is only one other person that is waiting patiently (or at least trying) for the real prince to come along is out there. I have never been married. I’ve never even been out on a real date and I get the “I’m into girls” thing often. And it doesn’t really bother me but it does suck, especially because people just don’t get it. I know with all of my being that there is one perfect person for me and I deserve to wait for him to come along. I believe the same thing for you as well. So anyway, thanks for stepping out into the water even though the storm was raging and you were scared. It was like throwing a life vest out to me as I was sinking in the ocean. THANKS. Much love and blessings!
This was such a brave thing to do… you’re a trooper!
Hi Kimberlee this is Jenhor from the other side of the globe. I am a fashion and beauty photographer based in Malaysia. I have been in the industry for over 25 years and have experienced the ugly side of the business. Most of the time people are nasty is because they are jealous of your success. I have been the industry leader too once in my field in my country but I do not view you with a green eye. Instead by your sharing through the blog, workbook and posebook it has given me courage to make a career change in the near future to migrate to a new passion in boudoir photography. Thank you for sharing and kudos for being so brave. BTW I am a guy and there are still many nice guys out there. Warm regards from me and my family.
I check out your website & blog about twice a week, because I always get inspired & motivated trough it and you both seem to be great people that I would love to meet soon & learn from… hopefully PARIS 🙂 but all I want to say this time is that there are miserable people out there and the person that wrote such hurtful words has definitely not evolve in life, and I feel sorry for her/him. It was just a big jealous comment that do not deserve any more of your time!!! Thank you for sharing your story and I understand what you went trought because I had a similar experience, and I know you will find your prince like I did :)) BTW … it takes real “Girl Power” to share your personal story!!! :)))
Love
Maria-Ines
That was extreme;y touching…don’t worry he is out there!!!
Regards,
Carl
Trust me I know the feeling. I’ve really grown alot this year with respect to protecting your intellectual property!!! Keep motivating us photogs.
Regards,
Carl
Thank yoo for sharing this with all of s. I can relate to some of this as well. Wishing many blessings contin e to come yo r way!
Please pardon the spelling- my letter ‘yoo’ is not working properly. Have a great week!!
It sounds like this situation has been harder on you than you let on in your post. I’m a HUGE fan of The Boudoir Divas and I am SO excited that you decided to stay in SD and continue to build your business! EVERYTHING happens for a reason… something great is just around the corner.
Kimee,
This is the first time that I have read this post and yes you really did put yourself out there! I am the same as you in the sentiment that I do not wear my heart on my sleeve and it is hard for me to open up and write about personal things, but nothing of this magnitude. 🙂 I love how life works out and how it comes full circle. I am so glad you found a tall, good-looking man who loves Jesus and who loves you. 😀
Romonia – you’re so right! What a great thing to look back at this post and realize how much God has blessed me with a tall good-looking mean who loves Jesus! How awesome!! Thanks for the note, friend. 🙂 Hugs