Because I Liked It

I had no idea what to name this photo. I just simply liked it. Who knew water drains could be so intriguing!

What would you name this photo?

I'm Kinda Giddy About It

This last weekend I had my first official ... photo shoot. A darling neighbor family of ours with the cutest salamander-loving four year-old ever. I snapped and clicked away and they were exceedingly patient and willing subjects.

I instantly fell in love with the craft when first began my photography voyage almost two years ago. Ever since then, I've become a near photo-addict, whipping out the camera at any given moment. There is so much room for improvement still, but I feel like I've grown and developed new skill along the way. It hasn't been until recently that I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could try my hand at a mini-mini-business.

While I consider myself far from the level of professionals, I'm finding there is some freedom in that. My shots don't have to be perfect, 'cause I'm no pro! So, I'm taking a stab at hiring myself out for a minimal fee, taking some photos, earning some change, and a family goes home with fresh pics for a fraction of what they would pay a real photographer. Kind of a win-win for everyone!

So, thank you Dawnelle and Lissa for encouraging me to dip a toe into these waters and for graciously sharing your expertise with me! I'm really excited.

Evening Meal, Alfresco

Regretfully, none of us are particularly skilled in foreign languages. That said, the children learned to ask for dinner "alfresco" long ago. Whenever the weather permits, we scurry outside to eat our meals. Besides the obvious benefit of a "who cares about crumbs or spills" mentality, the pace of the day seems to pull back when we dine outside.

We sit. We chat. We eat slowly. We notice how a wine glass base fits perfectly in the table grooves. We comment on the evening sunlight and the curious shadows it casts.

When it comes to slow, indulgent, and appreciative methods of dining, I think the Italians have it down pat. Lazy dinners with grilled chicken and pasta? Wine and evening sunshine? Happy children and long conversations? Oh, grazie!

Buon Appetito.

Happy Birthday, Love

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,
and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 20:11-14

It is my deep joy to be married to a man that chooses to believe in all that the Lord declares. We have called. We have come. We have prayed. We have been heard. We have sought. He has been found.

So grateful to be growing older with him. We know where our hope and our future lies. Happy Birthday, Love.

Autumnal Pillows in the Family Room

Last year I found just a gob of yardage at the thrift store in an ... Autumnal Medallion Motif! The fabric was vintage but in pristine condition. A nice soft cotton, but still sturdy enough to take some abuse.

After some thought, I made up one cover for a throw pillow just to see if I could live with it's in-your-face declaration of design ... or if it was just too much shazam. The verdict?

Love, love, love! The pattern and colors are bold enough to be interesting but the sea-foam green settles it down to a happy hum. And wouldn't you know, I just happened to have a 16 inch vintage metal sea-foam green zipper! I love it so much it hurts a little.

Now I must promptly commission myself to make at least two more of these darlings. Not like there is dinner to make or chores to be done, right? Pillows are high-priority.

Last of the Summer Hydrangea

As much as I love fall, it's always a bit hard to say goodbye to summer. So nice the hydrangea gave a last showy farewell.

What do you like about this seasonal transition we are in?

A Big, Little Girl

She's big now, you see. She knows how she likes her hair: a sparkly barrette, please. Which shoes go with the dress: black, because they are shiny and comfy. And for some chic arm jewelry? A sparkly pink snap bracelet, naturally.

Last of all, on goes the mousey backpack and a few pictures for Mama. Now it's time to go to preschool. Because she's five. And she's big.

"It's only for a little bit, Mama. You can cry the whole time I'm gone. But then I'll come home."

And I am so glad they do.

Be Still My Beating Heart

Remember the little man from the party? His mama said I could share his picture. Get ready to fall in love ...

... cause he is so deliciously adorable. Can you hardly stand it? He even makes drool cute.

Yes, little man, we love you. You make your mama smile ... and the rest of us too.

Happy Fruit in Golden Sun

A Little Party for a Treasured Family

This past weekend I was able to host a shower for my dear friend, Heather, in honor of the recent adoption of their son from Ethiopia. It has been our deep and great joy to feel like participants in their journey and our hearts swell with pride and thanksgiving every time we see their blessed son.

Jane and I couldn't resist making up some American and Ethiopian flags for table decoration and then who doesn't love international-themed party bunting? A few runs on the sewing machine, couple of diagonal swipes with the rotary cutter and dash through with a needle and brown twisty string to hang.

Sweet church ladies brought fruit salad and nut mix to round out the fare. It all went rather nicely with the bottled sparkly juice.

There was a little quiz with fun facts about the little man himself and his beautiful home country, heart-felt stories from Mama Heather, as well as opportunity for guest to write out prayers they've prayed for the family of honor. And of course, the sunflowers were a happy crescendo to the party atmosphere.

All very simple, but it doesn't need to be grand to be special. Sharing in life together and creating moments of celebration is, for me, an opportunity to treasure.