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Monday
08Feb2010

keeping me in focus

Amidst moving upward and onward in my work and all of the bright spots of career these two bring me down to earth. Sure, they celebrate my successes but I'm just mom. And when I fly to Houston or teach a workshop they let me know loud and clear that first and foremost I am theirs. And they are mine.

As a mother, the push and pull can be excruciating; needing to be rooted at home and at the same time wanting to soar out and about swirling in the creative currents. We are blessed when we can balance both because every minute matters. But it's a art. And any art takes practice. Some days it really really hard. Other day's it's as if every step, every flap is taking you (or perhaps keeping you) right where you need to be.

Karen Maezen Miller said it so well in her book Momma Zen,

When you can do anything as though you work at nothing, you have the best days of your life.

Those are the kind of days when you know you're in the right place and exactly the right time. I love those days.

How about your days? What keeps you grounded? What encourages you to fly?

Saturday
06Feb2010

bright spots

So excited to share some bright spots:

Artful Blogging (Spring Issue)

Our very own Best Shot Monday is featured in this month's Artful Blogging. How totally awesome and cool is that??? The article features the Best Shot Monday talent of Chris Sneddon (of Everyday Heartbeats), Melody Abrahamian (of Hip Momma's Journal), Megan McCue (of Mental Inventory) and Cara A. Giordano of (I Miei Due Bambini). It's such a thrill to have something that is so near and dear to my heart be celebrated like this. I love Artful Blogging so much and this is a huge honor. Kudos to all of you Best Shot Mondayers. You are awesome.

Mom 2.0 Exhibit Preview

Speaking of cool stuff and amazing images...I was able to go to Houtson for the opening 'preview party'of the Mom 2.0 Exhibit. Wow. What else to say except this is something I am very proud of. I am personally giddy to have my own photography hung on the walls of the gorgeous Foto Fest Gallery but to see so many of the other amazing photography by so many other 'shutter sisters' it is overwhelming, in the best possible way. It was wonderful to see Laura Mayes(thank to her, this is all possible), Karen Walrond, Katherine Center, Brene Brown and Jenny Lawson when I was there. It was super-sweet.

Picture Spring : a 30 day photo e-class at Big Picture Scrapbooking

I have been so excited about this, I cannot even tell you! I am thrilled to be teaching Picture Spring - 30 days of soulful, season celebration at Big Picture Scrapbooking. Registration just opened for the e-class and I would love to have you join me! Pop over to read more about the class and register today. In a nutshell, Picture Spring is photo-a-day project that lasts for the 30 days of April. I promise it will be a super-fun way to welcome spring and awaken your creative spirit. Feel free to invite your friends too! It's one of those projects that would be great to do with other shutter sisters! The class was created for everyone who enjoys photography. All you need is a camera, any camera. My guess is most of you have one of those. Picture Spring begins on April 1st.

Sunday
31Jan2010

fleeting moments

Some days you feel like you're living in slow motion. You watch your life as passes by one minute after the next. You hear every sound, feel the breeze on your face, notice the quality of light, and watch your children in awe.

Who's life is this wonderful life? How did I get so blessed? I don't know, but I do know I never want to take another day for granted.

I had a day like that this weekend. It was magic.

Videos like this (created by the lovely Katherine Center) bring it all home; what it means to love, care-take, nurture, give, hold, carry, and love more.

 

 

Share a favorite fleeting moment from your life. Through the lens of love and gratitude, it all looks perfect. Lucky us!

Monday
25Jan2010

fierce love

Myriam, me and Jen Lemen. Image by Kelly Rae Roberts

 

I don't know where I'd be without Myriam in my life.

The first time we met, I was very pregnant with my second daughter. Before I had any adequate time to even get to know her one-on-one, she called the women we were with together, gathering them around me to bless my coming-baby girl. I don't remember all the details (something magical about wishes and string around my belly and then wearing the string as a braceless) but I remember the feeling. It surrounded me.

I was loved. I was nurtured. I was blessed. And when someone has the power to make you feel that way, and to do the same for your child (born or unborn) it is something you never forget.

From that day forward and every day since, Myriam has given me and my family this gift. True, unconditional love and support no matter what. For myself and my daughters. Our relationship would be gift enough, but the connection she has to my children makes me weepy.

Myriam is full of magic. She loves fiercely and without limit. She gives more than anyone I know; from her kitchen, from her pocketbook, from her closet, from her heart and soul. Myriam is an eternal giver of all things good. Anyone who knows her recognizes it because everyone she touches has experienced her gererousity. It's palpable.

And, in true Myriam fashion, she gives still. As her precious Haiti has suffered greatly and deeply, she is giving us a chance to help directly to Haiti relief. She, like no one else can, holds Joy for Haiti knowing that through our efforts we can make a difference. It's as simple as chipping in. And appropriately enough she will hand-deliver our gifts because you see, that is just who she is.

Sunday
24Jan2010

Our Own Backyard

I've mentioned a few times that I began 2010 with Simple Abundance as my trusty companion. If I could, I would be quoting that book for the next year. I feel like every page I read is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights; a guide to living life as it should be lived. Authentic. Joyful. Grateful. Simple. Lovely. Abundantly. I won't quote it every day, I promise, but I am eager to share the wealth.

As the wise and wonderful Sarah Ban Breathnach says, "...within each one of us lies a wellspring of abundance and the seeds of opportunity...We all have an acre of diamonds waiting to be discovered, cherished, and mined...Your own opportunity for personal success, authentic happiness, and financial serenity is as close as your own backyard."

What have you discovered in your own backyard this week? Share your gems.