Monday, August 29, 2011

spot of a heart / heart of a spot


L - Nikon / T - iphone

I know it's really nowhere near to being autumn here in Georgia even though the poplar leaves have started to turn and fall. But if you sit out in the early morning or late afternoon however, you can pretend that it is - the temperatures are quite nice at that time. / sorry i can't help taking photos of her. i'm like a mother with a fat photo book of her children (except they're all on my iphone). she doesn't look very comfortable but she likes it here.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

rays / light


L - iphone / T - iphone


"The sky is the daily bread of the eyes." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This week the sky's have been brilliantly painted and the mornings have been pleasantly cool. Seems no matter how hot it's been and what day school starts there is always a bit of fall in the air the first day of school. This week was no different. Happy back-to-school for those teaching and learning.

Taylor got an iphone and I think she's going to be more prone to sending instagram photos than anything else so I may change the format here to accommodate.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

full circle / transformation


L - Nikon / T - phone pic

What's old is new again. So many things are coming full circle these days. The film cameras, lps and the record players, vintage style for home decorating and clothing, back to basics, etc.
Sometimes as children become teens we think what happened to my sweet child. But they seem to come back around too. We as parents, worry when our children go through many changes while growing up and spreading their wings. My daughter has never really caused me much heartache or worry but we all know children aren't perfect and I have to admit there have been some periods where she kept me up at night - literally. But this summer of her 21st year I am aware that she has become a mature young woman in her attitude and behavior; and I might add, a truly delightful one. This summer with her has been pure joy for me and she seems to have felt the same. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her as she finishes her senior year in college and how she will use her many talents.
There is a scripture I always hung on to through the bumpy patches.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Her newest creation of the butterfly seems perfectly fitting. She has developed into a beauty.


“How does one become a butterfly” she asked pensively “You must want to fly so much you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” “You mean die?” “Yes and no,” he answered. “What looks like you will die, but what’s really you will still live” —–
From Hope For The Flowers

This really has been one of the most fulfilling summers I’ve had in a very long time. Being back in Atlanta and surrounded by the strength and love of my family throughout the past three months has really grounded me and made me realize the characteristics and traits that I want to further develop in my final year of school. Always striving to be productive, making sure I am resourceful in my endeavors, and being appreciative and respectful (essentially treating others as I would want to be treated) of those around me are all things that I have worked on during my time here. Of course I’m not insinuating that I wasn’t any of these things before! I was raised and taught by them! I’ve been immersed in an unbelievably caring and uplifting environment for my entire life. But I believe that I have grown and matured an immeasurable amount – that, I am very pleased with and proud of. This summer will provide a wonderful foundation for my last year at UGA and has shed a very nice light on the things I need to focus on.

Monday, August 8, 2011

me / her

T - Nikon / L - Nikon

I have lovely blue hydrangeas for hair and a orange butterfly flutters by. She has hair of feathers and a bluebird perches high.

I sit and watch as she draws - she doesn't hesitate with her stroke. She's confident with every mark - precise with the placement of her ink. I am in awe - amazed at her talent. But more than anything it is her enthusiasm and delight that brings me such happiness. When she sets her mind to something and has a vision, nothing will stop her. These portraits were started on Saturday and tonight, as I write this, both of them are complete. I wish I had just half the creative energy she's had this summer.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

picked / cleaned


L - Nikon

...and eaten
This evening I picked a few before the birds ate them. They’re good straight from the tree but next I think I'll try them with chocolate.

Chocolate Covered Figs

• 4 whole fresh California figs with stems
• Fine sea salt; as needed
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Wash and dry figs; dust lightly with salt. Set aside. Measure chocolate chips into microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave for 30 seconds more and stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Holding fig by stem, dip in melted chocolate and set on wax paper-lined tray. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand until chocolate is set.

Serves: 4

footnote

The photos on the left are taken by me, Leslye, the mother. The photos on the right are taken by my daughter, Taylor – unless otherwise noted. Comments are always welcome. thanks
If you care to visit, I, Leslye, have another blog - AutumnSun where I ramble around different paths and pleasures of my own.