essential / fundamental

L - Nikon / T - iphone

I had a lot of work to do in the studio but what was most essential today was to get outside, exercise and soak in some sun. So I went to my favorite place - Big Trees Forest. / my dog and chick-fil-a - just about all i need.

rainy day /grey skies

L - iphone / T- iphone

Rain, sun, rain, sun, rain - the week so far. / today is a “come now sleep" sort of day.

morning rays / afternoon flare

L - iphone / T - iphone

I can't tell you how happy I was to see the sun this morning. I feel like it's been weeks since I've seen any more than just a brief "peeking out". It was even warm enough for me to enjoy lunch outdoors - a much needed dose of vitamin D. / the beautiful weather brings everybody (and their dogs) to the park. i was so thankful to see the sun.

filled / empty

L - Nikon / T - iphone

This pairing excites me like the ones we used to post.
We've fallen short lately and can't seem to get back on track with the blogging. But we certainly can't quit now. We have to at least carry on until she graduates. Our follow-through has been poor and it's a little disappointing, but I'm glad we created this blog 4 years ago when she went off to college. Several years from now we will enjoy looking back at the photos and few words -memories of what our life held during those years. But one of the best things about it has been the friendships I have made here in blogging land. There's a hand full of you that have stuck by - who encourage me to continue - and I appreciate you.
Anyway, I for one am excited to see this pairing.

We have had such a strange winter so far. Mild and very wet. I decided to pretend it was cold and snowy outside instead of 60 and rainy. So I made a fire and baked some pumpkin bread. / dreary wet monday morning on the way to class

on the ground / in the air

T- iphone / T- iphone


Just some recent photos that Taylor shared with me from her trip to Chicago at the beginning of the year.


reflections on the ground and in the air - Chicago, IL

hello / friends

L - Nikon / T -iphone

Sorry I have been so absent. I hope you will forgive me.

(I really like this photo Taylor sent me. I love the light; the way her new dog seems to be making friends with her cat; and seeing the portrait she did this summer in the background)

home / away

L - Nikon / T -iphone

Knitting has been an obsession around our house - ever since Christmas when my 10 year old niece taught us all how to knit. She was such a great teacher she had me, my brother, Taylor, my sister-in-law, and my fiance all knitting a scarf. It was my brother who put us all to shame though. He has already completed 3 scarves and 2 hats! Taylor is knitting her second scarf. I, however, just finished my first one - and it's not so pretty. I'll keep trying. / chicago was fun but i was glad to get back home - to see miss daisy and my bunny, and to get back in the swing of things.
stay away from lonely places - ron terada exhibit at the contemporary museum in chicago.
lines from a willie nelson song
Remember that sorrow prospers
In a heart that never smiles
So stay away from lonely places for awhile

organize / maintain

L - iphone / T - iphone

Do you make New Year's resolutions? I don't formally make them, but I do think about the things that I would like to change or improve over the next year.
This next year is going to be a year of big changes. Taylor will be graduating from college and I will be getting married. What exciting new changes, but these two things are going to bring much change in our household. One thing that I need to start working on immediately is organization. Does anyone know of a great book or tips on getting a household organized for good? I've seen and read several books on the subject but there's certainly magic solution to it I don't think. One tip I read recently seems a good place to start. "Always subtract before you add."- Make a rule for yourself that you will not add a new commitment until you either finish or eliminate a prior commitment and, similarly, no new books or magazines until reading and or giving away unread books; and purchases - for every new article of clothing, at least two rarely worn articles will be put in the give-away bag.
it's been an awesome holiday break but i have to say i am ready to get back at it. my fortune on new year's eve couldn't have been more appropriate - "you will obtain your goal if you maintain your course." i love this. i immediately put the little slip of paper with my fortune on it in my wallet. but just the other day i went to take my debit card out and the wind blew my fortune away. : [ can't let my goal slip away in the wind.

Happy New Year to all

L - iphone / T - Nikon


If it didn’t Bring you Joy,

Just Leave it Behind.

Let’s Ring in the New Year

With Good Things in Mind.

Let Every Bad Memory Go

That Brought Heartache and Pain.

And let’s Turn a New Leaf

With the Smell of New Rain.

Let’s Forget Past Mistakes

Making Amends for This Year.

Sending You These Greetings

To Bring you Hope and Cheer

Happy New Year!

-Author Unknown