Wide Open

It has almost become a ritual for our family. Gazing out the back window as the sun drifts down. We pause. Some nights there isn't much to see when clouds blot out the sun but other nights we are treated to a little something like this. Vast open sky and a spectrum of color.

I heart instant

I'm having an affair. With my camera. My musky smelling old SX-70 and I have been getting along quite well these past few days. I'm excited about photography once again and am happily riding this creative wave out.

This Moment

I'm playing again this week with 52 Photos and hope to make a weekly habit of it. This week's theme is: Right Now. I picked an imperfect shot to share because really being in the moment is accepting the imperfections that arise and going with the flow. We've had a fair amount of snow this year which is something my daughter is reveling in. So I snapped off just a few shots of her playing then set the intention of being in the moment and watching her joy. Observing the white powder glisten as it fell down and marveling in all the beauty around me. This is what right now looks like to me.

Softly Fade Away

2012 is falling away. I'm ready to take on 2013. I've been making necklaces like crazy this week and will hopefully get them listed on Etsy soon.

I'm incredibly excited to try out the new big girl camera too! This was one of my first few shots. I am playing along this week in the 52 Photo's Project. Having prompts feels like a perfect way start learning my new toy.

One little word

2013 will be my 3rd year of picking a word as a guide. I never was one for resolutions. In the past I tried to set intentions but it wasn't until I heard about using just one word that I really decided to jump on the bandwagon.

I've learned that one simple word can pack a lot of punch. It gives me a focus for the year. Not anything too concrete, yet powerful enough to make stuff happen! My word for 2012 was Voice. It manifested itself in some interesting ways which is why I was awfully careful how I picked my next word.

Though I tried and tried to ignore it, the word: Revel kept popping up for me. It doesn't appear to be an elegant or beautiful word, but yet it feels like exactly how I want 2013 to look. I'm not sticking to its primary definition either. No, I really don't want 2013 to be about drunken all night parties. Instead I am focusing on another definition: to take great pleasure or delight  It is a powerful, strong word. It's a word that will remind me to live out loud and celebrate. Maybe just maybe it will get me dancing too. Who knows?

Happy Holidays!

From our house to yours. May your day be merry however you celebrate!

Emerging

Fuji FP-100c Film

Even though I'm emerging from the hibernation I had retreated into I am still surrendering as a practice.

I'm letting go of the fact that this year, thank yous from my daughter's party will not be sent.

I'm accepting that right now I'm currently without a nice DSLR camera thanks to my cat knocking mine to the floor with speedlight still attached.

I'm recognizing that I don't need to scrapbook every moment of my daughters life and it is ok to just put the photos in albums. The memories matter more.

I'm realizing that in less than 2 weeks I will be on my way to New York City and will probably be scared shitless in anticipation of being in a big city.

There is plenty of goodness going on around here. I'm grateful for that. Slowly I'm making my way back into the light again. I've been busy working on my Etsy shop and have several new items listed. I hope you will take a moment to check it out. More cards will be up by next week.

Then and Now

24 years ago I wore this sash and today she wears hers. 

How time flies.

A love affair with film

I've been sitting on some pretty exciting news. News of the IMPOSSIBLE kind! I cannot tell you how smitten I am with this company and so appreciative of the spark they have reignited in the instant film world.

Earlier this year I learned that two Polaroid shots of mine were selected to be included in a deck of postcards set to be released sometime next summer. I was so completely tickled and happy about it that I forgot to mention it here! This is by far the most tangible thing I have ever been a part of photography wise and I will be completely ecstatic to see it on the shelves next year. The shots chosen have not been shared here on the blog or on Flickr and I have decided to keep it that way. Sort of adds to the big reveal for me when they are published next year.

The next part of my wonderful news is that my Twister shot (below) was chosen to be a part of the next exhibit in the Impossible NYC space starting later this month! It was such a huge honor to be chosen and I feel completely blown away to be featured along side all the talented and amazing artists included in the show. I am hoping that the Universe finds a way to get me to New York by next year so I can see it up in person. The icing on the cake is that my fellow Tribe sister, Meghan, will also be exhibiting at the show. How amazing is it that we get to experience this together?

Lastly, have you seen their newest project up on Kickstarter? Yet one more thing I will be anxiously awaiting next year!

Our newest member

As if my life has not been chaotic enough lately (and oh my has it ever) we decided to finally expand our family. He's furry and a lot of work but oh so cuddly. Meet Jake!

The thought process that led us to a dog is a long story but the short version has to do with our daughter and her constant nagging anxiety. We felt this would be a great companion for her and also a tool to help her manage her anxiety through caring for another being. As long time cat people this is something very new to us and it is taking some adjusting. We are stumbling through house-breaking, poop eating and sharp puppy teeth. So far though, he has been far more behaved than we could have hoped for and would very much prefer to hang right next to us than go looking for trouble.

So off on another journey I embark, one step at a time.

Polaroids from Squam

Squam Love

I've been trying to write for weeks about the magical time I had at Squam in the woods but words have failed to sum up the experience. If you have ever considered going but are afraid (like I was) - do it anyway! You will grow, you will refresh and you will connect, I promise you!

There is an energy there like no other. Peaceful. Healing. 

New friends and shared connections add to the flavor of the week. 

You will come back alive. 

August Break: Small town Idaho

August Break: Let Love Rule

I'm sharing about how I nourish myself over at Chickadee Road today. Join in the conversation there!

August Break: Hummingbird Medicine

August Break: It's almost Roid Week!

August Break: Plainki Falls

Crater Lake, Oregon

Polaroids from Crater Lake

Polaroids from Tribe 2012

Polaroids from Seattle