shetoldstories

roadtrip usa:

It's been rainy and muggy all week and my mood is definitely cramped because of it.

I've noticed that when I get like this it's because I'm processing something that needs to be shared. Thank god for friends who call to talk, the ones who know how to flush the deep stuff right out of you. I always feel 10 pounds lighter after one phone call. 

We have bonus days added to our long weekend because of un-used snow days, so we are headed down the shore (to the beach, in NJ speak) for some much needed splash of fun. I just hope the sun comes out to play.

Another week long break from blogging means stuff was happening behind the scenes! My daughter's class had their end of the year show - and it was fantastic. She is such a natural on stage! The show was a mix of chorus, band, and a play - a great cap off to a full week.

The girl has officially reached my height. We see each other eye to eye and I know it will only be a matter of months before I'm looking up to talk to her. That right there is blowing my mind! Time flies is an understatement. Blink of an eye is more appropriate for how fast it passes.

I hope you enjoy your weekend.

xo

smelling the roses:

More pink, which happens to be this week's theme @ 52 Photos Project! 

Gallery 5 will open tomorrow.

~*~

My head is spinning with all of the new coming our way. Graduation ~ End of the year parties ~ Middle School. 

And in the midst of the flurry I'm feeling fully awake, smelling the roses, a little more balanced, a little more on top of my game. The new changes coming my daughter's way are so exciting and a little overwhelming to take in. I visited her new school last night and I think she is gonna do just fine there. She has opportunities to blossom like never before.

Because so much is going on outside of my laptop, I completely forgot to share my interview for Liz's Nine Series. I loved answering her questions with my photos. It's the kind of storytelling I do best. I hope you take a moment to check it out.

It's been raining here for over 24 hours. I'm surrounded by lush greens and gray skies. It's quiet and comforting, but oh I miss the sun. Wishing you a happy day :)

weekending:

a slice of pink from my garden.

I love how Friday nights have slowly become our unofficial fireside nights. The weather is mild and breezy, most agreeable for sitting outside with our books or some snacks and drinks around the fire. We almost always follow it up with a movie and a late (for this mama) bedtime.

Saturday I cleaned up some of the neglected corners of the house, did the BIG food shop, planted a few more annuals, mulched more sections of the garden, cooked, and then took off to shoot an engagement session for my step-brother and his bride-to-be. The fading sunlight glistened through the trees near the lake where we got the best shots ever ('ll share a few here later this week).

Sunday, we attended the bride-to-be's wedding shower. The food was delicious, the company very welcoming. Her family is a fun bunch, all of them looking forward to dancing their asses off at the wedding. 

We spent the early evening at the bookstore, dined on watermelon for dinner, and caught up on our Sunday night tv shows.

It was full and unhurried. I sank right into it and emerge now ready for the week ahead.

I feel like everything is slowing down now that I've got my anxious mind under control & finally, finally off the meds for it. I'm feeling so deeply grounded in the here and now - and that is such a welcome feeling after months of struggle. Aaahh. Strong mind, strong body, strong me.

Weekending with Amanda.

thoughts on kindness: your smile

 

"My wife has 600 different smiles. They can light up your life. They can make you laugh out loud, just like that. They can even make you cry, just like that. That's just with her smiles."

-Michael, When a Man Loves a Woman

Your smiles can light up someone's day. Someone's life. Make them laugh out loud.

Practice your smiles. They will light you up from the outside in.

the textures of my life, today:

Daisy - Captured with my iphone camera using the olloclip macro lens attachment. Processed with Rad Lab & dressed up with Kim Klassen's (chase) texture. Sweet.

I've been absent from here for days at a time, my showing up has been sporadic at best. Well let me tell you what's going on!

My daughter is finishing up at the elementary school and getting ready to graduate. This means end of the year trips, shows, and graduation ceremonies. Mix in a little "Mom I need new clothes!" and "Mom, we have orientation at the middle school tonight!" and "Mom can we go bike riding?" and "Mom, Mom, Mom...!"

Mama is at her mercy, but mama is also planting flower gardens in the yard and getting a new dishwasher installed, and painting the family room, and (weeee) booking up with photo sessions.

But mama is not tired. Nope.

I'm breathing through it all. My body ~ mind ~ soul alignment is nearing a balance I haven't felt in months. My meditation, yoga, and strength training are helping to rebuild my broken bits. I'm taking in the cleanest, most nutritious meals to keep me energized. I'm practicing stepping away, letting go (and it's not easy) but I do so to keep space open for what I need, for new people, for other opportunities to make their way in.

Treating myself with this much love & compassion has allowed me to taper down the anxiety meds because I'm feeling it lessen as I grow stronger. It was a crutch to help nurse me through, but I see the light of the other side and I move. I'm chasing that light like I would chase the sun during the Golden Hour.

At night I indulge in escapism, taking myself to the worlds of Panem & Mr. Grey (oh, bloody fucking hell.. Mr. Grey!!)

And while I've been gone, my camera has remained my constant companion. There are many beautiful moments I have to share here, and I will. One post at a time.

Hope your weekend was a good one. And thank you for your comments. I read each and every one (haven't had time to respond, obvs). Mama is coming back, yes she is.