100 years

Dear Maisie, This morning as I was laying in a hospital bed battling a mild scare with a big dose of hives and an allergic reaction to something... I got to thinking... 100 years with you wouldn't even be enough. In fact, I'm not sure 1000 years would either.

I know there are no guarantees in life. But, I hope that if we live in the awareness that we will not last forever... we will have the ability to live more 'presently'. Something I am working on daily. I love you sweet girl. oxox mom.

2011: Wedding favorites

Favorite images. What makes them a favorite. Why do they stand out {to me} {to you}. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly why an image speaks a little stronger than the others. For the most part, I have images that I love from the moment they appear in my camera, then later on in my computer screen. I instantly connect with something about them.

In any favorite photograph it might be a quiet about it, a sweetness, maybe the light, the colors, the feeling. The people always draw me in as well, their stories, their connections and passions. Or it could be the wind, the movement, the joy, swollen anticipation or emotions... but it's always about some breathtakingly beautiful... stolen moment. Frozen in time. I have favorites from 2011. Here are some.

Wrapping it all up.

2011 ending. Reflections flicker past closing eyelids as the lights go out. Remembering all that has passed. Dogs barking, babies laughing, crying... learning to talk. Rain falling, Adele playing, images from various photo shoots floating by. Glimpses of moments all tied up in a year. Furniture rearranged, wine bottled, wood stove burning, wild pup finally sleeping. Reflections from a full year. New ideas, old ideas, photos printed, canvases hung. Toys organized, baby clothes boxed and tucked away, taking a good look at my self. Examining weakness, looking at strengths, deciding what to do with both. Wrapping up 2011 into a neat little package is nearly impossible. In my own quiet way I am busy coming to peace with mistakes and victories of 2011. I am wrapping it all up... inside first. There will be more to share... later. For now... may you reflect gently on your 2011 and look at creating a more beautiful 2012. Anything is possible. May all your wishes come true.

Studying Maisie

It's like in daily life I forget to study you. I am doing stuff, you are doing stuff (you are always busy... putting diapers on Elmo, laughing at Frank, playing with the kitties, bunnies, reading books, running from room to room... just throwing stuff on the floor and singing) I forget there are other rooms in the house to explore. We venture into our bedroom, and our bed becomes Disneyland. The plain white sheets become a blanket of fun, a new adventure. The window, our door to making up stories and singing songs to the passing cars. Safe and warm... watching the people stream by. Where are they going? "home" you say... or "wuuurk". I say, maybe they are going to get "pizza" and you sing "piiiiiiiza. piiiiizzzzza." maybe they are taking their dog for a walk. "FRAAAANKIE" you yell. It seems so simple. But, it's us. Our days. Our cherished, sweet moments that I study you as you flail all over the bed. Then you have moments where you stop also, you seem to study me as well. Or, just plotting your next big move. Whatever it is, whatever we do, I love studying you. Who will you be, who are you now. How you bring our house to life in the most beautiful way. I hope we always have these simple moments, infused with sweetness.

It's Christmas time Maisie Lu, and I just can't stop studying your funny little spirit and your great big soul. May our Christmases always be safe and warm. So much love, mom.