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Awaking with the assurance that that today would be both historic and glorious, I stumbled down stairs, children still sleeping, and was greeted by this sight. The rising sun, circled by halo of hope; a symbol of what this day and our future holds.

Join us as we blog this moment in time. 1 photo, 44 words. History in the making.

Thank you Melissa and Alice.

Catching up on Gratitude

I know Thanksgiving is long gone and Christmas is soon approaching but I'm not sure I'm done with the giving thanks part. These photos (my best shots for today) were captured on Thanksgiving day and show a glimpse into what I am grateful for. It was the kind of day dreams are made of. A quiet morning, puttering over food and tiny details....taking time to relax and enjoy the day. And an evening of just being together...no agenda, no drama, no rush.

As the holidays draw near, I will take a lesson from my Thanksgiving and try to do the same thing all over again. The hustle of it all just doesn't serve me I've decided. And so, I choose to linger and savor time as it passes. You'll hold me to that won't you? I just might need your help on this one. Who's with me?

What we're there moments you captured this week that had you savoring the season?

A Little Bit of Bliss

Mrs. French (Traci with an 'i') and Mrs. Clark (me, Tracey with an 'e-y') have a little cross- posting fun happening today at Traci's blog Bliss and Shutter Sisters.

Come on over and find your bliss, if you will.

My Golden Girl

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed shooting photos of my oldest daughter lately as she's growing up and truly becoming her own person. She starts middle school in a few weeks and perhaps reflecting on that has made the images I have been capturing even more surreal to me in the most bittersweet of ways.



How can this be my baby? My daughter? Finding herself, coming into her own power, expressing her beliefs; intense, vigilant, strong. She is mine, yes. But what's more...she is hers.

Lovely images from Paige at Shutter Sisters inspired me to put these two shots together. I called the pair yellow (for the obvious reasons) but as I type the word I am reminded that it's shares the name of a song I would sing to her when she was still young enough to be called my baby girl. I would softly sing and get teary with beauty of the melody and lyrics and how perfectly they told the story of my love for her.




Nothing has changed. I still hold those exact feelings and get weepy just hearing this song. Everything has changed. She is 10 now and force in this world that is undeniable. As I have been doing some seeking out of my own inner 10-year-old, I am inspired by daughter and everything she is; bright, beautiful, bold...just like the sun. And so yellow.

Edited to add- Discovering this incredible list from Jen Lemen has enlightened and inspired me as I strive to be the best mother possible to my 10-year-old. I wanted to share it with you.

A Wing and Prayer

Hold onto Hope
Trust the Universe
Listen for Answers
Welcome Transformation
Believe in Miracles
Entertain Angels

Do you have Magic to share? Enlighten us.

I am away for a few precious days, nurturing my soul, soaking in magic, soaring...
Each of the links above represent the Angels that surround me as I write. I am humbled and grateful to be among these Divine Creatures.

My Best Shot and Kate's Perfect Post

Last summer my family and I traveled to Key West Florida where this shot was taken. It’s one of many that I took on the trip that only touches on the history that exists at this southernmost point. Even simple photos of the architecture give you the feeling that you are not alone there, that there is more than meets the naked eye, that those that came before accompany you with each step.

I hadn’t really reflected much on the trip until a few days ago when I was deeply stirred by a post over at SweetSalty. The photos Kate posted of her peaceful place are sacred, still, and so impossibly hopeful. The quiet calm, the whispering wind, the tranquility she captured prompted me to re-look at some of my photos from our trip.

I began to see things I hadn’t seen before as I poured over the images using her words as a guide. Her offering enlightened me and filled me with an understanding I hadn’t held before. Everything about Kate’s Perfect Post is poetry. Each word woven into the next with some sort of soul string that is beyond anything I can explain. It may be intangible (and something I cannot convey through words) but I can feel it.

The image I share today for My Best Shot is another ode to Kate. To hope and love, to the past and present and to keeping the balance of both. But most of all it's an ode to magic.

I lust so deeply for magic, I swear sometimes I can will it into existence.

These words of Kate's call to me as does the black bird perched on the fence of the ancient cemetery—singing to all of us that our mere will for magic can most certainly bring with it little miracles.

What shots do you have to share with us today and what kind of magic do they hold for you?

--

To see more of the Perfect Post nominees for May, go visit Lindsay at Suburban Turmoil and Kimberly at Petroville where the lists are posted.

A Gift from Rwanda

Jen has updated her blog with the most stunning photo of Odette's daughters Grace and Lillian.
I just wanted to share it with you.
Sigh.

Breathing in My Best Shot

Still reveling in the wide open spaces of central California, I wanted to share another photo with you from the other weekend. We took walk after walk through fields of mustard and tall grasses, breathing in the clean cool air of the vastness that surrounded us. Sigh.

I said it was heaven, right?

What little slice of heaven do you have to share this week?

Getting Our Spring On

Taking into consideration the obvious theme of many recent photos and various posts on the subject, I guess it goes without saying that I love the promise of early spring. With the beauty of every blossom I am inspired; each new bloom, each tender bud, each tiny revealing of color emerging from sleepy green stalks and woody branches.

My girls and I have been enjoying discovery walks, photo excursions and crafty afternoons all in honor of spring’s arrival. About a month ago we began working on a collaborative project we're calling The First of Spring. It’s a mix of photos, paintings, leave rubbings, words, and even a super-springy poem (courtesy of my 10-year-old). As the finishing touch we bound the pages in an HP Photo Book to have something to commemorate our celebration and creative burst.

Sharing my camera with my kids is a given. Yes, I’m one of those moms that hands over the big, heavy, expensive SRL to my kids and let them have at it. They were definitely excited to take photos for our project. But what added to the fun was the painting and the writing that we added to embellish the book and make it a true mixed media-scrap book kind of thing. The do-it-yourself-book binding worked perfectly with all of the elements (to my delight) because the binding opens easily and pinches closed to hold all the goodies together. I think I might even have the kids paint on the cover (it's linen) as an added touch.

Because more than anything, I suppose I’m gushing over my children's enthusiasm and creativity, I wanted to share some photos of our process (like the one I shared over at the April Snapshot at HP) as well as the spring poem my daughter wrote for the book. If you can't read the poem, feel free to pop over to the original collage created at Tabblo. Adorable!

Perhaps this inspires you and your kids to get busy as bees this month in celebration of the good green earth. Feel free to share your ideas and links to your own projects here in the comments.

Happy Creating!

For more photographic inspiration visit Shutter Sisters.

Enchanted

Year after year I have watched in reverie as Spring performs her annual show and somehow I am always astounded and delighted as if I had never seen it before.

Stroll & Savor

My girls and I took a long walk on Saturday evening. The three of us began with two magnifying glasses, two treasure collecting baskets and one trusty macro lens, as we ventured to discover the small wonders that Spring is awakening around our neighborhood.

Although there were many great shots of buds, bugs and blossoms, when my oldest snapped a few of me and my youngest, I knew I would be smitten. These kinds of shots remind me of how good life can be when I slow down and enjoy it, just as it is.

So, here's my Best Shot Monday (not really my shot at all but my uber-talented 10-year-olds). It's an ode to a weekend of family time and a celebration of the season. And I'd like to take that a step further and ask that you take all the Easter hope and gladness into your heart and hold it there as you read Jen Lemen's Prayer for Jenni Ballantyne. When a mother is going through what she is going through and is still brimming with love and radiating such beauty, you can't help but be inspired. She is amazing. And right about now, she could use some extra support.

Share your photos of family and love with us today as we celebrate what matters most.

A Mother's Metamorphosis

It’s no mystery that in the past few weeks there has been some touch and go moments on the motherhood home front around here. Although I haven't exactly explained it, I think my images have done the talking for me. It's been difficult to put my finger on but I can say that it hasn't been comfortable. Just when you think you’ve hit your stride, one or both of your kids will slide into some new phase and you’re caught not looking and loose your balance. Sometimes you’re left reeling only to struggle to regain composure while other times you find yourself flat on your face. You’re nodding your heads aren’t you?

In my case, for this go round at least, I think it’s time to shed some old skin I haven’t been ready to let go of yet. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. I’m not being the best mom I can be and I know better than anyone that it’s time I take some strides forward. Big ones. And as I do, I must leave what’s not working behind me. That should feel good. And I’m sure it will. But it also means forging into new, unfamiliar territory and that can be terrifying.

So, as I gather my courage to press on, I am slowly seeing my girls, my incredible daughters, for who they are, not for who I think they should be. Wow. That’s a doosie. Even in our toughest moments when we lock horns, face off, stare each other down, I know I am looking square into their strengths, and even more intimidating their individuality. They are who they are and they are not me. And thankfully, they will never be me. They will never be anyone but themselves. It may sound simple and obvious but the truth is that it feels huge to see it now with my own eyes and feel it with my own heart, that everything they are becoming is unto themselves and not unto me. That I am feeling so melancholy and even conflicted through it all must mean that I am experiencing a pretty significant motherhood rite of passage.

I am reading a book called Your Child's Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them by Jenifer Fox (provided by the Parent Bloggers Network) which has pretty much sparked an inferno of epiphanies for me. Although I tend to poke around books and take from them what I feel I need to learn-that’s one of my strengths I guess-by reading through the pages of the book, I have been inspired to better appreciate my girls for who they are. I want to learn how to focus on their strengths and discover the innate, unique gifts they carry, savoring both the sweet and salty of what they bring to the banquet table of life. It just might be the biggest challenge to date but I know it’s worth any discomfort I feel as I stretch from this tight motherhood cocoon into a lovely winged creature with the grace and courage enough to share the endless sky with my butterfly girls.

Do you have a shot to share today that makes your heart want to take flight?

Bloomin' Best Shot Monday

Lately, I have been longing for color. I don't know how else to say it. It's just that simple.

I do appreciate this time of year when living things go dormant, hiding themselves as they prepare for their grand re-entry into the warmth but I am finding myself in need of a bright vibrant splash of life-of true color in all it's glory.

I was going to buy myself some flowers but I waited until Valentine's Day in hopes that I would get something colorful. I was lucky enough to receive beautiful, deep red roses but still...the ache. What I need is the outdoors to begin the slow and steady revealing of spring's bounty.

And just in time, the little signs have started. And I have had to do nothing to bring it about but sit and wait. I'm giddy. Spring will be here before we know it.



Can you feel it?

Have any of the shots you captured lately left you giddy, feeling like hope is restored and that everything is as it should be?

Monday's Gifts

The other night while sitting at a bountiful table of full glasses, incredible women and glowing candles I helped celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. While thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie and lively conversation I was reminded that love and kindness come in many shapes and sizes. This particular evening they came in the form of twinkle lights and paper flowers. And birthday cake. But it was the vision of all the delicate flowers that has lingered. Handmade by one of the talented and generous women there, each flower bloomed out of love. I covet the one I brought home as it allows me to relive an evening cloaked in the beauty of caring.



Although perhaps a little less poetic, sometimes kindness can come in the shape of palm sized pink rectangles. I hope that the very deserving children who receive the DS Lites from Nintendo will feel that they are cared for. I know it takes more than a gift but a little extra something special can be a bright spot. Although I had at first planned on sharing details and links about these kids, I thought better of it and felt that discretion felt a little more appropriate The stories that you so bravely shared were intimate enough to just hold close. But, I will tell you though that the gifts went to very good homes. Thank you all so much for participating. I wish I had a truckload of DS Lites to give away as every one of the children you shared with me IS deserving and worthy. That is for sure. So, again, thank you.

And in the spirit of all things bright and beautiful, let me ask you, what shape does your Best Shot take this week?

Hopes and Dreams

In case you didn't know, the lovely and talented Jen Lemen has opened the door to her new downloadable art site SoulSisters Design. Glory Hallelujah! This on top of the wares she offers at her Etsy shop. That means more ways to get yourself a little bit of the beauty that makes the world a better place. How sweet is that?

Pretty sweet.

speading the word

Oh Joy!

...........................

mama says om

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A special wish for my sweet grandma.

Random Radiance

The fabulous Gabrielle at DesignMom is in the midst of a Random Givaway and she is offering up the most gorgeous jewelry. Remember this?

Yep, Blue Poppy Jewelry is up for grabs and all you have to do is go visit the post at DesignMom and comment to be in the drawing. Yay! You only ave until Sept 10th at midnight, so get to it.