All the Rage

I have been hearing about the amazing Kelly Corrigan for months now. My mom keeps telling me to get her book The Middle Place. Someone said she was featured in the Oprah mag. Her name has come up in many emails and conversations in the past few weeks and today I found her on youtube via a facebook link by the insightful and ever delightful Kyran Pittman. Thank you Kyran.

I figured the click of my mouse was the least I could do to finally demystify this Kelly Corrigan of which everyone is raving about.

Well, get out your tissue boxes my friends and see for yourself why Kelly is all the rage.



And yes Mom, you were right and I will run out and get her book today. I promise.

Open Your Heart

In the spirit of true Thanks and Giving, Kelly Rae Roberts is hosting a fundraiser full of heart. She and Jen Lemen are working together to make a little magic happen in Rwanda. The money donated will go directly to building Odette's mother Esteria's house. The one she's got now has since collapsed and is uninhabitable. And Kelly Rae is even giving away one of her amazing paintings as an incentive. Giving and Giving. It's so inspiring.

With even the smallest donations we can create something big together. Visit Kelly Rae's blog and donate what you can. Let's help make the magic happen, shall we?

You are Invited

Image today in honor of Flare Friday.

Taking a moment to extend a few invitations...

First, Ali Edwards is beginning an irresistible 'week in the life' project over on her blog which will start next week. I RSVP to her invite to join in the creative fun at Shutter Sisters today. And what's even more fun is that we have copies of her books that we are giving away to our readers. Be sure to comment on the post to be included in the random drawing.

Also, mark your calendars for next week (Tuesday 9/30 @ 5pm) as I am cordially inviting you to an event at The Attic Door in Burbank (So Cal). I will be sharing tips and tricks on taking awesome holiday photos and incorporating those shots into the perfect holiday cards. It's never too early to muster up some inspiration and get a jump start on these sorts of things. Won't you join us?

Melancholy

I can't get enough of this video by Jen Gray.

The Baby Daze

Wishing Happy Babies to Kristen and Rebecca, two rockin' mamas from Blogville that we know and love and that are ready to deliver bundles of joy sometime in the very near future. Blog buddies have been invited to participate in a remembering the baby years virtual baby shower so I have been pouring over photos of my own daughter's baby years. Sigh.

Moments like this one suspended in time make my mommy heart break into a million pieces. Sniff sniff.

Before I get really nuts and post some kind of slideshow featuring 500 of my favorite baby pix, I will just say to the mothers-to-be congratulations on yet another beginning where a new little person joins the family ranks and the whole world begins again. Despite the sometimes seemingly endless days and sleepless nights, you are welcoming the mystery and magic of the sacred days of babyhood.

Here's to avoiding colic, getting a shower now and again and taking as many naps as humanly possible.

Cheers!

A Superhero Shot for BSM

Being Seen by Andrea Scher.

My Oregon adventure was amazing beyond words. God knows I've been posting enough of the images on Flickr to prove it. I could try to articulate how much it meant to spend quality time with 11 soul-sisters but I think when the planets align like that, the words only fall flat and could never really conjure up the magic that swirled about in the salty air, beneath the Mystical Manzanita Moon.

Among countless other gifts, I came home with an entire collection of photographs of myself which is a rarity for sure. That the shots so beautifully and insightfully tell the story of who I am leaves me feeling deeply seen and makes me weepy with gratitude.

I am a soul-searcher at heart so receiving photographs that have captured a part of my soul feels incredible. Through the lenses of women I hold dear, I am able to see myself as I am and as I strive to be;

open,

alive,

playful,

happy,

content,

and full of love.

Sometimes these kinds of shots are the Best Shots there are.

Share your Best Shots today, whomever and whatever they may have captured.

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.

Following My Heart

As I was waiting at the street corner for these friends to cross and meet me for brunch, this heart was laying on the sidewalk at my feet.

Sweet serendipity.

*sigh*

There's nothing better than the love shared between our sister friends.

The Post-BlogHer Glow

Everything I needed to know I learned at BlogHer

1. Internet friends ARE real friends (despite what any non-blogger might say).
2. Getting away for the weekend without the kids is good for the soul.

3. A big bathtub is worth the cost of a hotel room.
4. I get very cranky when beer is not readily available at events.
5. Paper bags can make a fashion statement.
6. San Francisco looks magical at night.
7. Cold weather in July is refreshing.
8. Walking can be fun.

9. Making new friends is awesome.
10. Time with soul sisters is worth the cost of admission.

BlogHer Best Shot

How can I possibly choose one shot from such an incredible weekend. So much love, support, encouragement, empowerment; words could never express it. But a shot like this one does say a lot about it feels when you can bask in a big beautiful dose of soul sisterhood.



Do you have a shot that says something about what's been happening in your life? Share your joy.

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.

A Brave and Borrowed Best Shot

Jen left today for Rwanda. I have thought about her all day. She left a heartfelt and honest post on her blog before she left and posted lovely photos. I am borrowing one for today's Best Shot because I love everything about it.



photo by jen lemen

Even thought I didn't take this photo, I feel like I can borrow it from Jen (since I gave this little gem to her to carry with her on her trip, it feels OK). It's my way of honoring her as she forever changes the lives of everyone she touches in Africa. She is the bravest person I know.



What would you like to honor with your Best Shot today?

Are Wii Fit Yet?

Nintendo threw a fit at my house last night. A Wii Fit that is.



After our little personal training session, Wii are all still smiling. I think that's a good sign.

Since I'm just a beginner I won't try to act like a pro and review it just yet. I do however plan on giving Fit a try to see what happens. God knows, I could use a little Fit in my life. I'm not an exercise kind of gal so it should be entertaining if nothing else. And I plan on sharing my progress. Did I really just say that out loud?

If you'd care to join me in having your own Fit (Wii Fit hits the stores at the end of the month) you are going to be very excited when I tell you that there is a giveaway in the making as we speak. Something along the lines of this one but with a photo twist.

More on that soon. Very soon. Wii pinky swear.


I think this post Fits nicely under the Thursdays Theme of FUN over at The Land of Ka. Sure, it may be Friday but Wii partied on Thursday so it's gotta count, right?

You're on the Air

Well, actually we're on the air.
But you could be too.

All you have to do is call in to chat with Kate and I LIVE this evening from 6-6:30pm PST to Motherhood Uncensored's Blog Talk Radio show. Want more info? Click HERE.



Yay!

Edited to write: To listen to the show, see the sidebar (over there to the right) for the play button!

New Places, Friendly Faces

I spent an incredible weekend with some great friends just north of Santa Barbara. There were hills to roam, animals to befriend and lots of wine to drink. OK, in my case it was beer but you get the picture. It was pretty close to heaven on earth.





How about you? Any new places or friendly faces you'd like to share on this fine Monday?

Sisters (of the soul kind)

I feel grateful that I got to spend much of my Saturday with these ladies. It's amazing what a little girl time can do. Photo courtesy of my self-timer.

This is exactly what I needed to nourish my soul this weekend.

Here's to hoping you've gotten some soul food recently too...perhaps your Best Shot will tell?

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?

Spreading the Good Word

Everyone seems to be Babbling about JOY!

And with kid's jerseys that declare messages like Joy, Compassion, Humility and Courage, why wouldn't they be?

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.