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?

A Good Way to Start the Day

Me- Honey, can you please clear your bowl from the table?

Her- Oh yes, of course. Princesses always clear their bowls.

I'd say the day has great potential.

Happy Love Thursday.

Incriminating Shot Monday

We've never been a dog family. We are a cat family. We're still enjoying our faithful 18-year-old cat, thankfully. Lucky for my husband and I, both sets of grandparents have dogs which gives the kids a regular dog-fix without us having to commit to another pet. Whew.

The other day I caught my dad's dog red-pawed with a slipper (big no-no) and I had to grab a photo of the crime scene.

This picture cracks me up because he looks sooooo guilty. But not quite enough to give up the slipper. Classic. So much like a child. I love it.

So, what classic moment did you capture this week?

And I Quote...

As I was putting my youngest daughter down for the night and we were laying in her bed chatting about the day, she sweetly put her hands on my face and gazed at me. With a big sigh, she sleepily exhaled, "I love you even though you are my mom."

She's Got Legs

My Best Shot Monday is an ode to my tiny dancer. This photo captures her as the rogue ballerina that she truly is. Part princess, part tomboy, 100% herself.



The vibrant color she brings to our family takes my breath away; sometimes leaving me exhausted, sometimes leaving me simply overwhelmed with gratitude.

Do you have something to share that makes your heart skip a beat?

Hey Mamas, Shutter Sisters is co-sponsoring another Mama Focus Contest just in time for Mother's Day. Be sure to visit Shutter Sisters on Tuesday (whoops, I meant Wednesday) for the scoop. Or if you're too eager to wait, just visit Mamazine right now for all the details.

Portrait of Mom

There's a mom celebration going on that I heard about via the Parent Blogger Network. It's a little something called Portraits of Mom. There's photo sharing going on and of course, prizes. And if you're in San Francisco or Brooklyn, you can even waltz into a Windows Live studio to get a free portrait with your kids which is something all of us photo moms could really use (as we're never in the photos because we're always taking them). Be sure to read the rules because the pros aren't eligible to enter to win the prizes. I hate that when that happens.

Along with the campaign, the PBN asks us (and YOU are included in the us) to describe our portrait of mom. And timely enough Paige just shared Hand it Over at Shutter Sisters and so I couldn't help but want to share this portrait of me as mom that my talented sister took.

I love having portraits of my kids and I as seen by someone other than myself. I do shoot self-portraits (as you alredy know), but a view through someone elses lens is always refreshing.

What makes this shot especially compelling to me is that it brings to life how I feel about being a mother.

I'm in the center. I am the center. My children revolve, spin and exist around me, both in their reality and mine. Although this is changing and I already see signs of their gradual flight from our insulated, circular nest- right now, this is our life and I am still the center. And for a mother, this can as difficult as it is delightful. Being a mom means giving oneself. The hardest part for me is giving myself without losing myself. I have been vigilant (maybe to a fault at times) about holding on to me as me, beyond me as a mother. And still, now that I am a mother, they are a part of me. As I see it, they aren't separate from me but at the same time, they are. I might be talking in circles here but I have finally discovered, it isn't an either/or. It's a both.

As a mother I have become a richer, fuller me and as my girls continue to grow and change and move away from me as the center, I can only hope I too grow and change gracefully, ever becoming the best me I can be, as a mother. As myself.

Losing Sight of Love

Thursdays have become one of my favorite days. Mostly because of the Love. I have found it one of the most pleasurable pastimes now, to collect image after image of Love as I find it (or maybe more as it finds me) through my lens. Literally, figuratively, symbolically, true.

Within the last year or so of my life, I feel like I’ve hit somewhat of a stride. I’ve been contently chugging away; on track and on time, sure and steady, authentic and real. I recognize I’m evolving into the person I want to be. Softer, kinder, more gentle—to others and to myself. I’m more open, more in balance, more aware. More loving. Maybe that’s why Thursdays feel so good. I’m happy with where I’m at and where I am going.

Usually.

But there are always those days. Days like today where my peace train is jolted by an unexpected and violent derailment. My body tenses and my throat burns triggered by a raging range of emotions. The screech and spark of metal on metal permeate my very core as I try desperately to avoid the inevitable crash. To no avail, petty thoughts and past baggage pile up like boxcars jarred and jackknifed, one on top of the other, twisted and tangled.

Sometimes I forget that to be one’s best self you must pay attention and keep your eyes on the road. I am reminded, as I sit here amidst the smoldering wreckage, when you lose sight of Love, you lose your way. The road got dark and somehow I dropped the map.

With Love long gone, I slowly pick myself up, battered and bruised. The only thing I can do now is look for Grace. Grace will help me find Love. They’re old friends. And thankfully I know that they are no strangers to messes like this one. I also know they’ll help me clean things up and get back on track when I’m ready. And as that morning whistle blows, you’d better believe I’m letting Love take the wheel.



My Love Thursday photo is an ode not only to Love but to her true companion Grace.

My Sunny Best Shot Monday

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know dear how much I love you...

We're you lucky enough to capture a little sunshine this week?

Got Photo Tips?

If you're interested in gathering a few tips and tricks to add to your photo knowledge arsenal, pop over to the Hip Slope Mama blog. They asked me to offer some of my ideas over there so be sure to go check it out.

Happy Clicking.

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!

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.

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?

In Honor of a Perfect Post

I got the reminder that the Perfect Post Awards were coming up on the same day that Jen Lemen posted this gem at Shutter Sisters. Seriously, how could I not nominate it? Everything about her post is indeed perfect.

The photo alone is brilliantly captured; the image of her father’s hands speaks volumes on its own. But then Jen, in her magical way coupled it with a story that reached down and stole my heart right out from my chest.

As she celebrates her own father, I am reminded of my own. Of what makes him unique. Of what I so deeply love and appreciate about him. I am taken back to my childhood and it seems that the uncertain times, the struggles have become somewhat of a blur however, there is clarity in how he loved me…how he still does love me. That’s all that matters. Everything that came from the past has only helped to build the foundation of mutual admiration and tenderness that we stand on today. I love him so very much.

And then I think of my husband—the father of my children and how steadfast and unwavering he is in his love for them and I melt into a big sopping puddle—part little girl, part mother, part wife and I am so grateful that Jen, through the brilliance of the written word and a single photograph coaxed me into feeling all of this intense, rich gratitude today.

Be sure to visit Suburban Turmoil and Petroville for the rest of the Awardees and lots of linky love.

My Best Shot at Truthiness

Have you happened upon Sweetney's Truthiness gig? It all began with this post where she announced the Flickr group which triggered a whole movement of sorts and I've been intrigued ever since.

So, in the spirit of what another blonde, blue-eyed Tracey started, I offer nothing glamorous today, just me FIRST thing in the morning (pre-coffee no less) at my Truthiest.




If you have played along already I hope you'll leave a link to your Truthiness shot as well as whatever else that's true to you for your Best Shot Monday today. And, if you haven't shot the real you self-portrait yet, consider this a nudge to join in and reveal your Truth.

Good Morning Monday!

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.

Me Me Me

As I was digging around looking for a photo for Love Thursday, I read Stacy's Theme Thursday for the week and thought, hey, I love self-portraits as much as the next guy...why not head outside and click off a few? The one above is a crop of some I decided to shoot for my Love Thursday pic.

And then I figured I'd include a little list of weird things about me because I was tagged by Brown Eyed Mama for the meme. What fun! I haven't done one in a really long time so I thought I'd give it a go. Come to think of it, I may have done one like it a long time ago. Oh well, I need something to do to keep me busy while I am putting off all the stuff on my to-do list.

1. I have been taking self-portraits since I was in college.
2. I hate when my feet feel dirty.
3. I love The Grateful Dead.
4. I'm totally into self-help books (of the ethereal kind).
5. Hamburgers are my favorite food.
6. I usually learn best (although perhaps not efficiently) by making stuff up as I go along.
7. 75% of the time I shoot with my camera on automatic. And no, I don't consider it cheating.

These might not be too enthralling but 'weird' stuff isn't that easy to see in yourself. Maybe I should have asked my family to make a list for me. Or maybe not.

And to keep the meme rolling....I tag

Melody (Slurping Life)
Melody A. (the Hip Momma's Journal)
Jessica (Moving Pictures)
Sarah-Ji (shutterbug mama)
SusieJ


and I think you should have to add a self-portrait, just for fun! Melody already did one today which I might add looks a lot like mine. Too cool. Great minds Melody.

OK, I think I'm supposed to add myself to the list and have you do the same. So here it is-

The Strategist Notebook ~ Link Addiction ~ Ardour of the Heart ~ When Life Becomes a Book ~ The Malaysian Life ~ Yogatta.com ~ What goes under the sun ~ Roshidan’s Cyber Station ~ Sasha says ~ Arts of Physics ~ And the legend lives ~ My View, My Life ~ A Simple Life ~ Juliana RW ~ Mom Knows Everything ~ Beth & Cory’s Mom ~ A Mind Forever Voyaging~ enjoying the ride ~ Jennifer’s thoughts ~ Mom of 3 Girls ~ Amanda ~ Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys ~ ExPat Mom ~ Just Jessie ~ Wilson Six ~Krisitn ~ Nuttier Than You ~ Shonnte ~ Summer’s Nook ~ Laura Williams Musings ~ Sher ~ Shanda ~ Seven QTPies ~ Mel ~ Skittles ~ Lady Banana ~ Momhood Moments ~ Business Mars ~ A Simple life ~ moms….. check nyo ~ Mommy’s Little Corner ~ Pampered ~ HappyHeart ~ Make Every Day Your Lucky Day ~ Thumbelina Creations ~ Ivonnardona's Creations ~ Jewellery Craft ~ A Bead a Day~ Useless Ramblings ~Candid Yammering ~ Green Eyed Mama ~ Mother May I ~


And hey, anyone else who wants to play along, I tag you too!

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?

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?