A Lovely Day

"Love is woman's moon and sun..." -Dorothy Parker

Sleep is for the Weak

At BlogHer this summer there was a book signing for Sleep is for the Weak—an anthology of stories from the wildly popular mom bloggin’ crowd. And there, sitting at the table signing stacks of books were a group of women I have had the privilege of getting to know both online and in person. Women who share the joys and the struggles of motherhood with us; fiercely passionate mothers that aren’t afraid of telling it like it is. The good, the bad and the I can barely hang on to a shred of sanity ugly. Been there.

Watching, live and in person as these talented mamas got their due recognition in the real world (as opposed to the virtual world) was super-sweet, signing their names to a book, with actual paper and real ink, handing their written words off to the masses with no keyboard or laptop to be found. Well, OK, laptops were no doubt back in the hotel rooms.

Since many of the book’s contributors are bloggers that I got to know pretty early on in my blogging days they are near and dear to my mommy blogging heart. Having the book in my hot little hands is like having a little piece of them with me. Reading hilarious anecdotes and heart wrenching truths from the likes of Jenny Lauck, Liz Gumbinner, Kristen Chase, Alice Bradley and Eden Marriott Kennedy (the list goes on and on) is a dose of good mommy medicine and a celebration of how brave, bold and brilliant the mothers of the blogosphere are. But, you don’t have to tell us that…because we already know.

Sleep is for the Weak is available for purchase through Amazon.

This review was written for The Parent Blogger Network.

Light-Hearted Best Shots

This has been a tough week on the kids. Of course, I am in full celebration mode of having my time back-sorry, but mama needs her time-but for them, it's been an overload of new things; people, places, schedules, things to remember, homework to do, etc. Both girls, back to school all day everyday meant a roller coaster of emotions from excitement and enthusiasm to hesitation and melt-downs. Total brain over-load.

This weekend we just needed a little levity and what better place than our our backyard? Here's how my kids blew off a little steam from the pressure-cooker that is the first week of school.

How did you capture this past week? Hopefully you had a little fun while you were at it. Do share!

Getting A Little Perspective Today

Today is A Little Perspective Day!

A day to focus on how are children view the world through the lens of a camera. The shot above was taken with a trust point and shoot many years ago when my youngest daughter was barely 2 years old. Pretty sweet shot!

So, let's see what your shutterbugs have come up with!

Leave your links in the comments so we can take the day to click around for a Little inspiration. And don't forget to add your pix to our Flickr pool too.

For tips on how to get your children into the 'click' visit my article at PBS Parents.

It's Nice to be Noticed

Sometimes in our day to day work we get lost in the job. Rushed and distracted we go about our business taking care of tasks if only to check one more to-do off our list. The days go quickly and there's not much time to really reflect on our successes and yet, every day is an accomplishment, a reason to applaud ourselves.

As mothers, we wipe noses, hands and bottoms. We tote, juggle and shuffle 10-20 pounders and their gear. We manage to get kids up and out to school clothed, fed, homeworked, and back again for more food, baths, books and bed. We get through laundry, dishes and bills. And somewhere in there we hopefully eek out time for ourselves. For many of you reading this, that time often consists of blogging; about family, motherhood, our feelings. Or we turn toward something other than that. We write about gardening or politics. We cook or paint or take photographs to keep our autonomy. We create communities so that we may be seen and heard and understood. And yet, sometimes through all of it, we don't notice or acknowledge how much we are doing and how well we are doing it.

Women often fall prey to guilt from all the things we are not getting done. We focus what we're not doing and we hold close the notion that we aren't enough. But, the truth is, we are enough. And what we pull off every day is amazing.

Since the launch of Shutter Sisters, I have been a busy blogger on top of everything else. Getting through my to-do list has felt next to impossible and some days I am sure that it's never going to get done. All the plans I have for myself, my career, my blogs might never come to fruition. I so quickly forget that in fact everyday I have things out in the world to celebrate. My children for one who grace the world with their very beings. My photographs which fill many books and hang on many walls beyond my own and live on blogs that people visit every day. I know this is all true but sometimes I forget to enjoy it.

It took kind words from a stranger to remind me that what is happening at Shutter Sisters (or any other part of my life) doesn't rely on what I plan to do in the future with it. It's not about my looming to-do list but instead what exists right now. What IS.

Reading Scott's insightful words made me realize that the true purpose behind Shutter Sisters is being seen and understood perfectly, even by an outsider (for lack of better words) and perhaps even more surprising, a Gadget Guy. It was the little nod I needed to make me sit my action down for a few minutes to enjoy what I have accomplished, and what I do everyday.

I encourage you to do the same for yourself, over a few deep breaths. I promise, it'll be time well spent.

A Best Shot Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the world the way your children see the world is a gift. The beauty of handing your kids the camera is getting a glimpse into what see as important to capture in a photo. It can be enlightening and inspiring!

A portrait of a sister under trees in upstate NY, summer vacation 2008

My oldest daughter spent her graduation money on a new camera. Her own camera. I have never been one not to share my cameras with my kids but she wanted her own camera, not mine. Of course, I couldn't be happier that she loves photography despite it's prominence in our everyday life. I am thrilled that my love of photography hasn't caused her to run the other way. At least not yet anyway.

Over at PBS Parents today, my Expert of the Month post goes live. Go check it out! I hope it inspires you to encourage the children in your life to get into photography. I would love to hear your comments over there so we can start a little discussion in the next few weeks on the subject. You can even add photos that your kids take in the Flickr Pool called A Little Perspective. I'd love to see what you're kids come up with when they are behind the lens.

And on this fine Best Shot Monday share with us your best capture of the week.

And how about a little something EXTRA this week here at Mother May I?? I propose this Friday A Little Perspective Day. That means you can pop over here and share a link to your favorite shot from your child's photo collection. Let's honor their creative vision-no matter how young they are. What do you think? Are you up for a Little fun this week? Hope to see you back here on Friday, if not sooner.

On Our Last Day of Summer

rocks on the porch in oregon

photo shot with this cool camera

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

~The Wonder Years

Best Shot Monday's post will come on Monday this week. : ) Come back by tomorrow! Thx.

Ready for Change (and I'm not just talking politics)

Hello. My name is Tracey and I am the mother of a middle-schooler.

As of yesterday anyway. Wow. It’s still so surreal—surreal and bittersweet but truthfully, more than anything I am just so excited for her—for the new chapter in her life and in mine. I have let her take the lead on this one; as I watch, wait, try to read her as she makes her way into adolescence growing and changing, becoming her own person. I am inspired by her grace.

But, growing and changing means puberty and that word can strike terror into any mother’s heart. Lucky for me, as long as I don’t say that word, talking about it isn’t as hard as I had thought. I have made a very conscious effort to act as breezy as possible about the changes that have come and those on the horizon for my daughter. Being open about own body, my cycle, etc. have made for some pretty perfect ‘teachable moments’.

For example…
What happens when you mix a trip to Disneyland, a pair of white bermudas, and a mother who is ill prepared? One of those 'teachable moments'. My daughter swooped in to save me, in calm yet heroic fashion whipping out a quarter from her purse. Isn’t that what this is for? she said pointing to the metal box stuck to the bathroom wall. OK. She’s savvy. I’m impressed. My problem was quickly resolved with very little incident all thanks to my 10 year old. I beamed with pride.

All of this to say that despite the fact that I have been open and honest about these things, I was eager to review a DVD called “Healthy Chats for Girls – an age-appropriate sensitive-yet-fun discussion about Puberty and Growing Up” for the Parent Blogger Network. And I am glad I did.

The DVD comes in the My First Period Kit created by the kind, approachable and celebrated doctor Crystal de Freitas. Who by the way, is not only a mom to 3 kids but is a published author of books on the complex subject of our children’s sexuality. She’s an expert.

Considering the only education our young girls get about ‘coming of age’ (beyond the trash the media serves up) is the one film shown in elementary school to all 5th graders. Now, I can’t pretend to know how that info is delivered—I actually missed that day of 5th grade which I will admit is an absence of which I will never get over—I don’t think they’ve updated that film since they first created it and the fact that the film is shown in a room full of mortified and therefore giggly and chatty girls isn’t really conducive to really listening, let alone learning. That said, I am happy to have the Healthy Chats for Girls DVD to share with my daughter in the comfort of our own home, no distractions, just an authentic, easy to understand, painless “modern approach to that traditional chat between a mother and daughter”. That’s how the DVD is billed and that’s exactly what you get. Take a sneak peak if you want to see for yourself how it’s done.

I would recommend the Kit to any mother with daughters. After all, we need all the help we can get as embark on our new adventure through puberty (again). There. I said it.

The Sun Setting Over my Best Shot

Have you captured any dreams or visions this week?

We're All in This Together

First of all, let me offer an enormous thank you to all of you for your birthday wishes. From comments to emails to phone calls, I was overwhelmed with love! Thank you, thank you.

Besides my birthday, I just discovered that yesterday was Nie Nie day. After poking around from link to link for the details of what it all means, I am left with a big dose of perspective and an overwhelming sense of gratitude that in this sometimes surreal world of bloggering we are all connected.

Case in point- tragedy pulls us together in a way that is beyond inspiring. It is life changing. We don't know each other in many cases but our stories, or joys, our struggles are universal. We relate to and respect one another. We are a community of people that openly share our lives with one another with honor and courage and love. It is a privilege to be a part of something that authentic and powerful and it is, among countless other things, what keeps me blogging.

Design Mom is holding a silent auction in honor of Stephanie (Nie) and her husband Christian, to offer financial support for the Nielson family during these difficult days. I felt compelled to share it with you so that we continue the circle of the true community we have created, where we take care of one another because it's not only what we do, it's who we are.

Permission

A Love Note to myself on my birthday.

My Meandering Best Shot

As we head into what is the last official week of summer vacation, I have been busy tying up loose ends. Getting rooms sorted and cleaned to give the kids a fresh start when school begins (an end of summer ritual around here), frantically finishing up household projects that didn't get get done, squeezing in a few more family excursions and getting the family reunion photos uploaded to share with the family that have been patiently waiting for weeks now.

My best shot above is one from our trip in June. I am reminded of the beauty of the countryside where we drove and drove and took in the vast landscapes; where we were happy to be plucked from our normal daily life and looked forward to the endless possibilities that school-free days and sunshine offer.

I will admit however now, that it's images like these that make me long for simplicity when our routine is back in full swing and I have a little peace and quiet all to myself.

What sorts of stirrings are within your head and heart today?

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 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.

I Believe

I beleive that going weak is perhaps the best way to receive the love we need.
From ourselves, each other and the Universe.

What do you believe?

A Flair for my Best Shot

The girls and I spend some time with my family this weekend and had a blast. There's nothing like getting your snap happy hands on a baby that's as cute as my niece.

We had such a nice evening together and took so many fun photos I just had to showcase little miss sunshine in her glory; sun flair and all.

What's been bright and beautful in your world this week

Oh, and if anyone would like to sport this little button on their blog...

email me at tracey at shuttersisters dot com and I will send you the code. Thanks for asking!

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.

Reflecting on my Best Shot

I'm a reflections girl on many levels. This shot is one from the PhotoWalk in San Francisco. The reflection itself is a little muddy but I know it's me.

Speaking of muddy...it's been a rough week since we've lost our sweet kitty. Thanks to you all for such kind comments and well-wishes.

So, the question is, what have you been reflecting on this week? Do share your Best Shot with us.

A Tribute to Real Love

We had to say our good-byes yesterday to part of our family.

18 years ago a curious kitten was born in a closet. A few months later I met her (and the compassionate man that assisted her mother giving birth to she and her liter mates amidst piles of his clothing). I fell in love with the man, and his cats. He and I got married. We had two children. And we have never known one another without the cat family in our lives. The mama left us first. And then a sister. And yesterday, the last of our cats had to let go too. 18 years later and the end of such a rich chapter of our lives. The hole she has left feels cavernous. There will always be the open space in our hearts that can never be filled by any other and we will lovingly hold her memory there for always.

Good-bye sweet friend. We have loved you for so long and we shall never forget how blessed we were to have you with us all these years.