Before and After

Note to self:
When one is drunk with hope and intoxicated by change one should steer clear of razors.

All I can figure is that my impulse today was kind of like when you break up with your boyfriend and you immediately go get your hair chopped off. Get rid of a president, get a new do? I dunno.

44

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.

Ruff

Ever since the holiday season there has been a common theme around our home. Namely of the canine persuasion.

First the decision a furry friend. Immediately followed by the trail and error period which led to the contemplation that perhaps we're more cat people than dog people. I even sat in on a panel with the people behind the upcoming show on PBS called "Why We Love Cats and Dogs" where I actually asked for their help in the matter. They were very gracious. By the way, I cannot wait to see that show! A day or two later coincidentally began the dog sitting days. Believe me when I tell you if nothing else, dogs give you one more perfect subject for a 365 project. Then, today we topped it all off with an afternoon at the movies seeing Hotel for Dogs. Things are getting ridiculous, I know. By the way, it's a darling movie!

After all of this, we still don't have our family pet question answered (except of course that we know fish are cool) and and truth be told I'm OK with it not being decided just now. We're just going to sit with it. It's always fun when the puns come easy.

So, why the long drawn-out story then? No reason at all except to preface My Best Shot Monday offering today.



This shot was taken on the pup's last morning with us waiting for his true mommy (my mom-in-law) to come get him. I call it 'the final stretch'.

How about you? Share the story of your Best Shot.

Just Another January in So Cal

The Duets Begin

My oldest daughter and I are totally getting into the idea of working together on the When You Give a Girl a Camera project. Mother Daughter Duets has such a lovely ring to it.



Yesterday it was bath time with bubbles. My youngest daughter got the reap the rewards of 2 photographers hard at work.

My daughter's photo is on the left (it's an incredible shot, isn't it?) and mine is on the right.

I think we are going to make some beautiful music together!

Mom 2.0 and stuff

I am delighted to announce that I am speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit in Houston Feb. Yay. I am thrilled to be in such good company. I certainly hope to see many of you there as well. Check out the agenda. What's not to like?

If you want a chance to win a free ticket to the Summit, go enter the 'Snap to it' photo contest at Kirsty. Come on all you awesome photographers out there...make me proud.

The contest deadline is coming up (like in a day or so) so Snap to it! Hee hee.

the view from here

Read all about it at Shutter Sisters.

Oh, The Possibilities

I know we're already almost half way through January but I am still settling into this whole New Year thing. In past years, with the hustle of the holidays I think I have passed over the event of the New Year with little attention. But, this go 'round has felt different. I have done a lot of musing about what it all means. It's a clean slate (not that I consider mine dirty) that can offer new beginnings. Possibility. Potential. Growth. So much to look forward to.

I'm not into the idea of resolutions really. I think breaking them can feel icky so I'm more about intentions. With intentions, the best intentions are enough. At least that's the way I can let myself off the hook if I don't keep up with a project like, let's say, 365. Yes, I have started a 365 project with no other rules except to shoot at least one photo every single day for 365 days (the entire year of 2009). Although I am not making myself post every photo of the series, I'm sure you'll all be hearing a lot more about the project in future posts. So, why the confession? I thought it was only right to at least admit that I am intending to do it. If for nothing else, to document this year in a routine of photographs. It's a small gesture that I know will push me creatively and encourage me to keep seeing things through fresh eyes. Every day. It may seem small but I think it's a good thing.

Behold, images 1-9. They are all in my 365 Flickr set.

As far as My Best Shot this week, is the opening image of this post. It reminds me that even the tiniest gesture can feel important. I'm sure that among a million other creative projects I am participating in (big and small) and/or future projects I'm sure will reveal themselves this year, each one will be worthy of my attention and will be meaningful (if not to anyone else, to myself).

Here's to all that the future holds for each of us. May we honor each day and make each of them meaningful in our own way.

What kinds of meaning are you discovering in your life these days? Do share with us your Best Shot this week. Whatever it means, I'm guessing it's wonderful.

Anyone else attempting a 365 project this year? I'd love to know the company I am in.

Edited to add...as it turns out Stephanie Roberts shared the perfect 'how-to' 365 guide over at Shutter Sisters. I am delighted by this timing! Too cool. Thanks Stephanie.

16 Things About Me

I am…

a slipper girl
dependant on my morning cup of coffee
nothing without my girlfriends
not formally trained
a cat person
a short hair girl
partial to Stella Artois
happily married
never tan
a milk drinker
a napper
a crier
not into food
a master parallel parker
secretly trying to do the 365 project this year
a virgo

From what I can tell, this is a flickr meme. I was tagged by busymomma66 who was tagged by Betzography who was tagged by jodyangel…and so it goes.

Now, consider yourself tagged (there must be 16 of you out there, right?). Come on, you know you want to get distracted from whatever it is you are supposed to be doing. Tap, tap, is this thing on?

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.

Sparkle Plenty

Superhero Andrea wrote post yesterday at Shutter Sisters challenging us to capture the weather in our images. I love the idea. Lucky for me, even here in Southern California, we've actually had some weather this winter.




This morning I woke to the cloud covered sun lighting up a million water drops that blanketed my backyard. I set my camera down on the patio right against the wet grass and shot photo after photo. The sparkle of magic and impossible hope left me enchanted.


As we being a New Year, it certainly seems like a great way to start. Have you found any magic from behind your lens of late?

Raising a Glass (or a plastic tea cup)

Well, I managed to let the very last Monday of 2008 pass me by without posting My Best Shot. Heavy Sigh.

My husband and I took a few days off without kids or computers (very late notice) and Monday came and went while I was gone. It wasn't until the long drive home that it dawned on me. I totally missed it. I apologize! But, alas, I will not let the end of this year pass without taking notice. And so, I am considering this a kind My Best Shot as we give a farewell toast the year that is almost behind us and a welcome toast to 2009.




It's a big deal to wrap up the year. And it feels particularly good to have a fresh start come Thursday. I want to honor both the coming and the going. Please feel free to join me.

If you've got a shot you'd like to share (something you had ready for Monday or something new) please leave your links.

Farewell to all that 2008 was and Cheers to all that 2009 will be.

The Inside Scoop

I am pleased to announce that I am now contributing over at LA Moms Blogs. I've got my first post up today. If you want to get the inside scoop on one of the Clark family's underlying stories of the season, be sure to click over and read all about it.

The Morning Of

I hope you got all that you wished for this holiday! I know a few little girls that did.

Happy Holidays!

Happenings

Around here we are spending time at home, avoiding the crowds, keeping warm, maintaining perspective and being mindful of what is important. At least that's the goal. But perhaps more than anything I'm trying really hard to not focus on the fact that my husband has the flu and that Christmas is a few days away and let's see, the incubation period for the flu is usually a few days and, well, you know...
Did I say maintaining perspective?

What kinds of things are happening around your house these days?

Speaking of happenings, a little bird told me that Shutter Sisters is giving away a sweet snaptotes bag . You know, the kind that you can create with your own photo? Way cool ladies! Right up your alley.

So Many Things

I have been meaning to post this week about so many things...

Last minute gift ideas (in the video game genre), places to visit to help get you into the holiday spirit, DIY gifts to make for the grandparents, the list goes on and on.

But, I have a stack of holiday cards with no addresses on them and I am pretty sure they aren't going to address themselves, darn it. You'd think with technology these days, there'd be a way. I digress.

My intention for these next few days is remain grounded, centered and mindful not allowing the chaos of the world around me to distract me from enjoying this time of year. Are you keeping your head and heart in a sacred, nurturing place these days? I'd love to hear how you're keeping yourself sane amidst it all.

Warm Feet, Happy Heart

Yet another gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the season. I'm finding that I'm getting as much done in slipper mode as I would be getting done in walking shoe mode. I encourage you to try it and see. Besides, nothing beats being loafing around in slippers when the weather outside is frightful.

What kinds of photo tracks are you making these days?

Hey Best Shot Monday mavens, go leave a comment at Shutter Sisters to get into the drawing for an HP Compact Photo Printer. If anyone could put it to good use, it's one of you ladies.

Giveaway City

-photo taken with my Lensbaby (pretty, ain't it?)

Not only is Shutter Sisters giving away a Lensbaby today (omg!) but Design Mom is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas at her blog where there's a Shutter Sisters necklace up for grabs as well as an HP All in One Printer. Among 11 other yum yum items.

Go. Click. And. Comment. Now.

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?