10 on 10 - February

The day I photographed began without a plan to document. It was last Tuesday. I wanted an image for my daily photo, & the sun was hitting just right in the kitchen. It was the day after we found the ninja suit. The one Covey obsesses over, that he hasn't seen in months (it may have accidentally been buried under mounds of laundry for a really long time, accidentally). So the camera ended up accompanying me on our day, & it sort of became the 10-on-10 (actually there's 11) of the red ninja suit. I'm happy this unplanned, insignificant day evolved into this. I know this outfit is something we will someday talk about, a lot, when we all want to have a really good laugh together, or want to really embarrass Covey, or just reminisce. Because even though I've 'misplaced' the ninja suit, it's not because I don't like him wearing it, it's just because....actually, I don't really know why it is.

1. The ninja suit has been found.

2. The fridge- opening & closing these doors all day long.

3. A self-portrait of some sorts, with Ella sleeping (I promise comfortably) on my back.

4. He likes this photo wall, & he likes finding himself in pictures.

5. Stopped at the harbor to watch boats, throw rocks in the ocean & yell at the crows.

6. Some merry-go-round fun at the park.

7. Doctor's appointment + prescription for Ella.

8. Hanging out at my sister's.

9. Late night snack because 8:00 is considered late these days.

10. My view, while the boys' brush their teeth.

11.  Goodnight, Ry.

Now hop on over to the East Coast, to check out Jill's 10 & make your way through the blog circle!

& don't forget, visit Jill's 10, & keep making your way through our blog circle!

26 Fridays: Week Three

This friday's theme, solitude. In looking for a quote or definition to accompany my image, I was amazed at the negativity that surrounds this word. While I agree one is alone in solitude, it's also a time to recharge, regroup, find peace, be creative, think & love. It's a place we would all benefit from visiting, from time-to-time. While one is alone, one is not lonely. Solitude.

& be sure to visit Carrie's blog for her view on solitude, then continue through the blog circle.

26 Fridays: Week Two.

This week's theme is out-of-focus, soft & blurry. Who would've thought that would give me so much trouble? Apparently, I have a preference for images that do not fit that category. That's why these themes are such good jumping off points, they make that brain stretch into creating an image that you otherwise would not have considered. When I saw the sun hit our deck just right, I had to take advantage of both the light & the theme.

26 Fridays: Week One

I really, really enjoy being a part of different photography blog groups. As photographers, it gives us different challenges to focus our skills on, which in turn helps us grow. It also leads to friendships with other tremendously talented individuals, who may live thousands of miles away. This particular group will post bi-monthly, on fridays, which results in 26 posts throughout the year. Our first theme is a combined one- light & self-portraits. Although I'm joining the group late, I coincidentally took an image today that included myself (something that doesn't happen often). I was inspired to take the image because of the way the light was hitting Ella's face. Of course incorporating the tripod & self-timer led to missing the light I was aiming for, & altogether a different vision than I had in mind, but you know what? I was really happy with the final outcome. It always feels strange being on the other side of the camera, but I'm making a conscious effort to change that this year. Be sure to visit Callie Anne Photography, to see her views on light.

10 on 10 - January

This month kicks off my involvement with a 10 on 10 group. Each month, on the 10th, we post 10 images (or so). This is a seriously talented group of photographers & I'm honored, & quite giddy, to be joining along with them. I took these ten a couple days ago. It was a day we didn't leave the house. Covey wasn't feeling too good & it was our second day with Ry back at kindergarten. It was more or less, our typical day. Except there was sun. That is something we don't see all that often. These pictures of course leave out details of the day- the tiredness from waking a few hours earlier than we're used to; the fights between the boys; the piles of laundry (I still need) to put away; the dirty diapers changed. They also remind me of our little bits & pieces that make it ours. The sunrise on a cold winter morning. The table we eat at, a lot. The dishes, oh the dishes. I think the picture at least makes them look a bit prettier. Most importantly, the kids' simple joys.

Here are my ten:

1. Good morning. 2.Waffles for breakfast. 3. Dishes, arghhhh. 4. Sun's too bright. 5. Smile. 6. Her favorite Christmas present. 7. His favorite board game, at the moment. 8. Thankfully, this is not the 'I'm filling the diaper' face. 9.  Star Wars consumes us. 10. Violin practice.

When you're done looking through these, head on over to Jill Greenwood's blog, & make your way through the entire blog circle!

Now go visit Jill Greenwood's blog, & don't forget to go through the entire blog circle!

Happy Birthday

Today my oldest baby turned six. We had a very, very good day. He opened all his presents immediately upon waking; our local Wildlife Refuge had an awesome Lorax event (including face painting); he got balloons from a friend; & we had a yummy dinner & tasty cupcakes. It was full of the love, laughter & fun the day deserved. Now to swallow the fact I have a six-year old- not too easy to digest. My wish for him:

'think creatively live adventurously work diligently share generously listen patiently try fearlessly laugh heartily help willingly speak graciously run steadily love completely' - The Indigo Bunting