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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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