"I know a lot of you folks have come out to the farm and you've seen the words, and a lot of you have asked me, 'how could this have happened?'. I don't know, but it has happened... at a time when we really don't see many miraculous things. Maybe we do. Maybe they're all right there around us everyday, we just don't know where to look."
-Homer Zuckerman




What sorts of Ordinary Miracles have you found this week?

An important part of showing 'a week in the life' for me is capturing the routine of everyday. It's about our normal life and the moments I will look back on fondly and deeply miss. Photos like this one of my youngest snuggling with her "purps" (as she calls it) as she drifts off to sleep. She fidgets with it right under her nose, sniffing and smelling for just the right spot and as she discovers it...heaven...and the settling in of sweet, sweet sleep.

This post was inspired by the 5 Minutes for Mom bedroom set giveaway sponsored by Home & Bedroom Furniture. If anyone needs a nice, new, matching bedroom set it's the underprivileged second child in our house. She's got all the mismatched hand-me downs in her room-poor baby. And the smallest room with no closet. Sheesh.

I love days like these.

This second version is my idea of a small tweak that makes for a much better shot all around.

All I had to do was dial out a little yellow/add a little blue, dial out a smidge of red/add a little green and boost the contrast a tad. A 10 second fix that improves the shot and makes it a keeper. Don't ya think?

As I observe my everyday life for the 'a week in the life' project, I'm seeing snapshots at every turn. Fleeting moments captured in still pictures. I'm seeing clearly moments like this.

My intention is to see my life for what it is; it's absurdity, authenticity, hilarity, sincerity (the list goes on) and the goal is to capture the many facets of my life that will remind me of today. I know that one day I will miss the tiny toys all over the family room, giving baths, little mismatched socks, making heart shaped peanut butter and jelly and sitting through elaborate plays starring fairy princesses and magic spells in the living room.

What shot reminds you of today?

For a little inspiration be sure to click over to Shutter Sisters first thing Monday morning. The lovely Hula has shared something about capturing the world around us in a whole new way. Believe me when I tell you that she converted me instantaneously. I'm sure you'll find her post and images irresistible.

Taking a moment to extend a few invitations...

First, Ali Edwards is beginning an irresistible 'week in the life' project over on her blog which will start next week. I RSVP to her invite to join in the creative fun at Shutter Sisters today. And what's even more fun is that we have copies of her books that we are giving away to our readers. Be sure to comment on the post to be included in the random drawing.

Also, mark your calendars for next week (Tuesday 9/30 @ 5pm) as I am cordially inviting you to an event at The Attic Door in Burbank (So Cal). I will be sharing tips and tricks on taking awesome holiday photos and incorporating those shots into the perfect holiday cards. It's never too early to muster up some inspiration and get a jump start on these sorts of things. Won't you join us?

And speaking of gold, I am beyond thrilled to announce that her new book Taking Flight is now available. If you do nothing else, you must get this book. Consider it a gift of love to yourself. It is Love Thursday after all. Why not celebrate?

I can't get enough of this video by Jen Gray.

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.