{Memories}..

I am posting late this evening. I apologize. I spent the day with my dear friends (from high school)...a little retail therapy, a wonderful dinner, and a ton of laughter. Celebrating my girl G's birthday! In a way...I suppose all the pictures I took this evening count towards today's challenge... after all, we spent the entire day making memories and reliving old ones. But...I had something else in mind...
I am a hoarder of memories. I file them away in nooks and crannies...in albums and scrapbooks and frames and baskets. I leave random pieces of myself and others everywhere I go...in every corner of every room and every building. I can't always say the people in photographs are known to me...or that the memories are my own. But the memories are REAL...and they are personal...and they are familiar....and they make us who we are. My heritage and lineage is a proud one...a strong one...an honorable one.

Day 25: Memories: Old photographs of my ancestors. I carry my Great Grandmother's name (also my Grandmother's middle name)...that's both of them in one of those photos. My Norwegian roots...my viking spirit...my gypsy soul. All contained in some old paper and lace. I never got a chance to know my Greats...but I hear they were some pretty amazing folks. They raised some amazing people...and blood is a good indicator, in my humble opinion.

It's probably the photographer in me that is drawn to old photographs the way I am. Or maybe it's the old photographs that drew me into photography....but either way, I can't help but feel wistful at the joy and beauty in a black and white photo of people you don't know...but love anyway. And I have to say...moments like this make me miss my Grandmother....and her kitchen table.

Sitting in quiet reflection and prayer this evening for those loved and lost, those still blessing me everyday, and those whose hearts are burdened and heavy. And keeping my thoughts with the reason we celebrate this weekend.

See you tomorrow.
Peace and Love!!

{Work}..

I have to admit that I am emotionally spent today. It was MUCH harder than I anticipated. I shed some tears, I laughed a lot, she even held my hand a few times. We took a nice walk together and talked about stuff. I realized that she is growing up...and I can't change that, or reverse it, or stop it even...but I can learn to cherish the moments she offers me, learn the lessons she teaches me, and love the love she gives me. And as long as, at the end of the day, she still hugs me goodnight.....I'd say I'm doing alright.
After all of the hoopla today...I had a hard time concentrating on photo challenges! But I put my thinking cap on, and conferred with some people smarter than me, and tried to come up with something clever to keep you amused! I thought about taking a picture of my collection of antique cameras...since for me, cameras are my work. But then I thought...in light of today's events...Small is the true definition of work.

Day 24: Work: My sweet baby girl, Small Tall, spreading her baby wings...and testing the skies. She has worked harder than anyone I know, survived a difficult move and transition with grace and courage, showed leadership, stepped up her game, struggled through some rough days..and lifted herself and her grades, buckled down when necessary, rose to challenges placed before her, took on added responsibility and cares...all the while staying true to her own identity, being an amazing friend, working through some health issues, caring unfailingly for others, loving without question, striving to reach her own exceedingly high goals and expectations of herself, and remaining basically awesomesauce. She graduated elementary school today...and received not only the Wordsmith Award (recognition for excellence in literature and writing) but also the Presidential Academic Award (recognition for excellence in academics..an award she has received for the SECOND year in a row). THAT takes work. HARD work. And lots of it.

I am so very proud of all she has accomplished....and all that she has yet to do. There will be so many great moments in her life. I pray that she knows no challenge and lives with no regrets. I pray that she soars ever higher, faster, and deeper than she believes possible....but always remembers to keep her heart grounded. And I pray that she knows the measure of my love for her...

Sending love and kisses and prayer to those in need. Remember to keep your blessings close, and tell others how you feel. Always.

See you tomorrow.
Peace and Love!!

{Random}..

Today shouldn't be so hard. It's basically a free day...my whole life is a series of random moments...any of which would be photo challenge worthy. So WHY is this so hard?
I thought about giving you so many things. The puppies sleeping at my feet. The Amish Friendship Bread I baked the other day. The quilt I wrap up with in my reading chair. The rain trickling down the window. The vegetarian no carb dinner I am eating this evening. The collection of antique cameras on my bookcase.
All completely random.
But then, I came into my bedroom to grab a book...in order to curl up in said reading chair with said quilt and said puppies and listen to said rain. Probably with a piece of said bread (don't tell) and a cup of coffee.
And that's when I decided that the most random moment worth showing you..was that particular one.

Day 23: Random: My nightstand. Full of new books, new journals, a cup that reminds me of best friends (and holds my cough drops), and my lamp. Somewhere up there is a cool pen too...for writing in the journals (when I get around to it)...but it seems to be a little camera shy. You may also notice that black box? That, friends, is my mothers jewelry box. Filled with all of her trinkets and treasures from childhood and High School. (My personal favorite is her Pep Club Charm Bracelet!). It's kind of the glue that keeps it all together.

And because I really like all of you...and today is a random challenge...and I happened to find these on my camera...I am giving you a BONUS today! The next few pictures were taken at the Children's Hospital where Small Tall had her appointment last week. Evidently, she might have stolen my camera for some quick photography. The sea life are actually part of the floor, and the flower design..well the pictures don't really convey how stunning it truly is. It is a 3-D mural on the wall...made of metal...and I am glad that she had the forethought to capture it.

In all the random that is my life...I think that pretty much sums up the ordinary and the beautiful. And like I always say, art is where you find it. Even sitting on your nightstand.
I am off to enjoy the last remaining evening of my Small's childhood. Tomorrow is Elementary Graduation...and she will forever be older and wiser...and I will simply be her mother. I will probably be filled with sadness, and much joy, and fear, and love....and an enormous sense of PRIDE. And I am sure that I will have much more to say about it tomorrow.
And in case I need a break from all of that...I have new books..and a comfy chair...and cuddly puppies...and a cup of coffee to soothe my soul. (and maybe even some forbidden carbs.)
Keeping my heart open in prayer and love tonight.

See you tomorrow!
Peace and Love!!

{Layers}..

I had a good laugh out loud moment with today's challenge. Because as I was thinking aloud and lamenting on what to do for today, best friend says "Onions. Onions have layers.". To which, of course, I responded..."So do ogres. I don't know any ogres." Maybe you had to be there...but trust me, it's pretty par for the course. (Pretty sure I'm Donkey in following scenario.)

Shrek: Ogres are like onions.
Donkey: They stink?
Shrek: Yes...no.
Donkey: They make you cry?
Shrek: No.
Donkey: If you leave them out in the sun, they turn brown and start sprouting little white hairs?
Shrek: NO! Onions have layers. Ogres have layers.

Since I don't happen to live in the swamp with Shrek for a neighbor, Ogre was clearly out of the question. I briefly considered a selfie this morning..as I was uncaffeinated and very ogreish. But that seemed a little defeatist, and really not very nice. Plus...we all know that I am basically amazing. Or by now you should.

Day 22: Layers: By process of elimination (see above paragraph)...that leaves onions. No problem. I have a few of those just hanging around my kitchen. Photos 1-4 ~ Onions. They have layers.

And because I was super productive today, I happened to decide that this also qualified for today. My bed has layers. Lots of pillows. Layered. Photos 5 & 6 ~ My pretty summer bed. Made with vintage sheets. Actually...I'm ready to curl up with one of my new books and probably nap.

And just for fun...Photo 7 ~ Rolls of bright layered fabric. Ready for wreath making. And summertime.

There you have it. My interpretations of today's challenge. Having fun working through the kinks!
Speaking of kinks, I challenged myself to read 50 books this year. (Which, at the time I thought was a low ball estimate. I might have been reaching a little.) According to my chart, I am 5 books behind schedule!! Not cool! So, dear sweet lovelies, I am unplugging this weekend in order to catch up on some much needed book time! But have no fear, I will take a few moments each day to update my photo challenge of the day! Wouldn't want to leave you hanging!!
In fact, I think I will start on one of my newly acquired books this evening. Got the windows open, a cool breeze blowing in, and soft vintage sheets. Add a nice cup of coffee..and undoubtedly a couple of needy weenie dogs...and it's pretty much my own little slice of heaven. Love my life.
Keeping prayers for those in need, and sending up lots of love and kisses.

See you tomorrow!
Peace and Love!!

{Politics}..

Truth be told, while I am a proud American, a proud Navy veteran wife, and a proud Hippie...I tend to stay out of the mess that is politics. I don't discuss them, I rarely share my own beliefs, and I tend to shy away from debating anything more 'hot button' than "What's for dinner?".
I vote. I have opinions. I pick a party...and stick with it. But, it's personal and it's mine....and I would like to keep it at that.
All that aside...this challenge was a little tough for me. I wasn't sure how literal to take it. I considered a school...lots of politics happening there. I considered a church...a hotbed of political hypocrisy. Even despite the 'Separation of Church and State'....see, I feel a rant coming on.
So here's what I DID decide on. I had a doctor's appointment today. I knew that there were some campaign headquarters over that way. Unfortunately I was only able to locate one. I tell you this only because I don't want to appear to be choosing sides. I don't really work that way...fair is fair. The other one just happens to be top secret or something.
ALSO...I know I have promised (maybe that was just to myself..not sure.) to add new photos everyday. I have fulfilled that promise. Today however, I do want to add a few extras. Because they apply. Because I can.

Day 21: Politics: Nothing more political than campaign headquarters. And a campaign headquarter that pays homage to the Veterans (Something I, myself, am quite passionate about.). Seems like a no-brainer for today. (Extra shout out to my best friend, Lou. The best real raging Repub I know.) Photos 1-4 ~ Henry County Republican Headquarters.

A little extra treat for you all today. Last month, said best friend and I visited the most beautiful historic cemetery. Buried there are two, yes TWO, former United States Presidents. I'm not sure what could possibly be more 'political' than that. Photo 5 ~ John Tyler - President 1841-1845. Photo 6 ~ James Monroe - President 1817-1825

And remember that PROUD United States Navy Veteran Wife comment? It's fact. I am thankful every day for his courage, his commitment, and his service. We live this life...together. Photo 7 ~ Navy Life. Nothing more heartbreaking, heartwarming, or political than that.

There you have it. A little long tonight...but maybe the most important challenge of them all. As we approach the long Memorial Day weekend, let us not forget those who sacrifice for us. Let us also remember that 'politics' is what we make it....and let us hold in prayer those that fight to maintain civility.
We The People.....

See you tomorrow!
Peace and Love!!

{Candy}..

This challenge had me more than a little stuck. (Pun intended.) Which seems strange considering that I have, within walking distance, an amazing candy factory..and store. I guess I felt that it was a little too...convenient, too obvious, too easy...I don't know. Maybe I just like to make my life more difficult than it really is.
Whatever the case, I was totally slacking on picture taking today. To be completely honest...it's HOT...and I just didn't really want to leave the house. But, for all of you...and the sake of art...I sucked it up.
I don't really know how else to approach this challenge but to face value it. I mean there isn't really any other way to interpret it....no matter how much I wanted to. So I ventured down to my mother's house...because while I don't keep a steady supply of sweets and candies on hand...you can bet that Grammy does. Small Tall assured me that she knew, FULL WELL, where the 'grandkid stash' was kept...and promised me that while it was more than a lot stale...it was still quite photogenic. After that...we did walk on down to that candy factory...because well, it's cute. And it fit the theme. Didn't go inside (closed...and too much temptation!)...but got a sweet treat outside!

Day 20: Candy: Photos 1-3 ~ Fun stuff left over from holidays, parades, and who knows what else...Grammies are good for candy supplies. I probably wouldn't suggest actually eating any of it though! Photo 4 ~ The big pink A outside the candy shop. Because it's pink. Because it's cute. Because there are stripes and lace. And because my name starts with A. So why not!

Monday of the last week of school. AND the last week of Elementary School for Small Tall. I have to admit that I am not handling this as well as I would like all of you to believe. I keep it together, mostly, around her...but I am a little bit of a mess. So please excuse me if I am a tad off this week...I am blaming growing up!
A full week of doctors appointments, Girls Night Out, a little grocery shopping, some Spring Cleaning, a fun birthday celebration at the end of the week, and GRADUATION. (Can we rewind a few years...please?) Not to mention photo challenges, family, friends, puppies, cooking, a little baking, and lots of love.
Looking ahead on the challenge list...the next few days are going to be....interesting. Stick around for that!

See you tomorrow!
Peace and Love!!

{Something In The Fridge}..

Boy am I glad that this challenge fell on a day when I happened to have things in my fridge. That isn't always the case. Sometimes it looks a little barren in there....
I am waiting ever so patiently for the Farmers Market to open...so right now there isn't a whole lot happening in there, but there is enough to make things interesting. Or at least to make you think we're interesting. Or at least to make you think we aren't starving to death....although if you ask my Small Tall she would probably tell you differently.

Day 19: Something In The Fridge: Again, since I don't really know what you find fascinating, I will share with you a few of the shots I have...and you can go from there. It isn't much....but all things considering (the life of a photographer is not a wealthy one!)...Photos 1-3 ~ Water with lemon slices, orange slices, and cucumber slices. YUM. I drink this all day everyday. (After I have my coffee in the morning.) Plus it's just pretty to look at. Photo 4 ~ Farm fresh eggs. The only way we buy them these days. Better tasting and better for you. And will tide me over until I have a farm of my own. Photo 5 ~ Half an orange, half an onion, 2 lemons, and a slightly used cucumber. Just hanging out...waiting their turn. Photo 6 ~ Pizza dough and wine. I don't really know what else I need to say about this. Italian night at my house. Photo 7 ~ Fancy cheese. My weakness. Also, my late night snack craving. With pita crackers. Oh My Heart...now I'm hungry.

There you have it...a little peeksie into my wanna be gourmet fridge. My cabinets are a totally different story...really glad we didn't have to look inside them. Which reminds me that I probably should be organizing them instead of sitting here. Or maybe not.....
OK...all caught up on weekend challenges. Stay tuned for today's a little bit later...as well as some news and such. See you soon.

Peace and Love!!