Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Blessings... #1. My Mother

My Mother. She's a wonder. She's superwoman. She's intelligent, a caregiver extraordinaire. She put herself through school and was an RN and then a school nurse. She is so good at so many things, it's seems unfair, but I could never think negative thoughts because so many of those things she's done for ME. She's an excellent cook, seamstress, housekeeper, wife, mother, grandmother (now great-grandmother). She isn't just those things, as many are, she's the BEST at those things. She really is. I'm not just saying that because she's My Mom. She's always made us feel special, and took TIME with us... really, isn't that what kids really want anyway but don't always get enough of? TIME. With me, and more noticeably, since I'm older and can understand these things, with my kids. She makes incredible handmade gifts for everyone she loves and cares about. The possession I hold most dear in life is the quilt she made for me. And she's classy... dresses to perfection, head to toe. I don't understand where she gets all her energy, which has never diminished, even at age 82. She's been an incredible role model. I admire her more than anyone I know. I love her so much. Here's a peek at her awesome life. Isn't she beautiful? Inside and out.

Grandma times THREE

So now I'm a grandma to THREE gorgeous grandchildren. My daughter-in-law Michelle (Carl's wife) gave birth to twins on August 2nd. Here are Taryn (6 lb 7 oz) and Leyton (6 lb 6 oz) at 4 hours old, with Daddy Carl, sister Kylah seeing them for the first time, and last but not least Uncle Bryan and Aunt Joanna holding the babies. My cup overflows!

Bend, Oregon

I had the privilege of traveling to Bend, Oregon to be the photographer for my dear friend Jeff's wedding. Here are some of my favorite images of the wedding and of my time exploring this incredibly beautiful place. He works at a place called "Crystal Peaks Youth Camp," a haven for abandoned and abused horses where disadvantaged, disabled, and/or abused children can come and experience bonding and sometimes even healing. It's an amazing place. And ps - that heart shaped design on the horse is not photoshopped.

My Timberline Home

I'm ready now to list my house, and I went around and took pictures this weekend for the realtor to use for the listing. I'll miss this house, it has my personality written all over it... built in 1935... a "center hall colonial" I have been told it is called. I've included images of the spare bedroom, the grandchildren's bedroom (since I only have Kylah, it is her room basically), my bedroom with fireplace (2 images), the kitchen, dining room and living room (2 images).

A New Quilt

Here's the new rag quilt I made for my niece Megan (sshhh... she doesn't know yet, and I'm pretty confident she doesn't know I have a blog). These are her favorite colors (brown and turquoise), and I found some fun flannel that really shows her personality.

The Real Me

I found this article recently, and it sounded so much like me, at least the "old" me. I think, at age 56, I'm finally the real me. What took me so long? Maybe it has helped that I found my soulmate, someone who accepts me as I am, and loves me with all my idiosyncracies, even thinks they are funny. Go figure! But it's great to be "real."

"Ten years ago I still feared loss enough to abandon myself in order to keep things stable. I'd smile when I was sad, pretend to like people who appalled me. What I now know is that losses aren't cataclysmic if they teach the heart and soul their natural cycle of breaking and healing. A real tragedy? That's the loss of the heart and soul themselves. If you've abandoned yourself in the effort to keep anyone or anything else, unlearn that pattern. Live your truth, losses be damned. Just like that, your heart and soul will return home." Martha Beck

Another Wildflower Adventure

Yes, it's true. Every spring I spend as much time as possible hunting down the Texas wildflowers. Here's a couple of the images I shot this weekend... enroute to, and at the Wildseed Farm in Fredericksburg, Texas.