Spending the day with my girls, and sending love to my mother!

It’s almost Spring – and I don’t think I’ve ever taken a break for this long!  And it was needed, my friends.  Sometimes it feels to good to take a step back, disconnect from the internet and really be present in the lives of those who mean the most to me.

I’ll ease back in slowly, please bear with me – as I have much to share.  And going forward, you’ll probably see more images, less words.

Also, Birgitte Brøndsted a fellow photographer in Florence, Italy -  is hosting a giveaway for a copy of On the Table, on her blog.  Head over and leave a comment for a chance to win!

A weekly indulgence for me are fresh flowers around my home.  I have mentioned before how I have learned to decorate with plants.

I have amassed quite a collection of jars.  Anything but traditional vases!

35mm Film, Pentax K1000, Kodak 400 Gold.

I noticed this unique flower vase on a table at a tasting room in Napa.

I kindly the owner if it were for sale – I’m sure she would have wanted me to purchase the wine, but of course – I was thinking of having this in my home.  She agreed, and we walked directly to the post office to have it shipped.  As you can imagine, I was terrified that it would break in the mail.

Definitely worth all of the effort.  I love being able to uniquely display my flowers like this.

And yes, I posted the hassie version previously, but I love the 35mm version just as much!

And, thanks so much for all of your kind words on my previous post!

Hasselblad 500 cm,  Portra 400 film.

These are photographs from my first roll of film with the newest member of my camera family – the hasselblad.  And yes, I think she will fit in quite nicely.

There is definitely a learning curve, but I love the results.  I think the mood and feeling of this day (and my kitchen table) are captured so honestly, so perfectly.

More soon.

Film. Kodak Portra 400nc

My heart is so full from such a wonderful weekend.  I attended my cousin’s wedding in Chicago, and it was so beautiful!  I wasn’t able to capture many images at the actual wedding, as I was busy attending to my oldest daughter who was a flower girl for the first time.

I made up for it at the reception, and I have a few images to share with you.  But right now I have to recover – easing slowly back into our routine.

More soon!

Film. Kodak Portra 400.

I took these captures a while ago, and these peonies have opened up even more.  Their sweet scent has graced my home for the past couple of days and there’s nothing quite like their beauty.   They remind of myself – very closed and hard at the beginning, but when I open up – my heart and soul just seem to pour out.

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There are a few things that are out of my control right now, but weigh very heavily on my heart.  Through it all, I am reminding myself what is important and to enjoy the simple, everyday joys of my life.

I wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend~

I don’t have a comparison photo in black and white, but I have share this last shot because it is just so darn pretty!

Film. Color – Kodak Ektar 100. Black and white – Ilford Delta 400.

Film. Kodak Ektar 100

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was honored to be a special guest of Maegan’s Creativity Boot Camp this year!  Meagan has designed an artistic course, one that concentrates not only on photography, but “the work of your soul“.

The course is two weeks, beginning May 15.  It will be filled with activities devoted to creativity, ideas for journaling, and thoughts + inspiration by other artists (myself included).

You can find all the information you need here.  What’s more? Meagan is donating half of all money collected from the course to Show Hope, an organization devoted to orphan care.

I am happy to give away a spot in the course to one of my readers.  I would love for you to experience this creative journey!  Please leave a comment and let me know how Creativity Boot Camp would inspire you.  A winner would be chosen randomly.  Entries will be accepted until Friday, May 6 at noon EST.  Good luck!

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Update: Congratulations to Christina of Soul Aperture who won the spot in the course!

Thanks so all who entered!