First Craft Project of 2012

Accidentally spilled Limoncello is what created the pretty but random teal-colored spots on the above shirt. While I was disgruntled when it happened, I ended up liking the added touch.

What better way for me to start off the 2012 than with a new craft! Matt and I have been talking about exploring screen printing, but lacking the time and finances to get it off the ground. Fortunately, my cousin mentioned using blue craft glue, letting it dry and then following through with the regular cloth dyeing process. I am thrilled! They came out better than I could have imagined. This project has opened up quite the can of positive worms! Try it yourself!

Happy New Year 2012!

Oh, wow! A new year...now that is exciting! So much hope comes with the turn of a new year and having a new hope is something that 2011 left behind in me. We have had quite the year, my husband and I. But if I think about it, which I am, every year is 'quite the year'. Every year has its ups and downs whether you welcome them, embrace or celebrate them (or not).

The above photo is the first photo I took in 2012...Buckley, a sweet pup. It was actually one of only two photos I took the entire evening celebrating with people that are so dear to us. I failed to take more but I do have the sweet memories, along with the hope, for our friends and ourselves, that comes with bringing in a new year. Happy 2012!

A Desire for the New Year

This year I want to dust off Ole' Rosie, the camera, and bring back what I feel is the lost art of using a 35mm camera, completely manual and without a flash. I relish extending the length of the shutter while tweaking the aperture to create a photo like no other. A photo that I will put MUCH thought in to as I can't delete it and there will be an added cost, yet I do not mind. All this to say, I love the sound of the shutter clicking closed and the film advancing. Advancements in technology cannot replace this even with nifty sound effects. I love manual cameras. I enjoy Ole' Rosie.

My Favorite Christmas Gift

This necklace was given to me by my loving husband on Christmas morning. It quickly warmed my heart and brought hurt at the same time. A few tears and quiet hugs later, the necklace was donned around my neck and felt instantly at home.

I relearned today how important exercise and physical labor are in helping fight depression within myself. If you see that I am getting down, hand me a rake and stick me in the middle of a yard with a massive amount of leaves and my own thoughts.

Oh (sigh), Shoot for Happy Thoughts

If anyone wants to grow oak trees, we have plenty of seedling started for you.

We got an email from our HOA. All leaves must be out of your yard by the first week of December or else... This was not the emails exact words, but it could have been. Sixteen bags of leaves later, I am sore but proud of our hard work.

Touched My Heartstrings

I read an article today off NPR that was incredibly touching. It is titled "Elderly Animals", which at first glance, one can feel cynical, but with further investigation, can be seen as therapeutic. The photographer, Isa Leshko, ventured out on a new photographic expedition upon finding out that her mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. While committing not to photograph her loved one during the decline from the disease, she starting taking pictures of animals that actually had the chance to live out their life, which I had not realized, many do not. Through her talent, she was able to work out the emotions she was feeling while providing care and loving on her mother.

This article, picture slide show and five minute video had me tearing up. Is it because I was gazing upon old animals having difficulty walking? No, even though that can be difficult to watch. I was able to see my little, old people and even more so mortality in those animals. Their beautiful coats, muscular stature, strong gaits and balance had all but completely disappeared. Their physical bodies decaying in front of our eyes as well and even more importantly in front of their own. Their was a sad beauty and an odd peace found in those photographs for me. Monday through Friday, I watch my little, old people continue to decline yet they are still laughing and sharing their lives with whomever will listen.

Questions from a Four Year Old

"Aunt Sarah, where is your baby?" questioned sweet Logan with big brown, serious eyes.

"What's that Logan?"

"Where is your baby?"

"Well, he is in Heaven."

"But why is he in Heaven?" he asked as he kicked around the Fall leaves I raked up for him.

"He was born too early and he passed away."

"He was born too early?"

"Yes, he died."

With those words Logan placed his hand up to his head, his inquisitive eyes softened to ones of compassion and shifted his stance,"Oh, I have to go tell my brother he is in Heaven." Logan stated with gusto as he raced away to find his older brother.

Next I hear, "Will, the baby is in Heaven."

You never know what might come out of a little one's mouth as you both are playing in the Fall leaves.

Beauty Found in Miami

Matthew and I were recently blessed with a trip to Miami to visit with dear friends. While vacationing, our hosts took us around the city on a grand tour where we happened upon a botanical garden and a national park. What a treat to experience nature, but with many differences from what we are accustomed to.

Life can be bland, dull, fine, happy, or thought of as even boring, then BAM!, it hits you in the face. I was talking with an old co-worker today about how much the office has changed and how when I came back from being out three months, there were many new faces to behold and names to learn. She asked why I was out and I provided a short and sweet version. We then separated ways and I headed for the restroom. While washing my hands at the sink, she glided over to the sink next to me and stated she had lost her first child. It had stopped growing. She proceeded to comment in an even tone that getting pregnant was not a problem for her. In fact, soon thereafter she became pregnant with her second child and while nursing became pregnant yet again stating, "So, I aborted it. I am so religious now that sometimes I feel bad. Like I murdered it." These words were stated like she was telling me how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I felt like I had just been punched in the gut. In a two second span I felt anger, then a confused sympathy and a small, feeble voice that I realized later to be mine whispered, "You will see them again one day." She turned to head towards the front of the building without even batting an eyelash. Later my thoughts and feelings are left at, "What am I suppose to do with that?"