hello april.

Hello April. It's been too long since I've written.  I trust that spring's arrival is treating you well. Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to create more balance in my life. Taking care of myself and those around me has become a priority, which means more face-to-face time and less spent in front of the screen. There are dueling sides, as part of me feels a pull to share photographs and stories that I truly care about, while the other longs to be out in nature, preferring handwritten letters to emails, a walk to a browse, and instead of a stationary stance, I want to be moving and making. 

As I've said before, my recent stillness here is met with lots of movement out there. For the past several months, I've been craving enrichment - in all facets of my life.  I find now that my "school days" are over (for the moment) I have to seek out my own enrichment, and luckily, I'm in a city that is bountiful.   We are trained to put so much weight on work, priding ourselves when we do it to the point of fatigue, and so often neglect the power of play. We quickly fall into the trap of the humdrum day-to-day, fostering negativity and malaise where complaints outweigh compliments.  I admit, I've been guilty of this tunnel vision of work, not allowing myself to make room for imagination, fun and even R & R (which is not my strong suit). Life can be messy, so it takes reminders to let go, savor and enjoy. In an effort to do just that, I'm weaving more of this into my daily life. Big or small, it's about simple pleasures, learning and growth. Ultimately, I'm finally just doing something about it.

Here is what's on the list for April. Just thinking about it brings me gratitude and a smile. 

• Photographing the explosion of cherry blossoms - before they fall. I know I won't be alone on this one. 
• Doing more & more barre3. Have you tried it? The classes and community are amazing. 
• Committing to a healthier lifestyle.
• Painting my workspace white & bright! (This was on the list for January - whoops)
• Going to the ballet with a friend, who has access to student tickets. Ah to be a student again, and be able to see amazing performances at student ticket prices. I'd be a forever student if I could.
• Enjoying Portland Photo Month. 
• Finding a yoga class. Someone just told me about Vinyasa by candlelight here. Sounds dreamy.
• Discovering the colors of the tulips that are popping up.

What's on your list this month? I'd love to know...

with eyes & arms wide open

happy holidays to you and yours

hope it is full of togetherness, laughter, and quiet moments

with gratitude, i bid farewell to 2012

so here's to welcoming the new year

with eyes and arms wide open 

onward & upward...

self-proclaimed tourist.

Portland, Oregon has been my home for the last 5 years. That’s hard to believe, and while looking back, I realized that I haven’t taken full advantage of all this place has to offer. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but while I’ve seen Multnomah Falls and enjoyed a little Voodoo, I’ve never taken in the view of Crater Lake, enjoyed a summer swimmin’ hole or picked fresh Oregon berries. There are so many experiences I crave, so to cure this wanderlust, I’ve decided to become a tourist in my own home, to fully witness all of the beauty this place brings. I realize that some of the activities I dream about aren't possible until next year, but it’s worth the wait, right?

In no particular order, I’ve started a list of my Pacific Northwest adventures. What am I missing? I’ll keep adding to my travels, big and small. And, if anyone would like to join me, preferably those who enjoy singing on an open road,  I’d gladly welcome your company…

To begin...  

• September swifts (I have seen this before, but I can’t get enough of it)
• Sleep in a treehouse. Seriously!
• Sip tea in the Lan Su Chinese Garden
• Pendleton Round-Up (next year)
• Inspired by Daniel Robinson, a drive to Eastern Oregon
• Swim in the Washougal - mile marker suggestions?
• Go clamming or crabbing
• Crater Lake
• Buck Lake & other swimmin' holes (I know, I know - next year)
• Ah, the Painted Hills
• (notice the wanderlust taking over…)
• Berry picking (next year)
• Apple picking
• More time at the farmer’s markets
• Astoria with my Goonies-loving husband
• Loaf along the coast - the dunes, a small town, etc... (Cannon Beach: check)
• Vashon Island
• to be continued...

birthday wishes to kim.

happy birthday to my rockin' & rollin' sister!

may this year bring you peace, beauty and lots of love.

you amaze & inspire, and i raise a glass (of mischievous) to you!

remind you of anyone? she's the beautiful mama to this one.

hello july.

* * * Happy 4th of July to you all! * * *

wander & wonder

Oh hello again! I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the budding bits of spring. I know it's been a little quiet here on the home front. Before the busy season hits, I've been taking some time for myself - to explore, to find balance between my personal and professional work, and to devote more energy towards the idea of making a life, and not just a living.  There are more words & photographs to share, but in the meantime, know that my recent stillness here is met with lots of movement out there.

Hope you have a weekend full of wander & wonder...

Photo of yours truly by my dear friend, Karaugh.

birthday wishes to jaycee.

happy birthday to my beautiful niece!

my sweet jaycee, you are one of a kind, and make the world that much brighter.

wishing you fun, love, adventure, laughter and sunshine today.

lots of love from your aunt mimi (& uncle carl too). xoxo

billy + shireen: engaged!

Congrats to my brother Billy and his other half, Shireen on their engagement! 

I'm over the moon with excitement for these laughing lovebirds. 

She truly is the yin to his yang, and I'm so happy to welcome her to the family.

In celebration of their recent engagement, I wanted to share a few photos from this summer. 

All my love to you two. Adventures await. xo, Kiddo

(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

saguaro, my old friend.

When gray skies hover overhead and the rain seems endless, I seek refuge in the southwest.
Saguaros stand in for Douglas firs, and the desert expanse in place of lush forests. 
Big skies warm my bones, and wide open spaces nurture the soul. 
Basking in that afternoon sun, I keep hoping it will follow me home.

orange blossoms.

I will never tire of the fragrant orange blossoms. 

(Their sweet scent is one of my favorite things.)

Hope your weekend is simply beautiful or beautifully simple.

Photo from a recent visit to Arizona. More from that trip coming soon...

hello spring.

Hello spring! Today marks its official beginning. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we tend to hibernate during the winter months. It may be weeks before you see your neighbors. I am looking forward to resurfacing and saying hello to all of the beauty this season brings. I did see a smattering of snowflakes yesterday, but I feel hopeful about warm sun (I know, I know – spring rains) and fresh blooms.

Here are just a few of the things on my list this season:

• plant a garden
• spring cleaning (i love to clear the clutter – mentally and physically)
• drive out east
• make more photographs
• plan to visit an old friend (or two)
• bask in the cherry blossoms

What about you? A lovely spring to you all! 

Let the morning time drop all its petals on me...

 

To slow time has been a constant yearning of mine. I’m resisting time’s fleeting nature, doing what I can to savor it. There are moments when I try to stop it, even if it’s only for a second. But as I walk along, noticing the crocuses popping up, which I am always happy to see, there is a gentle reminder that I’m losing that battle. Those new blooms gently laugh at me and quietly mock my meager attempts. 

The steady rumble of spring’s arrival is here, unbridled. And while I love the dawn of spring and all the beauty it brings, I'm still trying to swim against the current, muttering, "Please wait. Slow down - just a little." But, I’m working to change that, to be present and accepting of right where I am. I'm going to celebrate it instead of swimming upstream.  

Just wait and see.

joanbird.

Allow me to introduce my dear friend Jody Katopothis. You may recognize her from this sun-drenched evening we shared together. Not only is Jody a dear friend of mine, but she is a devoted artist and dedicated musician. She is now embarking on the exciting journey of creating her first album. To do this, she is asking for a little help from her friends through the use of Kickstarter, self-described as a “new way to fund and follow creativity.” What I love about Kickstarter is that it brings the creative community together; artists helping fellow artists to make things happen. This powerhouse made my husband’s dream a reality, and I am still blown away and forever grateful for the community and support that was created during the process. If you are so inclined, please head on over to see all of the imaginative endeavors at work, including Joanbird’s aspirations.  As friend and artist, Jody has been a huge inspiration to me, making my world that much brighter through her soulful spirit and vibrant song.   Please, have a little listen…

hello 2012.

Hello 2012. I realize that it is towards the end of January, so I may be a bit late to the party, but regardless, Happy New Year to you. It is the first month of 2012, so perhaps I am just fashionably late to welcoming what lies ahead.

I really love this time of year. I love the clean slate and the grand idea of possibility. I crave the feeling I have at the dawn of January. Year after year. Some of you may know that the intention behind starting this blog was to hold me accountable. It helps me take responsibility for my mistakes, as well as noticing my achievements. When I look back, I sometimes cringe, while at other times, I feel grateful for a memory or an experience. I try to embrace those cringeworthy moments, because from that is where growth stems.

The morning of New Year’s Eve, with my first cup of coffee in hand, I sat down to write my resolutions. A Resolution. A promise. A resolve. An intent. A commitment. In the spirit of honesty, 2011 was tough at times, so my resolutions to promote change hold more weight for me this year.  At the risk of sounding dramatic, I do feel a sea change coming on, and the duty to nurture that. I, on a personal and professional level, will be diving deep into R&D (research & development) mode, as a transition is on the horizon. Consequently, it may be a bit quiet here on the home front, as we are hard at work at “renovations” for this particular space. I look forward to resurfacing and the opportunity to share new work and fresh ideas.

Thanks for joining me on my travels. May your 2012 be bright. Onward and upward, yours truly.

to you and yours.

happy holidays to you.

 wishing you love, warmth & togetherness,

and time to savor with friends & family.

So little snowbird, take me with you when you go...

hello again.

i recently returned home from photographing a wedding in florida. 

while i am always thankful for my days, i feel a renewed sense of gratitude. 

i'm thankful i had the opportunity to travel, and travel for love. 

and document that celebration alongside someone i respect as artist and friend. 

and luckily, have the chance to visit family, who live just too far away. 

but thankfully, a remedy for that heartbreaking distance is in the works. 

and i feel lucky to breathe in the salty air,

and step back to embrace a view of the sea, which never fails to put it all in perspective.

* * * 

sending thanks to all of you who have given me support & encouragement.

it means so much.

and makes the horizon look sweeter and more beautiful than i could imagine.

* * *

The wedding was shot for the lovely Amelia Armstrong of Amelia Ann Photo.

cozy up.

Greetings readers! I hope you have a quiet & cozy weekend - full of simple delights. 

the flying salt, the scattered sun.

Hello November. My parents always warned me that this would happen. That time is finite, and it swiftly escapes you. They told me that as I get older, it moves at an even quicker pace. I’m sure I write with some naiveté on the subject, as I still have some years ahead of me, but every day, I grow more aware of time’s fleeting nature.

In my personal work, I am constantly drawn to photograph something that makes me slow down, giving my eyes (and myself) time to adjust. I find myself leaning more and more in that direction – unabashedly embracing beauty, simple pleasures, and appreciating small moments of peace, silence and comforting solitude. 

Reminiscent for a drop of summer, I wanted to share these photographs with you.  Finding them (and also sharing them) is all part of my winter project list. As some of you know, I am really looking forward to hibernating and creating, finding beauty in and making the most of those possibly dreary, dark days. These photographs are from a quiet weekend away with dear friends, where the time was spent enjoying morning and afternoon walks, making simple, home cooked meals together, and laughing and chatting over coffee or wine. I wish every weekend could be like that. 

Leaving you with a little inspiration for your weekend:
"I will have to wait for the fog, 
the flying salt, the scattered sun,
for the sea to breathe and breathe on me;
because water is not just water
but a hazy intrusion,
and the waves roll on in the air
like invisible horses." 
Pablo Neruda, Strangers on the Shore

let your hair down.

Sometimes, you just have to...

kick off your shoes.

take a break from the work week.

let your hair down (or let a fantastic stylist named Bobby fix it all up).

drink wine. dress up.

sing. dance. take photos.

and enjoy a night with the ladies.

and that's just what we did.

Justine, the stylist and songbird, as she always looks like she just stepped right out of a magazine, and she's got the voice of a lark. Leah, fellow photographer whose gorgeous work I never tire of, and she's got some killer dance moves. And Annie, my partner in crime, polaroid queen and top model pose & smize expert. Yes, I just said smize. Thankful to have these amazing ladies as friends.

(Please click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).