16, 18, 21

This is a pivotal year parentally speaking. Our three offspring have all reached milestone birthdays- our eldest is free to walk in to a bar, sit on a stool and order whatever beverage her little heart desires, legally- our middle is of age and can attend all the X rated movies that Hollywood produces without risking being asked to leave, and our youngest will one day soon be driving places unknown commandering the wheel of the car. Yes, we feel less necessary as they mature- which when considered from all the angles, is not a bad thing at all.
So, for those of you with similar events to share, life seems more and less complicated with each passing day.  My images of their earlier days resonate deeply with the memories of the delight of watching our kids become the unique individuals they each aspire to be.

Throwback Thursday

Jumping on an existing wave on this particularly beautiful summer day seems like an ideal opportunity to share these images from earlier summers in Sleepy Hollow when my kids were young and we spent voluminous afternoons at the pool. Nothing is more fun than photographing candids of people (and especially children) in their bathing suits. Sweet times!!

a favorite pursuit of mine

Hoping to enter an art show (whose deadline for submission was yesterday) I found the time to try some recent ideas of mine.

The boundaries seem to melt when I can thread two images together and craft a merge.

 Something I want to explore more.

(and I did enter the show. Fingers crossed.)

Trending Now

I'll settle for all the ordinariness today. Even the young adults who speak in mono-syllables and resist pitching in. I refuse to be overwhelmed by the sad state of global affairs, my own fears and inadequacies and the vagaries of life in 2014. I will aspire to gratitude and for my faculties that support my ability to keep it going forward. And trending now, the many things that require my attention.
And number 9, well, I guess that can be crossed off my list.

Just Sharing

Currently, whatever is expected of me holds no interest whatsoever. I'm in that state of mind where I wish someone was making all sorts of arrangements so that I could proceed with my betterment- you know- going off to an artist residency might be nice- where I don't have to worry whether any of the bathrooms need toilet paper, or which young male friend of my son's is sleeping in our guest room, to why are the kids taking so long with some dumb task, to why is my husband is so distant and weird sometimes? 

Yes, buy me some decent towels on sale, throw a set of soft bedding in a bag, some comfortable clothes and my camera and laptop with a few treats for my own consumption at my own leisure, with no boring paperwork to complete or wrinkles to iron out. Maybe I just need a vacation from being parental. Does such a thing even exist and am I bring more immature than my teens for craving one?

Mesmerized by the Dress

For some unknown reason I found myself in bed yesterday done in by fatigue. Turning on the television, the fast paced graphics in the commercials made me even more tired and closing my eyes seemed like an excellent idea. Yet, tv land beckoned and soon I was transfixed (in all honesty for multiple hours of my life which I will never get back) by women buying their wedding gown in the mega-bridal store Vows (that sells their offerings at a deep discount) in Watertown, Ma.  

I learned the story of each bride-to be's romance, and how their intended is their best friend and the greatest guy ever! With extended family and bridesmaids in tow, I got to watch their lengthy and often frustrating quest to find the perfect dress.

Many of the subjects interviewed have been thinking about their wedding for "their entire lives" and I was impressed by the fact that your average adult marriageable female wants to "look like a vision" on her special day.

Not what I dream of, I can tell you that.

An Admission (about Fabrics)

Organizing objects and furnishings to sell at the Hastings Flea this Sunday, I'm re-discovering forgotten finds like this cotton seersucker whose print entrances me every time I look at it. It's hard to explain the level of quirky and sensual bliss. I can have mad passion for a printed textile, it's true and letting go of this one could be hard.

Come on By

My friend Lisa was game to do the Hastings Flea this Sunday, and as I am perpetually finding interesting "objets" and accessories, literary materials and such, I was happy to oblige. So come this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be in attendance in Hastings at the Flea, happy to press a cold bottle of water in to your hand should you so desire, with lots of neat stuff to sell. Hope to see you there!

(A low-key) Holiday in Sleepy Hollow

July 4th means community gatherings and our local fireworks display. We've been experiencing a record bout of relaxation here on Evergreen Way and enjoying a holiday weekend that finds us sticking close to home.  Still, I was motivated to capture the fireworks along with the cake contest that's part of a favorite yearly event in our neighborhood. The kids' faces were priceless awaiting the judges' decisions. Another reminder of the way that little things often make for memorable images. 

Hanging on

School has been out for one week and despite high temperatures and humidity, I've been mostly keeping my cool. Today our youngest passed the written test for his learner's permit so soon another family member will be taking the wheel of the car, able to take himself wherever he wishes to go and creating a new set of concerns for mom and dad. The fun just never ends!