it's been a while

i realize i haven't taken the time to update this blog in like ten years. but, i've been busy. no, i haven't had 3 kids, bought a farm, and started beekeeping.

but, i have been doing things i haven't ever dreamed of. well, maybe i dreamed of gardening. but, i thought i had the black thumb. i have killed cactus. in the desert. how do you do that, you may ask? too much water. at least i learn. i signed up eagerly this spring for 2 plots at the community garden. i have visions of tomatoes and lettuce. good things to eat. it would be effortless. it wouldn't be in my yard. i would get to know the community. it is organic.

oh wow. well, i started off strong. i had 2 different varieties of lettuce, snap peas, onions. my plot mate planted carrots, beets, radishes, nasturtiums, and strawberries. we were excited. but growing organically has it's definite challenges. it sounds so good and delicious and green. but, let me tell you. it was a constant battle with bugs.

now, i'm in the second growing season-fall/winter. i'm actually loving this part. not as much upkeep. i don't have to worry constantly about water as it rains more in these months anyway. i'm growing broccoli, cauliflower, baby bok choy, 3 varieties of carrots, spinach, 2 different kinds of beets, and brussels sprouts. much of my seeds came from a dear friend who passed away last month. but every time i eat something from her seeds, i smile.

i'm also growing a new life inside me. I am 15 weeks pregnant with baby number 2. looking forward to this new season in my life. can't imagine our family growing from 3 to 4. it will be an adjustment, for sure.

i am making some changes in my parenting habits, too. i realize that i've gotten lazy and lost sight of what i am suppose to be doing with Adrian. because he is not in school yet, he is still with me all day at home. it's tough at times, but i'm learning new skills. right now, i am implementing less t.v. time. i understand it won't happen overnight. i had to say no several times today. it forced us both to either play with neglected toys, cook together, or craft together. we had fun. plus, we were able to LOOK FORWARD to the movie time or t.v. time at the end of the day. this will now take place after supper and bath. wind down time. treat. it's nice. part of what i'm working off of is The Happy Child Guide i recently downloaded from the internet. Adrian is hitting phases i no longer feel confident managing. i felt it necessary to explore other ways to communicate with him. wish me luck!

my photography business continues to grow. i feel so fortunate to be able to work from home, do what i love, and be a part of other people's lives. a new fine art project i started this year is about loss. i hit the ground running, feeling it fulfilled a deep-seated need i had since art school. but, after two of my friends that i photographed as part of the series passed away, it's been hard to get back on track. i really want to see this project to fruition, to share these people's stories. i feel responsible for that. i just don't know how to get the momentum going.

sounds like so many struggles. but i'm grateful to be a part of all of this.

update!

holy cow! it's been a long time since i've been on here. a friend of mine recently looked at my blog and commented on the day of scattering my grandparent's ashes. i was appalled that this was my last post. my commitment of doing this every day has simply fallen short. i feel like i have missed almost a whole year of recording adrian's growth. also, a lot has happened in my personal life during the months i have been absent. here goes:

adrian vega is almost 3! he spent a few months in daycare at a baptist church this summer, getting used to the routine. he really enjoyed making new friends and absolutely adored his teacher "tessa". it was a great experience, but came to an end as i unexpectedly lost my job in june.

the economy has forced me to take a hard look at my career and make some big changes. going from a 1 1/2 hour commute and working full time to staying at home with adrian, running our new shop STRANDED art cooperative, and pursuing my photography full time has been a huge change for me. i love it, though. i never could have imagined that my life would be exactly what i had always dreamed. so grateful.

one of my biggest projects has been the building of my own photography studio in our sweet backyard paradise. i love the modern look of the structure, based loosely on a design in ready made magazine. it is complete with studio lighting, ceiling fan, and heat pump/air conditioning. it is such a lovely space to work and just relax.

my new website is : www.toniaedenphotography.com this website was an interesting undertaking, as i have never built one before. i think it properly represents me and all my funky ideas floating around in my head.

a ginormous blessing also came to me with the addition of my photo assistant, aimee elizabeth simonton. she has helped me every step of the way in my photo editing and even shoots. she is truly a loving and generous person who seeks to support me in any way she can. she even cooks me amazing meals! what a gem!

our shop, STRANDED art cooperative, has also kept me busy. working with artists that i know and deeply respect has been such a joy. i am honored to sell their beautiful things in our funky space right here on main street in montevallo. supporting my local community and raising the bar for all montevallo businesses to create a lovely downtown we can be proud of, has always been on my mind since we have moved back in 2005. now, we are getting that chance to shimmer and shine! we are located at:

STRANDED art cooperative

620-A Main Street

Montevallo, Al. 35115

hallow's eve

adrian went trick or treating for the first time this year!  he went as an ever appropriate monkey-as he is most definitely a curious george and also happens to love bananas.  took pics with iphone.  my husband, patrick, carved the skull.  i carved the penguin in an eric carle style for adrian.  we only went to a few houses before we dropped our little monkey off at noni's and papa's for the night.  patrick and i went on a much needed date to the movies to see "where the wild things are".  sorry, could not figure out the iphone pics yet.  post later.

adrian was being silly with the blanket today.  i got a series of shots.  he is just so darn photogenic.  also, completely wired tonight from homemade icecream and cream cheese cake.  finally, the sugar crash.  yay!

petals from the past - new shoot

i went to petals from the past with my mother and adrian the other day.  we found wonderful herbs, kinds i never knew existed.  it is such a breathtaking place.  magical, even.  i took some new photos of the blueberry bushes with my extra nice and brand spanking new camera.  the blackberries are coming out too.  we picked some and ate them right there.  a little tart, but golfball sized, i tell you!  i cannot wait for the black and blueberry festival coming on june 13!  i think i am going to gather some friends for some good old fashioned picking!  

my early morning walk to the river with adrian vega was a discovery trip.  he wanted to pick up everything.  a nail.  an antpile.  aggghh!  a piece of asphalt that he hugged to his chest for the last half of the walk - back up the hill.  all treasures from the look on his bright shining face.  then, home again.  pop in to see papa still in bed.  (he walked home from the bluegrass show through the woods just before sunrise, so he is tired!)

headed to petals from the past today with my mama and baby.  my mom has never been there and she is in for a real treat.  what a magical place.  i will of course check on the blueberries to see what color they are now.  will steal some new shots with my little camera.  looking forward to my new one - still in shipment.  darn backorder.  they should check to see if they have enough in stock, before they offer a mad discount.  

having a hard time with posts lately because i am waiting for my new camera to arrive!  my old point and shoot is on it's last leg and i am upgrading to a proper digital slr like a good photo grad.  finally the prices have fallen for little old me to afford such a luxury item.  (or we got more back on our refund than we anticipated!)  anyhoo, look forward to some better shots soon!  hoping it is going to be a night/day difference.