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.

ashes to sea

So a few weeks ago, we decided to finally lay to rest my grandparents in the beautiful Gulf Coast. My mother just decided one morning she needed to do this. I really enjoyed the small informal ceremony on the inlet. Funny thing, the water was flowing back into the lagoon, not out into the Gulf. But, I think they will eventually find their way.

wintry goodness

we were pleasantly surprised by snow sunday morning.  we were thrilled, of course.  although it was very cold, we took a stroll to see the white goodness before it melted in the afternoon.  oh, well.  i guess i am glad i do not have to deal with it all winter long, like some folks.  the weather is pretty mild here, and promises to be around 70 by the weekend.  definitely looking forward to that!  here is the thrifted hat.  so cute.  and a steal at $.30!

winter burnout

so, it's supposed to snow tomorrow.  and i am cold.  looks like winter will be here for a while.  at least we aren't getting any ice storms, like in Kentucky.  those poor folks.  so, we will hunker down into our warm beds and dream of midnight swims and early morning walks in the summertime.  

adrian is getting better and better everyday at pushing the stroller.  he will be walking any minute now.  he is also getting so tall - 31 inches!  and he is 23 lbs. and 10 oz.  he has slimmed down much already in the past few months.  to think he was 20 lbs at 6 months!  wow!  he sure is growing up.  

winter days

i wish i could enjoy the bath as much as my son, adrian.  he lives for it.  in the winter, sometimes that is the only solace.