Basking in the Light

(and another one where I sure see my Moma's face in mine)

.          *          .

Missing My Moma

And, *gracious me*!, 

with my hair this short, 

I *so* see her in my face, 

especially my eyes

(and eyebrows).

I love you, Moma!

💕

.         *         .

Today's View

Just can't wait.

😳

Playfulness aside...

Feeling very vulnerable at my doctor's office today,

I came away feeling seen and heard by my doctor, 

grateful for the kindness of 2 of his staff,

and so thankful that hubby was by my side the whole way.

(Makes allllll the difference)

   

.         *           .

Breathe September :: Quiet

Quiet Confidants

(Because, when I remember, 

I tell them what's on my heart 

and mind as I pass by 

and,

as they have for years, 

they just quietly 

stand, 

receive 

and hold space.) 

💕

#breatheseptember2016

.            *               .

August Break :: 5 Years Ago

Capturing my heart from the start, 

my sweet niece arrived on January 26, 2011. 

She has already gifted me with oodles and oodles 

(and oodles!) 

of warm memories and 

I will always treasure this shared, quiet moment 

after her baptism in particular. 

The whole time I held her, 

my precious blonde angel 

kept looking up at me, 

her beautiful blue eyes 

wide and rarely blinking. 

And with all of the love overflowing from my heart, 

I met and held her sweet baby gaze 

and kept looking right back at her 

for as long as she wanted. 

Ah, such a holy, cherished moment, this one. 

Is there such a thing as love at first sight? 

Yes. 

Oh, *heavens* yes. 

💕

#augustbreak2016

.            *            .

August Break :: Red

Paper clip and heart mandala

(Simply stand still and shine)

 ❤️

#augustbreak2016

.            *             .

July 14 :: Outfit of the Day 🙃

While I felt a little silly,

I didn't want to let my goddaughter down.

She's been a good sport with 

lists of photo prompts that I've found

and I want to do the same for and with her.

Ah, more good practice, yes?

Yes.

.            *            .

Everyday Beauty :: Love

My girl and me

.            *             .

Everyday Beauty :: A Self-Portrait

Headed home after a good day's work. 

#everydaybeauty 

.             *           .

Everyday Beauty :: Evidence of Where I Came

. Growing up with peacocks on our farm was always such fun. I love that Daddy still keeps 

  them on his homestead and I'm so grateful he thought to send me home with a handful of 

  feathers one year.

. My First Communion book says the special day was April 13, 1969 and my faith remains 

  an integral part of who I am.

. The gold "D" on the same chain as my cross was Moma's last (tangible) gift to me. Before 

  she died she had the diamonds from the wedding ring Daddy gave her mounted on each one 

  of our initials and gave them to us on Christmas Eve 1996.

. Angels have long had a very special meaning for me and I chose this one because we prayed 

  before every meal as a family and still do.

. I love the blessed peace of candlelight which always speaks to me of hope (whether I realize 

  it in the moment or not).

. My black lantern has Stars on it, reminding me of the vast Texas Prairie sky that I grew up 

  under.

. The piece of cement "stone" anchoring my tableau is from the old farmhouse where I did 

  most of my growing up and still have such fond memories of.

❤️

.              *              .

Being Seen :: Mirror Meditation

Ever since I bought it over 3 years ago for my first time taking Liz's mirror meditation 

e-course, my black, handheld mirror has been right here beside my blue chair. Because of 

our visit to Texas to see my family last week, today is the first day I've actually taken some 

time with it since we began. 

Having been at it awhile, I've come to deeply appreciate this practice and it brought a soft 

smile to really see myself again this afternoon.  Smiling because as soon as I looked at my 

reflection I found myself greeting my eyes with a warm "hello there!"  

I like this picture and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the black side can be used 

as a mirror too!  I really love that my quartet of guardian angels surrounding my sweet red 

oil lamp (my little altar reminding me of my word for this year, Abide) can be seen in the 

image as well. 

I wanted to tuck in a little encouragement, too, since I really do know that it can be quite 

uncomfy to take self-portraits, especially at first. 

For whatever it's worth, finding new ways and angles to take photos is like creative play 

for me. I just happen to be the subject. 😉  And for this eldest girl child, who has spent 

a lifetime focusing on seeing others and tending to their needs first (and often 

"exclusively"), this has been a very good practice for me. 

I also wonder if focusing on composition (how I'm setting up the photo - so what gets 

included in the frame and what doesn't) helps to take some of the pressure off. 

As I press "post," know that I am sending a little love to all of us as we find our way 

... together.

 ❤️

.               *              .

Being Seen :: Open and Willing

May is my birthday month

and tends to be a tender one for me.

As a way to practice good self-care

and also to ensure that I'll remember to 

practice seeing and witnessing myself, 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to take

Liz Lamoreux's Being Seen e-course.

It actually starts in the morning

but I'm ready to begin now.

Open and Willing

.            *            .