When our lives pass day after day doing the same routine, we appear on commute, going through familiar motions.
That is why traveling- going to a place we’ve never been, shakes us from that slumber. Since nothing around us is familiar, we then have a vigilant consciousness. That is why I love traveling and being at towns and canyons and deserts and beaches I’ve never seen. It re-vibes my creativity; un-shadows my inspirations.
We recently had a short excursion to Nauvoo, Illinois and stayed in the most perfect Bed and Breakfast- away from town, out in the lush farm country. The morning view from the porch couldn’t have been more than what I dreamed- peace, solitude, beauty- but it could have been a little cooler.
I love the charm of small towns not yet overrun by stoplights and Walmarts.
Main Street Nauvoo with all it’s shops.
The Nauvoo Temple. Originally built in 1846 by poor Latter Day Saints. Later destroyed by arsonists. Rebuilt 156 years later from donated money to resemble the original, beautiful building. Majestically it stands near the banks of the Mississippi River.
Father teaching his son.
Perry needs to explain about the John Deer tractor…
Ali (from before) has grown so much and come through well from several surgeries.
Perry puts up with a lot from me- especially when I tell him of a place I want to go and take more family shots. And just the place caught me as I was driving home one day.
So, here we are in a lovely field of wild flowers, and you’d think we spent all day on a mountain hike- but what you don’t see is that we’re surrounded by business buildings.
Our day at the lake.
Luckily, Mia wasn’t with us when we capsized the sea-doo- both times.
"We always spend too much of the present anxious to reach the future, and when we get there, what do we do? We wonder where the time went."
A year ago today I was photographing these teenagers at Girls Camp.
Two years ago, I was with my cousins, choosing which jewelry I wanted from my Grandmother’s collection. Same grandma as previously mentioned- she was a lady of fashion, and like some perfect plan of fate- I got some amazing crystal earrings and bracelet that match perfectly to a crystal necklace I have that belonged to my other grandma. Two grandmas- one matching set. Now I need a fancy event to wear them to.
Three years ago, we were checking out the land we’d build our house on- almost ready to break ground.
Four years ago, a friend of mine from work got married to his Chinese bride.
Five years ago, I was celebrating a clean kitchen.
Six years ago, Erika was hanging out at our house.
Seven years ago, my parents were living with us.
Eight years ago, I didn’t have a digital camera.
All things Disney- seems to be a theme for me lately. I’ve recently watched a Disney DVD of their old, really old animations. Cartoons like Lambert The Sheepish Lion, Casey Bats Again and
Johnny Appleseed.
What a delightful little cartoon- watch it and it will brighten your day. And the folk style of the artwork is just perfect.
The opening song will put a smile on your face. This is what kids should watch. Here are the words…
The Lord is Good to Me
The lord is good to me
and so I thank the Lord
for givin’ me the things I need
the sun and rain and appleseed, yes
He’s been good to me.
I owe the Lord so much
for ev’rything I see
I’m certain if it wasn’t for Him
there’d be no apples on this limb,
yes, He’s been good to me.
Oh here am I ‘neath a blue,
blue sky a doin’ as I please
singin’ with my feathered friends,
hummin’ with the bees.
I wake up ev’ry day
as happy as can be
because I know that with
His care my apple trees
they will still be there,
Oh the Lord’s been good to me.
