cookie love



I baked these cookies to photograph for Valentine cards that I was making.  They are my favorite cookies to make because they are so easy but they look like you are a serious baker.  Oh did I mention how delicious they are.......

Snow.................

Snowing like crazy in the northeast.





Yep, my tree is still up.

Just a little fun with ttv photography on this snowy day.  I was out earlier

and the roads are horrible so here I am inside realizing I don't have any

excuse for not taking down my tree.  One last picture and down it comes.

Stay warm and cozy.

sweet onions

I know this is a random photograph but I was thinking how cool it is to be able to photograph something as simple as onions on a cutting board and have them become a piece of art.  I love that.
Cooking is not at the top of the list for me when I think of my favorite things to do.  I do enjoy baking but cooking, not so much.  My sister (actually all my siblings are very good cooks) is amazing.  She can whip up a gourmet meal at a moments notice.  Something so easy for her sends me into a tail spin.  I don't know where I was in my house for cooking lessons.
So cook away my siblings and I will gladly photograph the end product!

Christmas Week

Christmas week was spent in the Adirondacks.  It was nice to be away even though it was freezing!We visited with family, sat by the fire, which never went out,

cross country skied ( I was still by the fire), went snow shoeing (still by the fire), read my new Shutter Sisters book Expressive Photography, cooked, ate, shopped, took pictures, took naps, and enjoyed being with my kids.
My eldest son is newly married this year and lives in Colorado. My second son just moved out there as well.  It was great to have them home.  My third son is 15 and isn't crazy about being left behind. I shot some winter pics up there and I'm surprised that there isn't one shot

of the fire since that is where I spent most of my time. 

My dog Wallace (actually taken by my son Christian)



My older dog Cooper (he prefers being by the fire)







A New Year

  My family, both immediate and extended, are very close.  We are close relationally and logistically and share in the high and lows.  The past two years have been full of them....

Cancer victory and cancer defeat

Wedding vows said and wedding vows ended

Giving children wings to grow and watching children struggling with their demons

Hearts full of joy and hearts broken

Smiles and laughter, tears and rage

Despite it all I realize the blessing in it all.  The blessing is that I am standing here today stronger than yesterday and excited about what will come this year.

My word for this year is intentional.  I want to be intentional in my relationships, my mothering, my photography, caring for myself and others, and my blogging .  I welcome 2011.  I pray that it is everything that I need and that this year is everything you need .  Stay warm.