Drumroll please. Yes, it is time for the unveiling of our amazing, awesome, so-wonderful-it-brings-joy-to-my-heart-whenever-I-look-at-it sign (for the back story, click here!). I knew that this custom design from Joni at Chocolate Butterbean, would not disappoint.... but truly I had no idea how happy this would make me. Currently, the sign is hanging in our living room, but I felt like it was so much more appropriate to show off what it's eventual and intended purpose will be.

The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." -- Alan Alda

One of the highlights of my trip to DC last week was spending some quality time in the US Botanical Garden. No, it's not your standard museum, but I found it captivating and quite possibly one of the most serene places I have been in a long time. I allowed myself to simply sit still (not something I'm very good at) and just take in the sweetness of the air, the beauty of the light passing though the greenhouse and the vast colors, shapes and designs that surrounded me. As I started to stroll with my camera in hand, I was struck with the sheer creativity displayed in the plants. I began to lose myself in trying to see everything from a new perspective, and losing myself with my camera in hand is one of the most delicious feelings. My self consciousness takes the back seat for a little while... I stop wondering if I look funny trying to lean over and shoot a certain angle... because what I'm seeing through my viewfinder becomes worthy of 100% of my attention. Yes, it is most certainly a delicious feeling to leave the city of my comfort and wander into the wilderness of my intuition.
So whether it's photography, or anything else... find that place for you :)
 

I still find each day too short
for all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read,
and all the friends I want to see.
-author unknown

Somewhat randomly, I'm spending this week in DC and I must say that being in a new place (especially one as fabulous as this) seems to waken my senses. This morning I walked with my dear friend Claire to work, then sipped my coffee and I walked and walked into downtown DC and right up to the Lincoln Memorial. As I walked I was reminded of my days in Chicago, the hustle and bustle of everyone getting to work, and the variety of fashion/shapes/sizes. I laughed to myself about how different my morning walks are now... around a quiet neighborhood, with a big pup in tow. But this is good for me, like I said, I feel like I was experiencing the sights and sounds with a heightened awareness. I truly believe that sometimes just breaking out of what is familiar and routine can be the best thing to refresh your perspective.

So after my initial walk about, I headed back the Claire's house and started again with my camera in tow. Stopping at anything and everything that struck me as beautiful or interesting. Here are some of the sights along the path between her house and her office. My challenge to her is to see if she can spot all these the next time she makes the walk herself :)

 

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double.  ~Toni Morrison

This quote struck me perfectly for my little Montana nieces because they are so different, yet also so alike. I can't wait to watch them grow into the themselves over the years....

Sweet Gracie. She is such a happy little nugget.

"One should take good care not to grow too wise for so great a pleasure of life as laughter."

- Joseph Addison

The Nazario crew was full of playful laughter and I feel like their vivacious attitudes really shine through in these images. It's such a joy for me to watch families and kids who enjoy each other, and this group had me giggling behind my camera. I also have to give major credit to Erin, their mom, because she was incredibly relaxed and willing to goof around with us. A relaxed/playful mom pretty much always translates into great photos of the kids because they are able to  relax and reveal more of their true personality... which is always what I'm after! Genuine, honest images. It doesn't hurt when there are three gorgeous kids involved either...