breathing, focusing, etc.

our poor, tiny apartment.

we've been here for almost 2 months now, and we are no where near settled. the walls are still empty. the fridge mostly consists of beer, milk and cheese.

we've been busy. october is packed with projects and events and volunteering.

it is decided 2012 was/is our year to give. last years lessons are fueling me, keeping me strong when i'm exhausted and second guessing myself. 

this weekend is another big one:
friday, is our big fundraiser, lift the mask.
saturday morning i drive up to the farm to snap photos for their big festival coming up.
saturday afternoon i drive back to madison to play with croaker at the gypsy carnival.
sunday, i'll help the folks of good style clean up their old space as they move into their new home. and croaker practice.

this list is more of a reminder to myself. will someone make sure i'm doing what i'm suppose to be doing at the right time? thank you.

and thank you for your comments and emails of support about max. it means the world, really.

oh there you are

as life seems to be pushing me through some pretty intensive growing pains right now,
it's good to sit back and reflect on the little things that make me smile.

so, to jump right in, a little list of current found joy:

1. at pretty lunch get togethers

 2. when there's new music for my ears to hear

3. at ellie and kori's for breakfast

3. when adults get to play dress up

 4. when you find constellations in places other then the sky

5. when you're given a sign on which way to go next

6. when your city is covered in thick snow one day... 

7. and then feels like being spring the next.

 8. diving right in when meeting a new friend

9. playing games at parties

10. planning road trips

so good.

i found these words

and these "i want to be less embarrassed by who I am but not aspire to be someone different."
and these.
and these.

the road

my photography journey just keeps getting better and better.

current joy:
this group of people
being a beginner
dark&light
vanilla cake with sprinkles
his photos
50 degree weather

love,
stephanie

process of progress

today, i am grateful:
for song.
for "the process".
for baby steps.
for a partner in creative crime.
wandering.


i was talking to ellyn this morning about enjoying the process as much as the end product. we have a friend going on a trip next week and she has a very calculated and planned schedule, every minute accounted for. she likes traveling that way.

i'm finding i'm more the other way. yes, i like a plan and a good list is gold to me - but to just be able to take off and wander - priceless, right?

are you outcome motivated? or is the journey reward enough?

i also can't stand an unfinished project, which i seem to have a pile a mile high of..
we're complicated beasts aren't we?

to the journey and to the outcome, whatever they both may be,
stephanie.

life is moving so fast - it's all good but it's fast.
things to do this week:
- ditch my old car, mojo may
- move
- find health insurance
- plan a house concert
- thank a lot of great people for supporting me

april, you've been good to me

i was looking through april's photos over the weekend and i was just baffled by everything that happened this month.
+ first solo art gallery
+ first sparrow and the sky performance (i sang in front of people, what!?)
+ my first tattoo (from my brother!)
+ live music (trampled by turtles in milwaukee!)
+ playing music
+ recording music
+ lots of good family time
+ lots of good friend time
+ lots of good food
+ lots of cupcakes and sweet potato fries
+ the first bike rides of the year!
+ finding a beautiful apartment to live in
i am blessed, truly. let's hope may continues in this fashion, huh?

                                 

signs of spring

last sunday i was able to catch the boys playing music on the porch.
it was heart warming to know we could sit out there and feel the sun.
other signs of spring coming:
+first farmers market this weekend
+i used a yellow umbrella today
+tulips in the front yard
+sarah palin protesting outside the capitol this weekend. no, not that one. but how bizarre, right?