lovegreendog

while I was away

2011-08-18T11:25:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I have been swept away in the summer sun. Days that push right by me and leave me tingling and sleepy. We have been to parks and beaches and outside our front door. Everyday that is dry we are out. I know what is around the corner, the weather that will soon keep us in. For now we are stocking up on playing out. Stealing as much sunshine as we can, wearing it on our faces as happy and healthy. The days are already a little shorter, school a few weeks away. The children can begin to imagine going back and seeing friends and packing lunches, snacks, catching the bus and can I go to the bike shop after homework?...These last days of summer are slipping through our hands the way the water spills out of the baby's little clenched fist. Trying to hold on, squealing at the beauty of it all, counting on the more that comes tomorrow.

And speaking of babies, none of them really are anymore. Sunday we will celebrate the middle one's 8th birthday, the smallest one is long out of diapers and has a mind of his own and is determined to let the world know he is here to conquer. The oldest will start seventh grade and we are at that place of wit, clever remarks, sarcasm and cheekiness - the kind she is daring to dole out but can not quite take in. That sensitive place of twelve years old where you try on your tough face and try to push away your mother. That place where the opposite sex is amazing and repulsive all at once.
No, they are not babies in their minds.

hey, you:

2011-04-20T14:25:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I wanted to let you know you're the shizzle.
You've got thoughts and ideas that need to be shared.
Take a step towards putting that project in motion, really you should. Someone will not only like it, they will love it and be changed by your imagination brought to life.
Hop to it lovelies. hip,hip.

xo
A

color me happy

2011-03-30T18:07:00.001-04:00

color me happy
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

...just testing the buttons out over on flickr - I like this "easy share" thingy!

Is spring in full swing for you? The flowers are appearing and the kids are trying to shed their jackets but it's still very cold here.
Still at with the i365 project and you can check the full set by clicking on the above photo.
Stay bright folks :)
xo
A

2011-03-12T11:41:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

someday you will live diaperless, your children will tell you you are the best baker and will not want your opinions about their writing. someday your daughter will dance with a boy and tell you about it and you will try to remember about your own first dance. someday your son will share that a classmate announced to the room she has a crush on him and you will try not to laugh and cry at the same time. you will try to be attentive and listen carefully all the while wondering and marveling at the beauty of life right before your very eyes.

hello? (echoooo...)

2011-01-24T18:07:00.002-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.
I am operating solely from my iPhone these days. I know, I can't believe it either. My days are full of keeping the littlest boy in this family safe and out of trouble. Days around here include prying him off tables, pulling him out of the toolbox, running, putting things up on high shelves, turning around to find he is climbing said shelves. And running, did I mention that? This kid is quick.
There probably won't be much posted here for a while. Mostly because I have to turn on a computer to post here on the blog.
So I'm switching things up.
I have embarked on a 365 project. I am shooting from the iPhone and uploading and editing with it too. If only I could get it to make beds and fold towels...
Seriously, you can follow along or check in over at flickr for a glimpse into our days.
I shall return to this space at some point, until then have a happy day and don't forget to look up.

peace,
A

2011-01-08T15:56:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

Happy New Year, hope it's sweet like this and full of color!

2010-12-06T22:03:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

this November

2010-11-07T18:16:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I bring my hands together and I can feel my pulse in my fingertips and through my hands.
I breathe in and out.
I am growing
and loving
and beginning
again and again.

2010-11-04T11:18:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2010-10-25T09:17:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

peace, confidence & an open mind
these are what I want for them.

2010-09-06T19:34:00.001-04:00

nothing stays the same.
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2010-08-19T13:47:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

so, life happens....

2010-08-12T21:05:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

My working days are on hold. Again. The schedules and weekends were too much for this little family to handle. I'm sad about it. I liked getting out and doing something and gettting paid for it. That was satisfying. I wiped old bottoms and noses and told people that it was the middle of the night.
Now I'll do that at home, for my young ones.
Life sure does go on. ooblidee, oobladah....

2010-07-26T19:50:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2010-07-10T12:38:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

Summer is rounding like this.
I like it.
I like it alot.

give away!

2010-07-02T11:10:00.005-04:00

give away!

perfect for TTV photography and any other experimentng you might dream up.

want it?

leave a comment and I'll draw a name July 9th.

sometimes life is like

2010-06-28T17:54:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

so bitter and so sweet you can't help but cry
so lovely and so sweeping you are overtaken by it all
there are days like this, but lately
I've begun to take it minute by minute
perpetually bracing myself
my shoulders ache
from
heaving
laughter
heaving
sobs

I know I will come out just fine
but for a moment I wonder how I got here

today

2010-06-01T19:59:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I will share a few things I find beautiful:
*roadside roses
*edges of photos that are slightly darker - by accident
*rosary beads
*orange and yellow marigolds
*sade's voice
*etta james singing "at last"
*a properly made bed
*white cereal bowls
*the word velvet
*metallic photo paper
*the world around me

what's beautiful to you these days?

happy happy

2010-05-20T08:35:00.001-04:00

I see you, baby
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

guess who turns two today?

2010-05-19T10:12:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

It feels like I am waking up.

I've been out

2010-05-18T09:42:00.001-04:00

I've been out
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

Do you sometimes narrate your own life story in your head? Like third person style with a certain mood and great adjectives? I do. What's happening more and more is that I have photos to go right along with these little unwritten chapters of my so called life.

tell me I'm not the only one...

2010-05-07T18:31:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

the living is lush.
how about you?

life goes on

2010-04-28T15:30:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

the parking ticket,
the frustrating 5th grade homework,
curious little hands that cause trouble,
projects that begin
inspiration you feel all over your skin

the world keeps turning and we go on

the word I carry in my pocket lately is:
peace

2010-02-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

down on main st
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

Praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

~ Mary Oliver ~

the good

2010-02-10T15:11:00.003-05:00

store windows {23}
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

well I've got some good and Nina is asking - so you share too!

here it is:
baking with the girl
music filled mornings
**Sheri Reynolds The Sweet In-Between
making playlists
clarinet practice where I no longer want to tear my ears off
sleep
play-doh
find-it games
my bedroom cleaned
downtown walks at night
bringing my camera places
and shooting film too
Beck
embroidered pillow cases
the woodstove (always the woodstove)
conneccting with people I love in anyway possible
connecting with you

(not finished that yet, and it is an odd,odd book - but I can't stop reading it. it's good in that way)

cluck cluck

2010-02-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

storefront art
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I'm begining to see that I had let myself run on empty for far too long.
I gave when there was nothing to give.
I have been wondering why nothing seems like a real "pick me up".
Pushing forward and getting things done. Forgetting to not only look ahead but to look up also.
I'm coming back. Slowly and with wide eyes I am making my way back to center. I am taking more photographs, hanging beautiful art on my walls and listening to anything I want for music.
I have a few hours a week and I am savouring them. They are being used for walking, collecting, and brainstorming. No rushed appointments or phone calls. I am writing in notebooks and looking forward to those minutes I can call my own.
The retreating is over and it's time to emerge. again.
I sort of wonder if it's a cycle like that for everyone...

2010-01-28T18:40:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

sometimes the beauty of where I live is overwhelming.

2010-01-18T20:03:00.004-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

taking time to focus on :

giving my full attention to the one(s) I am with,
for they are the most important

love & peace to you my friends

yeah baby!

2010-01-05T20:32:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I was able to recover some of the photos I thought were gone.
I am thrilled and in disbelief.
It's like magic to me.

blast off

2010-01-04T22:07:00.001-05:00

blast off
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

blast off, piss off.
I lost 49 pictures from the last two days.
I tried to transfer them and somehow flubbed the mission.
so disappointed...
I've sent out a request for help.
I really hope they can be recovered,
keep your fingers crossed for me?

what do they say to you?

2009-12-28T22:02:00.001-05:00

it's friday
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

but not really....
I don't know what day it is. It's that vacationtimewarp/ end of the year thing that happens. The truth is I don't care much about the days of the week. They have been run-ons.
A routine of
gettting up, getting dressed, job checks, feeding babies, checking emails, reading, playing, thinking about the next meal and how to convince the littles to "just eat it".
It's been like that, and don't tell anyone, but I've been wearing the same jeans for like three days.
I feel like it can only get better from here on out.
That's what dirty jeans say to me.

year end and it's wednesday again

2009-12-23T23:28:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

there is something about Wednesday that makes me want to pour my heart out
to you
here.

2009-12-23T10:48:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

windows

2009-12-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

windows
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

...running a little ragged these days.
It's the end of another year and
I.just.can't.believe.it.

Happy holidays to you that pop in here.
I love you people.
I really do.

xo
A

waiting

2009-12-05T23:03:00.001-05:00

waiting
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

It's snowing.
Back in July I snapped photos out at the beach without control.
I couldn't stop snapping and I just kept at it.
This is what that was all about.
This day.
Snow falls and I ache for "ankle deep only because you have your jeans on", "let me help you roll them up", "just one, we can choose one seashell to bring back ".
I wonder for a second why I always say "just one".
They are collectors by nature, as am I. I know the difficulty and delight of "just one".
I close my eyes and can so clearly hear the words, the water, the birds, the rain that is moments away.

Presently the stove pops and the tree lights dance. Snow is sticking and blanketing and yet I am still chilly.
I begin calculating how many days until...

2009-12-03T11:34:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

upside down and

2009-12-01T10:20:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

guilty of:
yelling
swearing
impatience
resentment
wishing time away
and unloading all my troubles to people I barely know

yikes!
of course I'll be fine...
wink

2009-11-22T21:32:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

the days are filled with questions

2009-10-31T07:05:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2009-10-27T21:54:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I sort of want to make out with autumn this year.

wednesday

2009-10-21T21:32:00.002-04:00

I have looked up how to spell pineapple 3 times this week.
The "ea" never looks quite right to me.
(and yes I looked again to spell it for this post)

2009-10-20T10:29:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I am no longer the youngest mom at drop offs and birthday parties.
Becoming okay with that is taking longer than I suspected it might.

autumn does this to me

2009-10-19T22:42:00.001-04:00

yellow & friends
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

there is some sort of
quiet steam engine of change
going on inside me.
I'll let you know when it pulls into the station.

spc

2009-10-18T11:55:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

the october theme is hats

2009-10-17T23:00:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2009-10-14T22:21:00.002-04:00

the wednesday confessional
photo style

holy crap or i got a job

2009-10-06T20:42:00.004-04:00

so, now I am a working mother.
I really can not believe that women do this.

There are days when I walk through the door at night and I want to walk straight up the stairs and carefully check over each of my children. I am looking to see what I have missed, how much they grew while I was gone for x number of hours. I am looking to see visible signs of the joy and troubles they had without me.
There are just as many times I want to go upstairs and crawl under the covers and open my eyes not a minute before the alarm will go off in the morning.
And then those times I'd like to chatter away the evening hours with someone I love, but everyone is sleeping already.

so, now I am a working mother.
you girls are my new heroes.
can't even believe this....

2009-09-29T08:56:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

Anytime I find a pinecone or an acorn on the beach the world just seems so right. These seeds travel in mysterious ways and to come across them on the sand always brings a smile to my face.

it's nature way of reminding me that anything is possible

true love

2009-09-22T10:39:00.001-04:00

true love
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

it feels like i can exhale after such a long breath holding.
finally.
in through the nose, out through the mouth.
repeat.

feels so good.

not just the eggs in my fridge

2009-09-21T20:36:00.002-04:00

Lately I am seeing and realising that everything seems to have an expiration. There are times, relationships, and even some of my projects that are just plain expired. I'm not sure why I hadn't noticed this before now. Maybe because I was holding on, trying so hard to hold on. I can't quite place (and don't really need to, I guess) when I realised, or the how of it, but it feels like a relief.

I can leave things unfinished and not be a failure.
(you can too)

2009-09-14T13:22:00.003-04:00

I'm over at wishmamas today.
Big leap for me, feels great.

::reminder::

2009-08-20T07:29:00.002-04:00

Open your eyes.

the motherhood

2009-08-19T11:30:00.003-04:00

the summer found me longing for adventure
wishing for peace
and sometimes, I'll admit, quiet

I visited with my mother quite a bit, and I found all the ways we are the same and different. I wondered if my daughter does the same, and if she feels as exasperated as I do thinking about it.

I walked the beach with my grandmother and marveled at the organization, the patience and the determination it must have taken to get through the days of raising 9 little ones. I always feel like I can do it when I consider her as a mother.

Often my two older ones were off at the beach or the lake, they were on adventures of their own that included fairy houses, loose teeth, funny jokes and a canoe ride that I think we will be hearing about for a very long time. One of them learned to dive and the other is still trying, though feels she needs some privacy, because all those people trying to help, are no help at all.

For much of the summer I was alone with my baby and we survived four new molars, countless bumps and one bloody lip. We tried all of the local baby swings and walked the neighborhoods. I love to look at other peoples gardens. I try to formulate what the flowers say about the neighbors and haven't come up with an exactness to it. I'm working on it though. We ate corn on the cob and had so many breakfast as lunch/dinner days. The adventures were small and in some ways I didn't see it as such until weeks after.
Making for the best kind, I say.

September is so close with the promise of all things crisp. We are finding our way back into the kitchen together. Sweeping summer up and getting ready for the schedule that comes with school.

It feels like this is the beginning of them growing up and away. So many days I wished them out of my hair and now my chest feels tight with it all. I think it will always be this back and forth rhythm for us. This hanging on, wishing away, letting go, and reaching back, this is motherhood for me.

feeling inside out

2009-08-04T22:35:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

I look down
at the line in the sand
and I wonder about the sides of this motherhood walk.
What is too much for them
and for me,
and how do we know?

busy....

2009-08-02T21:31:00.001-04:00

waves
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

a short note to self:

2009-07-27T14:55:00.001-04:00

focus
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

When your gag reflex is initiated by words (or overuse of) such as "lovely", "swoon", "...sigh", and "bits" (as referring to small amounts), it is time to walk away from the www for a little while.
Those are fine and quaint phrases, but I've had my fill and it is time to hold the hands next to me and stroll.

I'll be back.
(you know I will.)

just for

2009-07-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

kicks
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

things i've learned from my kids during the first week of summer vacation

2009-06-23T12:54:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

* there will always be a nose to wipe, a hand to hold, a someone who needs a gentle reminder that showers are a good thing
* your baby will somedays be a grouch
* growing pains are real
* being the oldest stinks sometimes
* sometimes sharing is difficult
* solitude is precious and rare in this house
* poop on the floor isn't a big deal when you don't have carpet
* there will be days when there is poop on the floor
* endless rain aggravates even the cheeriest
* fresh fruit and fresh eggs are the perfect breakfast
* banana bread can make you feel warm
* summer reading lists are cool
* library cards are like passports
* it's okay to put your feet up at nap time, your lists and chores will wait for you
* granola + yougurt + frozen berries= a pefect take along meal
* a straw makes everything in a cup taste good
* nothing beats climbing into a well made bed at the end of the day

all that in one week.
it's gonna be an interesting summer, a good one I think.
a little sunshine would make it great.

rain

2009-06-22T07:45:00.001-04:00

rain
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

please stop.
where are you summer?

2009-06-12T11:36:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

it's friday and I've got :
a photoboth "oldie but goodie"
and five questions, but I need a little more time to answer them.
also have some homework I can't seem to focus on
and a fierce hankering for ice cream before noon.

what about you?

2009-06-03T09:44:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

from Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell :

"If you hear a good word that belongs to someone else, write it down so it belongs to you, too"

It will take you an afternoon to read through this book. In this story there are sentences that will stay with you forever.
That's how it was for me anyway.

2009-05-29T13:26:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

it's Friday

quote of the week:

"Without me, there is no launch."
~Mr.lovegreendog

2009-05-16T08:37:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

one of those flowereing tree sessions I've been having.

2009-05-13T13:02:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

lately the baby has been falling asleep while I try to get some outside world errands done.
instead of waking him i just drive around and photograph flowering trees.
those errands are on the back burner.
up front are naps and flowering trees.
shouldn't that be the way?

thursday confessional

2009-05-06T22:38:00.002-04:00

i get all thrilled about flowers.

what gets you happy?

ok, it's wednesday.

2009-05-05T11:29:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

very seriously with his eyebrows knitted in the cutest way:

"Mom, you NEED to buy hand fertilizer!!!"

me, biting my lip so very hard, trying not to let the corners of my mouth go to far up:
"oh, really? how come?"

"Because of the FLU!!!"

I love that kid.

2009-05-03T19:04:00.001-04:00

bed
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

i lay my head down on the pillow for a minute and then it is time to wake up again.
it seems like that these days

begin

2009-04-26T16:15:00.001-04:00

begin
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

hello spring.
hello continuing education.
pleased to see you yellow highlighter pens.
hello study time and note taking.
hello doing.

i am beginning.

i think

2009-04-16T07:44:00.001-04:00

home
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

some places feel more like home than inside your own four walls.

take off

2009-04-06T08:39:00.002-04:00

"instead, what if you thought about all the things that could go right?"

that phrase came to me this week.
pretty much knocked my socks off.
possibility has grabbed ahold of me.

morning conversation

2009-04-01T11:07:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

on our walk back from the "bike to school" meet up place for his older sister-

A: Mum?
me: ya?
A: I don't like taking the bus to school.
me: (heart skipping)"oh?"
A: ya. first off, I don't have enough knock-knock jokes. second, I have to take OFF my backpack and fifth my bum hurts from all that sitting down.
me: (relieved) well we are driving today and you will only take the bus home.
A: okay mum. you're the best.

2009-03-06T07:38:00.001-05:00

the second half
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

it's friday!
only 19 days left of my twenties
and 14 days 'til the first day of spring
today it is raining and i love that
the snow is disappearing

photobooth friday

2009-02-27T09:02:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

a year ago I sat sifting through old photos
not knowing their stories and too sad to make up my own
I copied a photobooth square and returned the rest
I thought I did
last week under piles of photos and papers I found this
my breath caught and I wondered how a year could pass
just like that

photobooth friday

2009-02-20T14:29:00.002-05:00

* school vacation is coming to an end.
i always feel a little happy & sad at the same time about that.
* last night i had the most delicious Mexican food & margarita.
* this morning i had a headache.
* it was worth it.
* the baby has decided sleeping on his tummy is what he likes best.
* he rolls around in the crib like tumble weed.
* he is 9 months today
* i like bread and butter, i like toast and jam....ha, just wondering if
you were still reading
* but i do really like jam
* i read two books this week
* i don't know why i am carrying on with this list style thingy
* enjoy the weekend, because i said so.

2009-02-18T20:15:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

for you and you and you too.

toys

2009-02-02T08:06:00.002-05:00

i may be overly using smiley faces.
i just realized.
sort of like the exclamation point over user, i add smiley faces to everything.
i can't help it, i'm happy.

reasons to :)

*getting outside
*going for drives
*eating salads
*and pizza
*i have a handmade calandar from the little guy that makes me smile eveyday
*bright baby toys
*handmade valentine cards
*gifted handmade card sets
*received a knit scarf from AZ
*Coraline

what's got you smiley this February?

rolling right along

2009-01-06T08:47:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

chosen way to move along: roll
teeth: yes, two!
favorite toy: rattles
loves: orange veggies, all fruits, pulling mom's hair
dislikes: greenbeans, carseats

forcast for '09: crawling, walking, more solid foods, a few words and joy,joy,joy

xo

2009-01-04T19:46:00.001-05:00

sill
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

goodbye '08,
and hello new year.
i am not making any promises,
nor am i revealing the ideas brewing.
no.

i can feel it though, '09 will be just fine.

2008-12-25T10:15:00.001-05:00

snowman
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

happy holidays to you pretty people.
not sure that i will return here until '09.
if not, know that your comments and emails,
and thoughts sent my way this year have meant so much.

stay warm and snuggled and kiss your babies under the chin :)
xo

2008-12-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

fuzzy wuzzy
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2008-12-15T08:04:00.001-05:00

stairs
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2008-12-14T23:26:00.001-05:00

happy
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

2008-11-26T22:52:00.002-05:00

the hanging on and letting go
passings and new lives beginning
for all of those moments in between
filled with held breath and secret hopes
for the things i said and some words i wish i hadn't
living in so much light
this year i find myself squinting
honesty and being vulnerable
asking for what i want
delivery

a fullness in my life that i can only say is life

full
and ever grateful
wishing you warmth friends
xo
A

this is just to say,

2008-11-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

** no two babies are alike, stepping into a life with three little ones makes you know that even more.
**staying open and lowering expectations makes the days go by easier.
**sleep is wonderful and no matter how much you want to make something or photograph that, or just quickly do whatever - choose sleep.
** an overtired mum is no good to anyone, including herself.
**accept that you will be forever interrupted. breathe deep and dig deep for that fleck of patience left in you and give it to the little ones in your life. you'll sleep better tonight.
**saying "i'm sorry" is a relief for all parties involved if there is a blow out.
**a trip to the coffee shop with your oldest is a fun date and you will leave full and with a smile. i promise. (keep in mind #2)
**if it's been awhile since you've been to the mall and you are feeling a little frumpy, a little chubby, far from feeling pretty, i am telling you don't go. just stay out of that place for a bit longer. trust me on this....
**having three little people to get ready to go anywhere takes a lot more time than you think it will. give yourself the gift of time. seriously. prepare the night before and plan for an extra hour of searching the house for one shoe, or jacket, or a load of laundry because there's no underwear for anyone.
**if you haven't checked out the local library's children story hours, you must. it may even be worth going to the next town over if nothing strikes your fancy where you live. it's fun, free, and someone else is doing the reading for a change.i love it.
**balance may be a myth. we are getting by on "one day at a time", sometimes hour by hour...
** getting outside to walk everyday is necessary. if you live in new england and it is between the months of Nov. and April than yes, from the car to the storefront counts - if you remember to walk chin up and look up to the sky at least once. and take a few big breaths in.
fresh air will do a girl a world of good, your mother was right
**if you haven't already started bringing books with you in your bag than go fill 'er up. i read in waiting lines and sometimes in parking lots when the babe has fallen asleep in our travels.

so what's going on in your world? how are you getting by?

one of those times

2008-11-12T14:41:00.002-05:00

when everything i touch breaks and
the words come out wrong
every time i open my mouth

it's been that way for a few weeks...

maybe it's time to pick up the camera again. the digi still functioning one. gosh, i'm nervous to even think about touching it. seriously, it's been like that.

spc

2008-10-27T21:20:00.003-04:00

this week i hope you have a "knock your socks off" kinda day.
the kind of day filled with pleasant surprises and smiles from strangers passing by on the sidewalk.
i hope someone gives you a double look, the kind that makes you walk a little taller and think to yourself " still got it, baby".
i hope you open your mailbox and find something great.
i hope that for you.

look at the group for more mirror self portraits

2008-10-03T11:12:00.002-04:00

so my contact print is here, and i would love to scan and share- but the upstairs 'puter is not quite right and i don't have the patience for that. you can catch a glimpse in this photo here.

i am moving on to color and modified 120 rolls, i am trying to avoid respooling, another thing i don't have patience for.
(by "modified" i mean there will be an attempt to trim the spool so that it will fit into the duaflex)
i have to tell you that film has brought me back to using my brain. when i use my digital i can take a "looksee" to check my exposure, rethink my comp. it's all so instant. with film and only 12 exposures a pop on the 120, i find myself thinking so much more and being present in what it is i am creating.
if it's been some time since you've shot a roll i highly recommend it. whatever your craft i think it's good to go back to the old ways occasionally. i find it refreshing :)

yahtzee!

2008-09-30T14:39:00.001-04:00

yahtzee!
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

the contact sheet and negatives came today!
the camera is functional and i am thrilled. there were a few shots i would print and i am looking forward to trying some color film next.
hooray for me, did i already use the word "thrilled"? oh...i am, i am!

ttv sorta

2008-09-26T18:10:00.004-04:00

since i mailed my roll of film i have been wondering,
1. is the duaflex i have even light tight?
2. did i move too much when i pressed the button?
3. should i have tried more with the settings?

i know when my contact print comes back to me.
fingers drumming & sigh....

currently in love with

2008-09-22T22:15:00.002-04:00

*anything orange
*film
*apple crisp
*cold wood floors in the morning
*all things to do with fright night
*glitter
*owls
*backyard bird identification
*my daughters functioning sewing machine (idunno what happened to mine, so i moved on to hers)
*knit baby hats (i wish i knew how to make 'em)
*stripes, like knit baby hats with stripes - so fricken cute!
*pumpkin bread

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

the film, the film

2008-09-20T08:04:00.001-04:00

hallway
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

i took the film in to be processed, only to be told they couldn't do my type of b&w. the girl did give me the name of someone who could. so now i will have to mail my film to Portland (ME) and wait. (it will be cheaper to ship than just drive over). they don't print, so i will get my negatives and a contact sheet back. i love contact prints. i loved lining up the negatives and seeing what we had, oh those printing days. this whole print deal is making me wish i had a darkroom set up. with three little ones underfoot it doesn't make much sense to go through with all that right now.
so now it's more of the same, hurry up and wait.
i'll just keep on with TtV set and perfecting the construction of my contraption.

what about you, are working on anything special?

2008-09-18T09:28:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

when you think you've got the hang of things, the baby loving upraising thing, that is when your kids will get a cold.
the third is just like the first, all over again. the worry, the sleeping with your ears open, listening for funny breath noises. the silent prayers to just let them be ok.
it happens, even though you think you are weathered, posibly good at this gig, worry steals your sleep and doesn't leave until there is that first, second, and third eye contact + smile.
the worry is no different between first,second, and third. it's part of the deal i guess. the wee one has pulled through and is doing better this morning. i am beat, having rocked, swayed, checked and double checked on him. an all nighter pulled clear outta no where. whatever was wrong i hope it's gone.
you cute little thing, had me worried to pieces.

*btw : the film came and has been shot, now to develop...i'll keep you updated...

last bit of summer

2008-09-15T09:08:00.001-04:00

last bit of summer
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

today a roll of 620 (or 120 reroll, whatever) should be arriving. the duaflex has been cleaned up a little and she's waiting.
the air here in maine today is weird. lots of people are sayin' it feels like the south. well yuck. it is heavy and moist and breezy, and i can't quite inhale fully.
i'll be heading to the community center for a parenting group meet up and maybe catch lunch with a friend. the school routine is in place and i am a little bored but i'm slowly adjusting.
the girl wants to play trumpet, and last week she got her clogging shoes, the house hasn't been quiet since. we go to band info night this week to see about the instrument. there will be no return to quiet evenings, but that's ok :)
everyday he has steeped off the bus our little guy says that this day was so great and better than the days before. i so wish that i could see him in the classroom. i wonder if he asks a million questions or if he struggles with his backpack zipper? with our daughter i had family to help out with sittting and i was able to volunteer in the classroom. it was fun and i wish i could do it again (and i could have a few of my questions answered about the little man and his day)
that's not going to happen though. my mom is back in AZ and everyone else is working. i'll have to settle for the random reports he gives me about what goes on at school.
his new favorite phrase is "risky business" which came up in one of our conversations about a week ago. the funny thing is he uses it in really funny and appropriate ways. this boy keeps us on our toes.

hope my film comes in the mail today....
also have loaded the minolta x700 up. i love that old thing, it feels so diferent in my hands than the dslr. it used to feel so big and heavy, now it just seems small and sturdy. the computer is a little broken, so i won't be able to scan and share very soon, but when that is straightened out i will.

it's a fresh week, make it a good one.

7 things

2008-09-09T08:48:00.003-04:00

*the baby rolled over
*making school lunch gives me comfort in knowing they are having whole and good foods through the day
*lunchbox notes that will surprise
*cool floors in the a.m.
*a thermometer outside our window to look at each morning
*baby pj's with zippers, i am done fumbling with those tiny snaps
*Oswald: Pop Goes the Octopus

say a little prayer, set it afloat

2008-09-08T12:54:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

(i do that all the time)

hi!

2008-09-05T20:44:00.001-04:00

hi!
Originally uploaded by lovegreendog.

sp(74)

2008-09-04T20:46:00.002-04:00

well then.
contrast.
the days begin with smiles and squeals from our littlest one

and end in frustration and tears over math problems from our girl.

i listen as my kindergartner tells his sister he loves her,

minutes later i will have to separate them because he is showing his love by doing raspberries right in her face.

it's like this-
this gig-
motherhood,
it's light and dark
it's easy and hard

and i love it, it's parts, and as a whole.

more contrast here

uno

2008-08-30T16:11:00.004-04:00

it's been a while. time for a meme.
taken from Kristen.

You can only type one word answers, not as easy as you think!

your cell phone? silenced
where is your significant other? outside
your hair? washed
your mother? home
your father? Maine
your favorite thing? photos
your dream last night? darkness
your dream/goal? smaller
the room your in? kitchen
your hobby? paper
your fear? ladders
where do you want to be in six years? country
where were you last night? theatre
what you’re not? organized
favorite food? pizza
one of your wish list items? NYC
where you grew up? Maine
the last thing you did? fed
what are you wearing? jeans
your TV? unplugged
your pet? dink
your mood? playful
missing someone? always
your car? new
something you’re not wearing? earrings
favorite store? borders
your summer? fast
love someone? fully
your favorite color? green
when is the last time you laughed? today
last time you cried? dunno

now it's your turn!

five

2008-08-16T00:09:00.002-04:00

*i like the ocean better than rivers and lakes
*sometimes i think the baby's burps smell kinda ok (i'm sorry)
*i got my nose pierced in june, and i love it
*5 of my photos are framed and hanging in a museum until sunday
*feelings of strength and confidence have been settling in since i became a mother of three

how about you...
give me five?

if only

2008-08-06T07:39:00.002-04:00

i had another set of arms,
there were more hours in a day...
there are so many things i would love to do, to tell you about
but my attention is divided by three
and required what seems like non stop among them
my girl is getting ready for fourth grade, with ideas about backpacks and clothes and science projects

fourth grade: please be kind, that is my hope for her
fourth is big
all the changes and hanging on to being a kid
i am biting my lower lip and reminding myself to breathe
please be kind year of the fourth....

our son will be stepping onto the bus for kindergarten this year. it this was supposed to be my return to some sort of work year
and well, that is put on hold, yet again
he will be fantastic in the class, a little talker full of questions
i hope he will love school

i would love to carry on but the babe is needing some attention

finally picked up a camera to try some TtV stuff, working on the contraption still
not sure what TV is? do yourself a little search over at flickr - no time for links today, sorry

until next time,
xo
A

mother of pearl.... TtV is through the view finder, TV? i don't know where that came from, probably from the conversation i was having with one of the kids this morning while trying to squeeze out this post....thanks Kristen - so glad you stopped by :)