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mindful

4/1/2016

as your week comes to an end and you have time to catch your breath, i encourage you to stop, and be still.

but, the grocery list is getting longer, the laundry is overflowing the basket, this is the third night the kids have had mcdonalds chicken nuggets and...

surround yourself with an environment that will help. set aside time in between grocery trips (in case the first time you forget at least three things you need), and your dark and light loads of laundry.

nature is somewhere that calms me. being surrounded by fresh, beautiful, natural things allows me to breath and slow down. it helps me spiritually to be closer to GOD, gain clarity of the prioritization in my short life, and observe his wonderful designs. where is somewhere that helps you to be still?

if you still can't seem to focus, and have too long of a to do list replaying in your head, practice being mindful. be in the moment with an open mind, observing, without judgment. take a deep breath in, while pushing your belly out, and slowly breath out. look around and embrace, look for beauty in unexpected ways, really see. observe mother nature's touch on the seasons, what is new that wasn't there three months ago? explore your other senses- what smells surround you? (hopefully not your dinner burning in the oven) what do you hear? is the wind rustling the leaves and branches? when you eat, really taste. pick out the different flavors coming together in your dish. look at movement in a new way.

one of my favorite things to do while babysitting is to play the “senses game”. this is much like practicing mindfulness. being aware of the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and things you can touch, that surround you.

when you continuously practice this, i promise you will start to see things in a new way. in a way this is much like the kiddos i babysit, in amazement of their surrounding- seeing and exploring things with an open mind, without judgment, and embracing.

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rainy day

3/14/2016

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my canon was wrapped in a gallon ziplock bag and tied with a black stretched out hair tie, my blue hunter rain boots were muddy and scratched, and our coats soaking wet, heavy from the rainfall, but the woods showed us a little world that came alive with each drop that fell from the sky.

looking through the layers of trees, the little droplets that held on to each branch resembled tiny christmas lights decorating, so delicately, the bottom of each twig. the intricate systems of branches looked like a minuscule race track as the drops raced from the tree trunk to the ground, a sort of multi-colored leaf and moss finish line. the kind of race track with quick turns and straightaways, much like the fair ride 'mad mouse'. slow trickles of rain glided down the thick moss covered trunks creating a one time waterfall and highlighting the many hearts, initials and '4-ever's that had once been etched into their bark. the river rushed with such energy and force creating small whitecaps. the birds rejoiced, and added to the sweet melody nature played.

all this energy and magic happening at once, but so calm when we stopped and looked around, a sort of orchestrated chaos.

rain, rain, you can stay.

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'The House' A Progressive Series

2/28/2016

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Building a house. That can look like a lot of different things. It can look like a lot of work, a lot of permits, a lot of stress. It can look like decisions; from what floors and what roofing, to what couch and what door handles (white porcelain against the wood grain if you're wondering). It can look like long weekends, and muddy boots. But, from behind the camera, I saw it as a lot of beauty.

The back woods hosts an assortment of old and abandoned items. Items that were once useful and the center of others lives. These items hold a sort of magic, a glimpse into another family’s home. An old, rusted Western Flyer tricycle probably once served as the source of many smiles, laughs, and learning moments.

The worn Carhartt Coveralls are a canvas to a portrait of all the projects, snow shoveling, building, and hard work that have been done in them. They display dirt, holes, tears, paint drops, measurements, scribbles, and a very professional duct tape hem job. They say a picture is worth a thousand words- I would offer a pair of worn in Coveralls is worth a thousand days of hard work.

Building a house looks a lot like living your life. It is messy, things go wrong, there are way too many decisions to be made. But, when you stop and take a breath, it can look beautiful. Like a thousand different things coming together. Like two different people working together, collaborating, and working hard. Muddy boots, tired hands (and backs and necks and arms), life is hard- but it is beautiful.

‘The House’ A Progressive Series is now available in my portfolio.

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a morning in the woods

2/21/2016

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I have been so inspired with other artists, discovering old family videos, and God's amazing creations, I wanted to try my hand at a new project in short films. It was such a peaceful morning, filled with sunshine, and serene noises of nature. Birds sang a sweet song right in tune with the woods. The bright sunshine hit the water just right, sending playful light dancing on the trees. Spider webs became illuminated with little specks of sparkle. The once frozen water was beginning to melt creating intricate designs, and the relaxing sounds of running water. The still frozen layer underneath big pools of water created the most beautiful calming scene. A cool breeze gave the leaves, small branches, and tall grass reasons to dance. And, the most magnificent colors of greens have begun to be painted throughout the woods. This video does not do my morning justice, but I wanted to attempt to share my glimpse of God's Kingdom with you all. I hope you enjoy!

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mindful

rainy day

'The House' A Progressive Series

a morning in the woods

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