A weekend getaway to California–that was supposed to be a sunny excursion with a few friends–seemed like it would be ruined with a rainy forecast and dim days. But with friends, any day can be a good one. We searched out cozy cafes, bought rain coats, and walked around downtown. We spent half a day aimlessly driving around and listening to music in the rental car. All you need is good company.
She worked her way into our world, but not suddenly. Found hobbling in the street with bleeding cuts and a broken paw, she needed help. Close friends of ours brought her to safety, and began the process of healing.
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A year later, though recovered from her wounds, she was still without a forever family. We only intended to watch her for the week, while her foster (pup)parents were out of town. And in those 8 days, she chose us. Actually, in all honesty, she chose us when she came in the door, ran across the room, and made the couch her home. We barely had a choice. I mean, look at that face.
Destroying her first stuffed toy in her new home. Within 10 minutes. Lesson learned.
Welcome home, Khaleesi.
If you have read much of my blog, you may have noticed some recurring imagery. My husband and I live in a little townhouse in Tempe, and I often photograph the contents of our patio. Though I have attempted to plant several varieties of “easy” to maintain plants, only a couple have survived for long. Yet, there are several that continue to thrive, through the rugged desert heat in the summer, windy monsoons and dust storms, and of course low maintenance on my part. And in spite of my rare desire to tidy the patio of dirt and leaves that blow in, I spend a decent amount of time out there. I cannot stop photographing the subtle changes and beauties I notice each day.
Even a small space can be explored and re-explored to find newness.
Many weddings are exactly alike. A day is chosen for two souls to dive into a new life that is lived as one, a day surrounded by family, friends, and flowers.
This day was a little different.
Each soul came to the occasion with two or three smaller souls. That day Ashley and Aaron did not dedicate their lives as mere husband and wife–they pledged their devotion to the kiddos, too. In a ceremony that was like so many of their family gatherings, love, praise, and laughter ensued, with a few happy tears too. So, that day, a crowd became a family.
As a guest I was blessed to witness this unique union, and to welcome new members to our family.
Cheers to you, and may you always reserve your table ahead of time!
There are times monotony can really wear you down. Wake up, punch the clock, do the same tasks in the same dreary office light for hours, punch out. There are times a weekend away can feel like a real vacation, simply because you are away.
This morning was my first time volunteering at Produce on Wheels (POW) and it was incredible! A couple hundred families got 60lbs of produce for a $10 donation. Grocery stores in the area get their produce from a large distribution center in Nogales, AZ, and sometimes loads are rejected because the goods are too close to spoiling to sell, or are too small, misshapen, etc. POW takes what is left and distributes it throughout the state, where volunteers sort any inedible produce from the fresh, and sell it for just enough to cover the cost of getting the truck out. All the yuckies are put aside and free for anyone who can use it for composting or feed for pigs and goats, etc.
I spent the morning culling cucumbers…hundreds and hundreds of cucumbers…
And I happily spent most of my afternoon giving my peppers, cucumbers, and eggplants a nice detox bath….and finding room for all my goodies in the fridge.
