Ian's Visit: Part One

A very good friend of ours came to visit for a couple nights this weekend. We haven't seen him in so very long because he's living in San Francisco now, but we're planning on visiting again when we head out west this winter. I was so sad he could only stay for a few short days but we were able to round up enough people and go on a few adventures that helped make those few days more exciting. When Ian arrived, Zak was still at work but the three of us headed out with Justine to Wauwinet to search for Snowy Owls. Odin napped the entire time, but we did manage to spot two. I had never seen a Snowy Owl before and was in complete awe when the first one Justine has spotted took flight. She mentioned that the bird's flight was very similar to that of a butterfly and I would have to agree. 

Friday night, we invited over a friend or two and quickly the word spread and quite a few people showed up at our tiny house for mulled wine and snacks. Justina brought a beautiful drawing she had done of Odin and I and some Amethyst for everyone. I'd like to turn mine and Odin's stones into necklaces. Even little Itselawindlii, who was born on my birthday, came to spend some time with us. Odin loved all of the commotion of course and we had the most beautiful Solstice Eve. I really am so grateful for this group of amazing friends.

The Best Birthday Yet.

Zak had a surprise birthday planned for me on my birthday which was November 10, but his plans were foiled as I was called in to photograph my first birth! Luckily the next day was a holiday and we all got together and had a beautiful day. It was probably my most memorable birthday and I'm sure I will never forget it. I've said it before and I'm sure I will say it a thousand more times. I'm so very grateful for my group of friends. Odin loves them all and they all love Odin. I think I'm most relaxed when hanging out with everyone, watching Odin giggle with each one. Here are some photos I took that day but forgot to post! 

And here's a sneak peek at one of my favorite photos from the birth. I will post them all as soon as the beautiful new mother has her birth story finished:

Snow Day

I grew up in Florida and didn't see snow for the first time until I was about 16. The first snow fall I saw was at a ski resort, you know, the snow that they make when it's cold enough to actually work. I love experiencing the snow with Odin, as we are both equally awe-inspired and today was no exception. He woke up from his nap and looking out the window started to shout "Snow! Snow!" (which sounds more like "No! No!") and after making a few sheets of wrapping paper with his papa, we bundled up to go play in the field. 

Photographer's Assistant/A Rant. (Oops.)

My cheeky boy. He's recently gone through another growth spurt in addition to gaining his first 2-year molar. It's strange how seemingly overnight, he's bigger. Taller, smarter, wilder. He's been cleaning up after himself lately- toys and spills of his own accord. He dances more and jumps with both feet off the ground. He learns new words every day and we can finally begin to differentiate between ball, balloon, boat, and beer (yes, he says beer! The things they pick up..). He's growing exponentially and I can hardly keep up. I've been taking on more photography work, in addition to portraits, dolls, paper toys. I'm a very busy mama, but if I didn't have it this way I feel I'd be a bit lost. 

It's snowed a few times, once during a christmas party. Odin threw his first snowball at around 10 pm and by sunrise, all the snow was gone. I hope we get a few more hearty snow days so Odin and I can really enjoy it. Being from Florida sets my mind back to child-like wonder when it comes to snow and I'm excited to be just as eager as little O.

Right now, life is good. I needed to type this up to remind myself of that as I've been complaining a lot to Zak about the things we don't have. One day, and I know it will be soon, we will have land and our own house. We'll have a beautiful garden and an orchard and I'll have a gorgeous sun-filled studio. We'll travel with Odin when we can and make art and grow food when we can't. We'll drink wine late into the night surrounding a fire with friends and play music. I'll publish a children's book or two, which is my life goal and has been since I was a little girl. These things will come. Slowly, but they will come and I'm so excited for the future. That excitement brings me joy in the present and motivates me to work hard and constantly picture myself in our ideal life. 

I created this blog to remind myself of the joys in life and to share that joy with others so every now and then, I have to type out my thoughts to keep me on track. Now, I'm off to go work on commissions and trades and dream of what beautiful things are yet to come.

Moments//Kittens