a stitch in time

today

2012-02-15T17:22:00.001-06:00

I may be weak, but Your Spirit's strong in me

my flesh may fail, my God You never will.... give me faith

to trust what You say, that You're good, and Your love is great

give me faith | elevation worship

Today, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for all of the things in it that I forget about which, actually, mean so much. For every person in my life-- I don't know how I'd live without them. For days like yesterday, devoted to sharing how much you love those in life. I'm thankful for plans in the making. For little things like moleskine notebooks, because, let's be honest, they're basically amazing. For surprise gifts and good food. There is so much to be thankful for, yet today it took something painful to remind me of this.

I'm thankful for life.

What are you thankful for?

just lately.

2012-02-05T15:43:00.000-06:00

in You we live, in You we move, in You we have our being

You're glorious, You're holding us together, all together

You are everything good, You are everything beautiful....You make everything beautiful

brother moon | gungor

Just lately: absolutely no snow, making travel plans, church, seeing friends, photoshoots, editing said photoshoots, work, walks, doing dishes while dancing to loud music, anticipation, experimenting with double-exposures, rearranging, spur of the moment trips to the library, hilarious attempts at grocery shopping by myself, re-doing the bulletin board, projects, teaching Sunday school {best thing ever}, Gungor's music, good news.

As far as today goes? Church, time with friends, laughter, football {duh?}, a party, cleaning, a little work, and relaxing.

How's life been lately, for you?
xo

told + treasured

2012-01-25T11:21:00.001-06:00

There's this picture that I love. It's in my grandparents' house, nestled inside a tiny gold frame, and it is of my grandfather when he was a teenager. I love that photo. I love all the photos in their house, the tiny, framed, black and white snapshots scattered around the rooms. They tell a story. And somehow these printed, black and white pictures mean more to me than many other photographs.

Most of you know that photography is a passion of mine and that I am pursuing it as a career. I don't usually post photos from my recent photoshoots, but today I will... and all of them, in black and white. (there is seriously something about a black and white photograph, no?) I love this art with my whole heart. And I have so, so many dreams for where I will go and what I will do with it. Part of my "mission" in photography is to tell a story, to create art and memories that will be treasured just as much as I treasure and adore those photographs at my grandparents' home. I aspire to tell the beautiful, incredibly unique story of whoever I'm photographing, whether they are a couple, a family, a group of friends, or hey, maybe even a drummer. Everyone has a story, and I think that each and every one deserves to be told-- and treasured.

Hope you enjoyed a little look at what I love to do, and what I'm passionate about. Do you have a favorite?

Happy Wednesday.

happy.

2012-01-23T09:23:00.000-06:00

Today, I am content.

Coming off of a weekend full, so full, of family, some work, football, hot chocolate, church, friends, and lots of laughter. Typical? Kind of. I love weekends.

Today's happy list:

church. football games. studying God's word with some of my favorite people. laughing {a lot} with those same people. making plans. editing photos from an incredibly sweet, recent photoshoot. new music. thinking about things to come. random trips to get ice cream while it's snowing. starbucks. winter sunsets. january snowfalls. a clean room. good movies.

What's on your happy list today?

xo.

MORE.

2012-01-13T19:01:00.003-06:00

I long to be more. I long to do more. To grow more, to love more. Don't we all?

In twenty twelve, I want to be more.

More patient. God does beautiful, incredible things through times of waiting.

More loving.

More fully and completely myself. Last year was defining in that way, and I am going to build on that.

More full of Jesus.

More joyful. Contagiously joyful-- so much so that it is unavoidable, inevitable, and yes, contagious.

More purposeful.

More positive.

More real, more authentic.

147 MILLION.

2012-01-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

Some of you have seen this on the 147 Million Orphans tab above, but for those of you that haven't, I just wanted to share my heart on one of the things God has broken my heart for.

....

God has a big, big heart for the broken and the orphaned and the unloved, and He's been refining my heart to love these people too. 147 Million Orphans does incredible work mainly in Uganda, Africa, by, among other things, providing hungry people with food, sick people with medical care, and lost people with the unsurpassed love of Jesus Christ.

store. twitter. blogs. the necklaces. the book.

147 Million Orphans partners with Amazima Ministries. Amazima is located in Uganda, and they do amazing projects to help the same way that 147 Million Orphans does.

Here is a look at one of Amazima's beautiful projects. They teach women in Uganda to make beautiful magazine bead jewlery, and this does more than give purpose to these women. It provides them with a means to support their family other than what they had done before, such as digging for scrap metal in garbage dumps, and selling themselves in harmful ways to earn money they need to survive. Take a look:

{ website }

{ blog }

{ store }
{ founder, Katie Davis', blog }

Take a few minutes to browse both websites and look through what they have to offer. Change a life. God has a huge heart for orphans, and calls us to care for them too. What are you going to do about it?

// also be sure to look at TOMS + Ordinary Hero.

TWENTY-TWELVE: FEARLESS.

2012-01-05T09:33:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! I love beginnings, even though they hurt a bit. They're fresh and exciting, yet uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Perhaps that is part of what makes them so appealing. I don't exactly have any resolutions for the new year, but I did pick my one word for the year. Fearless. I am still working through in my mind all that fearless means and entails in the next twelve months, but I am excited. Ready. New beginnings are good, no?

Life lately:

ps: I'm thinking of opening a stitch in time for sponsorship, but need to know that there's some interest first. is anyone interested in sponsoring a stitch in time in the new year?

xo.

TWENTY-ELEVEN.

2011-12-31T10:17:00.000-06:00

oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same

what are you doing

new year's, new year's eve?

what are you doing new year's eve | she and him

Usually, once December 31st rolls around, I shake my head and wonder how another year has flown by. I can honestly say that this year, I don't feel at all like it flew by. In many ways 2011 was the best year of my life so far. I have grown more than I ever thought I could as God brought different challenges my way and as various chapters of my story unfolded before me. There were endings and beginnings. Relationships changed- most, I can happily say, for the better (by far). All in all, it was so very good.

This year I stretched myself, did things I never would have expected myself to do before. I traveled and saw people and places I had missed dearly, with people I love. I saw waterfalls, beaches, campuses, mountains, and more, yet found, as always, that I am most content at back where I belong, surrounded by the people I love most. I prayed hard- more than I ever have- for many, many things. You could say that it paid off.

Easily, one of the single most monumental "events" from the past twelve months was the end to my scoliosis story.... and since I could ramble about this forever I'll kindly spare you and just let you read it for yourself over here. The fact that I am entering a new year without a. a plastic shell around me or b. the knowledge that I have to be measured for my first one (as was the case in 2009) is inexpressible; there simply are no words.

Over the past twelve months I received my first "big" camera. I told you all {and many friends who never knew} about my scoliosis for the first time. I renewed promises that I had made to myself. I traveled to the beach. I took a closer look at a treasured heirloom. I realized how much I love the woods. I started a new project. I bought my first lens. I became more comfortable with who I really am. Oh, goodness.. I experienced freedom. I went to the farmer's market for the first time. It was a full, exciting, difficult, fresh, beautiful year.

And I cannot wait for what the next twelve months hold.

So, tell me. What are you doing this New Year's Eve?

Happy New Year everyone.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2011-12-24T09:13:00.000-06:00

It is here, finally. Christmas Eve-- full of anticipation and joy and family and love. Christmas is officially one day away.... the climax of a beautiful season. To say that I love this day and the days to come would be an absolutely enormous understatement. I honestly think that the next week is the happiest one out of the entire year.

Wherever and whoever you are, I'm wishing you a very merry, merry Christmas. Remember, please, the true, real reason for this oh-so-special time of the year-- Jesus Christ. It is all because of Him. Merry Christmas friends!

xo.

LIFE, RECENTLY.

2011-12-20T20:31:00.001-06:00

Oh goodness. It's been a bit too long, friends-- sorry about that. Life has been crazy but good, especially with finishing off school for the semester. But the bright side? Guys, I'm officially on Christmas break-- as of Friday. Oh. So. Good.

maybe the best book I've ever read // memorizing. so much wisdom.

inspiration wall // twinkly lights

collages // sweet girl

In any case, I wanted to fill you in a little on my life, recently. I have a really Christmas-y post in the works, but for now, here are some Instagram photographs from the past few days. I always love the feel of Instagram photographs; the laid back, relaxed feeling is unbeatable.

oh hi there. // lemon tea

oh Christmas tree // sparkle toms

gingerbread house day

Merry Christmas, friends!

xo.

AN IN-BETWEEN.

2011-12-12T12:46:00.001-06:00

This past weekend, we finally did one thing that I had been waiting to do since -ahem- the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, I have always loved picking out our Christmas tree.... I remember trips from years past to local tree farms, where my family would chop down our own tree, then munch on candy canes and sip hot cider while it was prepared for us to take home on top of the car. It is easily one of my favorite and most treasured traditions.

This year was no different. We poked around a local shop, looking at possible options and examining them all in the chilly December air. We settled, as usual, on a frasier fir, and let me tell you, this tree is beautiful.

Last night, we decorated the tree.... another one of my favorite traditions. The strings of lights cast such a pretty glow, luminating the ornaments we hang on the tree year after year. As I've written here so many times, this season is one of my favorites. The idea of a "merry little Christmas" has always appealed to me; nothing too over-the-top nor too simple. As is usually the case, I somehow like the wait and the in between moments of this season, like these, a little more than the actual holiday.

What memories do you have of picking out a Christmas tree? I'd love to know.

xo.

ps: new frequently asked questions page is up and running! take a look?

DECEMBER IS.

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-06:00

December is tradition. Decorations we have had for years are now perched on their usual places, our favorite Christmas music is almost always playing, and plans have been made for some serious Christmas cookie baking over the upcoming break.

December is anticipation. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first real snowfall. So far, only flurries have appeared.... and that first snowfall is so pure, so special, and has always has occupied a special place in my heart.

December is newness. Adding to tradition is also a good thing.... I am going Christmas caroling for the very first time ever this coming weekend, and could. not. be. more. excited. Afterwards comes the annual Christmas concert at our church, another favorite occurrence of mine.Trying new things, simple though they may be, keeps life full and exciting-- especially when it comes in the form of new peppermint tea as a sweet surprise from my equally sweet mother. {She knows me well.}

December is decisions. I love finding, buying, and wrapping {especially this part!} gifts for those I love. I toss ideas back and forth in my head, weighing options until I stumble upon that perfect gift. I kind of ~~like~~ love gift-giving.

December is inspiration. It is combing through magazines and lookbooks with a mug of steaming cocoa, finding new decorating ideas, cookie recipes, and ideas for the season. And yes, I am most definitely a nerd because I like these things. ;)

December is music. Oh, yes. I always have some playing. My current favorite is the first on this list.... it never fails, I tear up every time I hear it. The tenderness with which Mary's thoughts are portrayed is nothing short of beautiful. More to come on this.

be born in me (mary) // francesca battistelli

hallelujah (light has come) // barlowgirl

o come all ye faithful // amy grant

winter snow // audrey assad

he has come for us // merideth andrews

you're here // francesca battistelli

silver bells // reliant k

December is joy. Taking time to slow down and smile at those little things, laughing about nothing with best friends, and spending lots of time with family. I so like this season.

What is December to you?

xo.

HELLO DECEMBER.

2011-12-01T09:30:00.001-06:00

The leaves have mostly fallen from the trees, and now lie on the ground, lacing the floor of the woods. Wearing such accessories as scarves, hats, and coats is no longer an option, but a necessity.... the brisk, chilly days are here to stay.

December is here. The days of autumn are growing few, and winter is coming soon. Brief days. Snowflakes. Christmas on the way.

I like the hope and the feeling of December. More to come.

OVERFLOW.

2011-11-26T14:34:00.001-06:00

I have just a few words today. Thanksgiving was so, so good-- filled to overflowing with laughs, delicious food, dominoes tournaments, apple cider, and yes, football. It has always been one of my favorite days of the year, and with good reason too.... it marks the climax of autumn and holds promise of the sweet, chilly season to come. The Christmas season has somewhat begun- we settled the snowmen onto their perches this morning, the Christmas music is playing as I type [CURRENTLY AMY GRANT: O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL], and we finished off yesterday with mugs of hot chocolate and a movie.... Elf was the unanimous choice.

Family is still here, and the house is still busy and full-- but I like it best this way. I like looking around to see a room full of family, and I like laughing, eating, and being together. The dominoes tournaments will continue later today, we will make more hot cocoa and we'll enjoy the time together. It would be quite the understatement to say that I love this time of the year.

How have you spent the last couple days?

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// linking up with Aspire's Your Story

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KALEIDOSCOPE PROJECT: WEEK TWO.

2011-11-23T12:26:00.001-06:00

Oh, these little things. The little bits of crazy that define the day before Thanksgiving. The kitchen is a little chaotic, full of life and delicious smells wafting from the oven and dishes on the coutertop. Family is on its way, coming to gather for this holiday, and spend a few days together. The house has gone from a state of slight chaos to some resemblance of clean and neat, though I'm not confident that the shiny floors and my straightened room will last all that long. The thing is, that is perfectly okay with me.

in the kitchen // stocked up

But I'm thankful, thankful for the craziness and chaos because it means that I have a family, have things to make a mess with, and have a full life. The very fact that there is this sort of craziness calls for some thankfulness. It is, in essence, the purpose of my kaleidoscope project. It is about being thankful for the littlest of things, the overlooked, the unnoticed. It seems especially fitting for this week.

pretty chaos // i like our kitchen.

the table // soon to be filled

And, to finish off this week's kaleidoscope project, just a few of the entirely too many things that I'm thankful for:

What are you thankful for today? Happy Thanksgiving to you, friends. xo.

crazy beautiful

2011-11-21T16:26:00.001-06:00

>> So, about that break. It was good. Uh, hello, understatement. I feel refreshed, and ready to begin again. Ready to continue with posts that are actually at the caliber and quality that I would like and strive for. Ready for better work, new ideas, more beginnings, and so on + so forth. Have I ever said that I like beginnings?

>> Thanksgiving break is quickly approaching (one more day!). I'm ready for that, too. And yes, that was another understatement. I'm so looking forward to days with more than a little extra time to do some of what I love. To laugh, and visit with family. To cook + bake (and sample....wink wink) incredible holiday food. To get lost in a good book, experiment artistically, and yes, photograph my life somewhere in the midst of all this crazy sort of beauty we like to call "life".

>> I make lists.... a lot of them, and frequently. This is Thanksgiving Break, The List. Because it deserves to be capitalized, no?

cook something new

rewatch a favorite movie {or five}

stretch

make a list of activities other than tv and internet, and pick one

start a new project, or finish an old one

pick up a book you've been meaning to read, and read five pages

practice some neat, cursive penmanship

make a cd mix // playlist for the current season {this will be done on the day after thanksgiving, when I officially allow myself to listen to Christmas music}

pay someone a compliment as soon as you think of it

call somebody who you know would appreciate it

decorate for Christmas {and look at this for inspiration}

mini family photoshoot

have a sleepover, complete with movies, popcorn, brownies + cocoa with visiting family and the little brother

spend some extra time with Jesus

// inspiration

>> In other news, I tweaked the blog design a bit. Again. ;) Thoughts? Oh, and your every-so-often fix of Instagram via me:

>> Have a wonderful few days until an extra long weekend, friends. So happy to be back.

xo.

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simplify

2011-11-15T19:00:00.000-06:00

Simplify. It's a word that has been coursing through my mind lately. I've become tired of the hurry-hurry, rush-rush, accumulate-as-much and do-as-much-as-you-can mentality of culture, and found that I had somehow adopted some of those thoughts and habits as my own. No, this is not okay.

I came across this little bit of wisdom recently: Get rid of anything that is neither beautiful nor useful in your life. Over the past few weeks I've been turning it over in my mind, working out how it relates to my life. And, I have taken steps to begin simplifying things. I deleted my Twitter account on Sunday. I had been meaning to do it for a while, but couldn't make myself actually do it. I realized how attached I had become to it, without even realizing it. And I logged on and deleted it immediately. Gone. Done. Simplified.

Just to give myself time to breathe, be inspired, and think this week before the lovely, joy-infused days that together spell out next week's holidays arrive, I'm taking about a week off from blogging. My laptop will be sitting at the desk, but Blogger will be logged out of, the Twitter has been deleted, Facebook will be very quiet, Pinterest very silent, and quite frankly I cannot wait. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, but I need this break, badly.

Please realize, I'm not saying that everyone should instantly go delete their Twitter account. I love Twitter! My problem was, I loved it too much. So. Join me in simplifying? Look for a new Kaleidoscope Project post sometime next week. See you then.

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thankful heart.

2011-11-13T16:01:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful for life, and so much in it.

for friends I've grown up with, and for new ones.

the fact that we'll be decorating the house for Christmas in a matter of days.

warm soup on cold days.

weekends full of getting to know Jesus better, laughing, hot cocoa, and little sleep.

moccasins. let's be honest, I bought two pairs this year.

our first fire in the fireplace a few nights ago. finally.

sunrises, sunsets, + stars. the sky fascinates me.

roadtrips.

running into friends in unexpected places.

family, and the soon arrival of some.

teaching sunday school. these kids are hilarious, and have entirely too much energy for their own good.

vanilla tea. amen and amen.

psalm 37. you should read it.

salted caramel chocolate frappuccinos at starbucks. new favorite.

gungor's newest cd. on repeat.

the fact that I got to wear my new winter coat this week. call me crazy, but I love the cold.

leg warmers, tucked into boots, they are the perfect finishing touch on a brisk day.

you . my sweet readers. 112 {official} followers. thank you so, so much.

I have a thankful heart today. anything on your mind this sunday afternoon?

xo.

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kaleidoscope of ordinary

2011-11-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

The everyday can, at times, really become just that: the everyday. Mundane. Daily. Typical. Normal. Yet I think that there is some beauty to be found in the everyday, in this ordinary that we are immersed in on a daily basis.

I have set out to uncover that beauty, chipping away at my days until something beautifully ordinary is revealed. Because, though it may sound a trifle chiche since so many have said it before, it is the littlest of things that add up to the big things.

seriously. how could I put this in black and white? // sunrise

This project is entitled "kaleidescope of ordinary". a. because that is what it is -- shards of ordinary that, pieced together, form this fragile, lovely thing we like to call life. and, b. because I quite like the word "kaleidoscope". Just being honest. ;) This project has a lifestyle/ photojournalistic approach, and most photographs, I'm thinking will be posted in black and white. Color, I feel, could in this case potentially distract from the photograph. Plus, it's a good excuse to post a whole batch of black and white photos, no?

I love my tea // art class

fernweh: farsickness. // more to come

I seek to grow through this project. Expanding my photography is hopefully the outcome, but also, I have some hopes for it aside from that.

oh hi there, sweet girl. // little one

Truly, I hope that you, along with me, will come to realize more fully the beauty that is our lives through this endeavor of mine. The dailiness, the overlooked, the un-noticed. It's all there, waiting for us to stop and say, "Hmm. Yes, that, now that, is something truly incredible." Small, yes. To be sure. But big, as well -- in a different way. It is there.

I love this thing. // happy weekending

xo.

>> thoughts on the new design? it was long overdue. :)

welcome november

2011-11-03T09:55:00.001-05:00

It's a month of shorter days, chilly weather, family + holidays, and gorgeous skies.

Scarves and moccasins and boots and mittens. Warm socks and sweaters. I like the clothes of autumn and winter, especially now that I basically have no choice but to don them before I go outside, camera in hand.

Thanksgiving is on its way, and with its arrival will come family. Our family from both sides will be here for Thanksgiving this year, and I could not feel more blessed to be able to see them all. It's one of my favorite holidays, not just because of what it represents, but also because of the feeling it evokes. Some of my most precious memories are of early mornings on Thanksgiving, getting started on the cooking and baking early. We turn on some music, stoke a fire in the fireplace, and get started. My family is full of good cooks. Seriously. Pies and cookies and snacks and turkey and more. You could say that I'm a little excited for Thanksgiving. Thank you November for Thanksgiving.

I love the difference between other autumn months and this one. This one, it's different. There is a quietness to it. Yet, an air of expectation for the sweet, coming days. It is beautifully unique. Oh, God is so good, isn't He. We are so blessed, and the arrival of this month reminds me to be thankful for every moment, which is the theme, really of this blog. Making the most of each moment, each stitch in time, per say.

Do you like November as much as I do?

xoxo.

quiet autumn afternoons

2011-10-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween. But I am a fan of pumpkins, sweet friends, laughter, chilly night air, hot chocolate, and bonfires.

Yes, I like these things. And they will be define my night tonight. In the meantime, I'm also liking these scenes from quiet autumn afternoons.

xo.

autumn glow

2011-10-27T09:28:00.001-05:00

// When all the world is blossoming

And everything around is bursting into life

And I don't have to strain to hear the beat of Your heart

Oh, oh

everything is yours >> audrey assad

a u t u m n g l o w

Oh, what can you do when you see this outside, but sigh happily and shake your head in wonder.... more soon.

xoxo.

on authenticity.

2011-10-24T11:56:00.000-05:00

au . then . tic [aw-then-tik]
not false or copied; genuine; real*

I have something that's been weighing a bit on me, on my heart. There is so much falseness in the world. So much fake. The world needs a few people who fit that description, in the definition above.

I have been thinking about what I want to be known as. More on that another day, but I realized that one of the biggest things I want to be known as is a real, genuine person.... an authentic person. One who doesn't pretend. Who isn't shy with or ashamed about who she is, the real version of herself, but is totally okay with herself, how she looks, and who she is. And so, I started thinking.

I am and aspire to be many things.

I have a whole bunch of freckles.

and I actually like them, thank you.

I have thick, curly-ish hair.

oftentimes it's twisted into a messy bun.

I take pictures. a lot. photography is my main passion.

well, besides Jesus, of course.

He is my Strength and my Song. my King and my Savior.

I adore art.

stubborn, passionate, and loving. that would be me.

oh, and the stubborn part. proof? my first word was "no".

I'm outside a lot.

I like to run.

disclaimer: after about a mile, I'm pretty much done. :)

besides running, I'm horribly un-athletic. I'm fine watching a game on television or in the bleachers, please and thank you.

breath fresh air.

meander through the woods.

I like some vintage, old things.

like journals, books, jewelry, etc. especially cameras.

but antique dolls freak me out.

{ it's those beady eyes, I'm sure.}

autumn is by far my absolute favorite season.

the smells.

the tastes.

wearing moccasins + boots.

oh, and scarves.

I like it all.

slightly obsessed with sock monkeys + owls. they are the cutest.

I've always loved to write.

I love life, and I live it to the full { john 10:10b }. or at least, I try my very best.

you might say that I'm a nerd, but that's okay, 'cause I'd agree with you. I love a good book.

I love my friends and my family more than any of them could ever know.

especially my small group from my church and the friends I've literally grown up with.

they're the best, ever.

baking is better than cooking in my book.

I am fascinated by stars and the One who dropped them each into place.

yoga { not the creepy "ommmm" kind, trust me, please.... } is awesome.

I kind of like ice cream.

okay, a lot.

and coffee + tea.

don't even get me started on Starbucks.

I will own a red mini cooper convertible one day. and don't you forget it!

I despise snakes.

I'm almost always cold.

I love rollercoasters.

and the rain.

and sunflowers.

for real? I can't roast a marshmallow without catching it on fire to save my life.

pretty sure I'll end up in Africa someday, adopting a kid or two.

probably China too.

and maybe Nepal?

I almost always have music playing.

you could say that it drives people a little crazy, especially since some days, I listen to the same song over and over.

and how could I forget? I laugh, a lot. easily.

I am ok with this.

actually, with all of it.

So there. That's me, the gist of it. Take it or leave it, this is me. Being known as an authentic person is something I really hope for.

Have a great day. xoxo.

*definition found using the free Dictionary app

meandering

2011-10-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you why, but I've always called her "little one". Strange? Maybe. Because a. she's not exactly little and b. she.... is my dog.

She's a sweetheart. And she loves, among other things, going for walks. After all, what dog doesn't? So, I took her for one yesterday afternoon, my camera + new lens in tow. By the way? The new lens is incredible.

// exhausting, isn't it.... getting your picture taken. she has such a tough life.

We meandered through the yard, investigated piles of crunchy, leaves, stopped and sat in the soft grass, and burned off a little energy. She loved it, and I loved it.

It truly is the little things, isn't it. Hoping your Sunday is off to a great start.

xoxo.

I'm in love.

2011-10-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

It's here. My new 50 mm 1.8 lens, that is. It. Has. Arrived.

And I think that it's safe to say, I am in love with it. I could go all photographer-nerd on you right now, but I'll spare you. For today, that is. ;)

Have a very sweet weekend. I'll be busy enjoying this, relaxing with a movie or two and some yummy dinner tonight, heading off to church tomorrow morning, and finishing off the weekend with an evening with some of my very favorite people tomorrow night. Oh, fall weekends are the best, I think.

xoxo.

the postcard box.

2011-10-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

I have this postcard box. It was a gift, passed down from some family a few years back. Every so often I open it, and every time, I find something new, something I hadn't seen before. It never fails, and I love this box.

Full of letters, notes, thank-you cards, postcards, etc. from literally everywhere. From cities such as London, Paris, and multiple countries throughout the world. Most are from my family to other family members. I even found a few written in my own handwriting from years ago. Some notes are handwritten in sprawling cursive, others were typed out using a typewriter.

There are menus from cafes in Paris. Letters to my great grandmother. Postcards from the same beaches where I have visited. Souvenirs, little drawings and pieces of vintage looking memories- turned- art.

Do you have something like this? A treasure form your family's past, that you never tire of looking at? I would so love to know.

By the way, today I realized my blog has reached 10,000 hits. Crazy talk, friends! I cannot believe that just about two years ago, I sat down and started this blog. It's been a place where I learn, write, and am inspired.... a creative outlet of sorts. And now 10,000 hits and 108 followers later? It's still going. Thank you. Oh, and that lovely new lens I ordered? It will be here this Saturday! Counting down the days til it arrives. :)

xoxo.

these days.

2011-10-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

There are those brilliant, vibrant autumn days. The ones where everyone and everything seems just happy, happy to be alive. And then, there are those grey, brisk, chilly days where all you want to do is slip on moccasins, heat up a big cup of cider or tea, and curl up with a good book or a new magazine, or a project to work on.

I like these days almost as much as the other. Yes, I usually prefer the sunshine.... but there's something about these others. They are different, yet also beautiful in my sight. They are both crucial, almost necessary parts and pieces of fall, to me.

Which do you prefer?

Oh, and I'm really excited because I just ordered a new lens for the camera! Looking forward to its arrival in the mail sometime next week. Finally! I've had my eye on it for quite some time now.

Other little, recent happenings:

sunrise through a window // pumpkin spice frappuccino

candy corn // autumn through my window

wild berry smoothie // making some collages

as always, I'm in love with my camera :) // preview of an upcoming post

Happiest of Friday's to you!

into the woods

2011-10-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

I really should spend more time in there. If that's not weird. You know, just chilling in the woods by myself, nothing much. But seriously, I do love the woods bordering my house. The paths from the yard to the woods all meet at a point in the middle of the woods, far down into the forest. This intersection of sorts is where, when you look up, the trees are a canopy above you, the only sounds you hear are natural ones like birds, crickets, and leaves crunching and rustling. The light is, somehow, always perfect, glancing off the brilliantly hued leaves and the moss at the foot of the trees.

It seems that every time I'm in there, meandering, camera in hand, along those various paths, I see something I hadn't noticed before. It's really crazy what you see when you take time to look for what you might have missed.

The silence is good for me every once in a while. I'm a people person. I love being surrounded by family, by friends. But now and then, a little dose of good, old-fashioned silence is almost.... healthy. And it's rare these days, no?

So I plan on doing it more often, going into the woods. Yes, definitely doing it more often.

Enjoy your Friday, and have a happy weekend.

oh, october.

2011-10-04T18:35:00.000-05:00

There's something about it, isn't there? It's different. It's fresh, and crisp. You feel most alive, most invigorated, when it comes around.

linking up to this photo-challenge

Of course, I'm talking about October. Easily one of my favorite months out of the twelve, my heart picks up a little bit when October rolls around. The brilliant hues of the leaves.... jewel-like tones lacing the trees, the coolness in the air that makes you huddle into your coat a little more, the prevalence of messy-buns and various styles of boots and moccasins, and the azure blue sky whose color is unmatched. Time with friends on chilly weekends, running around yards and neighborhoods. Walking to the car and stepping in piles of crunchy leaves, breathing in the crisp air that makes you feel so.... alive. Waking up everyday is like opening another present, and finishing off the day with stargazing out your window, feeling full and thankful, is what I've come to realize is the best way to end a day.

It is my favorite season, easily. In case you couldn't already tell. Bonfires, hot apple cider, fresh apples from the orchard across the street, pumpkin candles, crunchy leaves, hoodies, chilly nights, and all the rest.... it's indescribable.

Oh, October. What would life be without you?

Happy Tuesday to you.

suitcases.

2011-09-29T15:20:00.000-05:00

Since Freedom Day last week, God's been refining my heart. He's chipped away at the shards of bitterness and frustration that were clinging to it because of my scoliosis, and He's somewhat begun to blur the memories of difficult days lived through and tears wiped away because I didn't want to deal with this anymore.... and what I'm left with is a thankful heart. Oh, and it's a happy one too. I really am thankful for these two and a half years. They weren't all bad, just colored a bit by that shell, one both physical and mental, that I was dealing with. And I've come to the realization that the scoliosis that I lived with for over two and a half years was a suitcase I had to carry as I traveled life for a few years. Though some days, it seemed heavier than others, I carried it. And carried it. Maybe one of the reasons it felt so heavy was because I tried to hide it so much.

Last Wednesday, I left that particular suitcase behind. I hopped on a new train without it, for once, and I still don't now where that train's destination is yet. Maybe there's no set destination, maybe living with it then moving on without it is simply the next step in life for me. Regardless, that suitcase is behind me, and I am never going back for it.

And for those who have asked, the brace did not necessarily cure my scoliosis. I will always have a non-straight spine. The purpose of the brace was to stop the curve from getting any worse, and in doing so to avoid surgery. I'll always have it, and I'm perfectly okay with that. God thoughtfully made me this way, so how could I not be okay with it, right?

But I am making plans. If you know me personally, you know that I'm a bit of a planner. I schedule things, I have calendars {yes, plural}, I make lists, I write out goals, and I go a little crazy sometimes if every little detail of my week isn't planned out. Somehow that level of organization has yet to consistently translate into some specific other parts of my life, i.e. my room + closet, my laptop {it's full of random folders}, and my photo archive on my laptop. I'm working on it! But back to these plans of mine. I'm writing out goals, plans, and things I want to do soon.

Funny how once a certain distraction is eliminated, you're more free to focus on living a full life. These goals include doing a photoshoot per week. For those of you who do not know, I'm pursuing photography as my career. I've already done a few shoots, but I am making a point to get a little practice every week, to grow just a little bit more with each passing week. I'm excited, to say the least!

Other aspirations? They're still formulating in this mind of mine. I'm sure you'll hear of them sometime in the free days to come. For now, I'm traveling light.

Have a lovely Thursday.

promise.

2011-09-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

This past week. Whew. What a week. If you haven't read this yet, please do. Then, you'll know what I mean. And now, this new week has arrived.... this new, fresh beginning, full of promise, but laced with responsibility and things I know I will have to accomplish. I cannot wait for all that it will bring.

This week will {hopefully} bring a photoshoot or two, going to see a movie with a sweet friend, lots of music {has anyone else fallen head over heels in love with Gungor's new album? oh my goodness....}, and a whole bunch of of autumn- loving.

This week is making lists, lists of what I'm looking forward to for this new season. Season, meaning, of life, and autumn. I make a lot of lists.

I will be making a new recipe or two.... though I'm not sure it will be this, I am loving this video. The tones, the music, the feeling evokes, I love it all.

ribboned asparagus salad from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

I'm looking forward to this week.... a fresh start is always good, no?

Here's to a lovely week coming your way.

Oh, and before I go, I do have to thank everyone who has been so incredibly supportive following the final chapters of my scoliosis story. I cannot thank you enough. Oh, and welcome to all my new followers! So happy you all are here. :) Have an incredible week, friends. Xo!

it's okay to hope: freedom day {the brace post, part three}

2011-09-22T17:48:00.000-05:00

{You might want to read this before reading this post.}

Some of you know that for the past two and a half years, I've worn a back brace for scoliosis. On February 4th of 2009, I began a stage in my life that would be the most difficult for me yet. I tried to be okay with it. But it hurt, badly. It affected me in ways that I don't even want to think about anymore: I was not myself for a long time.... at least, not on the inside. I felt like a different version of myself- a restrained, incomplete version. I became less confident, more tired, wasn't in the greatest mood lots of the time, and was more shy and quiet. Most people didn't realize what this dumb plastic shell did to me. It changed me. And it was not good. But it was God's beautiful, perfect plan for me then. He formed me, planned for me to have this. Why? I wish I knew. But what I do know? He brought so, so much good out of it.

Oh, notice I said, brought. Past tense.

2 years. 7 months. 2 weeks. 3 days. It's over.

I'm done.

Forever.

As in, there is no way in the world that I am ever wearing it again.

a little happy, on the way home. :)

In case you couldn't tell, I'm still trying to believe it. Someone pinch me, please. For real? Done?! I cannot believe it! As in, at all. As in, I don't know what to do with myself. Or where to begin! But I have to start somewhere. Want the story?

Yesterday was my scheduled appointment {I had one every six months.}. So, we drove the forty-five minutes it takes to get to the office, and I prayed my little heart out that this maybe, just maybe, would be the end. But I'd had my hopes dashed so many times, I decided to just give it over to Jesus. He had it all under control. Over and over again I claimed the healing He gave to the woman who had faith when she met Jesus. She reached up and sought His favor, His healing, because she.had.faith. that He could, and would, heal her. My heart reached up and sought the same thing, begging, asking that He would heal me. I claimed that verse, claimed the fact that healing is in God's hands. I repeated it over and over to myself. Not because I needed any convincing, but because I needed confindence. That even if I left that office, again, with that plastic shell in my hands, knowing I needed to keep wearing it for yet another six months, I was going to be okay and that it was God's beautiful plan for my life. So I sat in the X-ray waiting room, praying and claiming in a repeating cycle, calming myself down before getting the X-ray.

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." mark 5:34

There's this point when I have just gotten the X-ray and have to sit in that room by myself, waiting to make sure that the X-ray turned out okay. I can remember every single instance when I waited there. I think a lot in those long few minutes. About what's happened since I last sat in that same chair, wondering if this, this was going to be the day. The freedom day. In the past, while waiting, my curiosity would get the better of me and I'd peek around the corner, trying to see the X-ray on the computer screen. And then, I'd start to worry. Over-analyzing it, my stomach flip-flopping and my heart sinking. Had the curvature gotten worse? Did I do the absolute best I could have?

Did I do enough?

But yesterday? Yesterday it was different. Yesterday, I was different. I didn't look, once. I sat there, and you'd best believe it killed me not to take a look. I gave it to God to look at instead. Either way, it was in His hands, not mine. That's a good thing.

I walked back to the X-ray waiting room to wait with my Mom for the next room to be ready, where we would talk with the doctor to see what the next step was. My little prayer / claim cycle resumed as I sat, waiting. Have I ever mentioned that waiting is something i am really, really bad at? {And of course, God gave me something I had to wear and wait two and a half crazy years to get rid of, right? He has quite the sense of humor....} Really bad. I'm so impatient, and I feel like it's a waste of time. But I've come to learn, mainly because of the past two and a half- plus years, how important the waiting seasons are in life. If we never had to wait for something to happen, we wouldn't be half so happy when it happened. As I waited, in that same room I'd been in six months earlier, I committed whatever was going to happen to Jesus. And as the nurse called us back to the next waiting room, I walked confidently, knowing whatever happened, I'd be okay. Just like I'd been okay six months ago. And six months before that.

Inside the waiting room, after the nurse checked my hight and loaded the X-ray onto the computer, my Mom and I talked, she, wondering if her hopes were up too high, I, thinking that, most likely, nothing had changed and that I'd live with it for more time. I was still hoping, though, that God would work a miracle and heal me. I wanted it, so badly. I wanted to be free. To feel like myself again, to not have to live with this anymore. I was tired, mentally, physically, of it. It's exhausting, guys.

waiting in the office.

My doctor entered the room, and my stomach dropped. All that waiting was more than this girl could handle, but it was over now. I'd know. I almost didn't want to know. I didn't want to feel that stab of disappointment when he told me to keep going, keep doing what I was doing, and see you again in six months. I didn't want to know, but I did, at the same time. He looked at the X-ray. For a long time. He measured each of the curves {I have two; my spine is in the shape of an S} with some nifty little computer tool. I swear it took for.ever. He asked me some questions, wondering how it felt, did it hurt, was I still wearing it at night only {just since July}, etc. Then he took a deep breath. I did too. He looked up at me and told me that since I had not grown at all in the six months, and since my curvature had not changed a large amount in a year, wearing the brace anymore would have no purpose, no effect.

It would be useless.

Tears filled my eyes. He kept talking, something about how he still wanted to monitor it, and be sure that it didn't change at all in the next two years, but that surgery would not be necessary, that any change that happens now will not be fixed by the brace, etc. It was quiet. I could not talk. For real! Then my mom spoke.... "So, she's.... done?" He looked back at us from the computer again. "Yeah. Nothing that brace can do anymore." Tears filled Mom's eyes too, now, and I couldn't stop smiling. I laughed, I think, hardly believing what was happening. I'm pretty sure I made him say it again. This could not, could not be happening. I was done. Forever! Then, the absolute sweetest, happiest ending to this story, this imperfectly, painfully beautiful chapter in my life, began to unfold. I could just feel it. It was God's hand in it all. It was tangible, I'm telling you. It was beautiful, and perfect. He asked me what my plans were for life. College? Career? And so I told him. Told him about photography, my blog, I don't even remember half of what I said. He stood up afterwards and shook first my hand, and then my mom's, thanking us for working with him for the past few years. I thanked him, too.... he's been an amazing, patient, kind doctor to work with and he needed to hear that. We all joked a bit and laughed as we walked out, then thanked him one final time before I smiled and turned away. And I walked out of the room with my mom, down the hallway, grinning, to tell my little bro.

That morning, I had told my mom that I was scared to get my hopes up for the appointment, and she replied with something so simple. "It's okay to hope." And she was right. There's always hope. I can always, always have hope because of my Jesus. No matter what, I was going to be okay. Um, I was more than okay yesterday. We walked out of that office, and I was beaming. I felt like I was glowing. It was freedom day.

happy phone calls!!

I called my dad, I called one of my best friends, I called family and texted friends. Sweet words were exchanged, squeals emerged, and I have not been so happy, so full, free, and content, since February 4th, 2009. My friends all heard at youth group later that night. One started crying happy tears, all gave me enormous hugs. I have had the most incredible people supporting me through this time, and could not be more thankful. Thankful is too little a word, in fact. Much too little. I'm beyond thankful. For my friends from church, who I've known for years. My family small group {my extended family ;)}. My amazing, loving family. Everyone. I cannot describe how thankful I am for every single person who has prayed for me, encouraged me, and made me smile through the pain of the past few years. Ahh, I'm crying just writing this. Such a sappy person today! Ha.

We have a tradition of going to Steak n' Shake after these appointments, so we did. Diet vanilla coke, turkey melt, fries. All the way. My phone rang and beeped with calls and messages for the next hour, as I told everyone, and I still didn't feel like it had sunk in. At all.

But the point is, I had the most beautiful, precious, sweet ending to this chapter of my life, and God just worked it out perfectly, as always. He is so, so faithful. Please do not go away from this post without hearing that, please. He. Is. Faithful. And all the glory goes solely to Him for this. I worked really hard to get through it. I tried not to complain or let anyone see what pain, discomfort and junk I was feeling. But not with my own strength, that would have been impossible. Only with God did I get through this. To the glory of God the Father. philippians 2 I refuse to take one tiny ounce of credit for this. It was all Jesus, all strength came from Him. I had faith. That's it.

So, that brings me to today. To a continuation of freedom day. No, it still doesn't feel real, feel possible, but it's done. It's over. And that person that I became, somewhat without realizing it, while I lived, restrained, for over two and a half years? She's gone. I have never felt more like myself. I'm free. I learned more than I could ever tell anyone through that time, but I could not be happier that it is over. It's a new day, a new chapter unfolding. I do not know what's next, nor do I wish I did. So, I'm waiting again. Gotta love it. But, as far as I know, this is the last brace post. That chapter is completed; God wrote the last few pages yesterday. I'm still reliving those, flipping back to them frequently, smiling all the while. And He's writing the first pages in a fresh, new chapter, starting now. Starting now. I like how that sounds.

feeling like that bird, soaring high over the waters.....

Basically, God is faithful. I don't care if you have scoliosis like I do, if you have cancer, if you are lonely, if you are lost, confused, far away from Him, close to Him, He is always faithful. He will never let you go. He never let me go. Not once. I'm thankful. So thankful. And, I'm really, really happy. Really happy. And, what a surprise, I'm waiting again. Wondering what's next. And excited for it. Bring. It. On.

It's okay to hope. Happy Freedom Day. Xo!

if you have scoliosis and need someone to talk to, please email me. please! God's already started to use this for good, so go ahead! :) I'd love to talk to you!

I live for this.

2011-09-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

Long walks are my favorite. Especially in the fall.

So, I took one yesterday morning. A really, really long one, not rushed, not planned, just enjoyed. I realized again that fall, is, in fact, here.

And I fell in love with my favorite season yet again.

Not many words on this Sunday afternoon. Just a happy, full heart after a morning at church.... teaching Sunday school to a group of absolutely precious kiddos, catching up with sweet friends, worshiping Jesus, you know. Sunday things like that. Off to have dinner with more of those sweet friends soon, which means I'll laugh more than I have all week and come home tired, cold from being outside, and smiling.

Life? Not bad right now. Not bad at all.

Have a perfectly lovely Sunday afternoon, friend.

click on photo for link to source

friday's ramblings

2011-09-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

Fall has set in. The apple cinnamon tea has entered my house, I'm ready to start knitting scarves again, and you'd better believe that this girl is loving wearing skinny jeans and moccasins daily.

Autumn brings a different mood, does it not? It ushers in thoughts of cooler, crisp air, crunchy vibrant leaves, pumpkin-spice everything, and warm socks. At least, for me it does. What does "autumn" entail, for you?

Something about this time of the year makes me want to cook. And bake. Things like salsa, pies, chili, cookies, etc. Though I can say I've never, ever eaten a beet, I just might have to try this out.

beet cake from tiger in a jar

Yep, pretty sure I have to.

And speaking of food, guess who tried her first ever pumpkin spice frappuccino this morning? Mhmm, this girl.

Fall is good.

Oh, and I really must say, I can't believe I've almost hit a hundred followers. Y'all are amazing! Thank you all so very much. Nine more until we reach a hundred.... we can do it guys. :)

Plans for your weekend? Do tell!

Also, thoughts on the new photo size?

fall.

2011-09-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten about you, I promise. Just been busy living early fall to the fullest. Pumpkins, autumn bokeh, and pretty skies. Life is good.

Besides allergies. Praying these ridiculous allergies will go away so that I don't sound like I swallowed a squeaker from one of my dog's toys....

the happy list

2011-09-07T17:01:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest. It was one of those days.

I'm tired. Wasn't feeling motivated. And yeah, not in the greatest of moods. But then, as I sat on the lovely screened in porch catching up on general blog loveliness that hey, life's not half bad. Yeah, parts of today? Not so good. But the good overrides the bad, even in today, and there, as usual, was loads more to be happy than upset about.

So! With all that in mind, I present to you, the happy list. The little things that to me are the big things. Maybe some of my happy will travel all across blog-land to your heart today and bring a smile to your face. I hope so.

today's happy list:

Our home-grown pumpkins on the front steps. They're too cute!

videos I'd forgotten about, on my phone, of friends when we went out to breakfast this summer. talk about a pick-me-up!

Polaroid photos.

Scarves.

Vanilla tea.

Sparkly/glittery things.

Rain. + Thunderstorms.

Tire swings.

Trampolines.

Stargazing.

Friends.

Bulky sweaters.

Chocolate sprinkles.

Fuzzy socks.

Country life.

Picnics.

Treehouses.

Nail polish.

Candles.

Leading worship.

The sky.

Roadtrips.

Teaching Sunday-school.

Magazine bead jewlery.

Here's to a happy rest of your Wednesday, friend.

What's on your happy list?

to see the full list, go here.

just lately.

2011-09-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

alternatively titled: a whole lot of random.

Sometimes, it's just fun to capture a moment with Instagram, on my iPod touch. I do that a lot. I love the vintage look they all have, but as expected, definitely prefer using my DSLR for most of that moment-capturing. :)

Bible time + cute dog.

starfish + sunflower.

farmer's market flowers.

rainy day streetlights, inspiration wall, quesadillas for lunch, and iced coffee

Having a happy Labor Day, and hoping you are too! Xo.

{all photos taken with Instagram for iPhone}

the farmer's market.

2011-09-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

This morning, I rolled out of bed at 6:45 to do one thing I've been dying to do all summer. I was off to the farmer's market in town.

I'd never been, but I now know I'll be going back often. The atmosphere is unbeatable, the produce incredibly fresh, the smell of the herbs enticing, and the prices are too good to pass up.

In my opinion, this is even better than buying produce at an all-natural store like Fresh Market. Just the fact that the food available hasn't been injected or sprayed with any suspicious substance is good enough for me. It's food, in it's most natural form.

And let me tell you, it is delicious.

We came home with a bag full of ripe peaches, a jar of java-syrup, beautiful plums, tomatoes, and some assorted flowers. Perfection.

An early wake-up call was beyond worth it.

Have you ever been to your local farmer's market?

hello beach {part ii}

2011-09-02T17:14:00.000-05:00

It was the morning after the hurricane, and we were all restless from being inside a house for two days straight. We donned sweatshirts and flip flops. I shouldered my camera bag. We drove to the beach.

I'm telling you, we shot from that car like we'd been locked in for days. The beach was lined with people looking at the damage from the storm. The waves we saw crashing to the shoreline were enormous. The foamy water was freezing cold as it met out bare toes, and it yielded so many treasures.

Starfish.

Shells.

And yeah, that's a crab. {He's alive. I promise.}

Tide pools held shells like you wouldn't believe. I saw the shadow of something bluish-green in the pool. Sweet "K" pulled it out, and look at what we found:

It's a beautiful conch shell. Would you look at this?! The inside is a deep orange, red shade. It is incredible. Quite the treasure, if I do say so myself. :)

This long walk on the beach was just what we all needed, and afterwards, we stopped for lattes at our favorite local cafe. Hello, vanilla fudge latte and general Instagram loveliness. And yeah, I did just say vanilla, fudge, and latte in the same sentence. Uh, yum.

After a quick lunch and watching a movie, we were back to the beach. The sun came out for the first time in days. As sunlight streamed across the ocean, and we frolicked in the shallow water, we soon realized something amazing was happening.

Remember that conch shell? Yeah, we found over forty more.

Apparently the ocean was so churned up from the storm that it washed literally hundreds of these lovelies to shore. We ran around like mad-people trying to find as many as we could. It worked out pretty well.

smiley- face shell anyone?

Quite the adventure, no?

It was magical. My dad grew up near the beach, and my Granddad has lived there for years, and neither had ever seen anything like it before- there were so many conch shells. Along with all those shells, dozens of other treasures washed up. I can't wait for them to show up in my mailbox soon. :)

Besides all the beach days, we took walks to a nearby lake. I love the nautical feel of the place....

fall foliage? yes please.

And now that we're home, fall is setting in. Pumpkin spice lattes are on the menu at Starbucks, some leaves are dropping, and soon enough, the sign will go up at the orchard across the street, signaling the arrival of crisp apples. Autumn's always been my favorite season. I could ramble about it forever but for now, I'll leave you to your weekend. :) Tomorrow morning, I'm off to the farmers' market. Perfect start to a three day weekend. Any plans for you?

-caitlin

hello, beach {part i}

2011-09-01T09:19:00.000-05:00

I'm inspired by this blogger's rededication to truly good blogging. And I'm with her. I'm striving to put more of me into each post, working until it looks and sounds just how I like. As she said, it's hard work. But it'll be worth it. It'll be worth all the editing and retyping of sentences, the pushing to take better photographs {though I don't take photographs because I blog; I blog because I take photographs}, and creating good content that I can take a healthy pride in. Oh, and by the way, hey there, September!

I can't think of a better way to start off this new journey than filling you in, per se, on my vacation. Guys, it was so good. I simply adore spending time with family that I only get to see once to three or four times a year. It's precious, and invaluable. Because it's so precious to me, I absorb as much of it as I can through my camera lens, bottling up each moment I don't want to forget. And so I end up with over 450 photos to edit. Wonderful. ;) Ahh, but isn't of editing worth remembering times with you don't want to forget? Um, I think so.

I love flying on airplanes. And for the first time, I brought my DSLR with me, and snapped away as we soared over fluffy clouds.

Okay, confession time. I pray over cities and houses as I fly over them. Have you ever done that? It totally blows me away that my God knows each.and.every. minute, seemingly unimportant detail in every single person's life. And you're reminded as you fly over towns covered with homes that there's a lot of life out there. God is so amazing. {Hello, understatement?!}

Life is good. It's almost always good at the beach. Well.... kind of. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you know we were there for the hurricane this past weekend. It was crazy. I'm talking about having five or six tornado warnings over the course of one day, more rain than I had ever seen in my life, and howling winds. But trust me, before it hit, we got in a beach day or two. Hello, beach.

There's something about the beach, isn't there? Something invigorating yet calming at the same time. I've always loved the ocean.

The salt air. The ocean spray. The warm sand. The colorful umbrellas. I love it all.

Thus began our vacation. More to come, friend!

Have a happy Thursday. Xo!

perfectly imperfect.

2011-08-31T17:57:00.000-05:00

I'm home.

And I'm so refreshed. I missed you all! After spending a week at the beach visiting family, taking long walks, collecting seashells, eating ice cream cones, soaking up some sun, and doing other general summer-ish things, my soul feels cleansed. It was perfect. Well, okay, perfectly imperfect. There, that's better. :)

But as always, it is good to be home. Trust me, more photographs are on the way {as usual}, but it may take a little time to go through the 450+ photos I snapped while away. Lots of photos, even more memories, guys. It was good, and this girl cannot wait to tell y'all about it.

Here's to your Wednesday being a good one! What did I miss while I was away?

-caitlin

a goodbye, and a promise!

2011-08-23T19:29:00.000-05:00

I'll be taking a little break // sabbatical // breather // vacation // hiatus // whatever-you-want-to-call-it this week. Details later, I promise. For now, know that I'll come back refreshed, inspired, a little tired, and maybe, just maybe, with a few more freckles. ;)

In the meantime, I'll be posting a photo {at least!} daily on Instagram. Want to hang out there with me? My username is astitchintime. Have a terrific week, and see you back here mid-week, next week!

Xo!

lucky enough

2011-08-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

if you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change. -taylor swift.

To say that I love the quote above would be quite the understatement.

I've always been different. Just have. To start, I'm homeschooled. And for crying out loud, if that doesn't make me different, then I don't know what does. :) I have some different values than most of the world. There is a smattering of freckles all across my face. {But I've never complained about them. Just saying.} I've never been afraid to work hard for what I want to do.... and I started early. I think being an artist just separates you a bit too.

But I've never been afraid to be unique, to be different. I've embraced it. Why try to be anyone else, really?

"be yourself.

everyone else is already taken."

Yeah, I pretty much love this one too. God made me, me. Not anyone else. And it won't look or feel natural when I try to mold me into someone else.

So. Please, please don't ever try to be someone you're not. Please be the you that God so carefully put together. The rest of the world needs the real you. Because really, if we miss out on you, there will never be another one. Don't waste who you are.

Happy Monday!

"to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

life is beautiful.

2011-08-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

a stitch in time

today

just lately.

told + treasured

happy.

MORE.

147 MILLION.

TWENTY-TWELVE: FEARLESS.

TWENTY-ELEVEN.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

LIFE, RECENTLY.

AN IN-BETWEEN.

DECEMBER IS.

HELLO DECEMBER.

OVERFLOW.

KALEIDOSCOPE PROJECT: WEEK TWO.

crazy beautiful

simplify

thankful heart.

kaleidoscope of ordinary

welcome november

quiet autumn afternoons

autumn glow

on authenticity.

meandering

I'm in love.

the postcard box.

these days.

into the woods

oh, october.

suitcases.

promise.

it's okay to hope: freedom day {the brace post, part three}

I live for this.

friday's ramblings

fall.

the happy list

just lately.

the farmer's market.

hello beach {part ii}

hello, beach {part i}

perfectly imperfect.

a goodbye, and a promise!

lucky enough

life is beautiful.

oh, instagram.

weekend wrap-up: 365

happy weekend.

a beginning

summertime is....

playing catch- up

absence + apologies

photography: dreams

surprise!

a recap + a break

friday assortment: design inspiration

photography: my journey {so far}

black + white

friday assortment: country life

confessions

iheartfaces | | let’s hear it for the boys!

friday assortment: paris

a challenge

no words necessary.

iheartfaces | | bright and vivid

dear summer

renewal.

friday, or saturday, assortment: blooms

summer is

iheartfaces | | best face photo from may {people's choice}

simply photography.

friday assortment: pretty art

friday assortment:

one for one.

a very happy Monday. ♥

friday assortment: cupcakes

wednesday wishes

giveaway winner and guest post: elm street life

giveaway winner and guest post: elm street life

oh my.