Shelby's talents

Today,Shelby played the piano in sacrament meeting. She accompanied 4 singers and one doing sign language. She's just 11. I'm amazed. She's been practicing all month, and played it the best she ever had. I'm just beaming for her. It's so interesting, the feeling when u see your child do something better than you. It's an awe struck type feeling. I'm happy.
She also reads much faster than I ever have in my life. She can finish 400 pg book in 2 days.

Bindi's place

Bindi has found her place in the pack. She knows she is lower than us, but higher than the chickens. (cuz she gets to sleep in the house with the farmer) I'll go out to find the new hens and if I can't then I'll call her out. I didn't even train her, but she just knew what to do. She has a clear cut signal and everything. We've got one smart schnauzer. I think they were originally bred to hunt rats or something, and she has great blood for it.
There is an aire about her now. She knows she is useful to the pack. It's kinda cool to see her self worth.

Amazing day

Yes, I watched conference today. It was great. And in between sessions Grey killed our rooster. We had always planned on getting the chickens for self sufficiency purposes. It's just a lot more real when he came back in the house with blood splattered on his clothes. Kinda sad too. Definitely a learning experience. I think everyone in America should experience this, just so they really understand the value of the food in the store.
I understand more deeply why the word of wisdom says to eat meat sparingly.

Lookout on the Tower

Today is General Conference.  Twice a year we get to hear a sermon direct from the Lord's prophet and the 12 apostles.
  It is a wonderful blessing to hear the Lord's will and comforting words. They sit on the lifeguard chair, able to see the jellyfish-infested water, and warn us.  We swim through life, and find comfort in their warnings.

My Inspiration

I was at Barnes and Noble when I came across the magazine Artful Blogging.  I was hooked. You know, one of those people that sit in the isle, reading, oblivious to those around them trying to browse. I bought 2 issues to take on my trip the next day. (I wish the airport stores stocked a broader reading spectrum than those smutty magazines Hearst pays to stick in your face.  Knowing the sad reality, I try to always stop at BN pre trip.)
That airplane ride was like a trip to the spa.  A mommy day.  What awesome, bucket filling pleasure I found between those pages.  Such talent.  Such expression.  I loved the photos, the feelings.
I decided right there, that I was home.  I was among friends.  Family.
So, here I am, starting my own space, my own script.  Maybe one day soon I will be listed among those who have gone before. What an honor.

2011s challenge

I've decided to challenge myself this year.  I call it my year of 52 pictures.  The goal is to find something each week that is inspiring.  It has driven me to look for the positive. Look for the art.  Look for the beauty. 
     One thing it has taught me is that my daughter is one of my biggest teachers.  She is always pointing out the beauty in between the cracks of life.  And I have slowed down, to smell the roses.  This is my Shelby. My daughter.  My teacher.  This picture, taken of her on San Juan Island last summer, captures the moment of discovery.  She's pointing out the whales to her cousin.

My First Blog Posting EVER

Here I am, setting up a blog, hoping it's going to be easier to connect. Funny how we equivocate connecting to others by finding more things to do in front of our square screens of light. Alone. And I guess, after all, I did connect with you.     Didn't I.     :)