I took a picture of these darlings before the 100-degree day fried them like a blow torch. It was another good lesson that beauty is fleeting, and why we need cameras.
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Maddie-poo is 17.
When Maddie was a baby, I sang “Maddie-poo” to her to the tune of “Peggy Sue”. She still inspires me to burst into song, and I still call her Maddie-poo.
Maddie is quite a girl-woman, and I love her creativity and fun-loving spirit. Which is exactly why she chose to have a 1950′s-themed birthday party, and why we took so many goofy pictures.
We had quite the attendees: Buddy Holly and his debutante; a grease-monkey/race-car driver; the Fonz; June Cleaver; and Doc Holliday, complete with his tuberculosis-induced pallor, and a television for the western he was appearing in (he unfortunately lost his hat and mustache before I could get a picture).
Yes, indeed. What a girl, and what a family!
Dandelion patch.
I can’t get enough of this perfect weather, even if it means sitting in a dandelion patch.
Favorite.
The trail to Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park left me speechless. So I won’t try to describe it beyond the photographs above.
Our trail guides were very patient, as I was compelled to stop around every corner to take it all in, then try to poke my camera lens out of the hood of my rain poncho without getting it too wet. I felt childlike awe, which meant I was lagging behind like a toddler, too. I suppose our friends could have bribed me with chocolate (or seafood!) so I wouldn’t have been so poky. But even that wouldn’t have worked. At the end of our rainy hike, the sky cleared and the sun peeked out, radiant through the droplet-covered branches. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, it did.
The only other item I will add is that my 12-24mm wide angle lens made the most of the forest. You can’t truly capture the beauty of the place, but this lens made a valiant effort.
Tip of the iceberg.
We returned from Washington today. The fellowship was sweet, and the scenery was unbelievable. Even though we started back at 3:30 a.m., we feel refreshed. How can you not feel refreshed after you have been to Rivendell?
Signs of spring.
The vernal equinox doesn’t convey much about how springy it feels. But bare toesies do.
It’s back.
The Golden Hour has returned, when the magical golden cast from the setting sun transforms the ordinary into something special. I longed to go outside and catch it, but the snowless landscape is still a wintry barrenness. I had no luck persuading anyone to join me outside. Besides, Baby was fussy. Solution? Give the fussy baby to my non-compliant model, and enjoy the sun’s rays on my antique bowl and croquet balls. Sometimes you just have to work with what you have available.
In other news, one of my daughters hesitantly mentioned that her class discussed gay marriage today. Marcus asked her about the discussion, and she gave us many interesting points. Marcus had to leave, and I continued to engage her about it. At the end of our talk, she told me something like this: I don’t always appreciate it when you bring God into a discussion. I kind of tune out. But when we were discussing this issue today, I realized I appreciate what you have said to me. But try to get to the point, instead of taking so long in your explanations.
I was floored. I appreciated her honesty and feedback, and am thankful she sees the value of what I have tried to impart to her before she is an adult.
This is not the first time one of my children has mentioned that I only need to tell them something once. I don’t need to keep explaining it differently so they get it. They may need to process awhile, or mature and experience more for my advice to take root in their lives. Note to self (and other parents): Keep is short and simple. And pray your kids will have teachable hearts.
This blog is turning into photography and parenting tips. Weird, unintentional combo. I am sure it is just a phase.
