An Open Letter to ALL Mothers on Mother's Day

Ladies,

There's no such thing as "Supermom". Most of us are women doing the best we can, recommitting ourselves each day to improve on our shortcomings. Today I freely admit that I am often low on patience, short of energy, and full of stretchmarks. 

I am an imperfect human who has birthed two super rad kids, whom I'm willing to bet will overlook the fact that I've yelled, become frustrated far too quickly, or just wanted to be alone at times. In the future, my wish for my boys is that they'll see me for who I am: a woman who does the best she can each day, with some days being better than others. My hope is that they'll treasure our evenings reading together, wrestling in the grocery line, and that no matter how bad/sad/angry/etc. I've felt, I've always extended a hug, kiss, and an "I love you" to them--even if it was through clenched teeth--; I cross my fingers that they'll remember my ear for their interests, my excitement over their successes, and the seed of faith and spirituality I've planted in their hearts.

It really doesn't matter if you've breastfed exclusively or bought stock in Similac; cloth diapered or bought the cheapest disposables you could. I doubt if your children will be angry if you wore sweatpants to drop them off at school, or had the most perfectly highlighted tresses in all the land. No one is going to know if you plopped your two year old in front of Spongebob for a moment's peace, or whether or not you cut your children's sandwiches into silly shapes. You're YOU, and that's best gift you can possibly give them. 

Today I wish ALL mothers the very best day; stop second guessing yourself! YOU. ARE. ENOUGH.

Pieces of Spring

It's the 19th of the month, and that means I'm posting photos of spring! I'll be doing it for this month, May, and June also, although I suspect that my June post will be more of an introduction to summer. As I wrote yesterday, I've been spending quite a bit of time outside lately, making me hyper aware of all of the beautiful gifts this season has to offer.

Like this little guy, who was hopping about under weeds TLC was pulling.

Familiar faces, these house finches are--each year they come and destroy my hanging plants on the front porch. I don't mind too much due to the fact that I am a self-proclaimed "Bird Nerd", hence why in the second shot the eggs aren't exactly in focus; I didn't want to get too close so as to turn off Mommy and Daddy House Finch. But what a sight I was balancing on my white rocker! 

Each season that comes around I fall in love with more so than the last. There's something about spring, however, that has helped keep my chin up and a smile on my face.

Our Big Backyard

One of my newest, most favorite things to do is to come home from taking the boys to school in the morning (we leave the house before 7AM most days) and step out into our backyard. This may seem simple enough, but it's utterly transforming for me to be outdoors in the morning. My mood is immediately lightened, and I am overcome with an overwhelming sense of tree-hugging peace and tranquility.

As it's now spring, with TLC and I tending to our gardens, I walk outside and embrace the quiet while tending to daily tasks; pulling weeds, watering plants, sweeping the patio. I don't think too much. I just am, and that is the most rewarding bit about gardening thus far. 

This year we've expanded our garden quite a lot, and started almost all of our plants from seed, as opposed to last year where we started our seeds far too early and bought most of our plants. So far this year we've planted snap peas, green beans, cucumbers, carrots, three varieties of lettuce, spinach, leeks, chives, banana, jalapeno, and sweet bell peppers, and summer squash in our squares. I've branched out with three varieties of mint, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme for my herbs. In the upcoming week we'll be planting far more, and covering our patio with a new container garden, where I hope to add at the very least a few types of tomato and radishes.

Like most people these days, I have a Pinterest addiction, and with all of the beautiful, inspiring gardening photographs, tips, and tricks,  inspiration is never at a stand-still. I discovered these simple wine cork markers, which were a perfect solution for a giant bag of corks I received from my in-laws. (You can see all of my Pinterest boards here!)

 Garden beginnings!

And one gratuitous photo of my main squeeze and the dogwood in our backyard!

What are you planting this spring?
Are you trying anything new in your garden?

{Yorktown Wedding Photographer} Chad & Crystal

 

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to second shoot with my favorite fellow photographer/gal pal, Lori, for Chad and Crystal's Yorktown "beach" wedding. Ohh, Chad and Crystal! I love meeting new people, chatting them up, learning about their lives and personal stories, and it's always a plus if the people I meet are open, kind, and smiley. Luckily, in this line of work, I don't deal with too many folks who aren't open, kind, and smiley--a fantastic job perk. What's even more exciting is when the people I meet are fun, creative, and embody joie de vivre. That's Crystal and Chad. (With a bit of Southern charm sprinkled on top!)

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From the moment I met Crystal and her beautiful Maid of Honor, Kate, I knew it was going to be a lovely little affair. On her wedding day, (which just so happened to be probably one of the most beautiful days of the entire year) Crystal was as sweet as the sun, calm as the sea, and as pretty as a picture. 

 

I think my most favorite part of photographing any wedding is the bride's preparations. The atmosphere is electric. Whether the bride is running slightly behind or right on time, frenzied or cool, crying buckets or laughing hysterically, one thing is certain: the air is different during these final minutes before she becomes a Mrs. I love imagining the thoughts she's having in these moments; what she thinks of herself and how she looks, if she's considering her husband-to-be, if she's having second thoughts. 

 Crystal was ready; seemingly introspective and humming with anticipation.

 

I found Crystal's love for her husband and their precious little girl, Charlotte, in all of the details of their day. From making absolutely certain she had on the perfect earrings, to personal touches at the reception venue, Crystal was devoted to making the day all about them.

 I told you my favorite part of photographing a wedding, so now I'll allow you in on my secret: my least favorite is the exchanging of the vows. However, there are usually a few fun, candid moments that are unique to that particular couple that happen during this time, like when Crystal's bright red lipstick rubbed off right onto Chad's lips! (I don't think he minded one bit!)

Held at The Yorktown Freight Shed, the reception was warm, intimate, and laid-back. After supper it began to pour, which coincided perfectly with Crystal and Chad's first dance. During a lull in the storm, I covered my camera and headed outside to get different perspective of the two of them swaying back and forth. I am so happy that I did, too, because they ended up being some of my favorite shots of the night, and I have to say that it was simply ethereal to stand outside in the rain, watching this beautiful couple dancing to the soundtrack of raindrops and thunder.

                                                                                           

Throughout the course of the evening, I was able to chat a bit with Crystal and Chad as well as their family, and in doing so found that Chad and my husband not only went to the same high school and share dear friends, but they also have the same employer!

At the end of the evening, after snatching up a delectable cupcake, I left feeling full. Not because of the previously mentioned treat, but due to rich company, a gorgeous Virginia evening, and the dawning of a beautiful partnership with a friend who enjoys this photography dance just as much as I do. 

Dear Crystal and Chad,

Thank you for gifting me with the opportunity to photograph simply the best wedding. Your love story is what makes pursuing this dream of mine worthwhile. I wish you all of the very best wishes I could possibly summon. May all your days be as dreamy as March 23, 2012. 

Your Friend, 

Lindsay 

Stiletto

I wrote in my '11 Things' post how I'd prefer to wear flats over heels, right? Little did I know how soon that nugget of truth would be bent. Here I am in heels. High heels. With TLC, in his super comfy Ugg slippers that I sometimes steal despite them being entirely too big for my feet.

A few days ago I decided to slip my feet into these new heels while I made dinner. I thought, Why not break them in now instead of the night or odd Sunday morning you decide to wear them? So I did. I made dinner in heels. And I had an epiphany.

The scene: I'm walking teetering about the kitchen, when in walks TLC. TLC, a man who is just shy of 6'4. Just as I am just shy of 5'4, making him an entire foot taller than me. I walk up to him, throw my arms around his neck, and plant a big 'ole wet one on his lips. I stand back, flabbergasted at my realization: I did not have to strain my neck in order to kiss my husband! Next, lots of making out while dinner nearly burns.

 !!!

When I finally realized I had better stop slobbering up my husband in order to save supper, I couldn't believe I hadn't connected the two before! It isn't as if I haven't worn heels in the six years we've been a couple. I do, however, think my upset at wearing heels had previously tainted the benefits of wearing them in my mind.

End scene.

Other benefits include: increased ankle strength, ability to reach spices on the top shelf of the cupboard unassisted, and feeling like I finally "get" why 1940s/50s women were always depicted wearing heels! 

Me-Me-Me-Me

I've been seeing the "11 Things About You" meme/thing going around the blogosphere lately, and even though I wasn't tagged, I'm going to play along.

1. If I were stranded on a desert island... I would be certain to have a copy of Dark Side of the Moon with me and something to listen to it on. Preferably a record player, because at risk of sounding cooler than I actually am, vinyl just sounds better. It's the truth. And there's just something about the crackles and pops of a record when you first lay the needle down... it's one of the best sounds on Earth.

I listen to Dark Side of the Moon on a regular basis. Simply put, it's an album that came out almost 40 years ago and is still modern and 100% relevant today. And I never get tired of listening to it start to finish. Honestly, I could go on and on not only about Dark Side of the Moon, but about Pink Floyd in general. They're the best.

2. My dream job is to be a combat photographer. 

This will probably never happen. I'm not saying this is impossible because there is always a chance that one day it could happen, but I am not going to join the military, and I am more than likely never going to be in a position that will allow for me to be one. (Not necessarily a bad thing). 

At 17 or 18 years old, I never considered what I wanted to be when I "grew up"--I lived from moment to moment. I  never even knew there was such a position as a combat photographer! Now I do, and as much as I would love to do it, it wasn't (or hasn't been, to this point) on my path in life. But boy do I feel when I see this iconic photograph--Joe Rosenthal's Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. It is Rosenthal's work, as well as the many haunting photographs from WWII that make this my dream career. 

What do you feel when you see this photo?

3. I'm a talker
I don't text. I don't really email. I am a chatty gal, and I like to have conversations with people. I ask lots of questions. Maybe this is considered "nosey" by some, but if I ask a question that seems direct or rude it's only because I am genuinely interested, concerned, or curious. I don't ask questions to be malicious,  to dig up dirt, or to gossip. I chat up cashiers, random elderly folks, even strangers who happen to be on the same grocery aisle as me. I almost always tell veterans "Thank you for your service." I like to feel connected to people around me, and I think through photography and by randomly speaking to others I feel that connection daily. The world is just too big and lonely to ignore those around you. Besides, you can meet truly astonishing characters by simply saying hi! Seriously, though, if you don't like talking and you see me coming, just turn the other way. I will talk your ear off.

4. I like growing older
One of my most favorite quotes is "Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." I am so much happier at 27 then I ever was at 17. I smile when I think about shedding my adolescent skin. Sure, I'm still insecure, and I can be outrageously immature at times, but I never fail to wake up each day and pray, Thank you Jesus for allowing me to wake up again this morning and for all of the many blessings I take for granted. I am looking forward to graying hair and wrinkles. I think more people and society as a whole should stop worrying about aging, embrace beauty and intelligence at any of life's seasons and grow older gracefully. It's what I strive for.

5. I'm a crybaby
I wish I could stop, but I can't. It's like, physically impossible. Ever since I've had children I am prone to random bursts of tears and anxiety. I feel like I am a chihuahua--you know the ones that just sit there and shake with watery eyes? That's me, in a nutshell. I cry over sad things, funny things, happy things, when I am excited, etc. If you've seen the video  of Kristin Bell's sloth-related meltdown on Ellen, she describes herself by saying, "First thing you should know about me is that if I'm not between a three or a seven on the emotional scale, I'm crying." I am pretty sure I cried when I saw that. I turned to TLC, jaw  down to my knees, and yelled, THAT IS ME! He agreed.

6. Two Words: Dave. Grohl.
I am not someone who is all about celebrities. I don't watch a lot of TV (and when I do boy is it BAD) or movies, and it's super hard for me to look at someone and say, "Oh wow, they're so hot!" (IE: Ryan Gosling--I don't get it). If I find a celebrity to be attractive, it's usually a character they play, and not who they actually are. Make sense? No? OK. Jax Teller is a YES. Charlie Hunnam? No thanks!

But lemme tell you about Dave Grohl. Mmm. Mmm. Mmmm. Mmmmmmmmmm. Mmmmm. Dave Grohl is dreamy. He's hot stuff, of course, but my crush on him is based on two things. One: He is funny. Two: He is said to be the 'nicest guy in rock&roll'. Funny and nice outweigh everything else... including a six pack. Which Mr. Grohl definitely does not have. But then again, neither do I.

7. My Position on Animals
I love animals. Especially penguins and dolphins and various types of birds. But this isn't about them. I'm going to tell you about the animals I despise. Sharks, alligators/crocodiles, snakes, and most members of the ape family. That's not to say that I don't find these animals interesting, because I absolutely love Shark Week and Swamp People, and just this morning I cooed over a story I read in the newspaper about a gorilla who has a pet bunny in a Pennsylvanian zoo. However, sharks especially are problematic for me because I really want to get back into surfing, and well, sharks are in the water. I'll get to that next.

8. Irrational Fears
Sometime in the last 9 years I developed not just a fear, but a full-blown phobia of getting into water. I'm afraid of oceans, lake, and especially--especially--rivers. It started with a fear of stone fish and a horrible photo I saw online, and it just escalated from there. One of my personal goals is to start surfing again because I miss it so much.

9. "nailz"
I've also developed a new obsession within the last year: nail polish. I've never been a gal to paint my nails; I never could seem to keep the paint on them. It should be known that I used to bite my nails, too. Horribly. I stopped last fall because I wanted to keep paint on them, and I wanted to try my hand at nail art. I am a tiny bit crazy for essie. What I think is pretty cool is that TLC enjoys the fact that I paint my nails, claiming that he would if he were a girl, and that he lives vicariously through me in that sense. He has surprised me by stuffing my Christmas stocking of shades he likes, and has brought home two new bottles in the last few weeks for me. I like that.

10. Tomboy Style
I am not a girly girl at all. I don't wear dresses and rarely will I wear a skirt. I also don't like to wear prints. I don't feel much like myself when I wear those things. My favorite thing to wear is a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a cardigan or button down. Wait a minute. That's not true. I prefer to wear sweatpants, but I try to refrain from being too sloppy or that lady in public, so I live in jeans. I'm also not wild about high heels. I'll take a nice ballet flat, flip-flop, or sandal any day, thank you very much!

11. Confession
I hate all of my tattoos.

The Greatest {Vol. 1}

This week I'm introducing a new weekly feature, The Greatest. These are the five greatest things I'm seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching for the week. (Yes, it's a play on the five senses).

Touch

One of the best things about spring is gardening. I've been busy composting, cleaning up our garden for our new seedlings, and planning out this year's crop. Hopefully (fingers crossed!) this will be our most successful year yet! There are few greater things than submitting your hands to the Earth.

Taste

Have you tasted a Cara Cara orange? No? Well go now! Not only do the reveal a precious pink flesh once opened, they are quite possibly the most delicious citrus of all. 

Smell

Daffodils have stolen my heart. Usually they are a sign of spring--and they last about one minute in our yard. That's because my precious little Gibby picks up each and every one of them for his dear old mama. After he picks every last flower (and sometimes weed) that he can find, he'll throw them in water (literally) and present them to me with great flourish. This year, the smell has been that much sweeter. 

Sight

I love reading with my boys. Now that both Justice and Gibson are reading on their own, I'm doing less reading our loud, and more sitting back and looking at the pictures. Right now we're making our way through James and the Giant Peach and over the weekend we discovered Spooky Tricks, which is not only comical but the photos are darling!

Sound

I love this song and the video so much. It's just pretty.

What are your favorite things this week? Link me to your list!

If you'd like to see what else I think is the greatest check out my Tumblr.