I had a lot of fun this weekend with Auntie in from New Orleans, the wedding, and some special family & friend evenings. To be honest, as a mom it seems to always make for a little extra work the days following the fun. It's way worth it but I do fall behind in the sanity department for about a week following missed bedtimes and skewed mealtimes. The last few days have been great however and are totally worth giving up a few days of order.
I spent my first night away from the baby. Yes, she is two. No, I am not one of those mother's who doesn't want some alone time. I don't resent it or long for it to be honest. It just hasn't worked out. We have tried in the past to take a weekend here or there but our sitter gets sick or something doesn't work out so our vacations and weekends away are usually with the three of us which is great. But this last weekend I was able to spend some time away for some bachelorette (and wedding) fun in a secluded cabin nestled in the Smoky Mountains.
The bride invited women she had known through the last, well, almost three decades. It was a lot of fun to get to know her better through stories and also to meet such a great group of women. Funny, but it struck me that all the women in Trena's life are really strong, motivated, beautiful women... The weekend was fun, relaxing, and even though I was responsible for taking photos there was not one iota of stress. The day just seemed so perfect. I have never been to a wedding like this where every single guest was relaxed, happy to be there, laughing, just in the moment. It was a special time and I feel glad to have gotten to share in it. But back to the cabin...
The view was spectacular
Susan had decorated with a nice Appalachian charm-these mason jars with tea lights showcased the view upon arrival and even in the foggy morning the next day. I hadn't ever gotten to experience the "Smoke" of the Smoky Mountains. It lingered a long time and was lovely.
Since I arrived with Anna early (to go through the rehearsal) we were able to enjoy the whole afternoon sipping margaritas on the porch, surrounded by mountains and very little people. It was so still and quiet. I was amazed to only see one squirrel and to hear only two birds.
Then, evening fell and guests began to arrive. Introductions, wine, laughing... and some more time on the porch.
It felt good to have some time to do nothing except enjoy the moment and the company. Now, back to routine- recharged and excited for my next evening getaway. Hope your holiday weekend was just as enjoyable.
Linking with the
Happiness Project
and
Communal Global
I had a lot of fun this weekend with Auntie in from New Orleans, the wedding, and some special family & friend evenings. To be honest, as a mom it seems to always make for a little extra work the days following the fun. It's way worth it but I do fall behind in the sanity department for about a week following missed bedtimes and skewed mealtimes. The last few days have been great however and are totally worth giving up a few days of order. 
Incidentally, yesterday while having some lunch in the living room with Twila, I stepped away to grab a napkin in the kitchen. When I returned, Twila was out of her seat with my phone in hand saying, "Ohhhh..Oooo" and "hmmm". As I approached to see what was so interesting I noticed she had selected the Hipstamatic app and was looking at her feet from various angles by moving the phone around. I showed her how to use the button to take the photo and she took this shot to the left. She took a few and then experimented moving in closer. It was hard to get her to start eating again after she got hooked on seeing what she could do. I think she was even more excited when I showed the photos she took back to her. It was a proud mom moment.
Hi there and welcome to round 40 of Phonography! Link up here with your favorite cell shot(s) from the week. Like to know more? You can visit the Phonography Page. Look forward to seeing where you have been! (This link will be open until midnight Friday.)
Kim Klassen's challenge for this week is to use the texture "yesteryear". Upon knowing this I instantly remembered this image. I tried something new this time and did two different edited looks and combined them to make a third finished image. It was kind of a Goldilocks moment - This image is too dark, this image is too bright, this image was juuust right.
I am still collecting cabinet cards that I am allowed to use and edit freely. This image is redone from a pretty one I found at MudBay Images. I never intended to make a demented image of this woman; however, while editing the image to use the frame I stumbled onto this and somehow became fond of it. I don't know what it is that I like so much... maybe it's the light, maybe it's that with only one eye, her gaze appears differently...it's like she is looking at the viewer instead of away for her portrait. (I showed my husband and think it freaked him out a little.) I tried one with the correct proportions and didn't like it as much. So, like Bob Ross, I will call this "my happy little accident". 
Here is the SOOC and the screenshot.
