Monday, July 11, 2011

catch-up.

simple things.

Let me get you all caught-up on what's been going on around here:
1. I made the top five in The Paper Mama's photo challenge last week! YAY! You'll notice the new Top 5 button on the right side. A little validation is good for the soul.
2. It's Monday and I haven't picked-up my camera since Thursday. Sigh... My mind has been elsewhere and I'm lacking inspiration.
3. I had to upgrade to Flickr Pro, and since I've upgraded I've only posted five new photos. (See number two, above.)
4. Max had his first t-ball game this weekend. And while he almost didn't get out of the car to even go to the game, and at one point he was laying on the grass during the game, and then ended-up sitting on my lap -  he did go up to bat three times, and near the end of the game he got out there on the field again. As frustrating as this was as a mom, I know that patience and encouragement are what he needs at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, I was annoyed he sat on my lap during part of the game, and wondered why my child didn't want to play when all the other kids were having such fun. But I have to remember he is only four and it was his first game. And just because I was excited for the game doesn't necessarily mean he was excited. I remember how nervous and scared I was when I was a kid when I tried something new.  (Oh, and I did my fair share of sitting on my mom's lap as well.) My mom was always so patient with me and supportive; I knew it was "ok" to be me. I hope I can be that kind of mom to Max. He did great, and I'm certain he will get more excited about playing once he gets a few practices and games under his belt.
5. A super sweet, dear, dear friend came to town Friday evening and spent the night at our house. She came down a day early so she could meet her husband in Portland the next day when he finished the Seattle to Portland bike ride. We went to dinner and caught-up, had a couple of drinks, Max was SO excited to see her. He loves when friends come to visit. I think Max and I were about tied in terms of who was most sad to see her leave.
6. I lied! I did take a few photos at the t-ball game. Totally forgot till just now! I have yet to download and edit.
7. Just loved this quote from Our Daily Bread from RBC Ministries: "God's presence is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble." It was just what this sinking soul needed to hear yesterday.
8. I need to find my happy place again. I've been spending too much time inside my head lately and for me that's never a good thing.
9. I need to pack and get ready to head to Seattle Thursday, and then head to Denver Friday. I'm very much looking forward to a little weekend get-away to Denver to see my family. And I'm excited for this trip with my mom. The last time we did our own mother-daughter trip was my senior year of high school - 20 years ago. Oh, and speaking of 20 years ago...I will be attending my 20 year high school reunion when I get back to Seattle after our little trip to Denver. I'm really looking forward to getting out of town for awhile.
10. Last, but certainly not least...I received a sweet email from Amanda over at A Life Well Lived on Thursday. Her kind words made my morning. It's always so nice to hear from my blogging friends who are also working on their photography. She was also sweet enough to invite me to join her in her {happiness is...} series. I just love this idea she came up with! And I've been racking my brain trying to think of some creative theme of my own. But I have to say her {happiness is...} idea takes the cake! So, thank you, Amanda!

10 comments:

Amanda said...

I always love a good random post.
1. Hooray for a Top 5! You doubt yourself waaaay to much, girl. You have more talent and a better eye than you give yourself credit for. Others recognize this - give yourself a break AND a pat on the back once in a while! ;)
2. I had to upgrade to FLickr Pro also - what's up with that? I didn't know I would have to pay at some point...or that I would get to 200 photos so quickly.
3. Thanks for the shout-out - I would really love to see your take on {happiness is...}
Enjoy your travels and catching up with friends and family!!
Hugs, A

MeaganMusing said...

Sounds like you've been busy. I hate it when inspiration is so hard to find, but hopefully it won't be gone long.

I'm sure it's hard to watch Max not want to play, but he'll just get more comfortable with time, right? It would be so hard to be a kid. Everything is a new experience.

Hope you have a good week!

Ashley Sisk said...

You certainly have been busy and I love this shot!

penandview said...

Love your random list here. I had a moment up at my friend's cabin to catch up on bloggy blogs and glad I dropped by. I love the light in this picture.
And the quote about God's presence. He is your happy place A. :)
t

Karli @ The Bonnie 5 said...

Hi Andrea! Thanks so much for such a sweet comment on my blog today! :-) Your picture makes me happy! The light shining thru the cup is glorious!

Also...I LOVE your header - wow! The photo, the words...very powerful. I absolutely love it!

deb duty said...

Congrats on the top 5! I'm sure the inspiration will return soon. We all need a break every now and then.

Brooke said...

Love your shot up there... you will get your creative MoJo back.... It doesn't appear to be gone, really! Also, on the sports think... my guy finally, finally started getting involved in sports when he was five. At four he wouldn't even leave my side. It is HARD and very frustrating. What a great reminder to be supportive and patient... something I need to work on HOURLY! ;D HUGS

Marvett Smith said...

Congrats on the top 5 my friend! That is awesome. It always feels good when that happens! I love the quote that you had in your post. I so needed to hear it today. I have been a little too caught up in my own thoughts myself. It's good to know I'm not alone, and this quote helped me a ton. Thank you for sharing! Have fun on your trips and take lots of pictures!

Naomi said...

congrats on the top 5! just wanna say i love the photo, the light is lovely!

stacey said...

Love me some random.

Yay for joining Amanda in her "happiness is". She's a great gal, that Amanda. And she's right you know. You are talented. Keep picking up that camera and He'll give you inspiration. It's all around you!

xoxo