personal

Verklempt

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We have all had our struggles in life. No one has gotten off scott free. I have struggled as much as the next guy. Often I have felt physically visible, but not really seen. Today, after looking at our family photos I feel seen. I feel like our family exists in a way for me that it did not before. In a visual way. In a way outside of my mind and out in the world. I am overcome with gratitude for so many blessings in my life. I am grateful that you take the time to come to see what I have written or photographed. And for such a good friend as Miss Whitney and a family as lovely as the one Josh and I have made. Tara posted our family session with her. Go see it.

The Informalists

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I know that informalists is not even a word, but I sure feel that way here in Palm Springs. It should be a word. We were already pretty informal in California, but we have fully embaced that lifestyle in Texas. Austin is laid back. I mean REALLY laid back. And we like it that way. So this morning we were in a beautiful park and the kids were playing on a playscape. Sam had on only a diaper because he had run through the sprinklers and we took his clothes off to keep him dry. So here he was playing on a slide next to a little girl decked out in an ensemble fitting for a Barbie. All pink matching lycra bathingsuit ensemble with matching crocs, sunglasses and hat. And here Sam was in just a diaper. Texas meet California. I think we have finally switched camps. So I thought these images fit in with the whole informal theme. I took them a few weeks ago when the boys were getting ready for bed.

The Lone Parent

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Josh has been in Las Vegas on a business trip since last Friday morning. We are doing okay on our own, but it is exhausting. Some moments have been great, others a bit scary. But we are muddling through. I have said it many times and it bears saying again--single parents and those whose partner travels a great deal have my sincerest admiration for the job they do. As far as we are concerned, well let's just say that I will be waiting at the front door for Josh to come home on Friday, ready for the handoff and a really stiff drink. Bookmark and Share

What Kind of Tree is That?

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We have a tree in the backyard that people have been asking me about for the two years we have lived here. I have never checked, which is a very sad fact. I have never had much of a green thumb. More like a black one. But today I decided to tackle the beast. It is a pomegranate tree and they are not yummy, but they are kind of cute. And it is was an excellent opportunity to procrastinate. I am not much of a still life photographer, but I have been following in love with the food photography on two cooking blogs lately. They are Smitten Kitchen and Not Without Salt. You should check them out. Bookmark and Share

The Hosts

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When Sam and I were in California in March we had the good fortune to stay with our dear friends Camille and Jason and their two boys. Here are some photos from our time with them, including our re-creation of the Jason and Zach shot (the original is the second to last and the new one is below it).