This is the guy I'm mad crazy in love with...my high school sweetheart...my best friend! He knows me better then I know myself sometimes and loves me despite my many faults. He helps me to see the humor in life and has an uncanny ability to make me laugh like no one else can. I love that when I'm with him this crazy world makes sense and I feel safe. I love that he brings out the best in me.

As I explore one of my creative passions, it's fun to capture him with one of his...

My favorite guy and his passion...

Well, here we are, the day has arrived! Today is the first day of school! The older kids will never admit to being excited, but their faces give it away. One of my daughters is positively beaming! I enjoy having the opportunity to see these small things and hear them speak in class. It's a unique perspective. They are in close proximity to me and yet so independent from me. This is our 8th homeschool year, but it's our 5th year with the cyber school. This year is all about change...they have a new learning system, new laptops and my oldest is now in high school so he has a mix of real time classes and self paced classes. Another new thing for us this year are electives. He picked some pretty awesome ones...web design and interactive game design! I'm looking forward to this school year, I always do. It's a new beginning, a new chapter in our lives and a welcome back to routine. The relaxed pace of summer is fleeting and routine has come upon us for a time. Speaking of which, my youngest routinely awoke the same time every day throughout the summer (oh how I longed for her to sleep in a little), and she finally picked TODAY to sleep in. ...sigh...

The Place I Live...part 7 one of my favorite spots

The Place I Live...part 6 the viaduct

Built in 1922, the viaduct is a well known feature in town. I admit that lately I've been intrigued with this structure. Maybe it stems from knowing that it's days are numbered. Or maybe because, until very recently, I've neglected to notice it and I'm making up for lost time. Whatever the reason, it has a certain character worth noting.

The Place I Live...part 5 art is subjective

The Place I Live...part 4 decay

To say our town has deteriorated over time would be an understatement. Amongst the decay I see beauty, art and what could be. Getting off my duff and seeing my town through the eye of my lens has given me new perspective. It's just not good enough to wish it were different and have endless chats with that same sentiment in mind. No, we need to care enough to do something about it.

The Place I Live...part 3 more downtown

The Place I Live...part 2 downtown

The Place I Live...

I grew up in the country just one town over from where I'm at now. When I was a kid I wanted nothing more then to live in "town". After all, there were lots of kids to play with, you could easily walk anywhere and there were sidewalks! Yes, that's right...sidewalks! They were very attractive to this country girl. I would get a taste of town each time I visited my Grandparents. Oh, how I dreamed of living in TOWN!

Fast forward to today...I now live in that town I once dreamed of living in. I'm not sure I'm living the dream though. Funny how that happens! It's the whole grass is greener on the other side adage. Nonetheless, we are here trying to make a difference in a town that seems hopeless, yet on the verge of something greater then anyone can imagine. A town of possibilities...

A New Adventure

I've always been a pretty private person, sharing my innermost self with select few. So for me, this is a GIANT step out of my comfort zone. I've debated it in my mind and decided I'm ready. In fact, it's time! I'm at a juncture and I've decided to challenge myself in a few new areas. So...here I go...I'm taking the plunge...are you ready to get a glimpse of what goes on in my mind?!