I have a lot on my to-do list today. Likely too much, as I am overly ambitious by nature when thinking them up. I went to bed waaayyy too late (2am), and woke up late (7:20), which was not enough sleep (dumdum pam), all resulting in an unpleasant start to the day. Set myself up for that feeling of pressure, or panic to set in about all I have (want) to do, and my ability to accomplish it. I found my crazy thoughts taking over and my mind spinning out. Deep breath. "Stop it. Focus on some little things, see some calm, and good, and beauty," I thought to myself. Why do I always forget that picking up my camera and going on a hunt right where I am is a great way to hone in, calm down, gain a different perspective? I suppose intead of being annoyed I don't think of it right away, I should appreciate that I eventually did (duh). Here's what I found:
So enjoy the morning ritual of opening the bamboo shade behind the kitchen sink and seeing the difference in light (you can see the before and after in the two above).
This little guy came back from Palm Springs with me. Found him at the grocery store and knew he'd be the perfect counterpart to the sharp edged fella next to him. I used to buy Trader Joe's orchids (because they are pretty inexpensive and last so long) for some living green on the kitchen counter), but now I'm going with succulents which cost less and last even much longer, without asking for hardly a thing in return.
Sun shining on the shells...say that five times fast.
So glad the kitchen sink looks out on our sideyard. The sideyard itself is one of my favorite spots. I think it's the pea gravel we put in. That crunch underfoot is such a good sound to me; reminds me of being in Europe, which is always a good thing. I see that yesterday I forgot to put the nozzle back on the hose after doing some chores. Not even gonna bother adding that to the list, will catch it the next time watering...can't fall prey to my own destraction devices ;).
Usually, I head out doors into the fresh air when employing hunt&seek-attitude-adjustment tactics, but this time I decided to stay right where I'm needing to first get to work, inside in the family room. The light on this little wall cupboard that hangs there was pretty, and maybe I'll use the items in it as a visual touchstone today to reign in my wandering thoughts.
Those are sharks' teeth pictured above, found with my mom on the beaches of Florida. When I was young, we lived in Michigan (born and raised until 8, love Michigan! although from photos my cousin has sent I'm glad I'm not living there this winter!) and we'd drive to Florida every year to visit my Grandpa. I am thrilled my Mom was a collector at heart, and love having tangible evidence of those magical moments together. (It also makes me wonder if we always went to the same beach and if sharks' teeth are commonly found there still.)
We also collected sea shells of course!
Some of the items I've collected with my kids reside in the cupboard as well. It seems we have visited more places with seaglass than shells.
This beach in Kaui was our favorite. The first day we went there was so much seaglass that we got super selective, looking only for certain colors or shapes. The second time we went (on the same trip), there wasn't much to be found. Just in case you ever go there and strike out, I suggest you try another visit on another day.
My son and I really want to go here someday. Have you ever been? Is it as dreamy as it looks? You aren't allowed to collect seaglass there, but there are beaches nearby that have it from my understanding.
I hope the kids will keep these little collections of ours, along with my Mom's, when I am long gone. They better, if they know what's good for them!
I have never been to a beach that had pottery shards but I would love to! This collection in a bottle was bought at an antique store. Anyone know of great beaches for this? I think a lot are overseas.
Other little finds have found their way into the cupboard over the past few years too. Love this little metal car found at a flea market.
Tiny + wooden +painted + game pieces + house shape = happy. I can't explain it, but I know there are a few out there that know that same equation! (That's a heart rock there behind it to the left.)
My Grandmother's watering nozzle.
A homerun baseball.
A wooden hand carved rosary.
Some original art from John and Lynn Whipple from an art collaborative I was part of many many moons ago. (They are even cooler than their art btw, if that's possible.)
Ahhh..by this photo I was feeling calmer, so I stopped for today. The point was to calm my racing thoughts so I could tackle the to-do list after all, not to the point of over-indulgence (another to-do list-defeating trap I can find myself in when allow my creative whims to wander). And, I have to say, I HATE it when magazines talk about something like a cupboard a favorite ottoman, whatever, in an article and then don't show the item...like I have done here! My mission was to go small, tune in, stay simple when photographing, so I failed to think of getting the whole cupboard for you. If you're like me, and like to see the item mentioned, I'll get a pic for you soon, promise. In the meantime, you can see it behind the roses in this post.
All right, let's get this day going!
