Dear December,

I may be a little behind this year, but I'm ready for you.

the tree is up. the lights are on. the recipes are planned.

I may not be bursting with holiday joy just yet, but I'm determined.

I'm going to end this year with a bang.

That's right 2010, I'm not going out without a fight.

a new perspective

The Met.

I've been there a hundred times.

stood in the same places, looked at the same pieces. 

but I love going every time. 

and I love when I find a new perspective.

(I also love that this photo is 100% completely unedited.

and that I felt 100% ok posting it that way.)

shaking off the funk

this year has been full of life-changing events, and more to do than a human is capable of. I became so busy living life, that sitting here and writing and reflecting became just another item on the never ending to-do list.

but, I am emerging from the funk.

the other night I was grocery shopping (after a full day of work and a trip to the gym, because clearly I am wonder woman and need to accomplish all things) and I walked past the holiday baking section.

thunderbolts of inspiration struck me. I snatched up an armful of goodies and practically danced home. what a wonderful feeling. to be inspired again.

this also arrived. delivered to me in my new bundle of bag joy, Lola. you'll get to meet her soon. she is fantastic. so worth every penny and the months of waiting. I'm taking her on her first real outing tomorrow, to the city.

my city. I've missed you, New York. I'm meeting up for a day of photos in the park and tea at the Met. nothing could be more perfect than that on a gorgeous fall day. so... sophisticated and cultured.

and of course the holidays are just around the corner. I'm dying to put all my baking inspiration into action! not to mention the trip home for Thanksgiving. which may be my most favorite holiday. I'm extra excited this year because I'm bringing husband. and someone else who is preparing for the holidays... Beau!

Target. $5. I had to. he gave me one perfect evil look, then curled up and slept for 2 hours while wearing them. I can't even find the words to express how much I LOVE this picture. perfection.

Mastin Kipp to the rescue

"Today is a good day to take whatever you've been taking seriously - not that seriously.  Seriously."

Thank you Mastin, thank you Daily Love, for somehow always finding the words I need.

I would tell you what I'm going to do, but I'm tired of telling. I'm ready to start doing.

and so, I blog.

some light

I finally finished editing honeymoon photos from Hawaii.

strange as it is, this is the photo that's really grabbing me at the moment. this was one of a dozen chandeliers hanging in the Honolulu airport. it was just too awesome not to photograph. the wrought iron and brown glass looks a little medieval at first, but if you look closely it's shaped into a very 60's geometric pattern. the whole airport looks very vintage, and I'm wishing now I would have gotten some shots of the exterior. they had an outdoor walkway between terminals. it felt deliciously rebellious to be walking outside yet technically through an airport. I'm so used to poorly lit, crowded, closed off hallways. it was... wonderful... to be able to catch some fresh air and sunshine before climbing into a tin can for 10 hours.

anyway. I love this chandelier. and perhaps someday if the Honolulu airport remodels, they will be kind enough to auction these off so I can have one.

the prescription for creativity

"Eventually I discovered for myself the utterly simple prescription for creativity: be intensely yourself. Don't try to be outstanding; don't try to be a success; don't try to do pictures for others to look at - just please yourself."

-Ralph Steiner, was an American photographer, pioneer documentarian and a key figure among avant-garde filmmakers in the 1930s

cheers to that.