She Who Hangs Out in Cemeteries

A slight fall breeze tempting trees to shed their leaves.  Specks of sunshine through gauzy layers of clouds.  The lure of juniper & cypress softly scenting the air.  Bits of branches and layers of freshly fallen leaves beneath our feet.  Wandering without direction yet with respect to the death below us.  What a beautiful morning to visit Oakwood Cemetery.

" Remember youth as you pass by,

   As you are now, so once was I,

   As I am now so you must be,

   Prepare for death and follow me."

 

~ Oakwood Cemetery Tombstone

Waiting for leaves to fall

I've stocked up on canned pumpkin and chicken broth.  Rearranged my closet to include sweaters again.  Bought two pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks (only two pumps - three is just too sweet for me!).  Smiled each time I see pumpkins stacked high at Central Market.  Witnessed one cool morning - it was only 70 degrees... that's a big deal right now!  And I've raked leaves twice, my neighbor's leaves that fall in my yard, our trees haven't lost their leaves yet.  So what I'm trying to say is, I'm ready for you Fall, please visit and stay awhile!!

Preparations for Apple Crumble - Yum!

Sunbathers

For a few brief moments today, we were all outside, cohabitating peacefully - both dogs AND the cat... the dogs basked in the heat of the day while Miss Kitty and I retreated to the shadows.  This was the first time all animals have gotten along without trying to pounce, stalk or take a bite out of each other.  Woohoo!  Definitely worthy of a second blog post in one day.  !!  Gotta love the expression I get from them... really, it was peaceful without incident.  xoxo

Monday Forecast: Rain

Overcast today.  Sitting quietly at my desk while the rain falls steadily outside.  Coffee.  Quiet.  Just listening to the rain drops.  Hello Monday.  You aren't so chaotic today, thank you...

Summer Snapshots

June was a bit of a blur... heavy workload, the addition of a new puppy, and lots of life lessons to deal with.  Let's just say last month began with us camping in our tent in the front yard because the Carbon Monoxide detector went off (not to mention I had been feeling dizzy and nauseous most of the day while working from home).  A simple trivia book left in Josh's truck by one of his friends probably "saved our marriage" on an ill-fated trip to visit my parents (horrible I-35 traffic with two roll-overs, the puppy throwing up all over the back seat, trying to just buy a cup of coffee but having to stop 4 times until actually getting one, and then missing our exit and driving an extra 30 minutes out of the way...).  Finding out Miss Kitty has renal failure.  Spending $1500 in vet bills because our new puppy had a tough start health-wise, and countless other little things that just add up to one blur of a hectic month.

SO here were are in July.  Still a bit of a rough start to the month, but this past weekend has been happily received.  Our good friends from Houston came to visit for the 4th of July.  Wonderful food, kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake, a shuffleboard tournament (we let them win since they were guests...), did I mention good food, and watching the bats fly out on South Congress bridge and the fireworks over the lake while listing to the symphony streaming on an iphone while perched high in Josh's office with front row views galore.  To finish out this much needed escape from the chaos of late, Josh and I went on a date night this evening to the Long Center to listen to the symphony on their front lawn.  We took a picnic dinner - tuna salad with baguettes, smoked mozzarella pasta and Belgian chocolate mousse for dessert.  Even the weather cooperated - 84 degrees, breezy and cloudy with the occasional clap of thunder in the distance.  Lounging on a picnic blanket, drifting away to the sounds of classical music with my wonderful husband by my side - it was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. 

Happy to be back on the ole' blog - hope to post again soon...  meanwhile, a few snapshots of summer thus far.

The new puppy, Cole.  He is the most difficult to capture on Polaroid... wiggles way too much!

Miss Kitty staying cool in the shade on a hot summer day.

The two boys... blurry because it's their first Polaroid together and they won't stay still... training in progress...

A perfect Sunday evening at the Long Center, listening to the symphony.  Isn't he handsome!!

Early morning walk has me drooling over an old truck.

Prelude to a Storm

Outside, the rain is softly falling, the last drops of a storm from earlier this evening.  A spur of the moment walk to the park gave witness to ominous clouds rolling in and low growls of thunder trembling the earth beneath our feet.  A shift in the wind and you could feel the sky preparing to lose control - air thick as molasses, scents of damp soil, underbrush and wildflowers.  Even though we were far into the open fields, the clouds hung low, heavy and cumbersome.  With each step the darkness followed closely at our heels, the wind picking up speed, our pace hastening, making our way back home before the storm.

 

 

Flower Dog

 A day at the park on a cloudy morning.  Dog in tow (or more like Human in tow), aimlessly strolling through the fields of wildflowers.  

 

Friday, Flowers & Fits

 Lounging on the sofa with a velvety glass of vino by my side - just another lazy Friday night.  The afternoon on the other hand was quite a different story.  It involved 4 lbs of honey bees, Josh in a bee suit, and a vacuum to suck the swarm safely into a travel container to be transported to a new hive.  There are pictures on my face book page - I did not feel entirely at ease to take the polaroid camera close enough to get a decent shot of the swarm.  Since I work from home these days, I noticed earlier in the afternoon there were quite a number of bees buzzing around our front gate.  So I called Noah and Miss Kitty inside and investigated from the safe distance of inside the house... just looked like about 20 bees flying around so I just dismissed it and went back to work.  Well after checking on the situation a few more times I noticed that the bees flying around were less and was about to let the "kids" back outside when I noticed this huge clump swaying with the wind on a tree limb near our gate.  Upon further inspection (from inside the house) I was in awe to find a ridiculously large amount of bees camped out near our front gate.  So after a frantic call to the husband with little acknowledgment and a lot of dismissal of my encounter I called in the Pro Bee Wrangler.  He was available to come by the house right away and was happy I called him first before attempting to rid them myself.  FYI spraying or poking big sticks at a swarm is not a good idea... doesn't work and then you have angry bees.  Just FYI, I obviously wasn't going to do either since I never left the house.  He tried to also convince me the bees would be docile and would probably leave within three or four days when they found a new place to start a hive - I was not going to wait that long nor was I going to allow these bees the opportunity to think that a fabulous new bee hive home could potentially be my shed or house.  So the Pro, Brandon ( Eastside Honey Co ), saved the day, the bees and any of us from getting stung.  Now hopefully the bees will be happy at their new hive.  Oh and the husband who so quickly dismissed my cries earlier did not dismiss the huge swarm either when he finally came home from work - he drove by, windows rolled up and took a few photos and decided it was in his best interest to enter the house from the back entrance and avoid the swarm....  It was quite the experience!

On a different note...

Flowers are blooming and spring is singing.  I love this time of year.  Noah and I were out for a walk last weekend after one of the biggest rain storms in a while (there was actual thunder and lightning).  Much to Noah's delight, Shoal Creek was up and running at full force - so Noah decided to join in on the action. Puppy fits like crazy!  I can't believe I actually caught it on polaroid!  Finally we have Miss Kitty... she has found a new fav loung spot right next to the front door when it is open... enjoying cool breezes yet without the sunburn.  She is now our official door stop.

Well it has been too long of a break since I posted last.  I will be back soon!  Until then, enjoy the polo love!  All photos taken with my SX-70 on Impossible film.

hello december

finally.  a cold December day.  we had to have the heater on instead of the a/c.  Noah's second day out for a walk after house arrest for two weeks.  he absolutely adores this cold weather and practically was dragging me the entire time.  been itching to take more polaroids lately.
this was the second attempt on a second trip around the park after the first shot was totally over exposed.  since the wind was blowing, I had a hard time keeping the polaroid covered from light to prevent over exposure.  I think it's about time to purchase the newest film that has sun protection so I don't have to worry about shielding the photo for four minutes and risk wasting expensive film.

*****

Christmas shopping + sipping on homemade hot cocoa.  I didn't realize just how easy homemade hot cocoa was - no need to by an expensive container at the store... and I haven't done Swiss Miss since college.  All you need is 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Dagoba Organic Chocolate) and 1 cup sugar for the powder.  I make a mix of it and put it in a recycled jam container for more than one use.  All you have to do to the mix is heat up your milk, add the mix once the milk is warm, and then add about a teaspoon of vanilla.  And VOILA!  easy hot cocoa when you are craving something warm and yummy.  well, better get back to shopping!  xoxo

Sunset at the Dog Park

little bits

Taco Deli Portobello fundido taco.  wandering downtown Austin.  the farmer's market.  a man dressed up complete with festive stilts and a santa hat.  $5 sunglasses from Progress Coffee.  dining out with the husband.  last day of house arrest for Noah.  sweating in December and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the cold front. 

 

I've missed documenting little bits of my life.  There was just a discussion last night among friends about how easily we forget the little things in our life.  So every now and then, I'm making the effort to take note.  Every little moment means something to me, and each time I go back to those moments.

Whether it makes me laugh or cry.  I'll have something to reflect on and a collection of moments to remember and embrace.  xoxo

 

 

Joni's Lucky Saturday Out in Downtown Austin

Noah spies on the neighbors...

Two Down, Thirty Eight To Go

Woohoo!  Day 2 of my 40 day yoga challenge was a sweaty success!  Yoga by candlelight in a heated room  is the great way to end a Monday.  It was definitely a harder class tonight, I can already tell I'll be sore in the morning.  I'm not sure if I'll post every day on the ole' blog or change it up and just put a blurb on facebook.  SO I'm just providing my disclaimer for all those keeping me in check.

 I wore a sweater with thumb holes today while on my morning walk with Noah - Yup, it's definitely the little things that keep me happy.

A look back to last year, around this time - sunlight captured on experimental b/w polaroid film.

Something New

I'm challenging myself to 40 days of yoga.  There is a studio that actually has this challenge starting next week - but I figured I should just start one of my own, just for me.  I've been hesitant to post anything on this matter, but I decided if I want to hold myself accountable, I have to put it in writing.  Honestly, I suck at sticking to these type of challenges... anyone remember my photo a day projects... yup, plural for I tried three times and failed each time to finish.  My reasons for this challenge are fairly simple really.  I feel better after I attend a yoga class - I need the outlet - I hope to deepen my practice - for the past two weeks I've been working on getting back into my work out routine so this will help keep me going - it really does help with stress - and well, I'd like my butt to look better in my stretchy pants.

Day 1 of my Yoga Challenge was a success.  I met at Black Swan Yoga Studio with Kara, after a movie and Amy's Ice Cream with Lisa - who declined the offer of sweaty yoga.  (if you work out after ice cream it cancels out the calories...)  I have thus determined that working out right after ice cream isn't the best idea... but damn chocolate and reese's pb cups were calling my name today.  

So Day 1 complete.  Yay!  hehe

On a different note, fall is in the air!  We were greeted with a cool, low 60s this morning and low humidity - so refreshing.

I leave you with two recent photos of some sunshine, a messy bed, and a sneak peek of slipper season!!  

vacation on my mind

enjoying a bit of sunshine after a series of grey days.  the countdown has officially begun for me - early friday morning i'll be leaving on a jet (blue) plane to NYC.  first trip to the east coast.  i can tell my vacation attitude has definitely started to sink in - concentration on anything is lacking.  case in point - i made specific plans to meet up with a friend to let her borrow a dress - well i got halfway to our meet up and realized i forgot the dress...  also, i can't even begin to count the times today i walked into a room with a purpose and walked out shaking my head not knowing what that purpose was.  i'm hoping to spend lots of time just strolling around central park, eating, shopping, eating, visiting one of the impossible project polaroid galleries and oh did i mention eating?.  i'm sure all the walking we plan on doing should offset the eating...  looking forward to getting some fun polo shots of a different view for a change.  i can't wait to share when i return!  

don't bright colored polos + sunshine make you smile?!  sending some brightness your way!

dark & stormy

my dentist sends out an insane amount of reminders for your next appointment.  i guess it makes sense because you schedule it six months out, but really - we get a fridge magnet, at least two paper reminder cards, and countless email reminders as the time gets closer.  well - i forgot to go this morning.  i got a phone call 10 minutes after asking where I was and when i wanted to reschedule... yeah - i felt like an idiot.  still do.  i don't know where my brain is these days, but i think it went on vacation without me.  on a different note.  i got caught in the rainstorm of the summer last night while on my way to meet up with friends for dinner.  i could barely see through the windshield the rain was coming down so hard - and of course i don't carry my umbrella around.  so when i finally did arrive at the restaurant, well, i got another shower...  i was soaked... a drowned rat... hey at least i was in all black - could have been quite the show in a lighter ensemble.  a margarita, queso and good company helped warm my spirits.  well enough random ramblings.  i part on a polaroid - taken in extremely low light just before the storm - obviously bad camera shake - but i like the tones - moody, blurred & not quite there - just like i feel these days.

hello summer

ahhh summer.  cicadas sing their summer tunes.  flip flops in all colors.  the lake is always crowded.  ice cream and lemonade.  and heat waves.  you know, the ones that you see radiating off your car as you burn your fingers on the door.  the ones that melt a smoothie cup after sitting in your car for two hours.  the ones that have our thermometers announcing 108 degrees outside.  let's go back to the summer breeze.  relaxing in a hammock.  and sipping on ice cold summer brewed tea.  this year, i'm celebrating summer polo style - below is a sneak peak into new polaroid series i've been working on and plan to showcase next month at cherrywood coffeehouse - i'll have details soon - enjoy and stay cool!

this, that, peaches & a movie

yesterday we celebrated our ninth anniversary  - as my husband so lovingly calls it, "the longest day of the year" - because of the summer solstice... that's the only reason.  hehe  we are pretty low key when it comes to celebrating our own events - he doesn't prefer gifts - and although i adore giving gifts, i oblige and just buy myself a gift!  we decided to go to a little restaurant nearby that was recommended by friends and we had such a lovely time.  you bring your own wine, which we brought one of our pinots from anderson valley in california, purchased on one of our trips about four years ago or so.  the restaurant, Texas French Bread, values the farm to table concept and supports as many local farmers as possible and also gives them credit on their always changing menu.  we enjoyed everything, from the frites w/ aioli to the fig, prosciutto, arugula & parmesan salad to the hanger steak with grilled green tomato, arugula and purple hull peas and of course the super indulgent key lime pie with coconut flakes adorning the top.  my mouth is watering just thinking about it all again.  drinks from Vino Vino finished off the perfect, relaxing evening.

i believe though, i started at the happy ending of the story.  the beginning is not nearly as fantastic - actually it started as a horror story.  i was walking down the dark hall way of our home - it was midnight, and i was groggy with sleep - i flicked on the light to my bathroom (insert screeching horror music here) and there was a huge roach, happily feasting on our toothbrushes and toothpaste.  ugh.  i squirm just to think of the mental image again.  i stood there for what seemed like forever trying to devise a plan on how to kill the wretched creature but nothing came to mind - the problem was i would have to shut the door to actually get a good swat at the thing and well, there is no way i was going to be trapped in a tiny bathroom if the roach decided to fly my way when i began my death blows.  SO i sat on the edge of our bed and just sighed - loudly - purposely loud enough to wake josh up - and thankfully he did wake up rather quickly - and came to my rescue.  he bravely trapped himself in the bathroom with the beast, i heard lots of noise, a few choice curse words, but he came out victorious.  he got back in bed and as i congratulated and thanked him on his victory, he mumbled, "happy anniversary."


that was the beginning of the day... i proceeded to then get "hit on" by a utility man while walking noah - he literally was driving down the block, slowed down, rolled his window down and asked me if i was married...

THEN while still on the walk, i stop to sit on a tree stump to send a text to a friend explaining my crazy morning already when noah decides that is the PERFECT tree stump to PEE on - thank goodness i saw it coming and i came out dry...

ohhh and has anyone seen the preview for "seeking a friend for the end of the world" ?  it looks cute and i plan to see it this weekend.

well if you've stuck with me this long, thank you - hopefully you got some humor out of the ordeal.  i leave you with some sunshine and peaches.  i love the way the sun streams in through the kitchen window.  happy weekend!!

in that moment - i'll smile

there are moments.  a glance up into the sky.  the way a certain person walks.  a memory.  just driving.  these moments just happen.  and the tears.  they fall.  all i can really say is i get it now.  i've never dealt with loss this close before.  and i understand.  life definitely goes on.  and you carry a part of those you've lost with you every day.  whether you realize it at that moment or not.  they are forever with you.  and right now it is all still so new.  so fresh.  raw.  when i have those moments my heart still aches.  my tears still fall.  but i've noticed.  that i will also smile sometimes too.  because although i miss my papa and my aunt more than my words will ever be able to express.  they make me smile.  even though i can't hold their hand or give them a hug.  i can give them a smile - and i know they are smiling too.

More smiles from some of my favorite friends.    The little rain cloud says "crap" underneath it.

a cup of tea

listening to the whir of a nearby leaf blower, do those things ever really do much besides send your clippings into the neighbor's yard?  debating on a walk - almost 8:30 AM & the air is thick with humidity - a/c just kicked on, again.  haven't had breakfast yet...  my inner "chef" has been hiding lately, as well as my inner "domestic diva."  that feeling of just wanting to curl up in a ball & sleep still sounds so appealing.  i'm not sure where this post is going today, gone with my mind i guess...  i practiced with different exposure settings in low light conditions with my polaroid.  the subject:  a cup of tea.  i like the saying on yogi tea bags, each one always has a little blurb, this particular one says, "sing from your heart."  of course you can only see it in the photo with the darkest exposure...  well, time to brave that sweaty, i mean, sparkly, walk.

Darkest exposure - the angle works the best in this one for me.

I love the tones in this one the best, but you can't read the little tea quote.

I turned on the kitchen light, but it was too harsh - too yellow for my tastes.

This is what happens when you don't mean to take a photo - oops.

rosy outlook

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death." ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Looking up at a rose from Papa's garden.