Mindless Meanderings of Schroedawg

I noticed that despite our trip to Ireland this past June, I did not pick up my camera much this summer. I followed some of my favorite photographers, photography groups, and pages reluctantly on Facebook, admiring the beautiful pictures and getting frustrated the same. I scoured through endless shots on Flickr, doing the same. I doubted and questioned my skills and abilities. My main question was why do I keep doing this? Is it just to fulfill a void where writing creatively used to fill? Or was it more than that? Was I given this gift to showcase my world view? Then my questions started to shift a bit because I was at a point where I wanted to define my creativity. I wanted to assert my photography into a specific category. I realize now, though, that I can't seem to do that just yet. I reflected a bit the past week thinking about what I do love to take pictures of and what I look for, myself, in a good picture. I love taking pictures of other people in candid moments or ba

As requested by Miss Maddy, we celebrated Hello Kitty style this year. Thank you, Pinterest, for the plethora of awesome ideas and boards to get my creative juices going. It was a stellar party! Hand crafted Hello Kitty theme party bags The table Birthday girl posing Party hats The kiddos had a blast, mostly just enjoying each other. They spent much of the time outside, enjoying the cool day, even getting in the pool for a mere 10 minutes or so. They all loved the trampoline best.  Jaike, Izzy, Maddy, Cameron, and Imani Piper making tea Andre at the bean bag toss Piper trying the bean bag toss Before Maddy splashed the girls After the splash  Andre Andrew jumping Caymus on the swing Cameron upset that we didn't let the dogs out... So he jumped by himself a bit.  The kiddos were great. Their bonds are pretty precious. It was a successful birthday, turning 4! Making pretty neckla

Dear Madelynne, You have reached another milestone and are officially 4. That means, officially not a toddler any more, but very much independent. You are turning into quite the little person, someone who keeps me on my toes with endless questions about the world around us. I am not going to lie, it can be rather cumbersome, but then I have to think that it is the only way in which you will learn and grow. I try to be patient with my responses and breathe....I think I did better this summer than before. I know I yell sometimes due to frustration, but  I can't get too mad when I see these faces looking at me with Papa's big brown eyes staring back:  I love your fearless resistance and strong will.  Add caption I love your imagination and beauty that shines through your soul.  I love you the way you keep me grounded, make me reflect on being a mom, and the way you make me laugh. I love seeing your compassion, even for a helpless s