Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

the daily

In July, on a challenge from my friend Lisa, I dusted off my Instagram account. And it’s been true love ever since. I was a bit wobbly starting out, not quite sure how to pick and choose what to post. But I’ve since decided to pursue pictures that very much represent *real-life* to me… the things that intrigue me, inspire me, and the things I want to remember.

Maybe my kids being silly. Maybe a mushroom (yes, I have a thing for colorful mushrooms). Maybe my dogs.

Whatever it is, though, the pressure is off and I can just be me. The pictures might not be great, or mean anything to anyone else, but they mean something to me and mine. (Especially mine. In fact, I think my kids are more fascinated by my IG feed than anyone… wait ’til they see the books I get made.)

daily-3

And these last few months have changed the way I see things a bit. I’ve found myself looking more for the beauty in the ordinary – the daily – than in the pre-meditated or the planned.

Because beauty surrounds us.

daily-2

So when I looked out the window the other day and saw Isabelle pushing Tallula in the little orange car, both still in their jammies, hair messy from the night before, I figured I’d push this *real-life* thing a bit further. And I grabbed my big-girl camera.

daily-5

Because this is what we really look like. Messy hair. Still in jammies. Playing away the day.

daily-7

True, some days we are still in our jammies, with messy hair, but I’m grouchy or the kids are fussy. Or both.

Those days, I’m not so determined to remember.

daily-10

But these days?

Sun shining.

Leaves turning.

Big sister pushing little sister in the cozy coupe.

Seamus on guard duty. (There are deer in these woods, you know.)

daily-12

This day, I don’t want to forget.

We found out a few weeks ago that Seamus has an advanced oral sarcoma. Our vet has given him another 2 – 3 months to live. Thankfully, for now, the pain medicine is allowing him a good quality of life and we are able to continue to enjoy life with our beloved boy for just a bit longer. But we would be grateful for any prayers on behalf of Seamus. He will leave an awfully big hole in a whole lot of hearts when he is gone.

Comments

  3. love the real life photos best of all. and so sorry about sweet Seamus. our first baby/black lab had cancer in his mouth. praying for Seamus. and all of you.

    Reply

  6. I want you to know how much I enjoy following you on IG. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your beautiful family. You mentioned printing a book, and I wanted to share another way to print your IG memories, just in case you hadn’t heard of it before… I first learned of Origrami from Jess, whose blog link is below. I ordered my first set in January of this year, and I love them. I will probably order another set next January after we go through the holidays. They are of great quality, for a very reasonable price. You can also share them with family members and friends, if you wish. The website is http://www.origrami.com . It is an Australian-based company, so it took a little while to receive due to shipping, but I just love them… can’t wait to order my next set! You will be able to see details about the prints, and a cool way to display them in Jess’s link below. And if you already know about them, I’m sorry for this lengthy comment!! And sweet Seamus… bless his little bones. I will add him to my prayer list. He’s just beautiful. Hugs and Blessings from Memphis, TN!

    http://www.jessmcclenahan.com/2013/10/changing-up-my-walls-origrami/

    Reply

  7. You know your dog loving friend is sad with you… I am so sorry to hear this news.. Praying there are lots of blessings in your sweet last days with him… Way to go on IG.. I have not figured out how to play there yet! HUGS, Diana

    Reply

  8. Please take a look at Essiac which is an herbal tea remedy. Our cat had breast cancer and was able to be with us another seven years! If Seamus likes beef broth, you could mix it in that.

    Reply

Leave a Reply