Happy Father's Day

I am eternally grateful for my son who shows us every day what it is to be a great Dad.

Happy Father's Day!

Art in a Family

I love that my kids are creative ~ personally I grew up in a non-artistic family and it's tough traveling this eccentric road alone. So when it came to raising my boys I nurtured their desires for self expression. It wasn't easy but as it turned out I wound up with three uniquely creative souls ~ a writer, a musician, and the oldest... well, you name it, he does it; sculpting, drawing, tattooing, etc.

While I could write sheets and sheets about all three and their inspiring talents, today I simply wanted to share a little bit about my second son, the musician. You see he's coming out with a new album soon and of course being the beaming mom I'm promoting it, but there's really more to it than just a simple album.

This is his third album, titled "Old Heart New Love", and it's in followup to his first "She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not" ~ written about a heart-wrenching breakup (hopefully his first and last). This album moves on from that starting point and embraces progress.  While all of his albums feature an amazing assortment of his original music and lyrics, there are striking differences between them.  Originally performed solo, he's now joined by a talented ensemble of band members and that, coupled with professional sound mixing, has brought a new multidimensional quality and depth to his music.

Beyond these aspects their fans and public are sure to love, it's the cooperative efforts and personal journeys I'm most inspired by.  From indie musicians to artists, this album is a collective labor of love and dedication. They've supported the entire production themselves and worked day and night around their "real" jobs, to see this dreams come true.

Moreover I'm captivated by the albums' artwork, all of which was created by one of my son's closest friends. Seeing how the imagery  has evolved over time from an original plucked flower to a skinned tattoo with thumping heart has been mesmerizing and stands as a visual representation of the progression and growth of this band and my son's music.

Here's a pre-released single if you'd like to have a listen to "She Shakes My Foundation" by Sound of a Smirk:

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/soundofasmirk/song/18685846-she-shakes-my-foundation-new-single#

While preparing the artwork for print I've had the chance to personally delve into the details of this newest album.  While I love it all, my personal favorite is the t'shirt that comes with preordering the album ~ you see  how the heart is there between the hands which are dripping into petals, but did you notice it looks like a flower? I didn't at first.

As far as the journey ~ it's simply priceless to witness our children grow through life. As parents we shutter at their pitfalls and rise in delight with their triumphs. So seeing them grow through heartbreak, coming out the other side wiser, happier, and stronger, are the some of the greatest blessings we can hold. 

Having a creative soul for a child takes that even further, enabling us to possess "markers" of their journeys ~ whether it's a painting, a poem, or songs woven into an album, they tap into the souls of our dearhearts and allow us to share even deeper in their experiences.  These are all the miracles of art in a family and the truest treasurers of this life.

And so I encourage you to follow this talented band, Sound of a Smirk, on Facebook, have a listen to their pre-releases, and preorder their bundle. Appreciating true creativity across generations is what fuels our deepest relationships ~ so listen, share, and enjoy, but most of all ~ preorder. *smile*

Enjoy~

Artist's Spotlight ~ Shelby Scott Photography

It's always a treat to share the creative talents of other artists but none more so than when there's a personal connection.  In this case it happens to be the inspiring talent of Shelby Scott Photography.

The personal connection is through our middle son, shown below in the bottom right. Artists always seem to converge and such was the case as they became good friends in high school, several years ago.  Shelby, shown below with painted face and further down with seaward hair (love that), has since moved on to college where she's just graduated with her degree from the Antonelli Institute.

Watching our kids grow through childhood is filled with so many special moments but watching them emerge into adulthood and begin to pave their own way in this world fills us with pride, wonder, and excitement.  We can only begin to imagine the roads they'll travel and how they'll impact this world through their own talents.

One thing is for certain, we've absolutely no doubt that where ever this gifted artist goes, success is sure to be her constant companion as she journeys through life!

You can view more of her work at: www.facebook.com/ShelbyScottPhotography  and www.shelbyscottphoto.com/

Enjoy~

Headache

While I may me experiencing a few of these from my summer bug, this "headache" is of a different sort...
Here's a video by the same name, featuring my son performing his newest song ~ hats off to the crew who put this together, they really did a super job!

Enjoy~

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing Dad I've ever known, my son...

Selflessly working three jobs (no kidding), he still finds time to...

 1. cook for the kids 2. daddy play time 3. trips to the park, 4. toy construction (w/anxious onlooker) 6. birthing coach 7. ear piercing stabilizer 8. photo shoot clown 9. teacher rather than user (note he's not on the phone *smile*)

I've never known a more amazing man and the truth is it's simply an honor to call him son. 

Happy Father's Day!

Graduation Day

Today is my youngest son's graduation from high school.  I simply can't believe how quickly the years have gone by and that we've finally arrived at this place.  Having our days filled with all the typical errands of a graduating senior, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos, but the heart of a mom pulls me back during quieter moments and bathes me in a sea of memories.

a favorite summer treat

The truth is life hasn't been what I'd wished for my young ancient soul ~ he's already faced hardships I would never wish on anyone but through these experiences we've both learned that we truly are not defined by these moments and we can rise above great odds to maintain a sense of purpose and integrity.

taken the year he won the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence

Like any mom, I'm immensely proud of his accomplishments ~ from taking leadership rolls in GSA and YAG to performing in our local summer theater and regional Latin convention, our little (not so, anymore) star has shined as bright as he could.  His love of Latin and excellence in Calculus has left us a bit perplexed at times but they give-way to our immense admiration for his achievements.

running Youth and Government meeting

This fall he'll be moving on to accepting his college scholarship and our home will be that much quieter.  It's strange to face the pending future of an empty nest, but for now I have the pleasure of relishing in these final few months of playing mom to a resident teenager.

Senior Prom

No one really ever prepares us for these moments and even though we see them far off in the distance they have a way of appearing at our door, always a bit too early and seemingly unannounced. So just as so many other moms have done before me, I'll cherish these moments, wish I had the past ones to live again, and look forward to the future milestones that I'm certain will arrive too fast themselves.

Best~

The Roles We Play

In the midst of a busy work schedule I've also been playing mom to a high school senior this year. My son's life has been filled with all sorts of extra activities from Community Dramatics and Youth and Government to  GSA and church choir. All of these make for a pretty full week but coupled with a recent day visit to his future college and preparing for his upcoming Latin Convention, it's a wonder we've had time to breath let alone shop for Prom.

But Prom night finally came last night and I got to play several roles including proud parent, florist, and photographer...

The florist came with the creation of my son's boutonniere and corsage for his date. Since her dress was aqua blue we went with fresh hydrangeas and small white orchids. I chose a selection of white feathers, stemmed pearls, and delicate white ribbon to add depth, whimsy and elegance. I'm sorry I didn't capture better close-ups but they were both happy with the end results and that's what matters most.

The photographer came into play when I captured a few shots of them before they headed off for dinner and the Prom.  I love the natural setting by the wall and how beautiful (and handsome) they all look.  It was such fun to see how proud (and nervous) they all were.

The proud parent comes into play through every step of the journey.  It's amazing to see the years blur by as you can't help but reminisce about where they've gone.  You think about your own prom, watch them grow in your mind's eye, and marvel at how they've arrived at this day. You feel this amazing combination of sadness for past years you can never get back, coupled with a heart full of joy for the futures that lay ahead of them.

I know this is just one of many steps along life's journey but what an amazing time we live in ~ that I can not only share it with my son, his friends, and our family but all of you as well.  I hope you're all making your own memories this weekend ~ whether it's watching a little one take steps or reminiscing about your own journey ~ life is filled with countless moments to be treasured.

Enjoy~

Easter Family Time ~

It's not often I get to spend time with my kids and grandchildren.  It's been 2 very looong years since I've been out to visit them, they usually make the trek out here, so yesterday was extra special as we made our way out to visit my son and his wife.

Easter 2013

My granddaughter is such a cutie pie ~ always bubbling with happiness.

I was joking that since I spend so much time on the computer for work, I seem to be the only one who isn't glued to an electronic device in my free time.

Tablets seem to be the hot commodity these days and no one's too young to enjoy them.  Can you imagine how different our childhoods would have been with them!?

My son is a tattoo artist by day and a micro-solderer by night so daddy time is precious indeed.

This was exactly how i wanted to spend Easter!

There are always loads of faeries (orbs) in the photos of my kids but they seem extra active in this shot!

My "surrogate" son was there too (my son's best friend from college) and it was great to catch up with him as well.  They all did such a wonderful job of feeding and showering us with love and conversation ~ we simply couldn't have had a better day!

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing day as well!

Best~

More Cookies With a Little Helper

My oldest son was in town with his family visiting over the holiday this week. We enjoyed a modest Christmas filled with good food and company.  With the absence of my granddaughter it happened to find a new helper, my grandson. 

 

  

Not even 2yrs yet, he's already pretty handy with cookie cutter and especially liked collecting them. 

 

It seems more of the flour found it's way onto his shirt than the counter...

 

and the end result were some pretty darling treats...  

 

~ most delicious of all, him...

I hope you're having a wonderful week and enjoying your own precious moments!

Best~

Thanksgiving and a Lens

One of the big treats for the holidays is spending time with my daughter-in-law.  With  her innate artistic abilities she fits beautifully into our outside-the-box family.  She's currently studying for her degree in Photography and so you can imagine what an added bonus her talents are around the holidays.  Her is a small selection of her wonderful imagery... 

welcoming...

entering...

 

smiling...

baking...

refreshing...

waiting....

playing...

conspiring...

 

clowning...

 

jumping...

catching...

sharing...

lifting...

 resting...

Best~

Thanksgiving Weekend and a Gun

I planned on getting a posting or two up earlier in the week but the days just flew by in a blur of catch-up work. The kids wound up staying through the weekend and we had such a wonderful time just being together.  We baked and ate and painted and played ~ it was wonderful.

One of the ways we passed our time was by admiring my oldest son's newest talent ~ tattooing.  I've always appreciated his innate artistic abilities.  From sculpting to costume making his imagination is inspiring and endless, but I honestly had no idea he would be that good with a tattoo gun.

He only just began tattooing a few weeks ago when we gifted him a tattoo gun and supplies for his 25th birthday.  Here is one of the first tattoos he did...

  ...yes, I did say one of the first.

I have to admit I've never thought of getting a tattoo myself ~ I'm not sure if it's my debutant up-bringing or my loathing of needles, but it's just never interested me.

 

I would however do just about anything for my sons and so with the repeating "Oh common mom" I found myself with a tiny lavender star permanently affixed to my hand.

To gain practice my son has even been tattooing himself.  Being someone who can cut my own hair I don't question the ability quite as much as some but still admire the skill it takes, especially knowing that these little things really do hurt.

He does a wonderful job with that as well but there are those few times when an extra set of hands can help a bit...

I think I'll stick to a paintbrush and a mouse but it was fun to try.

I have to admit that although our holiday activities are a bit unconventional at times, I'm happy we live outside of the standard family clichés...

and I simply can't wait to see what Christmas holds in store ~ *smile*

Best~