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~

Time Away

I recently had to migrate over to a new computer and so that meant time away from my desk and work. Some of that time was spent out in the yard visiting with my garden and some napping neighbors on our front porch. Here are a selection of shots I captured from that time...

I've never seen these before and they're pretty creepy to see peeking out of the ground but I believe they're a type of fungus

Our visiting neighbors ~ brother and sister, they're simply adorable

Colorful Yarrow from my garden

I hope you're finding your own quiet moments of beauty this week!

Enjoy~

Oh Nuts...

This was the scene from our kitchen window this morning...

Now those of you who frequent my blog know that I seldom (ok, never) post random happenings but honestly... how often can someone stand in their own kitchen (urban living mind you), look out their back window and capture a neighborhood squirrel going-to-town on a discarded peanut butter jar??

I've spent a lot of time in the country, even lived on a dairy farm for a few years but I've never seen this...

Yes, that's the little guy playing can-opener with the lid ~ I didn't realize they could even do that!

And to have actually caught the whole thing on film was absolutely priceless!

The comedy doesn't stop there though... it wasn't until I began posting these that I noticed the second little guy in the background ~ can you see him there in the second photo, looking on as though he'd missed the lottery? He almost looks stuffed doesn't he?!?

Honestly if it weren't for the actual photos I would have chalked the whole thing up to a delusional moment from having just pulled an all-nighter, finishing up a customer's dual banner order (think tent size), but here they are for all to see. This brought us so many smiles and laughs this morning and I sure hope it does to you too!

Enjoy~

On a Personal Note~

While reading the paper this morning I noticed notice a short article spotlighting a new book ~ it was the photo that caught my attention and the title Best Friends Forever quickly drew me in. I've never particularly liked watching or reading about animals as their nature tends to be too brutal for me but I was immediately captivated by the thought that nearly polar opposites in nature were attracted to one another and beyond that have been creating long term bonds.

For me personally this speaks of a sense of consciousness that rises above our animalistic nature to weave intimate connections and that truly inspires me. This life can be filled with so much down turn that I always welcome a sense of true hope, especially if it's delivered through the most unlikely sources. The article was written around a new book and offered a link to images of more unlikely friendships which I've included below in case you're interested in finding out more...

book link

Unlikely Friendships

Extended photos from article link

Enjoy~