Stare the sun down {a day in San Francisco:: part 3}

And you're the key {a day in San Francisco:: part 2}

She dreams in color {A day in San Francisco:: part 1}

A walk through Chinatown 

MFC:: Week 5 (A Week Later)

So I skipped MFC last week. I think I had good reason. It was an all around shit-tastic week, to say the least. Did I mention my dog died on the day before my MIL's funeral? Yea, that happened on top of everything else. I dropped her off in such a rush to get to Texas to be with my family after my MIL passed away from f*cking cancer, there was no proper goodbye. 

My Ruby, my 12 year old red haired, brown eyed rescue mutt died of heart failure, alone and in the kennel...and I feel so guilty and heartbroken. 

Do I sound a little bitter? Sarcastic? Angry? Maybe.

I'm just trying to process and make sense of it all while staying strong and keeping the household running. That's my job. I'm the mom, wife, employee, etc. The caretaker. The organizer. You name it, I need to hold it together. 

But I am still grateful. Despite everything, I try to take a moment every single day (granted, sometimes it's a FORCED moment) to acknowledge my blessings. 

This week I'll keep it to one thing. I am thankful for the eleven years our family got to spend with this girl. 

Ruby Shooby Doo {WE MISS YOU}

blessings 

x

Texture Tuesday:: The Times Two eDition

For this week's Texture Tuesday, I chose to edit a bouquet of flowers I photographed last week that were sent to the family after my mother-in-law passed away. 

In loving memory of a beautiful, dynamic, complex, feisty, loving, giving, selfless woman. I miss you already. 

xo

Sympathy Bouquet

{texture 1: return @ 26% fill}

{texture 2: partings @ 31% fill}

MFC: Week 4

Mid-week Favorites Collection

As much as I didn't want to post MFC this week, I know it's even more important to find at least a few things for which to express one's gratitude - especially in the midst of pain and suffering.

Moon's mom was diagnosed with cancer 3 weeks ago. Not just cancer, an aggressive stage 4 cancer that has attacked brutally in just 2 short months. Friday morning we learned that she was hospitalized for emergency surgery. It's been a challenge trying to maintain "normalcy" at home while worrying like crazy about my extended family 3000 miles away.

~ I am thankful Moon was able to leave work and fly down to his family to lend his support, even when I cannot.

~ Lilacs. I found a sprig of lilacs at the grocer this weekend. It's amazing how smells can trigger such vivid memories. I am reminded of springtime as a child: climbing trees, riding bikes, splashing in mud puddles.

~ Cool Whip cream cheese frosting. Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me?

~ Trusting my intuition (for once)...And for that I am heaving a HUGE sigh of relief.

So, tell me something that you are especially thankful for today.

Texture Tuesday:: Flower Power eDition

Oh please be kind, this is my very first dabble into Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday. I fully admit I have no idea what I am doing (yet), but I am so eager to participate and learn from all the other fabulous photographers that I've been checking out every week for a while now. 

Aaaand, I start Kim's new Picture Process e-course for Photoshop CS6 next Tuesday April 2nd. I seriously can barely contain my excitement!

So, here goes nothing...

Lilacs in the windowsill 

{texture 2203 at 33% opacity}