My blog of my little family is on the World Wide Web. I get it. It's a big place out there. Scores of people check in on us every day, and that's sort of the mystery of a blog. Really, the benefits far outweigh the occasional weirdness that this type of creative outlet sometimes has.
But- for a long time now, people from Brazil, and Sioux Falls, and many other places have been downloading my photographs for their own use.
When you download pictures of flowers, or sunsets, or animals, or food- whatever. I get it. This is a price I pay for openness. Most people just read our little blog. Some people abuse it. It doesn't bother me much. It seems so out of my hands, and I'm not your judge.
But for those of you who check our blog several times throughout the day, I wonder why.
And for those of you who download pictures of my children- especially to the person who keeps downloading pictures of Patience and Grace, you're crossing a line. You can't possibly have a good reason to want those.
So stop it. You've got to stop it, and find another hobby. Because it's not right. And if you don't stop it, this blog will go private and you'll have to move on.
I get it- it's a price to pay for living an open-book life online. But don't abuse it and ruin it for all our loved ones, family, sweet strangers, and friends near and far that want to keep up with the Kochs.
Stop stealing, and find a creative outlet that blesses others, rather than taking from them.
Thanks,
Megan
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Forever 21.
Last week I was wearing this necklace with a brown T-Shirt, rolled up jeans, and flip flops, while I was out shopping alone at the mall.
Four people told me how much they liked my necklace (which happens occasionally when I wear it, but on that day, it had some magic electric vibe or something) and I facebook status-ed about it.
1. My hair stylist. But she's somewhat obligated to praise me.
2. Two different girls who work at the Gap. They may also just be grooming me for a purchase. Or not. They were sweet.
3. This sweet old woman who checked me out at HyVee Wine and Spirits- and she did not card me, thankyouverymuch. First time ever!!! I really am getting old!
Someone wanted me to show a picture.
There it is.
It's just simple, made of plastic. But I really like it.
Jim also took this very flattering close up detail shot... You get the idea.
$2.80, full price.
This is why I love Forever 21 and H&M. Grace and I spend a solid hour at Forever 21 last month. She got some super cute stuff!
You find super affordable, trendy things you love, but because they're trendy, you don't want to spend a ton on them. A cute bright scarf or some awesome huge earrings you may only wear when you're feelin' it every 8 weeks or so, but it was only $4, so it's a fun way to add variety to your wardrobe, etc. And the accessories in general are super fun- you want to buy quality shirts, etc, when you want them to last, but, earrings? They can be less-quality, and very inexpensive, and be just as long-lasting.
Monday, August 23, 2010
With a Grain of Salt
I get asked a lot of photography-related questions- by newcomers, and amateurs wanting to become professionals (a professional photographer is anyone who gets paid (paid anything) to shoot people, whether they're just friends, family, etc., and regardless of how often they do it), or by amateurs who are already professionals, but bewildered.
Can I just stop and say, I love answering your questions?! You are the greatest readers, really! I've had a lot of questions regarding starting a business pop up this month. Here's an excerpt from an email I received today-
Since this comes up a lot, I wanted to just blog a post for future reference, and to help anyone out there who's wondering the same things.
I want to keep this post to the point, so my first tips to a new photographer like this one will sound short, maybe overly opinionated- but really, I'm just trying to stick to the facts (as I see them). Feel free to contact me with any other questions you have. Remember, this is just my quick opinions and advice from my own life experience. There's unbelievable room to do things differently than I suggest, and still be "right", if you know what I mean.
Here's my Top 7 pieces of advice for you.
1. Why do you want to be a professional? This is an extremely important question to dwell on for a while before you move forward. Long answer short, most photography lovers, and advanced amateurs of the world are most likely best-suited to continue enjoying and perfecting their craft without starting a business. Being passionate about photography does not a good business owner and professional photographer make. Loving photography isn't enough. You have to be able to combine a passion for photography with extremely good people skills and highly professional business practices. It is not for everyone.
2. Get very, very comfortable with competition. There are literally hundreds of photographers just like you in your city, with your goals, your prices, your same desires. Competition is everywhere. Everywhere. The photography market as a whole is amazingly super-saturated. The market for beginners is beyond anything you're imagining right now. Does that make you uncomfortable in a productive-tension kind of way, or do you think it would constantly grate on you, making you tense, grumpy, judgemental of their work, and overly-analytical of yours?
3. Find your style, your purpose, your niche. Who are you? What kind of photographer are you? Search your work, stay busy and creative, and your own personal style will emerge. Being yourself is a huge asset. Don't do work you hate. Stay true to your own creative vision. Clients will gravitate to you if their needs meet your skills. Don't ever be afraid to take creative control- you can say no to clients if you'd like. They're booking you because they've loved the work they've seen you create. If they want something far-out different from that, refer them on to other photographers if you'd like. My style is mine- I am a natural light purist, with goals to use as little processing as possible. That's me. That's what they pay for. I'm comfortable staying true to this. You need to be confident of your skills and purpose and stay true.
If you ponder #1 up there and decide you should proceed with a business, what will it's purpose be? Who is your target market? Once you know your market, then you'll know how to begin pricing yourself. If you are very new to this, set up a specific portfolio-building time. Charge a lesser fee- letting your clients know this is a very special, limited time rate while you build a portfolio. Treat them well, and they will return. I did this in my first few months of business, and it was one of the smartest things I could have done. And now I have clients returning to happily pay full price. I am unbelievably grateful for every client- and a referred or returning client is a true joy.
Decide your target market, set prices accordingly, and do not bargain down below your goal pricing, and also don't set your pricing so high that you alienate the very client base you're aiming to serve. There will always, always be people who believe you are too expensive, or too inexpensive. Honor your business, your art.
4. Take everything with a grain of salt. Your friends may be just gushing over your work, telling you you've got an amazing eye, telling you your work is amazing, telling you you absolutely have to start doing this professionally. I'm going to be honest with you. They are sweet. They're your loved ones and friends. They are being authentic. Take those complements and be encouraged. But take them with a grain of salt. Facebook is overflowing with new photographers' business pages- and people, I'm telling you, I see people gushing over some of the most underexposed, over-processed, terribly-composed pieces of crap imaginable. I know that's harsh, but it's true. So be encouraged, but remember, they're not experts.
Professionals may hate your work. Whether they're not confident of your skills, or your style turns them off, or they don't like your pricing, photographers have the ability to be incredibly cool people, and also can be appalling jerks. Jerks. They may or may not know what they're talking about, so remember, take it with a grain of salt.
So, I'd highly recommend having a trusted professional review a few examples from your portfolio to give you honest feedback. Hopefully you can get feedback from more than one. This is the best way to really get useful help. But remember the salt.
5. Do not upgrade or add to your equipment until you feel confident that your skills have mastered the current equipment and you're also feeling an acute, certain need for the new _______, whatever it is. A new lens is not a piece of magic glass. If you're creating poor images in camera and haven't mastered the basic skills of photography, that new lens will not help much. So wait. You won't regret it.
6. Play by all the rules. Price for profit with your market in mind. Keep meticulous records. Save every receipt. Charge appropriate taxes. Get all necessary permits from your city. Pay your taxes. Invoice properly. Report every dime. Get insurance to protect your equipment and your clients in case of incident. Run your business like a business, not like a hobby, even if you only work once a month.
7. Never Stop Learning. Never, ever stop getting better. This is a huge way to know if you've got the stuff of a professional. I can't stop playing and experimenting with my camera, with lighting, with poses. I see my whole world in photographs. I can't help but consume photography-related information every single day, and put it into practice immediately. It's in my bones. And capturing art for others is in my bones too. I couldn't stop doing this, even if I wanted to. I'm compelled. Is that you? Does the huge challenge of photography motivate you, or dishearten you? That's a litmus test you'll need to take before moving ahead to the world of passionate amateur, or possibly, professional.
And as always, contact me for a mentoring session. You will not regret it! (I get shameless plugs because this is my blog.)
Have a great Monday everyone!
Can I just stop and say, I love answering your questions?! You are the greatest readers, really! I've had a lot of questions regarding starting a business pop up this month. Here's an excerpt from an email I received today-
Okay, I'm ready. I'm ready to put myself out there and do what I've been putting off for over a year. I'm scared, and nervous, and excited to start photographing people other than my family. So, can you give me some advice?? How did you get started? What kind of rates did you charge as you built your portfolio, and what do you charge now? Do you like PS3, do you feel it meets your needs, or do you wish you'd gotten 4 or 5? I have so much to learn, but I think I've gotten the basics down. Anything you're willing to share as far as start up of a business, building a portfolio, and offering products to clients at a fair price I'd greatly appreciate. You're the best - thanks!
Since this comes up a lot, I wanted to just blog a post for future reference, and to help anyone out there who's wondering the same things.
I want to keep this post to the point, so my first tips to a new photographer like this one will sound short, maybe overly opinionated- but really, I'm just trying to stick to the facts (as I see them). Feel free to contact me with any other questions you have. Remember, this is just my quick opinions and advice from my own life experience. There's unbelievable room to do things differently than I suggest, and still be "right", if you know what I mean.
Here's my Top 7 pieces of advice for you.
1. Why do you want to be a professional? This is an extremely important question to dwell on for a while before you move forward. Long answer short, most photography lovers, and advanced amateurs of the world are most likely best-suited to continue enjoying and perfecting their craft without starting a business. Being passionate about photography does not a good business owner and professional photographer make. Loving photography isn't enough. You have to be able to combine a passion for photography with extremely good people skills and highly professional business practices. It is not for everyone.
2. Get very, very comfortable with competition. There are literally hundreds of photographers just like you in your city, with your goals, your prices, your same desires. Competition is everywhere. Everywhere. The photography market as a whole is amazingly super-saturated. The market for beginners is beyond anything you're imagining right now. Does that make you uncomfortable in a productive-tension kind of way, or do you think it would constantly grate on you, making you tense, grumpy, judgemental of their work, and overly-analytical of yours?
3. Find your style, your purpose, your niche. Who are you? What kind of photographer are you? Search your work, stay busy and creative, and your own personal style will emerge. Being yourself is a huge asset. Don't do work you hate. Stay true to your own creative vision. Clients will gravitate to you if their needs meet your skills. Don't ever be afraid to take creative control- you can say no to clients if you'd like. They're booking you because they've loved the work they've seen you create. If they want something far-out different from that, refer them on to other photographers if you'd like. My style is mine- I am a natural light purist, with goals to use as little processing as possible. That's me. That's what they pay for. I'm comfortable staying true to this. You need to be confident of your skills and purpose and stay true.
If you ponder #1 up there and decide you should proceed with a business, what will it's purpose be? Who is your target market? Once you know your market, then you'll know how to begin pricing yourself. If you are very new to this, set up a specific portfolio-building time. Charge a lesser fee- letting your clients know this is a very special, limited time rate while you build a portfolio. Treat them well, and they will return. I did this in my first few months of business, and it was one of the smartest things I could have done. And now I have clients returning to happily pay full price. I am unbelievably grateful for every client- and a referred or returning client is a true joy.
Decide your target market, set prices accordingly, and do not bargain down below your goal pricing, and also don't set your pricing so high that you alienate the very client base you're aiming to serve. There will always, always be people who believe you are too expensive, or too inexpensive. Honor your business, your art.
4. Take everything with a grain of salt. Your friends may be just gushing over your work, telling you you've got an amazing eye, telling you your work is amazing, telling you you absolutely have to start doing this professionally. I'm going to be honest with you. They are sweet. They're your loved ones and friends. They are being authentic. Take those complements and be encouraged. But take them with a grain of salt. Facebook is overflowing with new photographers' business pages- and people, I'm telling you, I see people gushing over some of the most underexposed, over-processed, terribly-composed pieces of crap imaginable. I know that's harsh, but it's true. So be encouraged, but remember, they're not experts.
Professionals may hate your work. Whether they're not confident of your skills, or your style turns them off, or they don't like your pricing, photographers have the ability to be incredibly cool people, and also can be appalling jerks. Jerks. They may or may not know what they're talking about, so remember, take it with a grain of salt.
So, I'd highly recommend having a trusted professional review a few examples from your portfolio to give you honest feedback. Hopefully you can get feedback from more than one. This is the best way to really get useful help. But remember the salt.
5. Do not upgrade or add to your equipment until you feel confident that your skills have mastered the current equipment and you're also feeling an acute, certain need for the new _______, whatever it is. A new lens is not a piece of magic glass. If you're creating poor images in camera and haven't mastered the basic skills of photography, that new lens will not help much. So wait. You won't regret it.
6. Play by all the rules. Price for profit with your market in mind. Keep meticulous records. Save every receipt. Charge appropriate taxes. Get all necessary permits from your city. Pay your taxes. Invoice properly. Report every dime. Get insurance to protect your equipment and your clients in case of incident. Run your business like a business, not like a hobby, even if you only work once a month.
7. Never Stop Learning. Never, ever stop getting better. This is a huge way to know if you've got the stuff of a professional. I can't stop playing and experimenting with my camera, with lighting, with poses. I see my whole world in photographs. I can't help but consume photography-related information every single day, and put it into practice immediately. It's in my bones. And capturing art for others is in my bones too. I couldn't stop doing this, even if I wanted to. I'm compelled. Is that you? Does the huge challenge of photography motivate you, or dishearten you? That's a litmus test you'll need to take before moving ahead to the world of passionate amateur, or possibly, professional.
And as always, contact me for a mentoring session. You will not regret it! (I get shameless plugs because this is my blog.)
Have a great Monday everyone!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
It's Not Like That
I'm throwing a Twilight party in a couple of weeks.
My kids are with Grandma today. So I'm getting serious about planning it.
Every time I think about this party (which will be awesome of course), I think of this. And I crack myself up.
It's not like that.
Really.
My kids are with Grandma today. So I'm getting serious about planning it.
Every time I think about this party (which will be awesome of course), I think of this. And I crack myself up.
It's not like that.
Really.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Muzak
A few people asked me questions about music this week. Which inspired this little suggest-fest of a post.
Amazon MP3 is superior to the iTunes store in general coolness, ease of use and downloading, and most importantly, price.
Here's the deal- the music is cheaper.
And there's always something on sale.
I love Apple, and iTunes, but, I feel like Amazon MP3 likes me more. There. I said it.
For August, here are a few of the albums you can get for $5. Here. Browse it. You might be surprised. It never hurts to check the price on Amazon before buying in iTunes, it's almost always cheaper, and for me at least, they download into iTunes faster. It's like BAM. Done. If you build up a music wish list like I do, just check it every once in a while to see if you've got any deals, or price drops, on the music you want.
Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More ($7.99 at iTunes)
The first time I heard about Mumford & Sons was last week- I was up late, listening to a podcast. I bought the album right there and laid in bed in the dark crying, it was so good.
Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest ($9.99 at iTunes)
I don't personally care that much about Grizzly Bear, and I don't own any of their music, but lots of people like them, and I see why.
John Mark McMillan, The Medicine ($7.99 at iTunes)
Seriously, this album (and his first) is amazing. Amazing. The first time I heard it, I knew it would be a solid favorite, for good.
Coldplay, X&Y ($7.99 at iTunes)
"From the top of the first page, To the end of the last day, From the start in your own way, You just want somebody listening to what you say, It doesn't matter who you are"
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise (This one is only $3.99 people!), ($10.99 at iTunes) and Trouble is $5.00 too. ($7.99 at iTunes)
This is awesome making dinner music at the end of the day.
Arcade Fire's Funeral and Neon Bible are both only $5.99...thought I'd throw those in. (Both $7.99 at iTunes)
Yes, they sing the Where the Wild Things Are song.
Definitely check out the 99 Most Essential Classical Series. All with 99 quality tracks, for $5. Amazing Deal.
You can also get a Jasper Says Relax T-Shirt for $19.99 while you're there. (I just didn't want to post without a picture.)
Amazon MP3 is superior to the iTunes store in general coolness, ease of use and downloading, and most importantly, price.
Here's the deal- the music is cheaper.
And there's always something on sale.
I love Apple, and iTunes, but, I feel like Amazon MP3 likes me more. There. I said it.
For August, here are a few of the albums you can get for $5. Here. Browse it. You might be surprised. It never hurts to check the price on Amazon before buying in iTunes, it's almost always cheaper, and for me at least, they download into iTunes faster. It's like BAM. Done. If you build up a music wish list like I do, just check it every once in a while to see if you've got any deals, or price drops, on the music you want.
Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More ($7.99 at iTunes)
The first time I heard about Mumford & Sons was last week- I was up late, listening to a podcast. I bought the album right there and laid in bed in the dark crying, it was so good.
Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest ($9.99 at iTunes)
I don't personally care that much about Grizzly Bear, and I don't own any of their music, but lots of people like them, and I see why.
John Mark McMillan, The Medicine ($7.99 at iTunes)
Seriously, this album (and his first) is amazing. Amazing. The first time I heard it, I knew it would be a solid favorite, for good.
Coldplay, X&Y ($7.99 at iTunes)
"From the top of the first page, To the end of the last day, From the start in your own way, You just want somebody listening to what you say, It doesn't matter who you are"
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise (This one is only $3.99 people!), ($10.99 at iTunes) and Trouble is $5.00 too. ($7.99 at iTunes)
This is awesome making dinner music at the end of the day.
Arcade Fire's Funeral and Neon Bible are both only $5.99...thought I'd throw those in. (Both $7.99 at iTunes)
Yes, they sing the Where the Wild Things Are song.
Definitely check out the 99 Most Essential Classical Series. All with 99 quality tracks, for $5. Amazing Deal.
You can also get a Jasper Says Relax T-Shirt for $19.99 while you're there. (I just didn't want to post without a picture.)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fair Trade
For weeks, I had a huge note on Saturday, August 14: FINISH SYLLABUS TODAY.
But, then plans got made. So I traded an entire day set apart for work to go to the Fair.
This was fine with me. I dropped those work plans like they were hot.
Hitch up Philippe, girl! I'm off to the fair!
I should warn you. When most people think of South Dakota, the images you're about to see come to mind.
I want you to know our city is completely normal. Starbucks, Target, Panera.
But leave the city and... yes. It is exactly like this.
But, then plans got made. So I traded an entire day set apart for work to go to the Fair.
This was fine with me. I dropped those work plans like they were hot.
Hitch up Philippe, girl! I'm off to the fair!
I should warn you. When most people think of South Dakota, the images you're about to see come to mind.
I want you to know our city is completely normal. Starbucks, Target, Panera.
But leave the city and... yes. It is exactly like this.
Green to Gold
Last week, it was unbelievably hot and humid. We expect that here in Summer, but it's never, ever welcome.
As I walked out in the hot, slick atmosphere of the early morning to visit our chrysalis and be sure it was safe, I felt a bit like Hopkins, Wilberforce, or Dickinson, inspecting the dew, the insects, the spider webs, the minutiae of the garden.
It has been a pleasant ritual.
This week, the weather has turned. The humidity has dropped, the night air is cooler, the mornings sweet and calm, the days warm and perfect. We've had the windows open, and it's been wonderful.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Forever 29.
I'm turning 29 in a couple of weeks.
It feels so significant to me.
Like, I'm not at all worried about turning 30. I feel very young, and I love life, I love my life, I love to see growth and change and all that God has done with each passing year, especially what He's done with struggle, frustration, pain, or ordinariness. It's never simple or easy at the time, but every passing year, I've got so much to marvel.
And I'm excited to keep living. 30 doesn't bother me. I'm even excited for it.
On a regular basis, someone asks if I'm a nanny, or comments on how young I look. I will happily state that I'm in my 30's once I am. And once I'm in my 40's, I'll probably be pining for someone to be astonished at how young I look for my age. So, I'll try to appreciate it. But frankly, I'm going to be thrilled to say I'm at least in my 30s, so people can stop asking how old I was when I had my first baby (Because they do. I was 21, thankyouverymuch everyone born without a tact gene).
But 29. The last year of my twenties. I love it. I don't want to repeat my 20's, but they were good to me. God has been good to me. For all the huge, significant milestones of the last decade, I want to celebrate.
One more year before my twenties are gone forever. And I hope I'm forever as gracefully accepting of aging as I am right now. Really, I know I'll change, but, I hope for that. I can't stop it, so I should work with it, right?
So what should I do?
Jim said I should get a tattoo across my back (joking). He also said he had other ideas, ones that aren't appropriate for mentioning on this platform. I have no idea what he's thinking.
I said I had been thinking about getting my nose pierced, but just don't know that I can pull it off. I was telling as much to some friends tonight and no one jumped to my nose's coolness defense, so I don't know that it would fly. I know I"m getting my hair cut. But then again, I do that every three months... I might do something a little different just for fun, but, that's not "big" enough.
It doesn't have to be huge. Just something to celebrate that I'm growing up, but I've still got it.
I'm thinking on it...
It feels so significant to me.
Like, I'm not at all worried about turning 30. I feel very young, and I love life, I love my life, I love to see growth and change and all that God has done with each passing year, especially what He's done with struggle, frustration, pain, or ordinariness. It's never simple or easy at the time, but every passing year, I've got so much to marvel.
And I'm excited to keep living. 30 doesn't bother me. I'm even excited for it.
On a regular basis, someone asks if I'm a nanny, or comments on how young I look. I will happily state that I'm in my 30's once I am. And once I'm in my 40's, I'll probably be pining for someone to be astonished at how young I look for my age. So, I'll try to appreciate it. But frankly, I'm going to be thrilled to say I'm at least in my 30s, so people can stop asking how old I was when I had my first baby (Because they do. I was 21, thankyouverymuch everyone born without a tact gene).
But 29. The last year of my twenties. I love it. I don't want to repeat my 20's, but they were good to me. God has been good to me. For all the huge, significant milestones of the last decade, I want to celebrate.
One more year before my twenties are gone forever. And I hope I'm forever as gracefully accepting of aging as I am right now. Really, I know I'll change, but, I hope for that. I can't stop it, so I should work with it, right?
So what should I do?
Jim said I should get a tattoo across my back (joking). He also said he had other ideas, ones that aren't appropriate for mentioning on this platform. I have no idea what he's thinking.
I said I had been thinking about getting my nose pierced, but just don't know that I can pull it off. I was telling as much to some friends tonight and no one jumped to my nose's coolness defense, so I don't know that it would fly. I know I"m getting my hair cut. But then again, I do that every three months... I might do something a little different just for fun, but, that's not "big" enough.
It doesn't have to be huge. Just something to celebrate that I'm growing up, but I've still got it.
I'm thinking on it...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Impulse Buy
Giada, Giada, Giada.
Target always puts the gorgeous Giada stuff on the end of the aisle because it's all wonderful, beautiful, and expensive.
We saw this pasta and the girls really wanted to get it so we did.
The verdict?
It's tasty, extremely easy to twirl on a fork (even for kids), and every bite was full of sauce.
It's not whole grain, but it's good.
I will buy it next time, no impulse needed. It'll be on the list.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Metamorphosis
Two years ago, during our first summer at this house, we discovered the coolest little caterpillars in our garden, favoring the carrot patch.
The were beautiful and interesting,
And when we touched them, they displayed orange "antennae" and a really gross stink for defense. It's a gland, and it actually sticks out quite a bit further, though I didn't catch it all in the shot.
A little online searching revealed they were Black Swallowtail caterpillars, who happen to love carrot patches.
Here's a female, photo from Wikipedia. That link will also tell you all you'd want to know about them.
They've come back every year.
This year, on the night of Thursday, August 5, Jim announced they were back. The next day the kids and I went out to investigate. There were dozens.
We watched them grow all week.
And Monday night, August 9, they were all gone. All but one.
All the others had gone off to safer, more secluded places, anticipating their change. This one, though we're concerned for it, stayed right in the carrot patch, where we could watch. It's quite exposed. So my mothering instincts immediately kicked in.
And early Tuesday morning, after a huge storm, there it was. Safe, and transformed.
Obviously, we're keeping a very close eye on our little chrysalis. In about a week, we'll be checking on it several times a day.
Man I hope we get to see it through.
The were beautiful and interesting,
And when we touched them, they displayed orange "antennae" and a really gross stink for defense. It's a gland, and it actually sticks out quite a bit further, though I didn't catch it all in the shot.
A little online searching revealed they were Black Swallowtail caterpillars, who happen to love carrot patches.
Here's a female, photo from Wikipedia. That link will also tell you all you'd want to know about them.
They've come back every year.
This year, on the night of Thursday, August 5, Jim announced they were back. The next day the kids and I went out to investigate. There were dozens.
We watched them grow all week.
And Monday night, August 9, they were all gone. All but one.
All the others had gone off to safer, more secluded places, anticipating their change. This one, though we're concerned for it, stayed right in the carrot patch, where we could watch. It's quite exposed. So my mothering instincts immediately kicked in.
And early Tuesday morning, after a huge storm, there it was. Safe, and transformed.
Obviously, we're keeping a very close eye on our little chrysalis. In about a week, we'll be checking on it several times a day.
Man I hope we get to see it through.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Soul Sister
Grace and Patie have something that I don't have with them. Lily and Hudson have that sort of exclusivity too. I'm happy for them.
There's a lot of things Grace and Patie never articulate to me. I know, because I hear their hushed tones, their long conversations. I see them working quietly together at different parts of the day on projects, or reading books.
I'm thankful they have that. But still, it's hard to occasionally be left out.
Patie's low-level of tact for secrecy makes sure that's not always the case.
Grace is a deeply thoughtful soul. Patience has big thoughts, but is an open book. Patie's heart is a lake spread out, Grace's more of a deep, deep vessel.
Grace saves her deepest, deepest thoughts for herself, and her sister. She almost never exposes them to me.
Patie doesn't get it. On more occasions than I can count, she's effortlessly spilled Grace's thoughts right out back to me, not realizing what she's done.
For instance, last week I noticed Grace's hair felt gross, like there was a ton of lotion in it or something, and I could tell she'd brushed it out for a large part of the morning. I asked her about it, and Patie matter-of-factly informed me that Grace "hates" her curly hair and was trying to straighten it.
Grace instantly shot a look of fire to Patie, betrayed and annoyed. She side-whispered to her, "No. No Patie."
Which really meant, "Stop talking now."
I pressed Grace about it. She was embarrassed, so I let it go.
She was trying to get all the curl out of her hair. She knows everyone loves her curly hair. She's complimented on it all over, often by strangers, and of course she knows I love it.
I spend 10 minutes a day with one of these, so I'm not someone who can say too much disparaging on the subject...but still, it hurts my heart that she doesn't see the beauty in her golden curls. That she's not satisfied. But I get it. She's growing up. Trying new things. It's a part of the process.
This type of situation drives Grace crazy, yet she keeps baring her soul to her sister.
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