My Moments in Time

We rode in contented silence as we drove home from Strom's birthday dinner. Everyone in the car was happily full and already dreaming of the coming ice cream cake. Only I had a thought that kept playing over and over in my mind. A blog post from one of my favorite Virginia photographers kept coming to my attention, and thanks to Lauryn's words, my thoughts resulted in action. 

So often I am so busy capturing the memories of others and preserving moments of their lives that I forget to live and make my own! Strom and I have been married for almost two years now and I'm embarrassed to admit that we have very few pictures of our married life together. With me in them. I'm always the one behind the camera! 

So, the second we pulled up to the house we made it happen. With the last rays of sunlight of the day, we captured our own memories. It only took ten minutes (and a little pleading - men hardly enjoy posing for the camera!) to preserve Strom's birthday and our life together forever. 

They say a picture says a thousand words... But for me, it holds a thousand memories. 

A HUGE thank you to my big brother, Jack for being so happy to be the man with the camera! You are the best! 

Birthdays & Farmers' Markets

We awoke Saturday morning and quickly decorated the house before the birthday girl (my younger sister) appeared. Light blue and white balloons were hung alongside colorful streamers. We stood back to admire our work and caught our breath (who doesn't feel like passing out after inflating a dozen balloons?? The things we do for love!). Despite the damp and humid day outside, we brought in the party with cheerful style!

The festivities continued on at the Saratoga Farmers' Market - a perfect way to kick off a birthday! 

We roamed the stands of endless fresh produce and beautiful flowers, taking photos and munching on cider donuts. Even when the skies opened up and rain came down, we enjoyed being together and making memories! It was such a joy to be able to be home for this celebration. Anyone who has moved away from home knows that sad feeling of missing special family days. I'm so happy I was able to be a part of this one! 

And then the sky opened up! 

Our 4th on the 5th

Ah, sweet independence. Yesterday was a wonderful 4th of July celebration at my family's home. It was chill  from start to finish (with the exception of the enormous clean up from a dinner for eleven people!) and enjoyable every step of the way. 

We had with us friends from both Scotland and Mexico, which added to the pleasure of celebrating our own nation's birthday. There were hot dogs and burgers, watermelon and potato salad, silly little boys and amazing fireworks to complete a wonderful day.

I hope you enjoyed your own celebrations! 

A Jazzy Summer

I observed a few things about jazz festivals this past weekend. Maybe your idea of a jazz lover slightly resembles your dad, or perhaps visions of dark and smoky jazz clubs from the '50's - '60's conjures up an artsy image for you. While maybe there were a few people in attendance that fit such a description, I was entirely unprepared for the um, unique individuals that came out of the woodworking at jazz fest. I'm still debating which was more entertaining - the music or the people! ;)

I also noticed that when the park ban on booze is lifted for jazz fest, it is greatly taken advantage of. I reemphasize the word, greatly. I'm not sure where the designated drivers all were... but I hope they all made it safely home! 

Tickets to the 35th annual jazz festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was our gift to my dad for his birthday. I don't remember a time where I've seen him have more fun! My dad, the helpless and hopeless jazz lover was in all his glory (minus the alcohol, I do believe we were the only sober party on the great expansive lawn!) We walked away that night thrilled that we put such a smile on his face!   

Thanks to our delightful umbrella, we were able to survive the intense heat of the day and truly enjoy the day together! Thank you, dear umbrella, for saving our lives! ;) And for all you crazy jazz lovers... I'll never forget you! 

The real show is about to begin!! Chris Botti takes the stage!! What. A. Performance. A true artist. And my dad's favorite, perhaps of all time!! (I mean come on, look at that smile on the right!) 

Happy Independence to you all!!