Ballerina soccer

Sometimes I just have to smile.

Last summer was the World Cup in South Africa, and of course I had to watch every game Brazil played until that horrible disaster against the Dutch. N. picked up a few phrases like "where's the goal?" and "ole, ole, ole, ole, Brazil, Brazil." We had fun.

But you see, she's a girly girl to her core and I never thought I'd be playing soccer with her. Then again, she's a toddler and soccer involves a whole lot of running.

So we've been "playing" in the house - really it's just running after the ball and tapping it with our feet. (I put an air mattress against the wall to minimize damage)

What you can't see in this first picture is that, true to herself, she plays soccer wearing ballet shoes. I can't help but smile.

What's made you smile lately? Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

My daughter, my inspiration

I think I'm going to make Sundays days devoted to my little girl. I always end up so inspired by her on weekends. Probably because I spend almost 100% of my time with her on those days. Oh, who am I kidding, every day she's the first thing on my mind - she's truly been my inspiration for life since I first saw those little heart flickers on the ultrasound screen.

(Digital frame from Paislee Press. Check out her wonderful creations!)

Oh, and just to clarify my last post, that's a painting/collage (more painting than collage, but I did add some pattern paper, and other things to it) that I did for N. My plan is to make three more of those - one for each season. That one was summer.

What's your inspiration?

Choices

I had a long post written on how unsettling it is to work in academia and raise my daughter like I want to. But I erased it. Because at the end of the day I do believe I'm making the right choice for me, for her, for our family. And I know she's a very happy little girl.

So instead I leave you with a picture of this little human who fills my days, my thoughts, and my hopes. She is my best work of art.

Pretty little things

I've been getting into full on holiday mode lately. Decorations are up, but I'm still doing Christmas-y crafts as I go along (see this post from yesterday).

So today, in the spirit of Christmas decoration, I want to share a giveway that Bluebird Notes is having, because well... take a look at the shop where the ornaments are coming from. I love, love, love those ornaments! *sigh* I'm definitely getting my hands on some, regardless of the giveaway.

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On a different note, can we talk about blur? Does it make me a bad photographer or even a bad consumer of photography if I love blur?

Of course I love crisp, clear, and focused photography as well. But sometimes, I feel that life is not completely in focus, and that's what I want to portray in a photo. This photo of N. wasn't originally supposed to be out of focus, but when I retook it with the correct focus on her eyes, I didn't like it as much.

I love this picture.... but maybe I'm just out of it. 

Are there any pictures that in your opinion came out better as a "mistake?"