father and son

one of my first attempts with my Holga camera, peeking into the evolving friendship between father and son.

beach boys

we've returned home from a 3-day trip to Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo saturated with fond memories. sitting on the beach looking at my boys running barefoot, making sand castles and laughing hysterically. watching the light that my happy face seemed to kindle in my husband's eyes. losing all sense of obligation and time. and being marveled, rested and grateful. truly grateful.

more pictures here and here.

7 years later

we're better parents to our sons, we're better friends than ever. we share a car and a common set of values. we know how to push the right buttons, but can hardly recall the last time we had a fight. even if it was just a week ago. 7 years later his snoring still keeps me awake most of the night, but no comfort could equal the look of his kind eyes, the grasp of his warm hand. 7 years later he's still the love of my life.

Happy Anniversary!

24 hours of Flickr

see more photos here and more 24 hours of Flickr here.

self portrait challenge - street photography

"oftentimes, street photographers take pictures they feel; the photographer happens to be there and captures the mood in a fraction of a second. he freezes a moment that you will forget in the same amount of time."

- Markus Hartel, about street photography

my sister-in-law took this photo while our family was strolling through Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Vincent Van Gogh spent the last 100 days of his life.

she called it "love".

more Self Portrait Challenge here.

springtime is ice cream time

happy 35

"boys, today is my birthday, which means I am the king and you have to do whatever I say, okay?"

"but Daddy, you can't be the king, you don't live in a castle"

"and you don't have a crown"

"and you can't even be a knight because you don't have a horse"

"and Mommy is the queen, and we have to do whatever she says"

the most perfect gift ever

we didn't have a merry little Christmas this year. yet we savored quieter moments that simultaneously illuminated and deepened our profound affection for our family and lounge pajamas. and highlighted the joys that life can yield. no matter the circumstances. no matter the puke.

"because I really believe you could become a good photographer" my husband said on Christmas Eve while giving me the 1967 Polaroid Land Camera he'd found on Ebay. he also included films and extra batteries, not only satiating my love for instant photography but also giving me permission to suck. and the wonderful opportunity to wander where I like, to have fun and learn more about myself.

and this was truly the most perfect gift ever.

especially when he's doing the dishes

family portrait

more pictures here.