Saturday, December 27, 2014

2014 and Grace Revealed

Sweeping away the cobwebs; stretching out my hands and fingers and getting familiar with my blog again on this sunny December morning.  As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the abundance, the trials and triumphs this year has provided.  I just finished up with my busiest fall photography schedule of shooting, editing, and graphic design season to date.  To date, my friends!  Gratitude ripples through my very core.  My small photography business has taken flight and Soars to places I did not know I was capable of when I first began.  On a personal level, I've also taken myself to a place I had not expected when first I started this year and a new journey with "grace" as my leader, teacher, focus and One Word for 2014.     

That one small, yet mightily packed word:  grace.  How fitting as I look back at 2014 and here is why:

Shot more:    I shot more weddings, families, charitable causes, business & professional head shots, corporate events, and, as a result, I made more friends who have touched my heart; had more interesting exchanges with new people; and had the opportunity to travel a bit more due to business.  All in all, these experiences enrich and invigorate me.  Grace taught me to slow down, listen and take cues in order to get the most out of each of my photography sessions.  I could not be more grateful to all of my client-friends.   

Conducted:  I conducted my first dSLR workshop in my backyard.  This was a definite exercise in grace, as I learned a LOT more about teaching photography than my friends who let me experiment on probably learned about photography.  I can't thank them enough for their patience, trust and warm friendship.  I promise you, my next workshop will be even better - I'll be more prepared and ready to lead a class on photography because of your grace, my friends.  Gracious, humble thanks to you, Jen & Michele.  

Joined:  I joined Tiny Sparrow Foundation and had my first family session with an amazing 16-month-old "baby" girl who lost her twin sister not long after they were born.  These charitable sessions with families in need teach me even more to listen, to constantly open myself to their needs, to offer hope and in the process they give me their loving appreciation and grace enters again and again.  To see her picture, please visit my Flickr page:  click here 

Tried, without success:   I was invited to join a board of members at the Eicher Arts Center in Ephrata last winter.  I thought, "Oh, sure! I can do this! My plate is not full enough."  It turns out, my plate overflows.  It was too much for me.  I set out with all the best intentions to serve the Arts Center and the board with much vigor, hungry dedication and optimism for the future.  I have this tendency to take on too much and then crumble under the weight.  Sort of reminds me of the brief time I tried waitressing -- imagine a loaded tray as I cleared a table of 6; and then carrying that tray to the kitchen.  The tray slowly, ever so slowly fell forward as my arms could not bear the weight, and then crashed to the ground.  Thankfully, the board members were graciously understanding when I decided to resign.  Thank you, my Eicher Arts Center friends. 

Tried, with success:   Sobriety.  Yes, you read that correctly.  As of Easter day 2014, I have not had a drop of alcohol.  I am thoroughly enjoying my sobriety, too.  I still love a great party and can dance the night away.  I have more confidence in myself because of my ability to flex my willpower muscle - hand me a microphone, I'm ready for karaoke now!!!  As the wine is being passed around or champagne, I find that grace comforts me and I can easily say "no, thank you."  I won't go into the multitude of reasons for my decision, especially since I may hurt those closest to me.  I will say though, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and the ripple effects for my family will hopefully reap the rewards.  

Favorite read of the year:  By far was Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things.  Have you read it yet?  I love the way Liz writes and the places she takes her reader to.  It was one of those novels where I found myself dreading the end of the book, simply because I didn't want it to end!  And when it did end, I cried.  Such a great, mind-full read!!  (must say, I'm not sure if this part was an exercise in grace or not, I just had to include this somewhere!).

Posting photos:  I've been steadily posting more of my images on my Flickr photostream as opposed to Facebook.  I've been invited by a team of Flickr curators to offer my images up for sale.  I am still not quite sure how I feel about this, and I would never sell any of my client-friends images.   With grace in mind, I'm not jumping into anything I don't feel wholly comfortable with.  I may offer my nature, macro shots up for sale and see what transpires.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  If you're on Flickr, I hope you'll stop by and say "hi," and feel welcome to follow along with me.  I utilize Flickr as a way of photo journaling my days.  It's quieter over there, less distractions, and "noise," and some amazing photography, too!  It's a nice break.  :) 

~~*~~

And now, my dear friends, as I look ahead to a new year and a new word (yet to reveal itself), my heart is full of gratitude for all of the wonderful adventures I have had this past year; for all of the new friends I have made; for all the friends I have become closer to and had the chance to work with; for the strength in my convictions and for following my heart, always.

Did you, my reader, have any happy surprises in your own life?  Will you choose a word for 2015?  If so, have you chosen yours yet?  Do share!  I'd love to hear how your year has been, also.  Be sure to post a comment and let me know.  I'd be happy to hear from you! 


Onward and upward, grace-filled towards more great things to come!! 




P.s.  If you aren't able to view this live music video by Patty Griffin, than you can go directly to this link:  Patty Griffin - Up to the Mountain 
and Enjoy. . . 

Monday, September 1, 2014

October Family Mini-Portrait Sessions

** Revised post as of September 10 **
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Fall is around the bend, my friends and it's one of my most favorite times of year to spend outdoors with families photographing their special moments together.  The autumnal golden light, crisp air, playful leaves, and bright, happy smiles all make me swoon for these sessions.   I've included 2 different locations this year to give everyone in the southeastern PA area more available options to choose from.   

Dates, Locations and Times:

Sunday, Oct 12:  Historic Poole Forge, in Narvon, Lancaster County, is a definite fave, with its historic covered bridge, Conestoga creek, gardens, large, mature trees, and the familiar hooves of horse & buggies clip-clopping by.  It's a quaint, majestic location filled with perfect fall time photo opportunities. Available session times:  2pm, 3pm and 4pm

Sunday, Oct 19:  Springton Manor Farm, in Glenmoore, Chester County, is another favorite location to shoot at.  It's a park and a farm wrapped into one, complete with farm animals like horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and even an elusive peacock or two.   There's some of the most amazing trees, Penn Oaks to behold!  A great barn with plenty to explore; fence lines; rock walls; and gardens by the plenty. Available session times:  2pm, 3pm and 4pm


And I will, of course, bring along my rake (my client-friends know me so well) to make piles of leaves for everyone to jump in and have fun with!!  I can't wait for our time together!! 

Please contact me as soon as you are able to secure your session location, time & date.  This special offer only comes around once a year, just like the beauty of autumn afternoons.  We have a short span of time to fully enjoy the amazing fall colors - one of my favorite times of year!  How about YOU?  Yours too?  
See you soon, friends!  :) 

To secure your spot today, please email me:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com
or call:  610.856.1783


Friday, August 29, 2014

Back in the Saddle Again

We officially wrapped up our first week of being back to school.  Senior year of college at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania for Chelsea, third grade for Alanna and kindergarten for Emilia.  It was a good week and I have nothing but positive thoughts for the school year ahead.  

It's been a big adjustment for the wee little one - complete with a meltdown in her classroom the very first day, but, thankfully, that was the worst of it and her big 3rd grade sister was there to calm her.   I was impressed that the teachers worked together along with the guidance teacher to accommodate Emmy's insecure feelings and help her to work through those "stranger danger" sensitivities.  Kudos!  Of course, anytime the phone rang, I jumped - immediately thinking it was the school with some urgent message regarding Em.  But, each day got better for her (and for me).   So incredibly grateful. 

Alanna acts as if she never even left.  The school groove is second nature to her by now and she loves (loves!) it.  She couldn't wait for school to begin again!  She missed her friends and the routine of school work.  

It's been strangely quiet at home for me, although I was more productive this week than in the past 10!!  I have a busy fall schedule ahead of me with plenty to look forward to!  There's a wedding coming up (actually two); family mini-portrait sessions; fall festival portrait sessions with dear friends; covering a large human resource symposium in Philadelphia, and the first weekend of December is Help-Portrait!!!  AND this winter I'll be attending Imaging USA in my old hometown of Nashville, TN!  Gah!!  Super stoked for it all!!  

Plus, I have been asked to join the wonderful teachers and staff at Robeson Lutheran Preschool for another year of "Building Substitute" work.  I get to fill in - those are some big shoes to fill - for teachers and aides when they need time off.  I enjoyed last year with the kiddos and the teachers; getting to know everyone, getting to learn the ins and outs - their curriculum, schedules, the inner workings of the school.  So, I am thrilled for another year and another opportunity for more ways to help my community, even if it is just a small part to play.      

If you've spent any amount of time here with me at my blog, than you know I am a regular blogger about the first day of school.  I can't help myself.  It's a big event in our lives and one that is rich with photo ops!!!  I'm all over that!  Here are my young girls on their first day back to school.  We didn't get a first day back to school pic from Chelsea.  Maybe she'll do that for us next semester!   Yes, please, Chels? 


Alanna and I read another horse story by Marguerite Henry:  Black Gold.  She's also the author of Misty of Chincoteague!  I am enthralled with the way she writes; her writer's voice is strong, clear, full of vivid imagery; she transports us to another time in history.  She was an extremely talented woman with a huge gift.  If you haven't read her yet, you really should!  You'll thank yourself.  

With that said, I leave you with some good ol' fashioned country music from the masterful Gene Autry in the spirit of everyone that finds themselves back in the saddle again, like us!!  Cheers to a fabulous "new" year, my friends!!    


Monday, August 11, 2014

truth and light … and other reflections

Good Monday to you.  I hope your week is off to a productive, happy start.  

My thoughts are a whirlwind of splendor after this past weekend.  Where do I begin to tell you all about it?  That's the question!  

As I listen to the girls happily playing in the bathtub, whittling away these gorgeous summertime hours, I am filled with such gratitude for my family, my friends, the ones who have remained true to me.  You know who you are.  Truth and light - these were my weekend lessons. 




As for truth and light - the first important lesson I learned is to have more photography workshops.  I held my very first this past Saturday with two of the most patient, ready to learn, and I must mention, lovely ladies to ever cross my path.  They were delightful, plain and simply put.  I know I've heard it said somewhere that the best way to learn something is to teach it.  I can attest that statement to be true after this workshop.  It's completely new to me to explain proper exposure while maintaining continuous control over your camera.  It was enlightening and, in hindsight, I can see where I need to improve upon for the next workshop.  

Can I tell you, honestly, that I was SO nervous to do this!  I was literally sweating myself into a tizzy!   I hope that my friends didn't notice - or if they did, they didn't show it.  Thank you ladies for your grace.  :)  And thank you for your wonderful company, great questions, lunch offerings, time and patience.  My goal was to keep it simple, fun, yet knowledgeable and confidence invoking.  The time seemed to pass by much too quickly - did you notice that, too?  We should have a weekend long workshop in the future - maybe some place at the beach.  Ooo, now I'm really pushing those dreams!!  ;-) 

Please consider sharing an image with me from our workshop together.  I'd love to see!!  Please?!   Thank you, thank you, thank you!   And thank you for your contributions, too.  We raised $50 for our friends at Tiny Sparrow Foundation.  They will be very pleased!  yay!!


My family and I spent time celebrating, reconnecting, visiting with extended family and long-time friends yesterday afternoon at my parents' home in Elverson.  We were a bit weary, tired after sleeping under the stars the night before in our backyard - Did you happen to see the Super Moon?!  If not, check it out tonight!  Anyhow, it all worked out well and we had such a nice time - both backyard camping with our dear friends and hanging out with family. 

My sister and her family from the Miami, Florida area are visiting this week, which is a total treat for us!!  Our kids play great with each other since they are about the same ages - my girls get very excited and bubbly knowing they are going to spend time with their cousins!   When the sun began setting in the sky, I wrangled the troops together for a walk to the neighboring field of sunflowers.  The good folks at the Please Wash Me Carwash planted a sunny field of sunflowers for everyone to enjoy!  Wow, how thoughtful of them!  The bees are especially thankful, it seems.  ;-) 

Another lesson for me this past weekend was to look for the August light; after all, photography is painting with light.  The light is changing quickly and every day it becomes more precious, fleeting.  Plus, I was on a hunt for some sun flare!  I found it!  OH, these August days, I want to wrap my arms around you and hold onto you as long as I can…    





Do share, my friends, how your weekend was.  What most surprised you?  What did you learn?  More importantly, what did you learn about yourself?  




P.s.  There's still time to schedule your fall sessions with me!  And to receive the additional print credit, please contact me prior to Aug 16!  Also, the FREE Longwood Gardens tickets are still available.  Going.. Going.. 
For more info, please visit - Welcoming in August - Blog Post

Friday, August 1, 2014

Welcoming in August

Happy August to you, friends!

Turning the calendar early this morning to welcome August's arrival, I'm reminded of many things.  First, the fact that none of us (that includes me!) want to admit, but … summertime is waning.  



So far, it's been a beautiful one, absolutely gorgeous.  And I hope the remaining days will be much the same.  Our weather in the northeast has been rather cool, with lower humidity than in past years.  For that I am grateful.  We've barely run our air conditioning this year, and have had our windows opened more often than not - thanking the electricity gods for a break!!  I love having the windows open to listen to the sounds the locusts, birds, grasshoppers, hummingbirds, neighboring bullfrogs, all make.  It is significant of summertime to me.  Well, that and watermelon! ;) 

And it's not over yet!  There's still lots of fun to be had!!  My August calendar is full of great things coming up!   


On that note I want to share some news with you.  

Workshop Announcement: 

I am planning to have a dSLR workshop for beginners wanting to learn how to shoot in manual mode.  This workshop will be held in my backyard on Saturday, August 9, set to begin at 11am.  I have space for 5 dSLR owners to attend.  I'm really excited about this workshop.  This is my first go at this so, for the 5 that are able to join in, you are my precedent for possible future workshops.  We will talk about aperture, ISO, shutter speed in a relaxed environment - (wear comfy, "play" clothes as we'll probably be on our knees in my flower beds!) and have a potluck lunch, too.  Participants are asked to bring along a dish, dessert, or salad to share with the group.  It is my hope that this workshop will encourage you to overcome any feelings of apprehension you may experience when using that big, beautiful camera you spent a small fortune on!  ;)  We will cover the basics for you to gain more confidence in your photography skills.  I am asking for a minimum donation of $25 to attend this backyard workshop.  A part of your donation will go towards Tiny Sparrow Foundation - a non-profit organization that pairs up families with children who are facing life threatening illnesses with professional photographers in order to offer them a "Picture of Hope" family session.  Your generosity is appreciated and will inspire hope for such families.  I am a proud member of Tiny Sparrow Foundation, as well.  

To secure your spot in this fun, relaxed, informative, hands-on workshop, please email me for further details and information:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com
Deadline to enroll is Wednesday, August 6.  Thank you!!  


2 Free Tickets for a Longwood Gardens session:

Fall is around the corner - and that means family photography sessions!  If you have a gift certificate to redeem, a credit from a winning drawing, or have any interest whatsoever in scheduling a session with me this September, October, or November, please contact me ASAP!  The fall schedule will be full before we know it, and I want to be certain that everyone has enough time to schedule their family's fall portraits.  As of now, I only have 2 dates left in September!  The first family to contact me to secure a session at Longwood Gardens (preferably before the end of September), will receive 2 free entry tickets to the gardens (a $36 savings).  I want to give them away!!  Longwood Gardens is an amazing location for a session of any kind!  It's one of my very favorite places on earth, chock full of wonder and terrific photo opportunities.  



Family Mini-Session Dates Announced:

Fall dates for family mini-sessions are as follows:

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 and 19 at Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore.  A beautiful, sprawling, picturesque 300 acre demonstration farm, where you will see farm animals, Penn Oaks, a demonstration barn & agricultural museum, a small pond, trails, heritage murals, scenic views and more.  Plus, some of the most fantastic trees I've ever seen!!  I will be taking 2 families per day.  The price is $175 (for a family of up to 6 members), includes 30 to 40 minutes of personal session time, an online gallery of 15 images, your choice of 5 high-res digital files to keep and print on disc, and a $35 print credit to be used with your gallery.  

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 and 26 at Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf.  This park is rich in history, dating back to the 18th century; a rural countryside dotted with the surviving period stone houses and traditional farms. The Conrad Weiser Homestead includes period buildings, and a new orientation exhibit, on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed landscaped park.  Two large monuments, a gazebo, the Weiser Family Cemetery, and a pond are also located upon the site. Again, I will be taking 2 families per day.  The price is $175 (for a family of up to 6 members), which includes 30 to 40 minutes of personal session time, an online gallery of 15 images, your choice of 5 high-res digital files to keep and print on disc, and a $35 print credit to be used with your gallery.

For the families that confirm their date of photography with me on or before August 15, will also receive an additional $25 gallery credit towards your favorite purchases.  That goes for any type of session you choose.  I love my client friends and I look forward to our time together - coming up!!  

For now though, let's continue to enjoy these beautiful summer days while we have them.  I know I am!!  Cheers, friends!!!  



Friday, May 30, 2014

All in the Merry Month of May

May is coming to a close and my, oh my, what a FULL month it has been!  I know I'm not alone when I say next to December, May is the 2nd busiest month of the year.  May holds the most birthdays all year; Mother's Day; spring cleaning; gardening, planting time; end-of-the-school-year events, graduations, etc. etc...  I decided to highlight some of the many good things that happened this month with small vignettes for this blog post.  I miss hanging out here and have so much I want to say, but finding time to say it all is the challenge.   So now, I'm making time to show off some of the people I've had the privilege of photographing over the past month, with more of their unique stories to come in later posts.   Plus, some personal goodies, too.  Grab your coffee or tea, settle in and take a look-see.  

************************************************************************************************** 

I had an Inspiration Through Art session with this adorable family.  Their 10 month-old baby boy, "C" has had many health challenges since birth.  He'll need open heart surgery eventually.   Here he is with his daddy and (step)mommy and future baby sister to come!!  He was such a sweetheart throughout our session together; not crying once, and keeping a keen eye on all that was happening around him.  Such a beautiful boy and family.  "C" is another of my littlest heroes to admire!  Thank you for that honor. 



After my Inspiration session, I was off to a first birthday party!   I spent a fun-filled, celebratory afternoon with this dear family of friends whom I have photographed multiple times (lucky me - that's right!).  The party was great and little miss "L" was the star of the day!!  She was so cute in the grass.  She did not like the sensation of it, but she managed.  I just love first birthday parties and "L's" was spectacular!  And another outstanding cake was created by Kathleen's Konfections.  If you haven't tasted her delicious baked confections yet, you haven't fully lived.  Thanks again, my friends for a fabulous afternoon!  You spoil me!  :-)  Just look at this beauty!!!  Makes my heart melt. 



I photographed a wedding in New Cumberland, PA - near Harrisburg - Memorial Day weekend.  What a day it was!  I am still reveling in all the wonderful moments that took place on Stephie & Jimmy's big day with many firsts for me to experience.  The first time I witnessed the bride sing a love song to her groom; first time I witnessed the shoe game (fabulous, by the way! must check it out!); first time photographing a wedding while my oldest daughter, Chelsea worked as the couple's videographer!  Wow!  That's my girl!  She's off to Nashville, TN for the summer to work an internship, so it was great to spend time with her at Stephie & Jimmy's wedding!  We even managed to dance a couple of songs together!  Thanks for inspiring me, Chels!!  Fun times!!  And Congratulations to the happy couple!  You were super to work with - Thanks for everything, my new friends!!  



And speaking of firsts, I photographed this loving family consisting of two daddies and two beautiful daughters.  Confession time.  I have never had the privilege of knowing (let alone photographing) a same-sex, married couple with children.  I know.  I know.  Well, I do happen to live in rural Pennsylvania and, as far as population dynamics go, this isn't a common occurrence in our area - at least to my knowledge.  This family set the bar high.  They are my precedent for non-traditional marriage, and I can honestly say I am in awe of them and their life.  Their girls adore their dads.  What an amazing family!!  Thank you, my new friends for your generosity and for granting me the honor of being your photographer.  Your girls are radiant, healthy beauties so full of life and love.      


On the home front, I've been rearranging.  Plus, painting and preparing to move my office.  Alanna is ready to have her pink bedroom back.  She's tired of sharing a room with her little sister.  So, it's time for momma to move back to my old office - a bit smaller (okay, a lot smaller), but it sure is bright and pretty!  

We have been cleaning out, purging unused items.  We managed to have a very successful yard sale this month, hosted by my parents (thanks, Mom & Dad!).  We also donated to a worthy, charitable cause:  The Rudden Family Foundation, Inc. who serve the homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with donated household furnishings.  It felt great to unload and clean out.  Like a weight lifted from our shoulders.  Ahh!  So good.  So thankful.   



The garden is planted and doing great.  The lilacs were especially fragrant this year!  And they bloomed just in time for Mother's Day!  Just gorgeous!   I have more flower shots to offer on my Flickr photo stream.  Stop by and say "hi!" when you can.  I always appreciate hearing from my family and friends.  Click here to visit me > My 3 Girls Photography on Flickr <



Our baby isn't such a baby anymore.  Emilia graduated from preschool and will attend kindergarten in the fall.  Isn't she a beauty?  All of her teachers remarked at her dancing abilities and free spirit.  She won the classroom "Best Girl Artist" award.  I know she has so much ability and is uber talented.  I'm a proud mommy.   

I wrapped up my first school year as a preschool, pre-K building substitute teacher.  It was a joy!  I loved getting to know all of the children at Robeson Lutheran Preschool.  I look forward to helping out again in the future.   


June promises to slow down a bit - just a bit, though.  These May days were absolutely filled with much goodness - so many moments to treasure forever.  Thank you, my friends, for stopping by.  Here's to finding time to highlight all the gratitude and good in our lives.  My windows are rolled down!!     

Onward! 



Sunday, April 20, 2014

Easter Greetings



Sending wishes of great joy, eternal hope and everlasting love for the arrival of Easter and life anew!  As I celebrate this day with my beloved family, I keep the sacred promise of new beginnings, the spirit of rebirth close to my heart.  May it hold true in your own.  



Monday, March 17, 2014

Professional is as Professional Does

My first-born daughter, Chelsea, will be beginning her senior year this coming fall at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  She's come so far in such a short amount of time.  She has most definitely found a thriving learning community, including mentors, admired professors and lots and lots of friends!  She is learning the value of hard work, dedication and commitment as she strives to meet her goals in her chosen mass communications field of study.  She's taking on Student Government roles, works as a film-editing tutor in the computer lab, is a member of various on-campus organizations such as GLO, SAFE, PRSSA, Flashlight (the university newspaper), MUTV, WNTE and is the current Vice President of the Organizational Communications Club (OCC) - just to name a few!   Can you blame me for beaming with pride?!  She's a shining star!  

The thing that I have been saying to her most recently (other than how proud of her I am) is to begin thinking of yourself as a professional and acting as a professional, too.  And I would say this very same thing to every junior and senior year college student, as well.  This is the time to embrace a professional attitude and act on it.  

I noticed that she needed some head shots for her LinkedIn profile, and for the website she has launched with her film portfolio.  Keeping in mind that prospective clients and employers will have easy access to view her work and get to know her a bit, it's imperative that she look the professional part.  So… we finally found some time to create a few head shots for her to use.  Take a look at my girl and her beautiful, smart, fun portraits created with love by her proud momma.   :-))) 




"I believe film has the power to change the world and I want to be a part of that."
Chelsea Simmers


For any junior or senior year Mansfield University student interested in having some professional head shots created, I plan to be on your campus Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26 wielding my camera and looking for you.  I am offering a special mini-session head shot series just for Mansfield students (up to 5 digital files for you to use as needed for your professional portfolio and 20 minutes of photographing time on campus) for $50.  If 12 or more students sign up by Friday, April 18, the price will be reduced to $45 per mini-session.  So, please, tell your friends to get involved, too!  Session times are limited.  Please email me today with your name and contact info to secure your session.  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com or call me:  610.856.1783

Think spring flowers, green grass and professional head shots!  I can't wait to meet you!!  What fun it'll be!   




all images within are expressly owned and copyrighted: ©  My 3 Girls Photography 2014
thank you for respecting the artist's integrity

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

the pause between asleep and awake


Now is the pause between asleep and awake:
Two seasons take
A colour and quality each from each as yet.
The new stage-set
Spandril, column and fan of spring is raised against the
winter backdrop
Murrey and soft;
Now aloft
The sun swings on the equinoctial line.


Few flowers yet shine:
The hellebore hangs a clear green bell and opulent leaves
above dark mould;
The light is cold
In arum leaves, and a primrose flickers
Here and there; the first cool bird-song flickers in the thicket.
Clouds arc pale as the pollen from sallows;
March fallows are white with lime like frost.


This is the pause between asleep and awake:
The pause of contemplation and of peice,
Before the earth must teem and the heart ache.
This is the child's pause, before it sees
That the choice of one way has denied the other ;
Must choose the either, or both, of to care and not to care;
Before the light or darkness shall discover
Irreparable loss; before it must take
Blame for the creature caught in the necessary snare:
Receiving a profit, before it holds a snare. 

The Spring Equinox by Anne Barbara Ridler




all images within are expressly owned and copyrighted: ©  My 3 Girls Photography 2014
thank you for respecting the artist's integrity