Comfortable shoes . . .

My comfy shoes. Well worn, and broken in to the point that they hug every nook and cranny just so. Albeit, they aren't the most beautiful things in the world, but they are worth their weight in gold. The first rule in any teacher's handbook is ~ "always wear comfortable shoes. And, if you don't have any, you'd better get yourself some!" 

My life has changed drastically in the past 4 weeks. I'm teaching again! :) All the stars and the planets were in alignment for this, and many prayers were answered when I was offered the preschool/pre-K teaching position at La Salle Academy, our local private Catholic school. I have been welcomed back with open arms, smiles, and lots of hugs! It's been a joy getting to know my new students and reconnecting with past students as well. I have 6 preschoolers, and 17 pre-K'ers. We keep very busy ~ never a dull moment. At the end of the day I can be assured that I'll have glue, paint, marker, or whatever substance we may be working with, collected on my hands, or clothes, or face, or hair, or all of the above. ;) The kids make it worth every moment. 

I won't lie. I do miss my girls, but I'm learning to balance work and home. It's a constant effort. Knowing that they are in good care definitely helps ease the separation anxiety. I am always eager to get home and receive many hugs and hear all the latest news. I can appreciate the weekends with greater intensity and soak up my girls every chance I can.

I miss my photography also, and being able to express myself creatively with my little lens, so sweet and ever so patient. I do sense "her" calling me, and then feel disappointed that I don't have enough time to take her out and about as often as I'd like. But, she understands ~ just like an old friend. ;) I am planning to be available to begin your personal photo shoots again starting April 2. I am especially looking for high school seniors that would like to have their portraits done. So, keep me in mind, or pass my name along. I'd be most grateful. ... I am excited about the family shoots, and weddings coming up, and the "surprise gift" one too ;) (you know who you are!). 

Many things to be grateful for, and to look forward to as well this spring and summer. 

Life is good. God is better. Peace be with you, my friends.

Love to all,

Barb      

Flowers for YOU!

First off, I'd like to wish you a happy, love-filled Valentine's Day! I hope you are soaking up the warmer temps, feeling your best, and looking forward to a nice evening filled with champagne, strawberries, a candlelit dinner, your favorite person . . . For me though ~ it's only a nice dream. I hope somebody out there is keeping romance alive! (it certainly isn't my hubby and I though). For those out there reading this with little ones in your midst - may I ask - how do you maintain a healthy couple's life?! Any tidbits would be appreciated. It's not that we don't want to have time alone together ~ it's more we can't seem to find the time. How do other "married with children" couples find time for each other?! How do you keep the romance alive?

Enough of my romantic woes... I have an important announcement to make! As many of you know, I had offered a giveaway opportunity for a FREE, full photo shoot with yours truly on the One Word for 2011 blog post :) ... I must tell you how joyously overwhelmed I was by your responses! Yay! I read your One Word comments over and over again, savoring your words and your heartfelt honesty. I am happy to know that I am in such terrific company. That you not only took time out of your precious day to view my blog, the photos, and then write such endearing comments. I am humbled. I was moved to tears, laughter and triumphant emotions of "Yes, You Can Do It!" Thank you to everyone who left me a comment. Your words will be with me always. I am grateful to you.  

So, back to the important announcement! I had my 5 year old draw from a hat holding the one word comments (of the Non-Anonymous sort) left on the One Word for 2011 blog. Can I tell you how hard it is to choose just one?! V E R Y ! But, here it is ... She pulled out "Giggles!" Stacy Smoker ~ you are my winner!!! :)) Congratulations, my friend! I hope you are as excited as I am!

Thank you again and again to everyone who played along, left your One Word comments, and spoke your heart's truth here on my humble little blog. I am inspired by your words, your friendship, and your love.

Wishing you all simple pleasures loaded with great joy on this Valentine's Day!

With love and friendship,

Always,

Barb

P.s. the flowers in the photos are courtesy of my parents. Thanks again Mom & Dad for the cheerful bouquet!! :) Love you guys.

One Word for 2011

Looking over my list of new year's resolutions for 2011, it occurred to me to summarize my wishes, goals, intentions, with one word. I thought of many. But the one that I kept coming back to again and again was "heart." A simple word, really, however it strikes a deep chord with me. Some of the best advice my mom ever gave me as a young girl was to do this one thing. She told me to "always follow your heart" { thanks mom! }. Using my heart as my compass has led me to make some decisions about this year.

My second daughter will begin kindergarten in the fall ~ a monumental milestone for a child, and for her parents too. This has made me realize that I need to continue to build upon the educational foundation that supports her thus far and on throughout the summer.

I am happy to announce that I will be reopening my Montessori daycare for a summer program. Although, this time, we will be a Day-School: The Busy Bees' Montessori Day-School. I'll be opening my home to other children in the hopes that I can offer educational opportunities to help build upon their foundations throughout the summer as well. 

I have dreamed about opening my own school for years. But without the proper resources and know-how, I won't get very far. I've thought about getting an MBA in order to serve my heart's desires to fulfill this dream of mine. But that's for another post, another year. For now, I'll make this summer in my in-home school the biggest success I am capable of achieving! So, it is with all of my heart that I go forward this year in the spirit of education. :)

Now, I ask you, my reader, to think about what your one word is. This word should best describe you and your hopes for this year. I'd love to hear your response here in the comments section. I will be doing a drawing for a free, full, 1 hour photo shoot with me from the individual's comments on my blog! Any blog post of mine! What do you have to lose?! Of course, if you live in Ireland or Australia, your chances are slim. ;) The drawing will be announced Monday, February 14 here on my blog!  

Thank you friends, 

Here's to a great year ahead!! 

With a grateful heart, 

Barb 

Friends of The Farm

Winter in Pennsylvania poses it's own challenges, especially for us photogs. I find myself thinking, "where will I have my photo shoots?" since I don't have a studio - yet. A more creative venue begs to present itself. And then the "AHA!" moment occurred to me ~ the farm! This is the farm where my husband grew up. It is the pure essence of home. I felt it the instant I walked into my in-love's kitchen. If you've been in their warm, cozy home, you know exactly what I mean.  

My dear friend asked me to photograph her babies, now 4, 2, and 3months. We had the honor of photographing the kids at the family farm, baby lambs and all!!   

(my Alanna got in on the fun too.)

Here she is with her best bud as they patiently wait to hold a lamb...

Hey, Mom, look what I have!

a few days shy of 4 months, here is the little princess ...

(and model of my sister's knitted hats!)

Sweetness through and through...

and the boys ...

such the little heartbreaker...

growing so fast ~ look at this handsome guy :)

That's all folks! Till we meet again!!  

Thank you to my friends for a special afternoon of photographing, catching up
and farm happenings.
It was a complete treat for all of us! 

With love and gratitude,
Always,
Barb