12.4.13

The Shops at Station 8 | Antiquing Montana

Montana is known for its whimsical roadside antiquing.  It's one of the reasons why I love to vacation there.  That and its heart-stopping beauty (of course).  Last summer I came across this old train station that was turned into the most amazing and inspiring antique shops I've been to.  I spent hours there, just looking, and getting all giddy inside.  She sells everything from antiques, up-cycled home decor, handmade jewelry, for the garden, and more.

I approached the shop owner, Colette Gross and asked if she would mind if I took some pictures.  She was so welcoming and such a delight to talk to. She had so much to talk about and share with me.  I, myself sometimes daydream about opening up a store, so it was really nice to get her feedback on the amount of time and energy it takes to run a business.  Not only is she the owner and operator of this shop, she also holds seminars for women on how to become a successful entrepreneur.  This woman is so full of life, energy, knowledge, and inspiration, it's off the hook!  And she has a really kick @$$ shop.  I just love her spirit. 

Visit her website at www.station8antiques.com and "like" her page on facebook. If you are ever near Columbia Falls, this shop is a must! 

I bought a huge globe from her for my collection.  But now that I'm looking back at these pictures, I'm regretting not buying more (tear).  I WANT the Hot Springs sign! So cool.  And I Love the typewriting quote on "Love". So very true. 




15.3.13

Mexico - Off the Beaten Path

As much as I loved the resort experience of Mexico, I was itching to get into town to capture its authentic side.  To walk around the streets of Puerto Morelos was a little unnerving with the military on close watch with rifles in hand, yet humbling to see the people living a lower quality of life than most of us are used to.  And yet they seem so happy.  That just goes to show that Heaven on Earth is a choice we must make, not a place we must find.  Although,  The Mayan Riviera is pretty darn heavenly.  It is truly a place on Earth where you will find a little piece of Heaven.  These images depict everything I love about Mexico. The colors, the people, the culture, the food, the wondering doggies, the rustic hallways and stairwells, the old cars, the faith, the craftsmanship, it's all so beautiful.









22.9.12

The Equinox | September 22 - A Time For New Beginnings And Letting Go



Just the other day I was expressing to my husband how powerful the fall is for me.  I told him I felt like it was a time for new beginnings, to set new goals, and to let go of the past.  I also feel this way when spring hits.  Perhaps it's because of the seasons beautiful changes in nature or could there be a little more at play?  I came across this article today and it made me think just a little bit deeper as to why I have such a strong sense to expand myself personally and spiritually at these times.  Anyone else feel this way?


The Equinox. Nature’s Powerful Energetic Message
By Stacy Vajta
It’s the Equinox (September 22, 2021 7:49am PDT), a day where the sunrise and sunset are 12 hours apart, giving equal hours to day and night. It’s one of four important dates that are linked to nature and her energetic cycles, as well as the cosmic cycles or patterns that affect us all.
fall image The Equinox. Natures Powerful Energetic MessageHere where I live, we are shifting into the fall. The Autumnal Equinox marks nature’s entry into a new year. And just as in nature, as the leaves begin to fall, the crop cycles complete and we harvest what can sustain us through the winter, energetically we do the same.
The energetic vibration of the fall equinox signals a time for us to begin to move our energy within. And with this energetic shift, we begin to let go of what no longer sustains us, while we asses what we wish to pull deeply into our being to transform throughout the winter and emerge anew in the spring.
And for those stepping into spring, the message is just as clear. However, with the Vernal Equinox nature speaks to you in full creation.
The spring equinox energetically begins a process where the energy shifts from intent into form. The spring equinox takes us beyond the deeper “planning” and the architecture of what we chose to create as Spirit, and allows us to step into a wonderful partnership with Nature to bring things into bloom! And for those celebrating the spring now, this “planning” stage that is transforming within you now was set in motion the previous fall, when you began what we here in the north are doing now.
spiral tree The Equinox. Natures Powerful Energetic Message
So you can see, the Equinox is a very powerful time with a clear energetic message held in nature and the Devic Realm that urges us forward in motion in our own spiritual evolution. It does indeed have its own signature of energy, which can be felt – and used – as a tool in your energy work.
To get to that level of energetic information, we need to tune into the Devic Realm. And once we do, we can begin to recognize that force in its many shapes and forms. There’s certainly a hierarchy in this realm of consciousness which supports us.
The word “Deva” is from the Sanskrit language, meaning “a being of brilliant light” and is used to indicate a non-physical being. I think of the Devic Realm as including what I see as the Overlighting Devas, or the archetypal spiritual intelligences behind all that we create here, as well as Pan and Nature Spirits, those energetic forces behind nature and that support bringing that consciousness into form.
This energy is present at all times but shifts as we move through our own personal cycles with the seasons; and it has a different feel and intent depending on if you are celebrating winter, spring, summer or fall.
So how can you connect into this energy as you celebrate the equinox?
My favorite way to experience this energy is to simply be in meditation at the time of the equinox. I find that if I move deep within the earth, as well as connecting up into the energies above me I actually feel a shift at the time of the equinox. I try to pay special attention to that Devic Realm, where nature speaks, as I stay open to what message awaits me.
You can try this too! Call in your guides, the nature spirits and the overlighting devas…the over-lighting consciousness of what you want to be working with. Think of it as the spirit of things like healing, your work, your family…whatever. It’s the consciousness that informs the the form!
And then as you are connected into these energies, feel into them. See what is there for you as you hold the bigger picture that you are either in a place of bringing these into form (spring) or allow them to finalize and transform into something new (fall).
I’m already feeling the pull to draw my energy within and explore what I need to let go of and what I’ve been holding onto that is holding me back. And the energy that I am experiencing now as I feel into the equinox is that of great support to let go. It feels like open arms and a deep encouragement to release. I’m actually excited to fall into the autumnal equinox energy and feel the energy that feeds me as I let go.
If meditating and working with your energy in that way isn’t how you connect into this rich energy and support, head out into nature. But as you do, allow yourself to look deep into the energy that is present. Feel into the quiet energetics of the season and listen within to what you are drawn to act on or do for your own healing. And then let yourself have the time to do that.
You may be in creation mode (spring) or in a phase of gathering up information (harvesting) or starting the process of moving within to let go (dropping your leaves so to speak). We each have our own unique timing, but the message that is inherent in the energy of the equinox is there to support us and guide us to the next phase on our journey.
Today, listen in to that message…it comes with love.

Article via  http://www.lightworkersworld.com/2012/09/the-equinox-message/

20.6.12

Color and Texture

A Creative Afternoon Walk in Inglewood
a Special Little Man

After a long and busy month of photo sessions and editing,   I felt the itch to get out and find something interesting to shoot.  Just for fun.   So, I grabbed my sweet boy (who decided to stay home from school as he "thought" he was sick) and we headed to the oldest neighborhood in the city.  A revitalized neighborhood enriched with quaint locally owned authentic cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and antique thrift stores.  We had a nice little lunch at a Mexican restaurant and then ventured out onto the streets to find inspiration.  It was only a matter of time before the colors and textures of the 100 year old buildings announced their beautiful rustic and hysterical presence. 

28.4.12

Build A Beautiful Succulent Arrangement


 I felt inspired to build this arrangement for several reasons.

1. Sometimes... I get bored.
2. I've been eyeballing the Jade plant for a while.  Not sure why.  They just seem happy.
3. Any excuse to hang out at the greenhouse.
4. Living plants purify the air.  With 4 boys in the house, I'm gonna need some plants!
5. Green symbolizes prosperity and who doesn't want to prosper?
6. I love playing with dirt. There's just something so peaceful and therapeutic about it.

Ok So, You will need:

An aprox 10" glass container,  5"high
1 bag of sand
1 bag of pebbles
1 bag of glass pebbles
3-4 4" succulent plants

Step 1.  Visit your local greenhouse for the best quality succulents.  Don't forget to smell the air and indulge in the humidity while you're in there.  Take your time.  These things can't be rushed.

Step 2.  Choose 3-4 4" plants depending on the size of your glass container. 
Step. 3  Base coat your glass container with sand and then situate the pots in a visually appealing manor.  Do not take the pots out of the containers as the plants need these to drain. Be sure the tops of the pots sit below the rim of the glass bowl.
Step 4.  Fill remaining space between plants with more sand and then small pebbles.  Near the top, you can add some glass pebbles or larger rocks. You be the artist.  Be sure to cover the edges of the pots with the rocks so you don't see them.
Step 5.  Step back and enjoy your beautiful creation.  Succulents like a lot of sunlight so choose it's dwelling accordingly.

22.4.12

Earth Day | The Long Way Home

I have the best intentions in doing my part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  I think about the quality of life I want for my children,  grand children, etc. so that one day they will hopefully be a part of a healthier environment and generation.  I do admit, I'm not perfect in this intention.  A lot of guilt overcomes me at times when I throw stuff in the garbage because my recycling bin is full or if I cannot bear to rinse a rancid container of Fromage Cottage.  Blahhhh! 

This day was an exceptionally busy one for me - full of editing and volunteer work for my son's school band.  But in between all the craziness, I knew it was gonna be a magical day for pictures.  The sky was incredibly blue and the clouds were low and puffy with heavy grey bottoms.   I took the long, scenic way home after picking the kids up from school that day just because I knew it would be more glorious.  And it was!  This particular day inspired me to stop and make time amongst all the madness to appreciate the beauty and wonders all around.  To me, Earth Day means just that - taking the time to STOP and appreciate the world that we take for granted, and to play an active roll in doing the things we need to do to help protect this planet we call HOME.

With great love in my heart for the Earth and it's perpetual beauty, Happy Earth Day!
  Click here to read about the origin of Earth Day. 

8.4.12

Unique Nests Ideas from Etsy

I guess I gotta thing for birds and nests.  Even better, PERSONALIZED bird nests! Quite fitting for this time of year, I'd say.  These items are all for sale on Etsy and are handmade by different artists.  I love shopping on Etsy! Personally, I would way rather spend the extra money to buy something handmade, as opposed to something that came off the assembly line.  I have a great deal of appreciation for the time, care, attention, and love that these artisans put into their work.  Did I mention that I LOVE Etsy?!?  It's the perfect one stop shop for that perfect gift for a friend, loved one, or yourself ;)


Mom's Nest - Personalized Rocks

Newborn Fur Nest Prop For Photographers

Baby Girl Theme Shower Invitations

Original Bird Nest Etching
  Etsy

 Striped Bird Nest Throw Pillow

Bird Nest Crochet Necklace

Nest and Old Barn Photograph