New Lookbook Sneak Peak >>>

Ive been working on a new collection of jewelry for my Roots and Feathers shop, and Ive been anticipating making a new lookbook for it.  I had all of these big ideas in my head, and it was going to include another model, but she only has one day off a week, and I got the urge, so I just got up this morning and did it myself.  Ive spent the last 7 hours taking photos and editing...  I love love love doing these shoots.  Its the one thing I can get so into, that I just go go go for hours without stopping to eat or breathe.  Im very passionate for it.  This one isnt going to be as big as last season's lookbook, but I still love it.  Im hoping to have it finished in the next day or so!

PEACE,
Laura

Light Leaks >>>

 
 
Another little session of light leaks.  These are kind of my favorite photos.  I could take pics like this all day long.

Today was a very hard day to face, but one that needed to be faced, and Im happy to say its done.  Im quite exhausted.  We stayed up way too late with friends last night (although it was fun and worth it).  We had some friends over to celebrate james bday a bit early since it falls on a thursday this year.  Good company, yummy food by candlelight in the backyard, then was followed by a hysterical attempt of me and two girlfriends trying to do bellydancing and brazilian workouts from videos.  We did more laughing than anything, but that was the fun part!  Today was a packed full day of moving things from my dad's house for my brother.  We got alot accomplished, but it was an emotionally taxing thing to do for all of us.  Im so happy to go to sleep in my bed tonite.  It's only 7:45 and I just may make my way in there very very soon.  Maybe just snuggle up with a book and a kitty until I drift off.

PEACE,
Laura

Courage - A New Year Ahead >>>

Blessings and Gratitude to a NEW YEAR!  Funny how the world works sometimes, the fact that it is a new year during my deepest time of transition and new beginnings.  I feel like my mom has sent me a few angels in the past few months, to fluff my feathers and prepare me on my new journey of flight.  I have been too afraid to really delve into my emotions of losing my dad, and Im slowly becoming ready to face the darkness.  I keep reminding myself of the lovely quote:
*found via pinterest here*

As I was reading the words of my friends blog post about her mission of doing brave things and having her yearly word be 'unafraid' - I realized I am right there with her.  I felt her words resonate within me, as if I was suppose to be reading them.  I love that we can do that for each other here in this online community.  Im looking forward to taking the winter course with SouLodge, and spending more quality time with my own heart.  Right now I feel as if I am gathering all the sticks and remnants I will need to keep my fires burning through the winter, until the sun decides to come out re-grow the things that have died from the year past. 

New month, there are all new lovely sponsors up on the blog, spend some time to check them out if you wish.  And I also made my first treasury of the year this morning! 

PEACE,
Laura

New Years Dreams and Wishes >>>

I decided to write a little New Years post, and since this time of year is usually about changes we want to occur in our lives, I thought I would start in this very moment.  Instead of sitting inside at my computer desk to write up this post, I gathered up a blanket, pillow, James laptop and my phone in case it rings, outside to enjoy the scenery and breeze while I do.  It took just a few extra minutes out of my day, and has already made all the difference in the way my body feels.  These are the simple kind of changes I look forward to emplimenting in my daily life this next year.  Little things I can change about my routine as I work at home, to make my days more fulfilling.  I think this is a good start!
2011 was another one of those years I would call the best and the worst years.  So many amazing things happened this year.  The biggest of those being buying our very own home and having both of our handmade business be a success.  Starting my new Roots and Feathers line, and then becoming a featured seller on etsy, was amazing!  This also planted many seeds in my heart of knowing Im on the right path, and fully allowing myself to continue following my dreams.  We have also deepened a few friendships in our lives this year, and reconnected with some old friends.  And we recovered our pup Violet from heartworms, and she is strong and healthy! 

The hardest part of this past year has been losing my dad to suicide.  It is something I think I will have to feel and work on every day of my life.  It has sparked an emotional and spiritual revolution inside my heart, just like when I lost my mom, but in a different way this time.  It has also amplified missing my mom so much.  Its left me with so much more fear of the world then I had before, which is going to take lots of time and healing to work my way through.  But it has also opened my heart more and more to the idea of bringing a new life into our home.  It has again made me realize how tender and short this life really can be.  It has also changed James heart in so many ways.  The death of my parents has given me so much insight into life itself, and to everyone who knew and loved them.  They will forever be missed and yearned for, for the rest of our lives. 

 *this photo of my parents was taken by a friend when they went to Italy together*

I can only imagine what 2012 is going to bring into our lives.  I could really go without any kind of loss.  My hopes for the new year are lots of healing in my heart, more activity in my body, more spiritual connections, the growth of a new garden, continued success in our businesses, new friendships and maybe a little bebe growing in my belly at some point in the year :)  These are my biggest wishes. 

I know I cant change which way the wind blows, or who comes in or out of my life, or a million other things, but Im excited about the things I can change.  Which reminds me of the serenity prayer my mom used to always tell me... God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  This is one of the simplest yet most profound prayers.  Its the only prayer my mom ever told me, and she learned it from AA.  I love it.  

One more thing Im going to accept before going into this new year, is patience and time.  I know so many of us put these crazy high expectations on ourselves for the year, but so many of these changes take time, like real time.  As my heart allows me, Im going to let go of the things that no longer serve me, and welcome new things that do.  And if it takes me all year, or 5 years, so be it.  I will follow my course without pressuring myself.  The world has a great way of making things happen when they are suppose to :)

This is how I spent most of my day today.  As soon as James got home, my cramps kicked in full gear and I was bed bound for hours.  It was so bad this time it actually made me throw up, which hasnt happened in years.  Sometimes it makes me wonder how Ill ever have a baby naturally if I can barely stand my periods.  Sorry if thats TMI.

Happy New Year to everyone I have met along this journey so far!  Lets continue to embrace each other in this community into the new year.

PEACE,
Laura