I came across this fun photo project on a lovely blog called Fritzi Marie. I didn't do so well with my last attempt at this (hmm....I think I made it a few days worth?), but what I like about this is that you don't have to post on a theme...just whatever you want to capture about a particular day. Words or now words...there are no rules. I love what the creator of this event, Susannah Conway, says about it: "No pressure – just looking at August through your camera lens as a way to be more present this summer. And to have a little break from the pressures and expectations of regular blogging."


I like that there are "no rules!" :)

You can find out more about it here.

The art of friendship

Monday was a very special day for me. Why? I met my friend, Cam, in person for the first time.

Cameron is a super-talented artist whom I first got to know when she entered my Mother's Day giveaway on my old blog, Not Quite Twins. She submitted this beautiful drawing she made, which she happened to draw the very same day she found out she was pregnant. She just felt compelled to draw it, and later that day found out she was going to be a mama. And she did indeed end up having a girl, her adorable daughter Maggie. Talk about a mother's intuition!

Cam has a lovely blog called Paint Myself Pretty, where she shares the beautiful artwork she makes. Not only does she draw and paint, but she also makes jewelry, keychains, whimsical owls, and more! 

                                                 (You can find more in her etsy shop!)

I am in awe of the things she creates, especially her paintings. They have a sweetness, whimsy, playfulness, and dreamy quality that is so fun. This unicorn is one of my faves. 

And this piece is just breathtaking.

I absolutely love what it says!

Our visit on Monday was lovely. We ended up going thrift shopping with our girls, who got along so well. Here is a pic of them playing together :) Maggie is on the left, Addie on the right.

Maggie and Cameron on our way to the "treasure stores..." pic is a little blurry, 

but you can still see how cute they are :)

I have to admit, it's somewhat of a lonely time for me right now. Having just moved to Oregon, I haven't made any new friends just yet. So, getting to meet Cameron was a real treat for me. If we lived closer to each other, I would be tagging along with her whenever she let me! ;)

I recently won a giveaway she held on her blog. I was lucky enough to receive an adorable little owl, a sea glass hair clip, and a custom painting. I gave her a list of things that were meaningful to me, and she picked one of them, a symbol I hold close to me...that of a lotus blossom. That is because a lotus blossom "is a flower that rises from the mud. The deeper the mud, the more beautiful the lotus blooms." It speaks a lot to me about things I've gone through, and gives me hope. It reminds me that one can always transcend what they've gone through, for a more beautiful tomorrow.

I was delighted to recieve her package. Here is a peek:

All of my goodies! 

My beautiful lotus painting!

The gorgeous hair clip she made me...

And last but not least, Miss Ruby the stuffed owl.

She's wise AND adorable.

She was even sweet enough to think of my kids,
and sent them an envelope full of stickers.
Being the good mama that she is, she knew
they would love them :)

Addie tore into them immediately. 

I feel so lucky that Cameron and her family happen to vacation
on the Oregon coast, and was thus able to stop by and see me.

Thank you for making time for us, Cam...
I wish we could've spent more time together.

Thank you for being a good friend to me.

But thank you most of all for being YOU!

first steps to the sea.

Oh me is my mind tired. And my body, rather physically exhausted. But the important thing is that we are in Oregon now, in our small house by the sea :) And there has been so much that has happened already...a million moments I want to share, and a few of which I will, as the time comes. For now, I'll start with this one--a walk I took with Liam to the ocean.

Addie and Jake were with Nonni at the time, so it was just me and the littlest kiddo. Sweet Liam, his nature truly is just that of the constantly happy baby. It was such a nice little moment to have with him, because of that very cheerful disposition of his, and because time with just him rarely happens. 

These were, officially, his first steps to the sea :)

Just a five minute walk down our road, 

then it's a straight, grassy path to the sea.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Liam approved.

His curiosity at everything was adorable.

With mama.

My little angel face! ;)

I really, really loved this special moment spent with him.

And just as much, I loved holding that chubby

little hand all the way home.