Hello Again

October was a gloriously beautiful month. The fall colors lingered, in no rush, despite the winds, rains, and ramping up to the holiday season. I didn’t photograph it to the extent I wanted. My camera wasn’t pulled out for much other than client work.. but somehow, despite the many faces I saw, print orders processed, extracurriculars attended, I felt engaged this last month.

I didn’t blog. One day missed turned to two, and so on, but here I am again. Not coming up for air, but coming out to share success. My hope was to enjoy and be present, nourish what was around me, and what came to me. I wanted to do the best I could in a crazy season. I did that. And it was accomplished by letting go some of the things that once felt necessary for mindfulness.

Obviously there moments of stress, or overwhelm.. it wasn’t all pumpkin spice and brown sugar. I didn’t sleep enough for one. AND, I was pretty short tempered with schedules at times. But I’m proud of the lack of dissociating. Hoping to carry this into my next season, the season of thanks!

So, Gratitude for being here, friends!

View fullsize

View fullsize

October

We’ve entered into the softest season of boldness.

A quiet yet colorful paradox.

Confident whispers.

September

Maple turning in the gardens at Hatley Castle, British Columbia

Halloween in Bellingham 2.0

Get ready, this is a long one, folks. ;-)

Bellingham does Halloween right. It's been a while since I could get excited about the holiday, but now that we have a safe, fun, simple, family-friendly place to take the kids, I'm hooked. I've always loved this time of year. Trick or treating in Fairhaven is like going to a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and gets really into the holiday. And it starts pretty early, which is super helpful for those of us with young kids.

Eliza was very funny with the whole event. She didn't quite understand what was going on, but about halfway through, she looks up at me after getting something in her bag and says, "more?" She had a great time. Don't worry though, didn't give this little owlet any of the candy. She doesn't even have all her teeth yet.

We saw several of our friends out this year, some pictured, some not. Charlotte, of course had a fantastic time, but seeing so many of her friends was icing on the cake.

Charlotte and Charlotte (aka Goldilocks). 

A fairy and skeleton share a hug!

David S. Pumpkin's everybody! If you have any questions, look up SNL season 42, Episode 4.. I can't guarantee any answers, but that entire episode is pure gold.

Eliza thought our neighbor-friend's skeleton costume was hilarious. She wasn't bothered by it at all, the little hoot.

---

A carebear brigade, made up entirely of middle school aged boys. 

Guys^^^^ The mom was a golden ticket, unfortunately hidden behind Wonka in this candid shot. Don't know these people, but based on the costumes, I kind of wish we did!

Candy from a storm trooper. Umm, YES!

She's done with trick or treating, and we got the photo to prove it!

This Halloween was magical. Watching The Great Pumpkin, trick or treating in Fairhaven, pizza delivery when we got home, pumpkins painted (instead of carved, because 4 and under) and Stranger Things 2 after the girls went to bed.

A fantastic way to start the holiday season!