Capturing Life and Chasing Zen

On the way to bring Cy to a sleepover, the sun was setting. And my girls both noticed the beauty. Cy said, "Mom, look. Do you have your camera?" I did. I parked the van and the girls couldn't get out fast enough. They know that every minute counts when you are trying to capture a sunset with your camera.  

This is what I captured. 

It's beautiful. I never tire of sunsets. 

While I was taking shots, my girls were taking their own. 

Seeing them trying to get sunset pictures with their phone cameras was better to me than the actual sunset.

I love that they noticed the sunset in the first place. And I love that they wanted to stop and savor it.

Sigh. :)

eighth grade

   

 

 

 

 

I went outside with my scrubs on, wet hair and bare feet to get some shots of her before the bus came. I was a little worried that she would ask me not to. But, she didn't. I asked her if it was ok and she let me do my thing.  For that, I am grateful.

 

So typical right now.

Devin is 13 and doing that thing where you pull away a bit and your friends are your world.

Cy is 10 and admires her older sister and wants to be like her (a little), but also, likes to aggravate her.

I am soaking it all in and loving every minute.  

Dear Devin,

 

 

Dear Devin~

You recently had your 13th birthday. You are offically a teenager.

This makes me want to pull my hair out and scream. No, not really. But it does make me a little sad. The pulling away has started, the thing that all teenagers do. I did it, Dad did it, we all go through it. It's that place in your life where your friends become the center of the Universe and your parents get dumber by the minute.

You are now on the phone as much as you possibly can be.   I remember those days. My parents & my grandparents teased me about growing a phone out of my ear & told me that the phone would be stuck to my ear one day & I wouldn't be able to get it off. I'm laughing as I write this. Please tell me if I ever say those things to you. :)

You are a remarkable girl, Devin Nicole.

Dad & I are constantly amazed by your creativity, your unique style & your self-confidence. You are your own person, that is clear. No one can convince you to be otherwise. You are not one to give in to peer pressure. You don't seem to care what anyone thinks of your interests, the way you dress or your  ideas about things.  I hope you continue to to feel that way because it is an admirable quality. Be you. You do it so well!

Some facts about you at 13:

*You love Queen

* The Beatles are your favorite band

*You  love anime  and love to draw this way, too

* Being on the computer is one of yur favorite pastimes

*You like eating with chopsticks. But you will not eat sushi.

*When you really like something,  you say it's EPIC.

* And yes, the phone...well, I've mentioned that, already.  :)

Anyway, I'm not going to get all sappy about you being a teenager.  I've had my moments, though...don't think I haven't.  But this is where we are. You are a teenager. And Dad & I are parents to a teenager. And  we think she's pretty awesome epic. :)

Happy Birthday, Devin! We love you. :)

Love,

Momma