Harry Potter Mood Board

On another web platform I participate in I was tagged to create a mood board for my Hogwarts house. As I am a Gryffindor, I created this set of pictures. I liked it so much I figured I'd share here too.

Colette comes to visit!

After years of friendship (almost ten!) and lots of visits to see her and her partner in New York, and lots of invites to Utah, Colette decided that this summer she'd take me up on the offer and came to visit last week.

We met online, through an American Girl message board in 2006 and because quick friends. We took Inky (her doll) to Southern Utah, Grand Canyon, up the canyon and so much more. She took my doll Violet to Ukraine. Yea, she definitely wins.

Having house guests is seriously so fun. We played all day and ate delicious meals. We went to all my favorite spots and showed off all the best things about Salt Lake City.

I took tons of iPhone pics, but not a single photo from my big camera. But Colette had her camera with her most of the time, and when the week was finally over, and it was time to say goodbye (sob!), she promised to send me all the photos.

So all these are hers. If you want to see a few more, visit her doll Inky's blog. It is darling and very worth the visit.

Top of the tram was definitely in order.

For the first time in ages I wasn't the one behind the camera, which meant I'm actually in some of the photos! Thank you Colette for these. I adore them.

Best family photo ever. LOVE.

Red Butte Garden was a must as well.

We also went to the cabin, on hikes, to the best Mexican restaurants that Salt Lake has, shopping, to the farmer's market, and the list goes on and on. We had the best time.

Plus, she snapped my new favorite pic of E and I.

Thank you for coming Colette, please come back soon. Anytime!

Here, here and here are a few times we met in New York. Next time I see Colette and Jen it will likely be in New York, we need to get back there so much.

Cows and rainbows

Remember how my last post I mentioned that my life isn't always grand adventures and golden light? Well, I may have been a little wrong, because that could be my life's subtitle: adventures and golden light. ;)

We went to the farmhouse over the weekend just to relax, ride bikes and spend time with E's parents.

The kids love the farmhouse. They've been coming their entire lives, and they always can't wait to go back.

We often take a drive out west at sunset. It's one of our favorite traditions. We always spot beautiful birds including: wrens, morning lark, red winged blackbirds, hawks, sand cranes, and more. It's a bird lover's paradise.

Golden light, my favorite. Also rainbow sun flares.

The country at dusk, there are few things as beautiful.

I called E to ask him if my solo walk was ok, and if I should come back, and he told me to turn around, because there was a double rainbow arching across the sky.

Magnificent.

Colors and cows. Or bows and bovine. ;)

This one always has her "vee-noculars" to look for birds.

Before Damma and Grandpa left for the night we ate more ribs than our stomachs could hold and Damma didn't leave without reading these two a bedtime story.

The kids did great through the night (much better than our previous overnight there), and woke up happy and excited to dig into the huge stack of farmhouse coloring books.

We took a lot of bike rides. James has become such a good rider, he and E went one morning for quite awhile.

She is a great rider when she's in the mood. If she's not in the mood, watch out, little monster on wheels.

One thing E and I loved doing before kids was exploring all the dilapidated homes in Sanpete County. There are hundreds. They are magical in a way, so many stories and life in these walls, and they are left to crumble. James and Juliet were entranced. They thought seeing abandoned homes was fascinating.

So many layers of wallpaper. Three? Four? Many many stories and memories.

We even took the kid's to Mabel's house (the house where we found our kitty alone and abandoned ten years ago).

The bathroom was just how I remember it (except I swear there were vines in the tub last time I was here) but the kitchen was collapsed. Sad how fast it happens.

I was right about the vines! I went back and looked for old pictures. I found this from November 19, 2004! So over ten years ago. Crazy how much changes, how much stays the same. 

Farmhouse weekends are by far some of the best weekends (along with camping weekends, cabin weekends, garden weekends, and any other weekend really). Can't wait to go back. 

The evolution of my hobbies (obsessions)

As I've grown older I've had a lot of hobbies. I'm not just talking photography and gardening, I'm talking hobbies that boarder on obsessions. Being obsessed with something is not healthy if it interferes with your daily life, but obsessions that make you happy, make your daily life richer, well those are good hobbies (err.. obsessions).

As I've pondered my hobbies over the years I've realized some of these hobbies make for my very best memories, and make me the happiest I've ever been. Truly. Each hobby shaped me into the person I am today, and each one holds such fond and strong memories of who I was during that time of life.

Looking at them all in a list brings back a flood of nostalgia, of friends I was hanging out with at the time, of love I felt for E, of becoming a parent (which was very much my favorite obsession).

The reason why I've been pondering these hobbies so much lately is because I have a new one: BBC Sherlock. A tv show. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much I love thinking about a mere tv show. I mean, I haven't thought about pretend characters as much as I am now since I was 14 years old. That is embarrassing. But, it brings me a lot of happiness, so I'm just going to roll with it.

So, a list of the things I was and are obsessed with, starting with when I was merely 14 years old:

Junior High school - Lois and Clark aka Superman
I adored this show in Jr. High. Thinking about it now brings back such happy memories. My best friend and I were obsessed with Dean Cain (the Clark Kent/ Superman actor) and it makes me smile to remember how much time I actually fantasized about kissing him.

High school - "Haunted" places
Again, such happy memories. My friends and I were absolutely entranced by ghost stories and weird/abandoned places in high school. Our favorite Saturday night activity was getting a pizza and then driving around looking for "haunted" places. I know all the stories, all the locations, and all the "hauntings". Such good times. This is also when E and I started dating and so the memories are extra special.

College - Ghost towns/ Urban exploring
After high school I got much more into Urban exploring, which is a term that means exploring abandoned urban places. I read some amazing websites, explored some amazing places, and thought about abandoned structures pretty much all the time. E and I loved to check out ghost towns and abandoned highways, and every last forgotten home down near the farmhouse was explored.

Have some extra time? This is the best Urban exploring website out there. LOVE it.

This mill I explored alone. The entire creepy inside of the mill and I was alone. Most definitely one of the bravest moments of my life. I found a unlocked door in the basement and crawled in in the middle of the day.

Lots and lots of abandoned houses. I've talked about exploring abandoned houses a few times on my blog, I just love it. Here is one of my favorite posts about exploring abandoned homes. And here is another one. 

Post collage - Travel
Once I had money to travel I spent most of my time thinking/planning/imagining and scoping out our next adventure. E and I traveled a lot in our mid twenties. England, Amsterdam, Tanzania, Italy, Austria, Japan, Canada and every single National Park we could manage. Many many years of possibly my favorite memories of my life (second to being a mother of course).

Travel may seem like a weird thing to label as an "obsession" but for a very long time I was obsessed. My thoughts drifted to little else, only where I've been and where I couldn't wait to go next.

Early twenties - American Girl dolls
Remembering how much I loved dolls (well into adult hood) makes me realize how much poor E had to put up with. I loved dolls. I thought about them all the time, buying new things for them, making new stories up, and even taking Violet on our honeymoon (thank you E, you deserve a metal). Dolls were my life up until I had James. I made so so many friends on the doll message boards, some of which I still consider my closest friends today.

Some of my very favorite doll moments can be found in the Kit mystery albums: Mystery at the Farmhouse, Mystery at the Cabin, Mystery of the Abandoned Barn (because of course I've got to combine my love for dolls with my love for abandoned places!), and The Mystery of Christmas Eve.
Plus, of course, there are tons of traveling Violet albums.

Can't wait to share these types of memories with the kids one day.

Early twenties - Harry Potter
Each of these hobbies hold such a special place in my heart. Harry Potter is no different. While I loved seeing the movies in the theaters on opening night, the books are where my heart lies. Nothing got me more involved with the Harry Potter world than the release of a new book. I would read all the theories, contribute to discussions, and generally geek out on how much I love Harry Potter. Oh, and re-read the books again and again.

I love Harry Potter so much that's it's enough that it somewhat defines who I am (crazy, right?! Ask any Harry Potter fan and they will totally get what I'm talking about). And Dumbledore? He's my all time favorite.

I AM SO STOKED to introduce the kids to the books. Their minds will be blown.

Late twenties until current - Children, being a mother
It sounds trite to say, but becoming a mother, and immersing myself into motherhood was and is a hobby/obsession. Of course, becoming a parent changes you, it changes you for the better to your very core. But motherhood is an obsession of mine. I revel in it. I immerse myself totally and completely. Being a stay-at-home-mom has made me happier than anything I've ever done.

I am not the perfect parent, far from it, but I like to give my children a magical childhood. We tell stories. We play outside year round. We build forts and get muddy and laugh and laugh. Bringing this to the two people I love most in the world is my favorite obsession of all.

Early thirties - Instagram
About two years ago I got very into Instagram. Yes, Instagram that is just merely a photo posting app on your phone. But I connected with other mothers around the world and I loved that this platform pushed me more with my photography and my creativity than anything in recent past.

I challenged myself to getting the perfect shot, the perfect lighting, the perfect expressions. Instagram was and is a way to share my love of motherhood and photography with other mamas out there.

While I still love IG, my obsession has shifted a little. As kids grow bigger and more independent they are less willing to be the object of photos, and part of childhood is living without a camera in your face. So I've lessened my presence on IG a bit over the last four months.

Current - Sherlock 
I said above that I totally admit and embrace the fact that being obsessed with a tv show (made up characters that really don't exist) is pretty geeky. But as I love dolls and Harry Potter so I'm not too worried about my geeky rating.

I LOVE this show. It is kinda crazy. Like I haven't felt this obsessiveness towards a show since Lois and Clark (twenty years ago!). I like detective stories (Law & Order SVU was a favorite of mine) but it is so much more than that. It's a love story. It is. Don't laugh. I truly feel that Sherlock and John Watson are going to end up together. And it makes me so happy.

Poor E, he not only had a doll join him on our honeymoon, but he has to listen to me go on and on about what I believe are two gay detectives. This man needs an award.

I know that it's kinda crazy to think that Sherlock will end it's five seasons with John and Sherlock together in a romantic relationship, but I do think that is where the creators are going with it. Call me crazy, I don't mind. 

Plus, the story is really just so good. Predictions are so fun to make, even if they end up totally false. I loved that with Harry Potter, and once the 7th and last book came out, and all questions were answered, it felt like such a sad moment. Part of the fun of getting into a fandom is trying to figure out where the creators are going with it. 

If you are a Sherlock fan, and don't mind reading theories, here are the best websites. Each one is brilliant and such a fun read. And if you don't agree that Sherlock is going to end up with John that is fine too. I won't be too offended. 

Well Then, Game Over

Deducing BBC Sherlock

The Loudest Subtext in Television

Ha! I wanted to write a short post about my love for BBC Sherlock and it turned into quite an epic post. However, writing it made me smile again and again. I realize now that being obsessed with something is totally not a new thing for me. It's a lifelong love. 

Send me your best Sherlock theories and a gold metal for my man that has to deal with all of this craziness. 

Christmas photoshoot with my girl

For a long time I've been thinking about doing a Christmas photoshoot with the kiddos. I have a vision in my head of what I want James's photoshoot to look like (old fashioned guy with his new found Christmas tree and an ax) and an idea for Juliet's.

Today I finally decided to jump on the opportunity of taking Juliet's photos. I wanted her to wear a crown from the forest, full of winter berries and pine boughs. And I wanted to bring the red rocking moose as a prop. She's been wearing her cloak from last year's Halloween a lot this year, and it looks just so cheery for this holiday. 

Plus, she is such a willing model (unlike her brother) it's hard not to take her photo.

I wasn't able to find as much as I wanted for her winter crown, but I think I'll try again later this winter, so it feels more "forest princess" vs. a Christmas crown.

Lots of natural smiles when I'd sing jingle bells.

She is such a fun little adventurer. Always up for whatever her crazy mama has in mind. And she'll be three before I know it.

Autumn splendor {sunny skies & gold leaves at the Cabin}

Hurrah! Seriously hurrah!! We made it to the cabin and we were met with the best sight in the entire world: golden leaves, blue skies and such a happy family!

It was magical. I know I seem to use that word a lot, but honestly, think about it: I have two healthy kids. My husband and I love each other very much. We own a cabin in the woods. I have more than anyone really deserves. I think about how fortunate I am all the time.

We were there for a work party. Everyone had a job and we were busy the entire time. But even with sweeping, emptying mouse traps, digging a hole for the port-a-potty contents (gag!), and all the other jobs we needed to do, there was still time to enjoy the glorious weather and take a few little walks.

When I suggested taking a walk to the meadow James was the only one that wanted to join me. I was thrilled. Spending some time with him, and only him makes me so happy. Love my first born.

We bush-wacked, looked for animals and talked about preschool. All the best things when you're almost five.

Forest floor magic.

There are lots of little secret gems around the cabin. One is our boulder felid. Major bush-waking required to get there, but Juliet never minds being carried by her favorite person in the entire world.

Everywhere we looked, the blue sky and gold leaves made for perfect backdrops!

Lots of smiles!

The boulder field has a few little caves. My cousins and I played in these as children, hence the "door" made of logs.

Heaven!

After last year's bummer trip (snow and green leaves) I was so so happy to have such perfect weather this year.

These two work for candy.

Later in the afternoon, while the kids watched a show on the iPad, and dinner bubbled on the stove, E and I left the kiddos with their grandparents so we could take a small walk, just the two of us. We walked to my favorite spot. A spot that I visit every time I'm there. I dream about this spot, owning a home one day in a space like this. No people, just the amazing forest as far as the eye can see. And the sound of a small river bubbling not too far away. E and I sat on a warm rock in the sunshine we talked a little about our dream home, our house in the woods. And then we just sat quietly, for a long time, enjoying the sun and the leaves. No words were shared, just quiet.

After dinner was finished and the last jobs were complete, we packed up and headed home. The timing was perfect because the sun slowly inched lower to the west and the entire forest lit up.

E and I could not help it. We stopped the car over a dozen times. We'd hop out again and again because we saw this:

Everywhere we looked the forest was full of magic. I will never forget seeing this in person, photos just don't compare. However, this photo, my favorite of the trip, was taken with my iPhone! I may need to hang it on my wall, because this forest, and this light, well nothing makes me happier.

Side note: after ten (TEN!!) years of blogging I finally created a cabin tag. It's wild, looking back at this place that never changes.