You'll never know, if you don't grow..

I've taken a break from writing to spend most of my time outdoors enjoying the fresh (although sometimes stifling) air, watching Leo explore the world around him. He has recently gone from a quick crawl to a sturdy skip, just in time to enjoy the rest of the summer. He's grown so independent that it is heartwarming to watch the boy he's becoming, yet heartbreaking to see the baby he was be so quickly left behind. He is flourishing into a young boy with so much energy and enthusiasm.. I can barely catch my breath. But recently an impromptu photo session has sparked my passion for photography once again, and reminded me just how wonderful the weight of the camera feels in my hands. And what I created has inspired me to share...

When Leo gets older, I will be able to share with him the story of our first garden, not only through my words but through my photographs. It's hard to imagine that the tiny seeds we planted a few short months ago have quickly grown into an array of tomatoes and fresh herbs.

With unseasoned hands, we began our maiden journey into gardening and it soon sprouted (pun intended) into a family project. Everyday, Leo excitedly joined me in nurturing our plants, careful not to touch the vines or the tiny tomatoes strung from them. No, instead he would gather the soil into the watering can and prepare something much better; mud. Until a few days ago during our daily routine my hopeful inexperience spotted our very first bright red tomato. I was overcome with excitement. Alas! Our efforts had been successful. I breathed it all in.. the sun, the rock wall, the vintage watering can, the timeless linen overalls Leo dawned.. and then of course, my garden and my son.. so organic.. so rich.. so full of life. The similarities struck me.. They have both, with the efforts of my husband and I, grown and thrived. My inspiration was sweet and clear, and it was then that I reached for my camera and watched as a series of moments unfolded, thrilled with the practice of preserving them through my lens.

Strange, how sometimes certain aspects of my life will blossom as I pursue a new adventure.. while other parts seem to get left behind.. twinkling in and out of shadows of artistry. In fact, in the spirit of sharing.. my writing and photography hadn't so much taken a break as my creativity for them had.. but my challenge has always been to find that balance.. be unreachable as it may. I suppose that is part of life.. part of our plan. We are constantly changing.. constantly growing.. from girls into young women and babies into young boys.. and somehow.. by embracing this uncertainty, is where you truly find your harmony.. your divine harmony.