The kids and I celebrated our last day of the Christmas and new year's holidays with a little playdate on the beach with their friends, Joel and Rosemary. For those of you on the east coast or in the midwest who are snowed in and freezing you may think we're crazy. The beach in January?! Living in Houston is pretty close to living in the tropics so winter is on the mild side. It's the gift after our very long and HOT summers. Don't hate us, just come visit us in July and all will be forgiven.
When I see this image, I can't help but sing..."breaking rocks in the hot sun". Well, now that I think about it, it wasn't hot so I'm not sure why that comes to mind. It was actually pretty cold but kids are impervious as long as they're excited about what's going on. The funny thing is, there was no clear purpose to the digging. It was just digging for the sheer joy of it. They didn't dig in the same spot. They just dug like crazy until we told them it was time to eat and then it was over.
When I see this image, I can't help but sing..."breaking rocks in the hot sun". Well, now that I think about it, it wasn't hot so I'm not sure why that comes to mind. It was actually pretty cold but kids are impervious as long as they're excited about what's going on. The funny thing is, there was no clear purpose to the digging. It was just digging for the sheer joy of it. They didn't dig in the same spot. They just dug like crazy until we told them it was time to eat and then it was over.
At one point, after lunch, I look over and all three of them had covered themselves up completely BUT were still carrying on a casual 5-7 year old conversation. Sayer was saying to Joel, "So, are you in first grade or second grade?".
Hilarious. The very best thing about children is that they keep you laughing. I hope you all had amazing holidays and lots of laughter and family fun. For me, the end of the holidays is always a mix of wanting to get back in the groove and not wanting to leave the free time behind.
Tomorrow, I'll be easing back in and putting my new plans in motion. My first step is to block off time on my calendar to devote to my book project and my art pursuits. Right now, the kids are asleep, David Gray is playing and I'm feeling excited. The feed back that I have received via Facebook, Twitter (farrahbraniff) and here on the blog has been tremendous. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. I feel empowered.
Hilarious. The very best thing about children is that they keep you laughing. I hope you all had amazing holidays and lots of laughter and family fun. For me, the end of the holidays is always a mix of wanting to get back in the groove and not wanting to leave the free time behind. Tomorrow, I'll be easing back in and putting my new plans in motion. My first step is to block off time on my calendar to devote to my book project and my art pursuits. Right now, the kids are asleep, David Gray is playing and I'm feeling excited. The feed back that I have received via Facebook, Twitter (farrahbraniff) and here on the blog has been tremendous. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. I feel empowered.
The turkey has been eaten, the kids have played hard, we've caught up on everyone's stories and the wine bottles are empty. I'm sitting in the boy's bedroom watching Finnian, Sayer and their cousin Loudon all nestled in bed together talking, reading and playing. I'm pretty sure they will never fall asleep but I'm trying to be optimistic.
Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. It has even surpassed Christmas for me. I love it because it is simple. For us, it is just about eating a great meal and being surrounded by family. I always leave our gatherings feeling so grateful. I love what I do for a living and I completely enjoy the challenge of my work but, at the end of the day, the very best thing in my life is my family. Steven and the kids are the lights of my life. My extended family is amazing too and I feel so thankful for all of them.
I am also thankful to you. Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for inviting me to photograph your children's milestone moments. It is never lost on me that you trust me with such important memories. Your children's spirits are the other thing that keep me energized from day to day. The completely honest expression and pure emotion that they share with me day to day is gift.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends!
Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. It has even surpassed Christmas for me. I love it because it is simple. For us, it is just about eating a great meal and being surrounded by family. I always leave our gatherings feeling so grateful. I love what I do for a living and I completely enjoy the challenge of my work but, at the end of the day, the very best thing in my life is my family. Steven and the kids are the lights of my life. My extended family is amazing too and I feel so thankful for all of them.
I am also thankful to you. Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for inviting me to photograph your children's milestone moments. It is never lost on me that you trust me with such important memories. Your children's spirits are the other thing that keep me energized from day to day. The completely honest expression and pure emotion that they share with me day to day is gift.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends!
I absolutely love to travel. Yes, I dislike the lugging of bags, time changes, airport hassles and all that but I adore being in new places and seeing life in a completely different way. So, for my 40th birthday, I knew that I wanted to do something special. I took my youngest son with me on an adventure to Belize.
I had heard about Blancaneaux Lodge years ago and have always wanted to go. It's a mountain lodge in the pine forest of Belize that is owned by Francis Ford Coppola. It's a wonderful place. The staff is incredible as is the food and wine. The vegetables all come from their own organic garden at the lodge. The eggs are fresh and the fish all comes from the coast. It'll satisfy the foodie travelers for sure. The lodge itself is really pretty as well. I would describe it as eco-luxury or kind of rustic luxury. If that sounds good, then I highly recommend it.
Our room had its own little pool. All of our soap was handmade locally and smelled wonderful. Taking a shower under the stars is amazing! It took me 4 days to convince my 5 year old to do it but then loved it! (we had an indoor one too)
The rooms did not have AC but the nights were pretty cool so it wasn't bad at all. Every morning they brought Finnian fresh squeezed orange juice and me coffee. It was a perfect way to wake up.
The trip almost didn't happen. Finnian was super sick right up until the time we left. It was touch and go whether or not we could even go. We finally got an antibiotic shot and an ok from the doc and, nervously, headed out. It was stressful at first but we managed to settle down, his fever broke and we started to have some fun. Finn discovered horseback riding and fell in love with it and all the horses at Blancaneax - especially Sunny. We celebrated my birthday with one of the best chocolate cakes I've had and a great bottle of Coppola's Claret (Finn had a sprite).
We climbed the Mayan ruins at Caracol.
Saw lots and lots of interesting (and big) bugs...
Belize is butterfly heaven! They are everywhere!
We swam in waterfall pools.
and toured the mountain reserve and pine forests.
We even went through a hurricane! When I got home, my husband said, "well you wanted something memorable!". I did and it was. I kept telling Finn thank you. I think he got it too, because he would stop and turn on these soulful little eyes and say it right back.
If you like, you can check out a few more images from the trip on my Flickr page.
Laura Phillips says:
OMG Farrah...how awesome... I couldn't believe it when you posted the link on FB because Jeff and I are going in November for some diving and 'jungle-ing' at Turneffe Atol and Chaa Creek. Hey...you 'stole' our itinerary! Caracol and the mountain pine forest, etc.... Thanks so much for sharing this teaser. Now I'm really excited to go. Belize has so much to offer and is right up our alley. No real place for a vacation from shooting is there?
(10.27.10 @ 06:55 PM)
Sarah Lynn Seaton says:
Thanks for the inspiration!! ow I know what I want to do for christmas!!
(11.06.10 @ 05:09 PM)
Many thanks to the SF local who told us about "The Pirate Store" also known as 826 Valencia. I had no idea what to expect and this crazy little wonder of a place just blew me away. 826 Valencia, the store, exists to support 826 Valencia the writing project. I may not be getting it right but the way I was told was that, for some reason, the 826 Valencia writing project folks have to keep a storefront (or get some benefit from a storefront) so they came up with the pirate supply store. I love the fact that, although they could have some sort of regular store selling books, they came up with this, far more interesting concept. They sell a few things- some books, t-shirts, dice, flags, prints and so on but most of the store is like an art installation. There are all these drawers lining one wall with weird little trinkets in them. One drawer had clay marbles, another had nets and one even had cloth fake limbs. It's funny and interesting and the boys loved it!
To the right of the entrance, they have a little corner that looks like a movie theater but with an aquarium instead of a screen. In the center of the room they have a large vat of sand where you "dig for treasure". When you find treasure (glass beads in the boys' case) you have to barter in order to keep them. They had to either perform for the people in the store or draw in a special book. They drew in the book.
I loved the bulletin board, especially the part about taking the notes out of the bottle before posting it. By the cash register they have a big vat of lard. Sayer was totally intrigued. He asked the lady how much is was and she said for each scoop of lard he had to give them a chunk of his hair. It was hilarious to see the look on his face. He thought about it though, I have to say. I told him we couldn't take lard on the plane. That and the part about the hair convinced him to pass it up.
The shop is all about the little details. I personally loved the employee of the month illustrations- amazing!
So, if you find yourself and your little pirates in the SF area, make a stop at 826 Valencia. While you're there, buy something and support a great cause. Sayer and Finn are the proud owners of some 826 Valencia pirate t-shirts!
No visit to SF would be complete without a stroll through Chinatown. The boys loved all the shops. It seemed like every window had either ninja weapons, cool carved sculptures, bizarre foods or Pokemon toys. It's like little boy shopping heaven.
cable car fun!
There was no way to get out without this...
For me, I love the way Chinatown looks. It's a feast for the eyes- lots of cracked paint, little shops, crowded old sidewalks and great colors everywhere. It feels old yet you look up and see the top of the Transamerica Building. It's a cool contrast of old and new.
I love the graffiti here in SF. It's inspiring me to do some public art of my own. I may have to convince my BFF, Danny Clark, to take me out on a little late night graffiti adventure in Houston. You up for it DC?
cable car fun!
There was no way to get out without this...For me, I love the way Chinatown looks. It's a feast for the eyes- lots of cracked paint, little shops, crowded old sidewalks and great colors everywhere. It feels old yet you look up and see the top of the Transamerica Building. It's a cool contrast of old and new.I love the graffiti here in SF. It's inspiring me to do some public art of my own. I may have to convince my BFF, Danny Clark, to take me out on a little late night graffiti adventure in Houston. You up for it DC?
Bren says:
Love these! What an adventure for the kids. I can't think of a better city!
(08.04.10 @ 02:35 PM)
DC says:
Only artist with balls get up in the daylight. nightine is the right time for love only.
(08.04.10 @ 07:11 PM)
Leah says:
Farrah: Ten p.m. and I'm batting .333. Isaiah, asleep. Baby, still up cruising crib to chair to my leg to chair to crib... Grey, still up in MY bed behind me, pipes up as I pass the graffiti photos, "Oh, that's MY favorite pictures, I love it. Go up again. I love it, I so much love it! I want to send it! I love it - it gots a heart and the car thing. Go down please, Mom. I love the cave one, too." So, there you have it. A four year-old's expert opinion.
(08.13.10 @ 11:54 PM)
Leah says:
Farrah: Ten p.m. and I'm batting .333. Isaiah, asleep. Baby, still up cruising crib to chair to my leg to chair to crib... Grey, still up in MY bed behind me, pipes up as I pass the graffiti photos, "Oh, that's MY favorite pictures, I love it. Go up again. I love it, I so much love it! I want to send it! I love it - it gots a heart and the car thing. Go down please, Mom. I love the cave one, too." So, there you have it. A four year-old's expert opinion.
(08.13.10 @ 11:54 PM)