home life

May all your toys be unbroken...

2011-12-24T16:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone. Here's hoping you get everything you want under the tree, and that your gifts last through the morning before a screw comes loose...

todd at the beach

2011-12-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

This time it is the Pacific Ocean, not Lake Michigan. And these were taken pre-kids, back in 2002, in San Diego.

wyeth at the beach

2011-12-12T21:05:00.001-05:00

...maybe? maybe not...it just sort of reminded me of Wyeth.

And then there was an attempt to make sand castles in the driving wind:

drawing lessons

2011-12-08T09:54:00.003-05:00

the line up will hang up

2011-12-01T19:39:00.002-05:00

My image of Roland in the bath tub was selected to be a part of the Home exhibition at Center for Fine Art Photography. The show will take place at the Fort Collins, CO gallery in March. Thanks to both The Center and Krzysztof Candrowicz for taking the time to review the work. And congratulations to all the other exhibitors.

front yard affection

2011-11-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

proud helper

2011-11-23T12:24:00.000-05:00

leaves, shadows.

2011-11-18T21:02:00.003-05:00

...and other things seen while walking about with the boys: the daily sus

2011-11-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

the swing

2011-11-14T09:06:00.000-05:00

In Roland's forest

2011-11-11T08:14:00.000-05:00

another leaf pile

2011-11-08T21:22:00.002-05:00

2011-11-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

hang time

2011-11-04T08:34:00.001-04:00

Cyrus gets some air and then some more. Lucky their bones are flexible, because the ground beneath the leaves is not.

blue hood

2011-11-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

2011-10-30T15:19:00.001-04:00

music men

2011-10-28T05:44:00.000-04:00

still life with Cyrus

2011-10-25T08:37:00.002-04:00

Cyrus has really taken to drawing. When he arrives home from school, it drops the back pack and heads for the art table. In times past, we've done arts and crafts together, but this past weekend we placed the same objects in front of our pads, and began to draw. I haven't drawn much of late and so it was great to be at it again. Part of our inspiration also comes from my pal, Kristy "Krusty" Overman and her Daily Doodle. Perhaps Cy and I can come close to her productivity and do a weekly doodle.
Hopefully more to come...

the final game

2011-10-22T23:27:00.003-04:00

All of his teammates stand still to watch Cyrus kick the ball down the field. I love 5-year old soccer games.

good game, good game, good game...

walking the line

2011-10-18T15:33:00.001-04:00

playground

2011-10-15T14:26:00.000-04:00

soccer

2011-10-13T21:29:00.000-04:00

two balls two boys

2011-10-11T12:50:00.000-04:00

surrounded

2011-10-09T10:44:00.000-04:00

bitten

2011-10-07T10:43:00.001-04:00

fishing

2011-09-30T11:20:00.004-04:00

Cyrus fell in love with fishing this summer. A day did not go by when he asked if we could go. And he got really good at it too - I swear he knew right when to pull up on the line to hook the fish. We never caught anything too big, but bagged our fair share of blue gill, pumpkin fish, perch and small bass.

Hooking the wax worm.Catch any yet?
It's all about being out there...

face sculpting

2011-09-25T19:45:00.000-04:00

boys will be boys

2011-09-21T10:40:00.004-04:00

jumping from trees

2011-09-16T10:52:00.003-04:00

Roland's first day of pre-school

2011-09-13T19:42:00.001-04:00

He said to his teacher: "My mom thinks I am going to cry, but I'm not."

He was right, I did believe that. And he was right, he didn't cry.

float between

2011-09-07T16:17:00.000-04:00

Found this old-ish shot, and liked it.

super fans

2011-09-05T07:38:00.000-04:00

Watching the US Pro Cycling Criterium Championships in GR.

And the winner is...

mad. not mad

2011-09-03T11:19:00.001-04:00

gimme gimme gimme one of those

2011-09-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

2011-08-30T13:43:00.001-04:00

green beans in the garden

2011-08-27T22:16:00.002-04:00

get to work

2011-08-25T10:10:00.003-04:00

Starting them as soon as I can...

back door

2011-08-06T16:44:00.003-04:00

An outtake, a silly expression:

2011-07-28T15:43:00.002-04:00

Cyrus says: "having music on your hands" means that you are really excited.

sunroom

2011-07-26T17:14:00.002-04:00

road trip

2011-07-19T16:00:00.003-04:00

The big adventure for our family this summer was a drive to the east for 2 weeks. Somehow we all survived.

On June 29, Todd, the boys and I left for Lake Placid and John Hartpence's wedding in our rental van. Not used to so much room, I attempted to add things to our luggage, just for the sake of taking up space. Fortunately I was talked out of it.

In Lake Placid, we joined up with some Montana friends and watched John and Laura get married in front of a beautiful mountain scene. I realized I miss the mountains more than I thought. A ride up White Face mountain also reminded my legs that they miss them too.

Todd left for Michigan, and the 3 of us went on to Connecticut for quality cousin-time. The theme for the week - stay wet. Roland and Cyrus could not stop smiling.

The final event was in New Jersey for my mom's surprise party for her (I won't mention how old) birthday. My dad successfully surprised her, which is not an easy task. After a day at the beach and a trip to Fair Haven dock (where I used to fish), we made our trek home, my mom in tow to help manage the monsters in the back seat.

We traveled through 7 states for 2000 plus miles. Now we're home and back to the routine. It was worth the long drive, but we are ready to stay in Michigan for a while.

p.s. dad, I'll send you a disk with these photos real soon

summer prints

2011-06-28T15:19:00.002-04:00

The days of sunscreen are here...and the glass doors prove it.

2011-06-26T16:48:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Roland, for all the puddles around the sink and bathroom floor.

happy father's day

2011-06-19T11:31:00.001-04:00

Roland: "You mean, Todd is my dad?!"

Susanna: "Yes."

Roland: "That means he loves me!"

who invited the ungulate?

2011-06-10T17:18:00.001-04:00

Looking at old pictures, Roland said: "Hey, that's Rainy, Ned and the deer."

Note: this photo was taken 45 years ago. Yeah, my parents have been married for 45 years! Wow.

the front door, part III

2011-06-06T16:31:00.000-04:00

treat for treat

2011-05-31T16:48:00.003-04:00

The other day, I got Roland and Cyrus each a slice of lemon pound cake with icing on top. Roland got home and said to Todd:

"Look, dad, I've got frosting with cake on it."

the front door, part II

2011-05-22T23:17:00.000-04:00

the front door

2011-05-20T15:08:00.001-04:00

This is the start of a string of images I like. I admit, it was too hard to edit, so I'll give them to you in pieces. I like the expressions in Roland's posture, the red door and the reflection of me in the window.

2011-05-17T15:55:00.000-04:00

The big 5

2011-05-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

Cyrus is five years old today. He's charming, smart, silly, compassionate, argumentative, curious, extroverted, talkative, contemplative, sensitive, protective, athletic and sweet. But, that's just his mother's opinion...

black cat

2011-05-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:59:00.001-04:00

...and attack of the basket head monster

2011-05-03T14:58:00.002-04:00

Julie, is this how you intended us to use the basket?

buckethead battle

2011-04-30T16:24:00.002-04:00

Finally sorting through some images from the winter.

This battle scene is a typical one for the boys: sitting on one another, using available items as head armor, each getting their turn on top.

I am glad the weather is getting better....

Asbury Ever After

2011-04-17T10:29:00.002-04:00

I'll be posting more on the daily sus for a time leading up to and after my exhibit on April 29 in New Jersey. Then I promise to return here to Home Life for more glimpses of the boys as they grow, play, argue, reflect, explain, and complain.

spring break

2011-04-08T23:05:00.002-04:00

I have neglected this blog and the Home Life project in a big way over the past month or so. Instead, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting together a show (more on that soon over at the daily sus). But everything comes with a sacrifice, I suppose, and so I have not photographed the boys in a long time, nor written about our experiences. I miss it.

It has been spring break for Cyrus as well as for the blog. Since he goes to a Montessorri school, that means 2 weeks off. It feels like forever, but we are finding ways to stay entertained. "Totally Turtles" camp at Meijer Gardens, for instance, as well as a trip to Billings to visit family. While in Montana, I got an opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park, and visit Cooke City. They've had an unusual amount of snowfall this year and I was able to capture some of the plowed leftovers.

butterflies and anvils

2011-03-26T20:54:00.005-04:00

Here's to my friend and fellow photographer/educator, Eileen Rafferty, who has published the first edition of Butterflies and Anvils. This quarterly photographic journal focuses on inspiration and art. The first edition features an interview with Elizabeth Stone and showcases her fantastic photographic pieces.

Butterflies and Anvils is available through Magcloud and you can purchase it through this link: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/168106/follow .

thanks RMSP

2011-03-05T09:54:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Rocky Mountain School of Photography for including me in their Alumni Friday on the Paper Airplanes blog.
As the article mentions, I taught for RMSP for years and must say, I miss the camaraderie with fellow instructors and students. The educational environment is such a rewarding venue, full of inspiration, challenges and constant learning.
The plan is to return to this environment in some capacity, once the early years of this motherhood journey (and Todd's medical studies) are over.

Home...is where the camera is

2011-02-23T21:17:00.005-05:00

PhotoPlace Gallery is publishing a book version of the exhibit, Home...is where the camera is. There are some great photos in there....and well, my shot of Cyrus on our black and white couch too, on page 27.

Check it out by clicking here. Got $21.95? Feel free to order one.

the line up

2011-02-17T15:16:00.000-05:00

paper art

2011-02-10T21:08:00.003-05:00

Cyrus has been obsessed with paper projects of late. First we made cats. Then knights. Next cartoon astronomical characters, like the sun, moon and a White Dwarf. Our dinner table (see below) is constantly covered with paper, crayons, scissors, cardboard pieces, toast crumbs and somewhere buried underneath it all, the actual product. The floor is littered with tiny paper pieces from all the cutting. (I caught a bit of these on Polaroid, see daily sus.)

Despite the endless cycle of finding supplies, making art, picking up, putting things away, then taking it all out again to make the mess, it is fun to see Cyrus and Roland excited about creating things.
The second amusement is listening to the dialogue between the White Dwarf and Venus as they battle to rule the universe.

bundled up

2011-02-08T20:59:00.004-05:00

We have a lot of snow here in Michigan, much like all over the country. I've been wanting to photograph the boys in their winter gear. These are a start.

Over and over, we are reminded how important gear is to happiness and comfort when it comes to the weather. The boys can be warm, and therefore happy, when bundled up in the snow. Todd has numerous bike clothes to keep him from second-guessing his daily commute. He found me a pair of toasty windproof mittens to keep my fingers from turning white while hanging out on the playground after school.

Winter isn't going anywhere soon. We might as well make the most of it.

so they say

2011-02-05T10:56:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to better track quotes by the boys. Over the years I have been way too slack on this count.

Here are a couple from this week:
Cyrus: "Roland, count to 100"
Roland: "One......hundred."

and

Cyrus: "My guy turns into a werewolf at night. But he's nice and cuddles with you."

Just a trim

2011-02-02T17:10:00.002-05:00

I updated my website. In the Home Life portfolio, I added a few new photos and more words in the story. Bigger changes came to the first portfolio, with a new name, new layout of images and a few edits in the story.
Check it out and let me know what you think.

"Sad" success

2011-01-29T20:38:00.002-05:00

I just found out that the above Home Life image was chosen for the PhotoPlace Gallery's Home contest. I am honored to be a part of a selection made by juror, Julie Blackmon. I have long admired her own interpretations of family life, i.e. Domestic Vacations.

"Sad" will be on view at the PhotoPlace Gallery in Vermont, from March 1-26, 2011.

taking flight

2011-01-23T18:22:00.004-05:00

Some evening play for when the winter nights are long....the hope chest isn't the best runway for take off, but the boys treat it like a stage.

more scenes from bath time

2011-01-19T14:55:00.002-05:00

another round of haircuts

2011-01-16T21:09:00.004-05:00

v

The boys get better and better at getting their haircuts, but there are always a few tears even for Cyrus. A lot for Roland. I am always relieved when it is done. Plus, now I can better see their beautiful faces.

the boys argue

2011-01-10T09:20:00.004-05:00

It is always a bit comical to hear how the boys negotiate a disagreement. Also, heartening and disheartening at the same time. In real life, the arguments usually end sooner because I intervene, it completely blows up into a fit of tears or they figure out how to make peace. In the video, I remained silent (except once) and yet I think they are a bit calmer than usual because they are aware of the camera.

I love how they let it fizzle out at the end with a charming dialogue that goes like this:
Cyrus: "I don't like you"
Roland: "I don't like you too"
C: "I love you"
R: "Me too, I love you too"
C: "Then, I don't love you"
R: "Yeah, you love me"
C: "What?"
R: "You love me"

and so on.

p.s. I have managed to pick up a few more technological tricks with the videos. That said, I am sorry it is so small here. As time is limited (see last post), I have chosen to remain in the dark ages with my skills and gear: my video comes from a point and shoot from 2007; I am shooting a 20D with a mere 8MP; you mean they've put out another version of Photoshop CS? what does HD stand for?
Maybe that's why I've been shooting so much Polaroid and Holga lately...

silver lining

2011-01-07T10:03:00.003-05:00

I have said it before, parenting gives me perspective. Thoughts return to the issue of time. Never enough time. Lately I have been chomping at the bit to create, research, play, produce, expose, experiment in the photographic realm. With a show in April, contests around the corner, a still unfinished update to my website and constant desire to photograph my growing boys, my head is a bit dizzy.

For 4 years now, most of my time has not belonged to me. I get periodic gifts of personal time and have since learned to use them wisely. I think, 'what would I be doing if not at home with my boys?' I would be obliged to work, probably teaching again. Very fulfilling, but also a drain of energy and time. What if I had all the free time in the world? All that time would likely paralyze me.

Perspective. There are always excuses to not do the things I want. Or I can believe I am lucky, because I am productive and decisive with the limited time I do have. I started Home Life as a way to still photograph while parenting and it has turned out to be my most valuable project.

It is a new year. In 2011, I want to take advantage of this little vacuum of parenting I am in, and use it as an excuse to do more. My goal is to get my name out there more and take leaps I've been afraid to take before.

enough paparazzi

2010-12-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

This one made me laugh - the boys are quite used to having the camera pointed in their faces, but enough is enough!
Sorry boys, even in the new year the camera will be on the prowl.

Happy New Year everyone.

music man

2010-12-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

sad #2

2010-12-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

Like anyone, the boys have their constant ups and downs. Cyrus often retreats into himself but his body language reveals all.
Sad #1 was taken the day before this one.

playing dead

2010-12-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

I swear he's not faking.

chalk lines

2010-12-11T20:34:00.002-05:00

Another Thanksgiving day game. I am fascinated by the activities that fascinate kids.

See close-ups at the daily sus.

We got a Christmas Tree*

2010-12-06T16:03:00.002-05:00

And the sequel....

*I haven't learned how to edit these yet, so they are longer than desired.

red pants green pants

2010-12-03T15:31:00.003-05:00

The boys and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with the camera. Todd was at work, everything was closed and so we played all day - they posed, I clicked. They have learned that mom likes to spend time behind the lens and that I like to point it at them.

The "Nov2010" folder had been almost empty until that day. On Thanksgiving alone, I took 200+ photos. What fun. But now I have all the editing and posting that goes along with a full folder. More from our day coming soon.

family hike

2010-11-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

Cy's hand

Todd encouraged us all to go out for a night walk last night. It was around 30 degrees and everyone grumbled, including me. Still, we bundled up, grabbed the boys' flashlights and drove to a nearby park. We don't need wide open spaces when the boys are this age. And in the dark, the forest is plenty mysterious.
Sure enough, we had a blast. It was just the right amount of cold and there was just the right amount of cool stuff to spot with the flashlights. The boys broke ice on grass puddles and shouted to each other through two ends of a culvert.

These images are actually a different family hike from this past fall, but they remind me of our experience last night.

sad and mad

2010-11-27T12:14:00.003-05:00

roland dreams of swinging

2010-11-24T14:51:00.001-05:00

pumpkin patch

2010-11-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

leaves

2010-11-18T15:31:00.002-05:00

Fall is not fall without some leaf pile pictures.

There is still a huge pile of leaves waiting to be raked, bagged and put out on the curb. Snow is threatening...I will need to put down the camera and get to work before too long...

and this one

2010-11-14T14:29:00.003-05:00

2010-11-11T16:06:00.003-05:00

cyrus makes his own tree

2010-11-01T20:06:00.002-04:00

on the beach

2010-10-24T13:13:00.002-04:00

A cold day at Holland State Park.

The boys hang between two actions.

swing time 2

2010-10-21T16:37:00.000-04:00

planting tulips

2010-10-16T19:52:00.002-04:00

Cyrus dug 16 holes for 16 tulips. He covered them back up and watered them. If all goes well, we'll have red and yellow tulips in our front yard next spring. The deer aren't an issue, but our resident rabbits might be.
We may actually only see 15 tulips since Roland was pulling apart a "nut" that looked suspiciously like a bulb.

goofing around for the camera

2010-10-12T17:04:00.003-04:00

hedge

2010-10-09T15:59:00.000-04:00

A new favorite...

releasing the butterfly

2010-10-07T18:33:00.003-04:00

In September, we happened to go to the zoo on the day they were releasing monarchs. We had read Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly, and knew that monarchs headed to Mexico around this time of year. However, we didn't know we'd get to participate in their migration this year.

At the zoo, we could put our names in a drawing to be part of the release. The first name called, was Roland S! He got to hold out his hand as they placed the first monarch in it. After a few seconds, the butterfly opened its wings and took flight.

About a dozen other names were called, and kids got to hold out their hands for a butterfly or choose to bring home a chrysalis. Cyrus squirmed, wondering why his name wasn't called. The last name came up and it was him! He chose to take home the chrysalis.

After 2 weeks, the chrysalis turned dark and then the butterfly emerged. Once its wings got warmed up, we let it go. Reluctant at first, it landed on our lilac bush. While we weren't looking, it flew off, on its way south.

swing time

2010-09-30T16:16:00.000-04:00

2010-09-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

sidewalk chalk

2010-09-18T20:59:00.002-04:00

Experimental canvas

Hands

The critic

Finished piece

jungle boys

2010-09-11T16:48:00.002-04:00

Summer is quickly leaving us in Grand Rapids. Before it goes, I'll post some reminders of how it was...backyard climbs in the dense jungle where clothing is optional.

dune climb, jump, and drag

2010-08-27T12:57:00.000-04:00

As part of our Gaunt family vacation in Traverse City, we headed over to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Known for its enormous dune that towers over Lake Michigan (at 400+ feet!), it is a beautiful park with numerous woodlands, dunes, camping and water access. Our day trip of course included the dune climb.

Once up the hill, the urge to jump is contagious.
And before you know it, you've hiked a mile into the dunes and have to get back down to the car even if someone has to drag you there.

castles in the sand

2010-08-24T16:06:00.001-04:00

Ro at the beach

2010-08-20T17:30:00.003-04:00

Even with other kids around, Roland so easily gets lost in his own world.

On the other hand, he was the most social I have ever seen him during our week with the Gaunt family. He no longer needed to be within arms reach of mom or dad, and even slept in his own bed.
Milestones.

lego airplanes

2010-08-02T16:24:00.004-04:00

Yes, our playroom looks this chaotic daily.