one + one = three

Raphael and I had a tremendous summer - one where we fell into perfect syncopation with time, each other, and the freedom of doing nothing. The thought that we won't be spending each and every moment in each others' presence is disarming and saddening. He wakes for work with a heaviness that I wish I could lighten. I go about my day with a sense that I am lost. Oh companionship! On the day of the students' arrival we took these photos - our last quiet summer moment together.

Thank you!

a day at the lake

The gift of water. We both float effortlessly - cradled by life's most precious offering.

Mina can not be mistaken now! In complete perfection she grows and becomes exactly as she should. I can only think to myself that I too have followed this same unavoidable path - unknowingly I move in perfect harmony with Life, Life, Life. I exhale with relief and inhale with exuberance! We are exactly as we should be dear one! She is already so loved by Life that I can not help but feel that I too must have come into this world with such a wide embrace and welcome - a landscape opening to me. How is it that I can make myself feel so foreign? I am slowly being reminded of my hidden glory in your presence. You are a treasured soul - a temporary guest that I get to meet, play with, and love - unconditionally. What joy Life brings!!

(notice the dragonfly in flight)

I am beginning to love this pregnant body. In all of its aches and pains, stretch marks and spider veins, I feel most remarkable. In this constant changing form I find more that I adore! Her little feet pressed up against my side makes me laugh every time!

saturdays at the farm

Raphael and I are going to make it a family tradition - one of the first!

Each Saturday we visit Ragley's farm. They serve us fresh baked muffins and tea while we shop in their market. Then I get to walk through the flower garden and pick my very own bouquet. I couldn't think of anything better!

Perfectly poised.

I can only compare Raphael's gentleness to that of the quiet, graceful movement of flowers turning their faces towards the sun.

A fleeting moment.

The Echinacea and I match perfectly! Slightly hidden is Mina - squirming, growing, and doing what she does best - being!

updates

Oh foreign computer. The summer days called me forth and you were sidestepped - appropriately. I feel compelled to attend to you now that school has started and Raphael is immersed, bobbing insecurely, in work work work. Here are a few of my favorite moments captured not so eloquently on digital film.

A hive! Perfectly crafted and a stunning image.

Blackberries! All along these wide country roads are blackberry bushes. We head out, buckets in hand (or wrapped around the neck as Raphael prefers) and forage. Sun ripened sweetness! I eat most of them before they even hit the bottom of my bucket. Delicious!

If you follow the berries for a not so very long time you end up at the beach! Raphael took these as Mina and I skipped on the warm sand and then, eventually, making our way back to him, enjoyed a well deserved afternoon nap, lullaby-ed by the ins and outs of the tide.