stories

the sunset was pretty tonight

a day in the life, photos, stories

we were shopping at kroger, and then i wanted a picture, so i stood on the roof of our car. and then clara also took a picture of me doing so.

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fourth of july weekend :: monday

a day in the life, photos, photoshoots, stories, words

This was actually the Fourth of July. And, we didn’t do a lot. Most of our celebrating was done earlier that weekend.

I played around with that new lens, the 24mm macro, taking pictures of our mailbox-garden zinnias.

This (below) is currently my favorite photo. I think.

I worked in the morning, so I took these pictures in the afternoon. The sidewalk was super hot. I didn’t go put shoes on, so my feet were burning off.

That evening we went to see more fireworks, the Castle Hills ones. This time we were much farther away, but some other friends ended up being there too.

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fourth of july weekend:: sunday

a day in the life, photographic journeys, photos, stories, thoughts, words

Our Sunday festivities started with going to church (and wearing patriotic colors.) In the afternoon, Clara and I went to a pool party with some friends (where I did not take many pictures.) But we had lots of fun and ate lots of good food. The watermelon I brought was demolished in a matter of minutes. (That is only a slight exaggeration.)

THIS IS ROOTBEER.  Please believe me.

Then, when I was sort of supposed to be taking a nap, I was out in the backyard trying out a lens and taking a multitude of pictures of Ginger. 24mm for a nice wide angle, eh? Sadly because this is a legacy (from film-camera) lens, it is limited in the focusing range. Like only a foot away. But for the things it can do, it is wonderful.

Then, we went to see the Farmers Branch fireworks. Very fun. We were so close, we would lay down on our backs and they would fill the sky above us. Loved it.

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fourth of july weekend :: saturday

a day in the life, photos, stories, thoughts, words

Today we celebrated Fourth of July by having friends over for a cookout. Shish-kabobs are soooooo good. So are grilled peaches.

Fresh-cut, homegrown zinnias from the mailbox garden in the front yard. In sarsaparilla bottles.

I made some patriotic pretzels, just putting glaze on yogurt pretzels that I had. We had no red food coloring, though… so I used beet juice. You couldn’t taste it though; they were pretty delicious.

I also made a garland out of paint samples from Lowes. And some garage-sale-found white Christmas lights, and a homemade heart bokeh filter.

And a bunch of these crazy people were playing Ninja. Super intense and super fun to watch. Also, I’m getting a little better from being so bad at it.

And, my super cute sister!

And one of my other super cute sisters and her not-so-bad-looking boyfriend.

Even more plans for tomorrow! Happy Fourth of July, everyone.

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happy fathers day!

a day in the life, photos, stories, thoughts, words

A few favorite pictures of me and Daddy. I’ll have to see if I can find any when I’m not tiny. But Dad is still as good-looking as ever : )

Learning to pray! I treasure this photo.

and storytime!

and my Grandpa Big Mike on my Mom’s side

and Grandpa Chris on Dad’s side

oh and Mommy too

our whole family (minus Clara, who was not alive?)

and Dad and three of us girls this winter.

I  am blessed to have such a great Dad.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy-o!     Love, Ellie-Bird

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heidi braids + my outfit today

photos, photoshoots, stories

second time trying these actually, but the first time for it to work. i need to figure out the best way to do the bobby pins, and make it less messy, but i really like this.

photo tutorial here: orchid grey heidi braids

video tutorial here: strawberry koi vintage heidi braids

i found this shirt in my melisssa’s drawer. she found it at a clothing exchange.

clara took our tripod with her to beach camp, so for these i just set my camera on a shelf or dresser.

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my birthday

a day in the life, photos, stories, words

^The morning began with a cup of tea (and trying out the heart-shaped bokeh filter.)

I did have to do school, even though it was my birthday.

^ complete with sparkling cider

^ jen being a torero [bullfighter] and em doing the death drop.

^some lovely roses from em + jen

^ the christmas lights in the back yard [with heart bokeh filter]

^ i made some delicious brownies, recipe from bon appetit magazine.

it was a really lovely day. and no, i don’t feel older. i’m still a kid.

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meet my rainboots.

a day in the life, photos, stories, words

they have been my constant companions this icy snowy wet month of february. invaluable, to have the confidence to walk across the street without fear of wet feet.

they also have better traction than my sperrys. if i had worn those when it was icy, i wouldn’t have stayed on my feet for long.

not to mention the very BAM color.

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but there are good things.

a day in the life, photos, stories, thoughts, words

I was thinking about how inconvenient and not nice this ice covered weather is. But there are good things – like, we have a wealth of stores on the intersection just near us, so it’s not extremely difficult to get groceries when we need them, because we can just walk.  But what if we lived in Autumn Chase or something? no close stores.  (There would be the huge amount of nearby neighbors, though.) And at least i’m stuck at home with nice people! I love my family.  And we do fun things together, like me and Clara blowing bubbles outside to see if they would freeze.

And walking to the Asian supermarket with Dad on Tuesday to get vegetables. I held onto his arm; so if one of us slipped the other was there to hold both of us up. Thankfully we didn’t ever both slip at the same time.  (I think I should say thankfully instead of luckily – because luck isn’t real, and I am thankful to God.) And then today since we were stuck at home again, Amy, Clara, Dad, and I (and Ginger) walked to Redbox to rent a movie. Walgreens didn’t have good ones (I suppose everyone is renting movies since they’re stuck at home?), so Amy and Clara and Ginger walked home, and then Dad and I went to the Redbox at CVS.  Got Toy Story 3, and then also got tortillas at the Mexican market.

And at dinner time tonight, we were all listing the number of layers we were wearing.  Clara took the prize for 5 tops, 3 pairs of pants, and 3 pairs of socks.

Our power went out sporadically this morning, but didn’t stay out for long. So we can eat breakfast. (Biscuits and gravy this morning- delish.)

Dad and I were able to go to prayer meeting on Tuesday because a friend (who had chains on his tires!) picked us up.  Such nice fellowship.  Not too many people were there, but some braved the cold and walked from their apartments.

And we can bake! Biscuits this morning, gingersnaps yesterday.  And countless cups of tea. We have to wash spoons throughout the day since we use so many to stir our tea.  (We also have to change Ginger’s water throughout the day too, since it freezes. She was in the garage some today, and Clara was reading a story from the Grimm Fairy Tales book! But that’s a rabbit trail… or shall we say a dog trail?)

I think that was the most I have written on this blog since like… ever.  But there is a list of wonderful things for you.

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