I have had the privilege of working with some amazing clients lately... I shot a family who is expecting their second child, a couple expecting their first child, a family who just had their second, and an AWESOME birthday party put on by the lovely and talented Ginny Wilson. I'll post some of those images soon.
The shots above were taken around our house... I love how it is filled with light during the day. It really is a lovely place and I will miss so many things about it. (BTW, it's for rent). The picture of me is totally unnecessary but I know a monologue becomes far more interesting when you can see the person who is talking (or writing) at you. It just makes things more personal.
Today is a typical day... Trevor was at school late studying for his final, and Piper and I woke up and had breakfast at 7:30 (she sleeps kinda late these days... it's great). After breakfast, I check emails and start editing pictures while she plays. Daddy gets up and we send him off for school, Piper and I have some play time, and then I go back to working. The picture of my dress form shows what is to my left... my work space is a desk in front of a bay window (which basically is like sitting in front of a lightbox). It is so engaging to be surrounded by things that I have made... it reminds me to remain true to my aesthetic and let the rest fall into place. This is helpful because there is so much room for doubt sometimes about the things I make and how they will be received. I think the most important thing is to remember my vision for (whatever it is)... if it is pictures, keep learning how to take the kind of pictures I want to look at. If it is clothing, make the kind of blouse or bag that I would want to wear... and make it wearable. Anyway, after lunch, Piper goes down for a nap. Ideally, if I have sewing to do, I would do that while she is awake because I can give her more of my attention and wouldn't be staring at a computer screen. Sewing involves alot more moving around. Then I would try to save the computer stuff until after she is asleep. It doesn't always work out that way because sometimes I have a pressing deadline and have to just divert my attention to her frequently. But as I have mentioned before, she really like to play independently. After she wakes up, she has a snack (and I have coffee) and we do something together. I try to tidy the house and do other chores until Daddy gets home. At that point, he takes Piper to play (inside or outside or they run an errand) and I make dinner. We eat as a family. Piper gets a bath or we read stories and then she goes to bed. Trevor does the dishes while I tidy everything else. He usually goes to school again (although next semester we are going to have evenings together... no more studying at the library). I work some more if I have to, which I usually have to... if I have a little leeway, I watch a movie and get ready for the next day.
So tomorrow I am selling at a craft market-- the Railroad Arts District Holiday Market. It will be outside (mostly) at 160 TRacy St. from 3 to 9 pm. I say mostly because some of the booths are inside Athica. It will be super fun-- bonfire, live bluegrass, local artists and craftspeople. Good times. If you live in or near Athens, come out and support your local handmade community! Hope to see you there. After this market is over, I am going to take a break from making and selling my bags at least until after the holidays are over (and maybe longer, if we do indeed move). I want to focus on being present with my family and celebrating the gospel during this advent season. I can't wait to make decorations and gifts for Christmas (I have so many plans!!)
In other news, the Hambletons are coming from Portland to see us!! We love them so much. They are dear friends and it will be so good to spend some time with them. Our plans include, among other things, going out to the farm to find a Christmas tree for us (and so they can see it), hanging out with friends, seeing Conviction, and probably a trip to Trappeze. This is the second year they have flown from Portland with their little one to visit us. They are dedicated friends.
I am genuinely interested (meaning not just wanting to generate comments) in knowing what your day looks like... are you busy? Do you feel like you work all the time? I know lots of moms have kids who need all their attention all the time. Maybe our next child will be like that (if we have a next child.. we want to, just later). I don't know what that is like. I just want to gain some perspective on what is normal for other people (moms or not).
Hope you have a wonderful day :)
xo
paige
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I guess I should mention the kind of change I am hoping for is work that involves her instead of excludes her. I don't want to sound like I think I work too much-- work is good and vital.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you're going to be at the holiday market! I'll be there - inside in the cold. Em, Lucy and I are going to attempt to add another person, so it'll be pretty cramped. It's SO MUCH FUN to have friends who are crafters. :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie, so glad you'll be there!!! It really is fun to have friends who are crafters. PLUS you go to my church and community group. You pretty much score high in all areas. I plan on bringing my sleeping bag to keep warm. (seriously.)
ReplyDeleteGood luck selling tomorrow! That first shirt is darling. Will you be selling any in your Etsy store?
ReplyDeleteI feel like my days are so busy that I don't know where the time goes. I can't imagine how much more it will be when our little one gets here. I better practice learning to slow down, and live in each of life's moments cautiously, now, or else my whole life will just pass me by.
Aura, I definitely think that once your baby is mobile (and even from the earliest times), the level of busy-ness goes from peaks and valleys to constant... being a mother for me has been a different, constant kind of being busy. There really isn't a break! But it is so rewarding and worth it, which of course I can't explain well but you'll understand once your baby girl is born. I do think being intentional is important, like you said. I mean it takes time to figure out how to do that with each different child and in the specific culture of each family, but it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteOh, and about the shirt, I can make those to measure.. but I should probably wait a while for things to slow down! In the past I have made those mostly for myself, but I would love to make more. I am really passionate about vintage sheets, which is what I use to make them. And I love the way they fit. But get back to me in January and we can talk! I might be able to make a maternity style if you prefer :)
ReplyDeletewhat a fun update! hope this weekend is a fun success
ReplyDeletelove the shirt and the fun pic of you
all the best
michelle
Michelle, Thank you! And I promise to get the tote out to you before Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteHi there! I'm a new reader and I just wanted to say that I adore your blog. My husband is an attorney, and I know how difficult the studying and relentless work can be! But it's true, you're so proud of their hard work and ambition, and it's all for the ones they love. It's a beautiful thing. We have a four-year-old little guy named Henry, and I'm currently 40 weeks pregnant with our second son, Ezra. My days consist of playing with the little dude and working on my blog/pictures. I'm not a professional anything (yet!), but I love taking pictures and writing. Anyway, I loved your update and the self-taken picture! You're beautiful! I love the blog, and can't wait to learn and read more!
ReplyDeleteAmelie, thanks for sharing-- it is really good to hear from someone else who has walked where I am walking. Congratulations on the second little one! He'll be here any day, huh? If you have a blog or a space where you share your images and writing, I would love to see it. Hope to hear more soon :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! The photos are so inspiring. My days are only recently becoming 'normal' and somewhat structured. My husband and I got married my junior year of college and found out I was pregnant three months later. Ever since, I've been in school, taking care of our son and working part time. I finally finished school in May and work two days a week and stay home the other three. It's been so nice to have just those three days a week to spend time enjoying my son and ministering to my family in our little home without worries of school and figuring out what I will do once I graduate. I've been selling vintage on etsy and have been working on other projects for our home and for friends and family. My son is two and super laid back--so I'm also unsure of what it looks like to have a child who has a different amount of needs attention wise (or to divide my attention up between taking care of more than one child).
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! It's so good to hear from you; thank you for sharing. I was pregnant with Piper my senior year of college as well.. but I was a bit older (27). Hope your creative pursuits work out well and enrich your and your family's life :)
ReplyDeleteggod luck tomorrow! you look adorable in the pic!!
ReplyDeletePaige, You made an offer for making a maternity version of the blouse - sounds PERFECT to me! I will be pregnant until April. :) I know we still need to pick up the CD. I was thinking Matt might do it if your Mon. or Tue. are OK. I will email you - know you are very busy! Hope the craft sale was successful! And my days... well, since I am gone all day from Bodey, I try to do nothing else but spend time with him at night and on weekends, but of course, that is not always possible. Sometimes I have to do other things on weekends too, like clean, organize, etc. But I try to incorporate him in whatever I do - if he wants. He is also a good independent player, but likes me to be nearby. I do drive a lot of fire/dump/mixer trucks around the house with him too though :)
ReplyDelete"I shot a family who is expecting their second child, a couple expecting their first child, a family who just had their second.." That's pretty low. You should probably be in jail. Hahaha. Hardy har.
ReplyDeleteI liked reading about your daily life and was inspired to write my own blog about it if you are interested.