Nectar & Light

I tough weekend to be sure - but quite therapeutic - we spent the weekend purging.  If you remember my post about things - then you will recall that I have been blessed {most likely temporarily} with the gift to just let go.  And so we did.  But if you linger too long on things - they tend to find a safe haven in the hidden depths of a miscellaneous cardboard box destined for a attic.  So, you just close your eyes and do it.  Then, you take at page out of my friend Jen's handbook and mix yourself {or have your Dad do it} a concoction to put your mind elsewhere.  In the case of this drink it is more likely sugar shock than inebriation.  SO without further ado, I present The Cherry Bomb - my cocktail of choice - because there is no such thing as dinner before cocktail hour at my parent's house:

The Cherry Bomb:

~ 1 part lemon Vodka

~ 2 parts grenadine

~ 3 part tonic water

Combine in a chilled shaker with ice; pour into rocks glass full of crushed ice - insert skewer full of cherries and suck it down.

And a thank you, thank you, thank you to Tracy who named Nectar & Light as an Excellent Blog!  I would like to pass this award on to these 10 blogs who inspire me daily:

Simply Olive - who always makes me feel as if I am front row at Fashion Week;

Becoming a Foodie - it is no secret that I adore her and all she does;

Matt Bites - he simply makes me happy...

Marta Writes - for her beauty, honesty and divine skill at the written word;

The Habit of Being - for beauty in it's purest state;

Soule Mama - for the reminder that mother's CAN do it all;

Bloesem Kids - for the fact that it has become an indispensable resource;

Hei-Astrid - for a beautiful glimpse into the country that always been in my dreams;

True Nature - for her prose, her vision and her true nature;

Enhance the Everyday - my latest find and must read - beauty divine.

Happy reading... and drinking ;)

xoox~jla

She is back - both of them... Adie Loves Polly.

Good morning Friends.  What a day yesterday - the movers came and carried all of my lovely furniture and rugs away - packed them for safe keeping for at least a year until we decide to stay in Italy or return to the States.  And now - I had been waiting for it with fear - the house echoes.  It is an echo that rings a deep empty sound into your soul.  My friend Denise who recently moved back to the Midwest from Berkeley. California told me that that once most things were removed from the home, it would begin to feel like a shell - a shell of a former existence.  I do in a way feel as if I have molted - we still must spend the next two weekends at the house preparing it to put up for sale - but I already feel a deep disconnect.  Yesterday was hard, but today is better.  I already feel as if we are moving on and that the curious fingers of our lives our gently turning the page - eager to begin a new chapter.  So as I left the house yesterday, alone and after wondering around reflecting deeply on the last four years in that space - I quickly shot this Polaroid of my empty dining room and immediately burst out the door, into the cold afternoon - the image never had the opputunity to fully process due to the cold day - but I feel as if we did - we formed a beautiful existence there - now, on to the next...

xoox~jla

One more set of cards for the season.  Also available in a set with the Petal Series.

A busy day friends, but I do hope you enjoy your day - we have a patch of sunshine coming into the house this morning that is so beautiful - I think the day will have to be on hold for a moment or so while I capture the warmth.

Some things I am loving on Etsy this morning:

~ these wonderful little delights;

~ everything she does amazes me;

~ loving this for ayla eve;

~ and this girl rocks - loooove this one.

xoox~jla

I would like to start by thanking each and every one of you who has signed up to be a part of this exchange.  The response has been so wonderful and it makes me exceedingly happy that everyone is having such a good time of it!  Due to the rapid growth of the group, some guidelines have been set in order to streamline the whole process:

~The PhotoExchange is now The Photo Trade and it even has it's own home here;

~ I have enlisted some help from this wonderful friend - so if you see her responding to your emails or posts on the Flickr group - all is right with the world;

~ Because of the enormous time it takes to gather names and match partners from email, the Flickr group and Flickr mail, we will now only be excepting sign-ups through the website; additionally, we are unable to provide contact information on your partner {again due to time constraints}.  However, we have created a participant roster that you can check in on once you receive your partner's name - you are not required to include your own information to this roster, but it will make it a more personal experience for everyone if you do;

~ As we have yet to build a database {we are not that big yet}, it would be most helpful for you to include your full name and address each month that you join The Trade {even if you have participated before}; if we do not receive a mailing address with your request, you will not be included in that month's swap.  Unfortunately we do not have the time to reply to every request that is not properly addressed - so be sure to include it;

~ I have created a side banner for anyone who would like to put a link to The Trade on their site - if you would like it, please email me at jenifer@thephototrade.com

~ I am no longer asking that you hold your own photos from the Flickr group.  We all have such busy lives and it takes some of us longer than others to scan or reshoot the photos and post them.  So please feel free to post the images you are sending as well as what you have received;

~ And on that note, please realize that this is an international affair - it does take some time to receive packages from the other side of the world - be patient my friends and I am sure you will rewarded!  And do not stress if you photo goes out a week late - you are having fun - remember? ;)

~ Lastly, we are unable to police non-participants.  Please understand that you enter The Trade at your own risk of giving and not receiving.  We have a wonderful group that is dedicated to this project, but in all likelihood, there will be people who forget, get too busy or packages that get lost in the mail.  If you do not receive anything after a month of the shipping deadline, please email stana@thephototrade.com and she will pass on your partner's information to you so that you may contact them if you wish.

Thank you so much - these new guidelines will allow this group to grow and flourish - we look forward to building so many wonderful friendships through this project! 

Okay then, on to the fun stuff!  The theme for April is "A Faerie Tale Told".  A challenge this month my fellow photographers!  I would like you to interpret, however you see fit, one of your favorite tales from childhood; a nursery rhyme, a book, a faerie tale {can you guess the tale pictured above?}  The deadline for sign-ups is 4 April and you can sign-up right here.  Photos should be mailed by 18 April {or there about}.  As always, please send at least one 5x5 or 5x7 and be sure to post your photos to the Flickr group!

For general inquires regarding The Trade, please email info@thephototrade.com

Have fun friends - I truly can not wait to see your tales unfold!

xoox~jla 

We spent the weekend moving into my parent's house - we have such a wonderful bond that we are truly looking forward to these months together.  But one fear I had - and such a silly one - was how my photography would inevitably change in their house.  The light being so different - we lived in an old home full of windows in the middle of the city - they live in the middle of the forest.  But oh my, after reminding myself that my mother's collections of odds and ends - her cabinet of curiosities, brimming with teacups, crystal, spoons and such; and of course the delicate way the trees filter the sunshine into the house - my fears quickly stopped echoing through my head.

Have a lovely day friends!

xoox~jla

p.s. if you find yourself needing some entertainment with stunningly beautiful results - take a peek at this.

A big hug to Holly and Joy for giving our little project some blog love yesterday.  Above, yet another collection I have found while going through the house.  Below you will find things I wish I was doing this weekend instead of packing {I promise to stop complaining at some point in the near future}:

~ this fun looking project {via Ez};

~ going through this amazing list and finding some new can't-live-withouts;

~reading and re-reading this awe-inspiring post;

~ obsessing over these {via print and pattern};

~ and pining for this.

Have a lovely weekend...

xoox~jla

Firstly, thank you from the deepest recesses of my heart and soul.  I needed a box of tissues to read through your emails and comments yesterday - I want to thank each of you so much for not only sharing your own difficult experiences with moving, but the comforting thoughts and wonderful ideas you have given me as well - the post-it note wall, the photos, the hammer box, the time capsule - I shall embrace them all.  And though I am overwhelmed with excitement about where this journey is eventually leading us - I need to learn to take as much pleasure and joy in the journey itself.  Thank you so much friends.

Secondly, just a quick note that I spent yesterday doing a huge shop update - I know, I know - I should have been packing ;)  One of my favorite new items is the collection of fine art note cards pictured above.  I also wanted to mention that in conjunction with Trunkt, I am offering a special through the end of the month:  with any purchase of $50 or more, you will receive a limited edition 5x5 photograph - it is a super secret photograph and only available this month through the shop - sorry, no sneak peeks! ;)  See this link for details {you may have to scroll through the deals to find mine!}

Have a day full of laughter and sunshine!

xoox~jla

p.s.  if I don't get a chance to check in tomorrow, I just want to remind you that the new PhotoExchange theme will be announced next week - along with it some new rules on how the Exchange and sign-ups will work!

p.p.s. and if you are missing Adie Fey - Polly has been sick - we hope she will be on the road to recovery soon!

*edited to say:  I just bought this for my girls' new room in Rome - I feel better now.

One more quick note for the day - I am so thrilled and honored to bring you this news.  I began a project a while ago - hoping, praying that maybe a few other photographers who loved Polaroid as much as I do would believe enough in my vision to join me.  The answer was yes - a resounding one at that - and so I introduce For the Love of Light:  a Tribute to the Art of Polaroid.  The book features 25 awe inspiring Polaroid photographers - some have been shooting for years - some of them months - but what they have in common is an undeniable love and heartfelt affection for the art.  They cover five continents and 20 countries - I am so honored that they have joined me on this journey.  The tentative launch date of the book is mid-July - so be sure to sign up here for updates; as we move closer to the launch, the site will offer further perspective on the project, links to all of the photographers and of course an opportunity to purchase the book.  Thank you so much to all of my friends who are helping make this happen.

xoox~jla

p.s. thank you all so much for your encouragement regarding my move - it truly means the world!

I am feeling rather paralyzed.  Moving is not new to me - having moved with the Navy - this will be my 14th move since college - my third internationally.  But oh this sweet house - it's lovely walls - the first home my girls have known - there is a deep sadness that literally is paralyzing me from moving forward.  So, after walking around the house last night - gazing at bare walls near midnight - I decided I needed a way to move passed this pregnant pause - a kick in the pants if you will - that's where you come in dear friends!  Anyone having any suggestions on how to overcome this mental road-block will be forever in my debt.

And to shift the focus - for that is what I do so well right now - just ignore the stacks of things that ought to have been packed by now - I would like to share some link love:

~ I am happy to see her new blog combined with the old - or maybe it's the other way around - either way it is fab - a happy visit indeed;

~ these are making me crazy happy;

~ I finally bought one of these and can not wait to start playing;

~ and congrats to the most beautiful couple in Flickdom - seriously, could they be any more beautiful?

Have a lovely day and truly - any advice on how to focus would be especially lovely...

xoox~jla

 

I am asked quite frequently on Flickr and receive a few emails from readers each week about the type of cameras I use and how I process my images.  I have to honest - this is not something I would have been comfortable sharing six months ago - I was so used to hoarding sources and techniques as a jewelry designer - a must due to the insanely over saturated market - that I thought to share something like this would be giving part of myself away - and for free.  But dear readers, I have had a change of heart, and you can thank my friend Matt.  As mentioned before, I discovered him through his blog - but it was a particular article - one about sharing information and being open in the photography industry that originally inspired me to reach out to him.  I want to continue that tradition of sharing that both he and Lara {another amazing talent} seem to have a panache for - but I warm you, my secrets are no where as fascinating. 

Firstly, about 99% of the photographs you see on this blog are shot with one of two Polaroid cameras; either a SX-70 or a 680 SLR.  As many of you know, Polaroid will be closing it's doors on the instant film business - so if you really want to try this format of shooting, buy a camera now!  Do not let the fact that you will not be able to purchase film in a year from now deter you - the images are magical and you will have an inspired year playing with a new friend.  Your best bet for locating a great Polaroid camera is through Ebay - be sure the listing states that the camera has been film tested and/or the seller offers a money back guarantee.  This is especially important for the SX-70 - most sellers will tell you that they can not film test it as Polaroid no longer makes film for it - this is only partially true.  The SX-70 will take the 600 film {the packs that you see for sale in your local drugstore}  - you just have to set your exposure dial to the darkest setting and when inserting the pack of film into the camera - slide a small piece of paper in first and slide the cartridge on top of it - when the film is nearly in - remove the paper and lock in the film.  The 600 film cartridge has teeth on the bottom that prevent it sliding in otherwise.  The other photographs on this site are shot with medium format film with a Hasselblad 500 C/M.  How do I post process?  I don't.  People ask me about the textures I use, etc. - it is all about the film baby {as my friend Amy would say} - and my dirty scanner! ;)  So I hope that answers some questions and inspires everyone to shoot more film!

Have a lovely day - now go take a photograph of something.

xoox~jla

We meant to spend this weekend moving; moving the odds and ends that we have chosen to keep us company over the next few months while we stay with my parents.  We were inevitably stopped in our tracks early Saturday afternoon as my husband was called back to work for the weekend - some sort of meltdown - I mean, really, can't they have a meltdown without him?

As I tried to continue on without him and mentally put myself in the "moving" frame of mind, I realized why I am finding this so difficult - it comes down to one word:  things.  What things do we put in long term storage?  What things go into my Mom's attic?  What things do we take to Rome - what if those things break?  My milk glass collection pictured above is one of those "things" whose fate has yet to be determined.  Upon further reflection and a rare quiet moment alone, I have to remind myself that this move is not about things.  It is about us - as a family.  Life is about accumulating experiences and memories - ones singed so deeply into your conscience they blanket you with warmth during the coldest of hours - not about things.  And while I will be the first to admit without shame that I do love "things" - I am simply reminded of their current importance {or lack there of} in my world.

Have a lovely day of memory making...

xoox~jla

walking in the sun+good company+window shopping+paper+laughter+the truth+iced chai+alley ways full of vintage furniture+karma.

~ this amazing new find - her work captivates me - I met her sweet sister here yesterday;

~ finding this book from one of the most inspirational sites online at the most wonderful store in town;

~ this wonderful new find;

~ that this is going to get me in trouble - thank you irene *wink* i just can't seem to stop buying journals;

~ and an early b'day gift to me - because it has been my mantra of 2008 and evermore.

Have a weekend full of love and sunshine - next week I will have a new recipe for you and one more announcement:  a project that I am so honored to be working on - I can't wait to give you a sneak peek!

xoox~jla

p.s. I have added a few new prints to the shop and my first Polaroid diptych...

Thank you, thank you.  Your lovely comments, emails, love and support meant the world to me yesterday - I am overwhelmed by you my dear readers - thank you.  We are so very excited about this new chapter of our life and I am nearly trembling with curiosity wondering on what delicious path it may lead us. 

I also want to thank all of my friends who are participating in the March PhotoExchange {nearly 50 of you!} - and yes, the theme is Green.  I apologize for that confusion in some {most!} of the emails I sent out - but I am sure no one will be complaining if they are gifted with yet another shot of your morning rituals ;)  Thank you for your patience and have a happy exchange.  If you are participating and have yet to join the Flickr group - please do so - we would love to see what you receive in the post!  You may have noticed as well that the information on your partner was lacking the website/blog/Flickr account - I was just a bit too overwhelmed harvesting names from my email, my Flickr mail and the Flickr group's discussion boards to drop that additional information into the emails.  However, I have started a new thread within the group boards that will act as a master participant list.  If you do get a chance, please head over and add your name and any site/blog in which you would like people to locate you.

Have a wonderful day friends - I will be spending the afternoon with camera in hand - my goodness does that sound delightful!

xoox~jla

Italy.  We met in Italy, we courted in Italy - but we both fell deeply in love with Italy before we fell in love with each other.  And this brings me to my news that I have been so looking forward to sharing with you - we are returning to Italy.  We have always held on to a beautiful dream that maybe - one day - we could move our family to Rome - raise the children among the spiritual relics of an ancient civilization - one that shaped the world and would surely shape theirs.  But it was only a month ago that my husband looked me in the eye and asked me quite seriously, "What are we waiting for?"  It was at that moment, sitting on the couch in the living room, the girls rolling around in a pool of giggles at our feet that I saw our life changing - forever.  It was delightfully terrifying.

So here we are - the movers are scheduled to pack up our little home at the end of the month, the house goes on the market at the beginning of next month and we are off to make camp with my parents while we fulfill numerous Stateside commitments for the next eight months.  And of course there are the Visas, finding an apartment in Rome - which we must do before applying for the Visas - and various dramas and excitements that accompany such a life change.

Nectar & Light will be here - I hope to share in words and soft, light-infused images where this journey will take us.  We may be there for the rest of our lives - we may come home next year and say "Oh my goodness - wasn't that wonderful!" - whatever shall happen, I know that it will be full of light and love...

xoox~jla 

Having designed jewelry for over five years, I think I really began to realize towards the end that I enjoyed wearing others creations much more than my own.  For some strange reason - now that I am out of the business - I am having SO much fun creating for myself again - maybe it is that the stress and expectations have gone and I can do something without thinking of whether anyone would buy it.  I have always followed my heart in my creative existence, but I feel so much more comfortable with a camera in my hands than jewelry pliers right now - I suppose I feel that whatever you do with your own creative soul you must do 110% - if you are not there, your work stops speaking for you.  Jewelry is something so much more to me than something you throw on before you leave the house - it IS beauty, it is a reflection of who you are and your inner workings - each piece should have a history connected to your heart - never leave the house without one piece that makes you shine...

Ah - such a long way to get to the point - that there are so many covetable designers out there right now - many of whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the years - and I just wanted to share some of my favorites:

~ Jamie Joseph

~ Imogene and Annie

~ Abigail Percy   

~ Linea Nervenkitt

~ Pat Flynn

~ Kakkoii Mono

~ Nina Egli

~  and of course anything here, here or here will do nicely as well - and you can't forget my friends Jenny and Anne.

There are so many more - but I think I shall tuck those surprises away for a rainy day...

xoox~jla

p.s. I am running a bit behind on the PhotoExchange - you should have your partner's details by tomorrow!

brown eggs+friends that know my soul+morning light+anthropologie+cream colored tones+the need to photograph the same thing 10 times+but only photographing it twice+the stillness in the house during afternoon nap times.

I am also loving:

~ this beautiful work - so much emotion and love in her photography;

~ so happy she is feeling better;

~ this great new find;

~and this shop full of modern loveliness - and this shop full of dreams.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!  You should have your partner's information for the PhotoExchange in your inbox by Monday - and next week I have some big news to share that I have been so excited about - see you then!

xoox~jla

p.s. I am praying to the blogging Gods that they get this issue worked out sooner than later - this post was to have appeared yesterday but something has gone screwy within Typepad when I upload new images.  But I wanted to leave you with some love for the weekend - I do apologize for the weird effect the images are taking on - hope you all are well - and hope to have this fixed soon! ;)

HI FRIENDS, 

WE ARE HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH IMAGE DISTORATION  - WHEN THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED YOU WILL SEE NEW POSTS...

THANK YOU!  JEN

 

It is official - you are four.  We had a wonderful little break and took to the road for your birthday.  A weekend full of room service, browsing bookstores and choosing new spring dresses - yes, poor Papa. ;)  You are a ray of sunshine and fill my life with light - I watched you this weekend, so lady-like to the wonderful people at the hotel, so critical while I "attempted" to help you choose some new dresses {no, you may not sleep in them love} - and I wondered where the time has gone - it seems as if yesterday you were our beautiful Ayla's size - and just the day before that, the size of our sweet little Ari Rose - it astonishes me, it amazes me, it makes my heart nearly burst with happiness and loss at the same time.  I looked at you once not too long ago and said, "you are growing so fast little one" - you turned to me and asked, "Does it break your heart Mama?"  Yes - it does just a little - but it also excitements me to no end.  I love you sweet baby, happy birthday - I feel so blessed to be in your life...

xoox~mama

p.s.  i love your new entry this week - you are SUCH a good big sister.