★flannery o'kafka★

2012-03-09T10:28:00.000Z

two things high on my priority list:
shoes & tape.

today I feel hopeful.

2012-03-09T09:26:00.000Z

teenage boys and their shoes:

2012-03-08T23:48:00.000Z

It's a vicious cycle.

For some reason the carnage did not photograph well, but these Skechers look like five rabid dogs attacked them. How's a mother supposed to keep up with boy feet that are quickly becoming man feet and bursting out of their casings a la the Incredible Hulk?
My money-saving technique is to basically ignore their requests for new shoes until they become heartfelt pleas. This usually happens when the shoes are falling to bits and taking in more water than they keep out. I still manage to put them off for a week or so at that point whilst assuring the children that we'll go out 'as soon as we can.' The only thing worse than parting with a small fortune for something you know will soon be destroyed is actually going shoe-shopping with a teenage boy.

Tonight: Round one: pair of school gym trainers for Otto, check.

Tomorrow: Round two: we search for the ever elusive 'in-between size' for Jack-Lewis...school shoes and gym shoes. (not to mention picking up a new pair of boots for Hugo who has worn his moon boots to bits.)

Day After Tomorrow: I mourn the balance on my bank account and give some serious thought to finding a shoe company that wants nice family lifestyle shots of teenage boys wearing their shoes...and will pay in shoes.

She is woman, hear her roar.

2012-03-08T14:30:00.001Z

puddle portrait of an ex-church.

2012-03-07T20:43:00.004Z

West End
Glasgow

expect sunny intervals.

2012-03-07T15:26:00.001Z

We've had spots of sunshine over the past few days between the cold, the rain, and weird random sleet/snow. In fact, we've had all of the above today. As I look out the window (at the current sunshine), there's a vague analogy forming in my head about the changeable weather and the emotions involved in parenting.

Sometimes it's beautiful and all sunshine. Other times, we feel like our kids are digging us early graves and threatening to push us over the edge into the gaping six-foot-deep void. Those are the dark winter days when we push through, heads down, on our knees, and hope and pray for Springtime. If you have ever hung out with a disgruntled two year old or teenager, you will fully understand.

Hoping this doesn't all sound gloomy and doomy. In fact, today has been indeed all of the above. A botched blood test for Hugo had me in protective/survival mother mode (suffice it to say the doctor had to wipe blood off of Hugo's cowboy boots...and the floor...and Olive...). I simultaneously had a proud mum moment--he was so brave. Then we had the nicest trip to the shops for blood test prizes (moshi monsters and white mice).

As today's bloodbath fades from Hugo's memory, I'm sure he'll be all smiles coming off the school bus. At the same time, I'll be constantly chasing away clouds of worry this week whilst waiting for his blasted test results.*

And as I finish writing this, the sunshine has turned to a mixture of hail/rain.
sigh.

*which will hopefully be fine...not testing for anything too serious.

One year ago today.

2012-03-06T07:00:00.000Z

On March 6th, 2011, I picked up a camera to document the things I (we) make every day. Somewhere along the way I became a photographer. I wish I could explain how much I love taking photographs but I can't without using really violent imagery that freaks even my husband out, so instead, I'll give you a gift. Yes, it's a home video of Hugo dancing...the filming is shaky and awkward, but his moves are a whole lotta awesome.

Thanks to everyone who has faithfully followed my endeavours, stopped by once or twice, or accidentally ended up here whilst google searching for hipster haircuts. I hope every visit of the 30,233 has been a healthy mix of the melancholy and the merry.

I loved this year.

Please bear with me...

2012-03-05T09:40:00.001Z

...whilst I sort out how to use our new-fangled editing software.

I expect I'll look back on this photo in a few months and cringe, but for now, I'm on an Adobe light room high.

Yesterday we went to the hobo house.

2012-03-04T09:30:00.000Z

When telling the boys I took a trip to the boarded up house in our neighbourhood (everyone has one, right?) they exclaimed: 'You went to the hobo house??!!' Apparently some people have used it as a squat in times past and this is the endearing title it's earned from the kids in the hood. Don't worry, Otto, we didn't go inside the hobo house. We just strolled around the garden dodging shards of glass and took a few test shots for a possible editorial. It's perfect for something I've got in mind. It's like the set of a Cormac McCarthy novel in the comfort of your own backyard...

I still find it hard to reconcile that someone can afford to let this house sink yearly into dilapidation whilst over 50,000 families in Scotland alone declared themselves homeless last year (and families like ours are having a hard time finding affordable and appropriate housing). It's not difficult to see where Cormac gets his inspiration from...

we usually call it a fringe...

2012-03-03T18:24:00.001Z

but these are certainly BANGS.

Bangs
Above your eyes your hair hangs
Blow my mind your royal flyness I dig your bangs

Bangs
To drape across your forehead
To swing concordant angles as you incline your head

Once with a girl I fell in love sometime ago now she had...

Bangs
Are that on which the world hangs
I'm only holding your hand so I can look at your bangs

Bangs
Are like a pocket t-shirt
As casual as that while fully intentional

They Might Be Giants

Mia.

2012-03-02T15:07:00.000Z

Just started editing the photos from today's shoot...

I am overwhelmed by how amazing she is.

(click photo to enlarge)

Remember that time we went to a flea market in America

2012-03-01T22:34:00.000Z

and there was an entire stall dedicated to 'Antler Art'?

I still can't get over the image of someone gripping a furry hoof or a hard-as-nails antler and scooping ice cream or ladelling soup with the utensil that's been hot-glue-gunned to the other end.

Oh Indiana, it's nights like these when I miss you dearly.

Into every little life, a little rain must fall...

2012-03-01T11:15:00.000Z

Can't help but worry about a fevered six year-old...even when I know it's 'just a virus.' Too many hospital trips for this guy over the past 5 years = one mildly over protective mother.

(sick boy small style: t-shirt: handed down & joggies with raindrops: anive for the minors)

Twilight BMX-ing

2012-02-29T19:25:00.000Z

love these guys.

Making photos for Waddler

2012-02-29T12:51:00.000Z

Speaking about Waddler clothing with The Brothers Trimm HERE today.

fire, walk with me.

2012-02-28T14:34:00.001Z

Started a bit of therapeutic collage-ing this weekend. We've reached the end of Twin Peaks and I just can't think of a more terrible/horrific ending. Take anyone, Bob, but not the Coop! I openly admit that when the closing credits came on, I turned to my husband and said, 'hold me.'

On the upside, I will not have nightmares after watching Twin Peaks before bed every night...

The boy waxes lyrical...

2012-02-27T17:14:00.000Z

Inspired, I suspect, by a mix of Hevisaurus, Jumpstart and MC Hammer, he's been songwriting.

TIGER

Money is my favourite
Money is my favourite
Money is my favourite
Money is my favourite

I am just an eyeball
I am just an eyeball
I am just an eyeball

You’re a super brain-eye
You’re a super brain-eye

Bogie jogie jogie jo

Yes, yeah, yes, yes

I want to see how awesome your move is--
how awesome your friend is.

Oh yeah, Oh yeah

You’re so awesome.

Oh yeah, oh yeah

Tiger Riger

Tiger
Tiger
Tiger
Tiger, oh yeah.

Oh yeah Tiger,
You’re it, Tiger.
I got you Tiger
I want you Tiger
I believe you Tiger

There’s no choice for you to believe me.

Hi Hi Hi Hi
Oh yeah, oh yes.

Look whats gonna happen
Look whats gonna happen
Look whats gonna happen

Oh yeah…………………………………….

(his band is called Rock.)

Jarvis Cocker portrait

2012-02-26T20:37:00.003Z

oil on canvas

by Lydia (16)

I don't know what it is, but when I look at this face, I just can't stop laughing...

Batgirl

2012-02-25T14:42:00.000Z

Batgirl: "I was just doing my duty as a citizen."

Batman: "I like that kind of talk."

Robin, about Batgirl: "Do you think she's trying to double-cross us?"

Batman: "No, but she's a woman, Robin, with a woman's inborn desire to outsmart men."

Batman: "Perhaps crimefighting is better left to the men, Batgirl, perhaps not. But this isn't exactly women's work."

Batgirl: "But I'm no ordinary woman, Batman."

Batman: "Agreed."

bonnet and sunshine.

2012-02-24T16:17:00.002Z

We're discussing knitting over on the Babiekins Magazine blog today, come see us HERE.

Revisiting my backlog of Florence photos...

2012-02-23T22:26:00.001Z

Pigeons, bootcut trousers, and girls that are taller than boys.

moustache and reading hands.

The photo diary of a Supermum.

2012-02-22T12:32:00.002Z

I am becoming convinced that I have some sort of super power--some sort of ability to put up a rose-tinted force-field when others are looking in. No matter what I say, the conversations can still go like this:

Someone Else: How do you do it?

Me: I don't...seriously. I mean, five kids...it's pretty overwhelming.

Someone Else: (laughs) I have a hard time with my three...but your kids are always so well dressed!

Me: Oh, their clothes were free and seriously, I'm losing my mind.

Someone Else: (smiles) Oh you! I mean, how do you have the energy to do it ALL? Your kids are so talented and well behaved!

Me: Well, my thyroid died a few years ago, my husband has to beg me to wash his socks and underwear, and I'm still finding Christmas decorations around the house in February. I need a two-year holiday or a maid or a nanny. The kids are driving me crazy...I might be going insane.

Someone Else: (smiles and shrugs with wide eyes) I just don't know how you do it...I certainly couldn't.

In the future, I will direct them to this blog post, but I have a feeling it will be in vain...my force-field is so powerful that midwives never believe I'm in labor and most folks are somehow surprised when I tell them for the 71st time that I've struggled with depression for most of my life.

...

Dear Someone Else,

I have dead and/or dying flowers on my kitchen table.

This is what our house actually looks like (often).

After 17 years, I still can't get a handle on the laundry.

I tried to clean the blender this morning (left out all night after pancake day)...

and poured water all over our beloved kitchen radio which is now dead.

I cannot tell you how sad I am about this one.

It's our last tape player and my lifeline to radio 4.

I then went to change the baby's nappy and stepped on a toy kitchen

plate (picutred below) which resulted in me simultaneously

sliding/falling/doing the splits in an amazing gymnastical feat.

My ligaments hate me.

That was just this morning.

...

I reached a new low on Monday, photographing Olive in the supermarket toilets.

I really wanted to get a shot of her tutu and tights...maybe not the best moment.

If you look closely, you can see the grody linoleum with a slight sparkle.

Is there some sort of Serenity prayer for this?

'God, grant me the time to make amazing things;
the courage to embrace the mundane,

and the wisdom to somehow combine it all
(without sinking to taking photographs in public toilets).'

Right, I'm such downer...but please say you believe me now???

Regardless, I'm going to go take some ibuprofen...

overweight 35 year old women are not meant to do violent, unexpected splits on the floor.

2012-02-21T14:55:00.001Z

this weekend: this week

2012-02-20T09:42:00.000Z

Hugo and I took a few photos for the Ada Ada giveaway this weekend. It's strange with photographs, sometimes the wind blows, the child looks down, and you capture some sort of awkward, other-worldly moment of movement...

Enough philosophizing, I've got washing to do and cookies to bake. One more week of single motherhood due to the Mr. writing essays...and I've decided to devote this one to tackling our dirty clothes mountain. It's exciting in a way...I reckon we have over 200 items of clothing to wash and I'm sure there are some gems we've forgotten we even owned at the bottom of the heap.

Just trying to find a silver lining to my house-cleaning dark cloud of a week...

cinemascope

2012-02-18T17:01:00.001Z

Oh cinemascope button, you've beguiled me with your wiley ways. I can't resist making photos look like film stills. Must. Stop. Pressing. That. Button.

When the sun looks like the moon

2012-02-17T14:57:00.001Z

greenhouse: seeking restoration

2012-02-17T00:37:00.002Z

shirt No Added Sugar (from TK Maxx), cardigan c/o Toto Knits, trousers Gymboree (thrifted and altered for skinny-ness), pea coat Gap (ebay), cowboy boots some cheap shoe store in an American mall

Recently on Thursdays, I've been having a grand time linking to other real mothers dressing real kids on Small Style. For 16 years, I've been a mum, and sometimes dressing the kids has been one of my main creative expressions. Anyway, if you're really interested in my ramblings about motherhood, creativity, the universe, etc...please go to the Classic Play blog and read the Creative Family post starring...us.
Click HERE to know more than you ever wanted to know about my creative process.

Riverside Museum, Glasgow

2012-02-15T22:15:00.000Z

4 boys off school + one toddler + me = a dry day, some mild harassment, a crowded train, a terribly windy picnic, random taxidermy, me making a fool of myself, 4 chicken legs, a moment of shared hilarity, my old point-and-shoot, and an unlikely friendship with a marble horse. All-in-all, a nice visit to the new transport museum.

On the littles: poncho and cardigan c/o Waddler.

Saint Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000Z

Happy 18th, Sunshine.

Remember our first? We picked out my engagement ring at Casey's gun and pawn shop...and then had a luxurious dinner at Denny's...I think it also involved you serenading me with an acoustic guitar and presenting a pot of African Violets. I don't even remember if I got you anything...I hereby admit it publicly that you've always been a better gift-giver.

us circa 1997

(also, you look weird without a beard.)

two things.

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000Z

#1 I love this.

#2 Five kids are a lot of work.

(and I am one tired mother)

The Botanic Gardens, Glasgow

2012-02-12T17:52:00.000Z

1. glass dome
2. dilapidated greenhouse
3. reflection of dome/giant fern-type plant in the koi pond

We made photos for Babiekins Magazine: issue 8

2012-02-11T10:05:00.000Z

Well, it's finally here:

Babiekins Issue 8 for Spring 2012

My editorial, 'Tip-Top' is on page 141

Here's some of my favourite outtakes from the day.

Thanks again to: Waddler, Dandy Star, FAIRYTALE13, Misha Lulu, The Robot Parade for Kids, Mini Rodini, Pale Cloud, louloueskimo, sons + daughters eyewear, Optimist of Norway, Toto Knits, and Le Carrousel!

Also huge thanks to Karla Sempsrott for amazing hair skills, to Lydia for her assisting, and to Babiekins for everything!

Most of all, thanks my two wonderful models...you guys are amazing.

Click HERE to read issue 8 online

We made photos for Tea at Aunties.

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000Z

(click to enlarge)

Mr: Blazer Tea at Aunties

Missus: Top, Cape and Trousers Tea at Aunties

night-time photos, long exposures.

2012-02-09T18:12:00.000Z

I love this guy too much. Here he is all dressed in his 'fancy' clothes for the Valentine's Day disco and super patient enough to

let me take a few 'stand very still' photos. He's been practicing his moves for weeks.

Trousers Zara (£7.99) Blazer c/o Tea at Aunties Jr. Scarf Asda (£1) Converse thrifted (£2)

The coveted Sunshine Award

2012-02-09T13:23:00.000Z

I received this SUNSHINE AWARD from the wonderful like-minded mystery novel reader Mrs Agatha in Finland. She has the most amazing face I've ever seen and someday I'll photograph it. (Thanks for the sunshine...we need it here in Glasgow.)

When receiving the award you are asked to answer some sunshine questions and then pass the award to 5 other bloggers who deserve a little sunshine too.
(Why do I feel like this is something similar to the Dundies?)

And so to the questions:

Favorite colour: black (although Lydia assures me it's a tone not a colour)

Favorite animal: black-handed spider monkey (because it's Hugo's favourite)

Favorite non-alcoholic drink: terrible secret only known to my family and house-guests: diet cola

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook.

Favorite number: 3, 5, or 7

Favorite day of the week: Sunday, hands down.

My passion: (passions) photography, God, family, and people (in no particular order).

Getting or giving presents: giving when it's the perfect gift.

Favorite pattern: stripes depending on the colours, with antique florals coming in a close second.

Favorite flower: thistle (tattooed on my right wrist)

Now I choose five people who I want to send a little sunshine to...

Stephen Cefalo: my friend of 20 years married to the crazy Amy and father of six of our favourite (and quirkiest) children. Steve is an excellent painter and we love him.

The Ants of God are Queer Fish: My husband's R A Lafferty blog. If you like this obscure Author or know someone who does, this will be like Christmas for you.
(and Daniel certainly needs some sunshine today after losing a piece of writing due to Olive turning the computer off whilst he was mid-sentence...then being late for a lecture...)

Kint, Click, & Stir: One of my best friends, Jaime. We refer to her as 'girl Jaime' in our home. She writes wonderfully about knitting, nature, and all sorts of food...she's made Star Wars crackers--true story.

Misha Lulu: Karen is the Matriarch of the Misha Lulu empire and she's just absolutely lovely. She's a really generous and great lady. Although we've never met in person, I think of her often when I put Olive in the Misha Lulu clothes she's sent.

Petit à Petit and Family: Celina recently discovered her back is injured even more than she suspected and I think totally deserves a bit of sunshine. She's been such a great help to me. When I jumped into deep water that went well above my head to take on my first kids fashion editorial, she came to my rescue. Thanks Celina, for suggesting great designers. I would have been lost without you!

p.s. If I could add a sixth, I would, but she won't let me ;)
p.p.s. This is not a chain letter. If you do not choose to pass on the virtual sunshine, nothing bad will happen to you. No pressure.

wish I was here.

2012-02-08T12:07:00.000Z

I think I've decided that the Holy Island might very well be my most favourite place on earth.

Go fly a kite.

2012-02-07T20:39:00.000Z

I just can't look at this rabbit/woman without two simultaneous and conflicting things happening to me. 1. I am completely utterly and deeply disturbed. & 2. I begin singing 'Let's go fly a kite up to the highest height, let's go fly a kite and send it soaring...up through the atmosphere, up where the air is clear, come let's go....fly....a....kite!'
I am making a pact with myself to just stop looking at it. It's not worth the mental anguish.

evening fog photos: monochrome

2012-02-06T20:13:00.001Z

(click photos to enlarge)

An amazing obscuring fog all day long...kept seeing amazing photos I didn't take. By the time I had a subject and a camera, it was evening. With a very slow shutter and a misty street, we took these. The photo below I also have in colour, but I can't decide which is better, so I'm showing it again here. I want to climb through those trees and into Narnia.

Lydia thinks Otto looks like a bandit in the top photo. I think he looks like a man--which is weird because he's my son--and I don't know if I'm ready to be the mother of a man.

evening fog photos: colour

2012-02-06T19:59:00.001Z

Me: 'Can I use these on my blog?'
Otto: 'Whatever.'

train station.

2012-02-05T22:34:00.002Z

It's hard to explain.

2012-02-05T17:56:00.000Z

I'm not totally sure what I was thinking when I devised the Sunday School craft for today.
It made sense in my head but the finished product is totally weirding me out.

Spring Editorial trailer...

2012-02-04T13:19:00.003Z

On New Year's Day, I shot photographs for my first editorial in Babiekins magazine. The hours I spent gathering clothes, scanning lookbooks, and spray painting a bunny mask all culminated in a three-hour session with some of the best I know in the industry (my son and his BFF modeling, Karla Sempsrott on hair, and my daughter, Lydia assisting with clothes and crowd control). Here's a bit of a preview of the day. All images by Lydia.

oil on paper

pencil drawing

behind the scenes photo(me, Mr, Missus, and a bunny statue)

If you look really hard you can spot some great designers.
Photos out in the next online issue of Babiekins Magazine out this month.

in other news...

2012-02-03T17:26:00.001Z

I tore some ligaments in my ankle this morning that's whassup.

It hurts and I lost a work day--totally unproductive. bleh.

I couldn't even think of anything to photograph today, so here's a picture of Jack-Lewis's 13th birthday card...it's been up since December and I love it too much to throw away/put into a drawer. It's the best card I've ever defaced. The Bible verse printed inside reads: The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting. Psalm 100: 5

This is my all-time favourite portrait of Olive.

2012-02-02T13:53:00.002Z

A stroll out with the baby and her buggy today ended in tears.

Only a two year old can hate you for not letting her play in traffic.

coat c/o anïve for the minors

baby c/o the Kosos
buggy c/o Calum

(also linking to Mama Loves Papa: Small Style today)

fallen branches

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000Z

(we thought it said 'steep incline')

Florence, Italy

October 2011

kickin' it old school: the teenage me

2012-02-01T09:45:00.001Z

The year? 1993. The place? A 60 minute photo shop in the mall complete with a photo studio in the back. The characters? Two BFFs, a guitar, a roll of tape, a few mannequin heads, plates, knives, forks, toothbrushes and a dish.
We chose our backgrounds and our props...much to the dismay and mild disgust of the lady who already hated her weekend job...and had her shoot our Christmas photographs.
The parents weren't impressed, but I like to think our friends appreciated them...

Remember the good ol' days when if we met a boy from out of town, we had to have a friend take photos of us to send to them in a letter. I sure hope my future husband liked this shot of me pretending to be paparazzi-ed coming out of a porta-potty!

He must have liked it because he also agreed to go to the prom with me.

The rest is history. We got married, grew up together, had three kids (one with a saggy mohawk)...

Then we grew up some more, moved to another country and had two more children...which is generally the story I tell today.

I must remember

2012-01-31T15:06:00.001Z

to speak with my own voice.

scarf H&M

cardigan c/o Waddler

Please use sparingly !

2012-01-31T09:03:00.002Z

I think I need to print this out and stick it on my computer today...

train-window landscapes.

2012-01-30T15:33:00.001Z

Glasgow-Stirling & Stirling-Dundee line

January 2012

weekend puddle.

2012-01-29T20:48:00.003Z

I think she's about 1/16th Cherokee...

2012-01-28T13:27:00.000Z

No hairband, clasp, or barette ever crosses her hair

(without being promptly ripped out along with handfulls of baby blonde locks).

The one exception? This elasticated little number.

She's now somewhere between toddler hipster and a member of MGMT.

(I'm currently editing another similar photo to work through my feelings about all things Native American...more about that later.)

our house in the middle of the street

2012-01-27T10:27:00.001Z

our house was our castle and our keep.

I used to sing that song and dream about the home filled with children I'd have one day... Now I have a home filled with children and vaguely remember songs by bands that I used to sing when I was young... (and thanks to the internet, I no longer need to rely on my false lyrical memories)

I remember way back then when

Everything was true and when

We would have such a very good time

Such a fine time

Such a happy time

And I remember how we'd play

Simply waste the day away

Then we'd say

Nothing would come between us

Two dreamers

Madness

making photos for Louloueskimo

2012-01-26T16:59:00.000Z

I have a serious weakness for aviator-style hats, pilot caps, skull caps, etc... There's just something so medieval-super hero about them.

I also have a soft spot in my heart for the colour mustard. I've been known to trawl through ebay searching 'mustard' in the Baby clothing category.

When I saw this beige hat with mustard dots from Louloueskimo's new Spring/Summer collection, I mentioned that I loved it. I often love things I see...I just don't expect to then receive them in the post! But that wee hat arrived complete with a lovely gold ribbon that ties at the neck. Paired with a skirt and wellies, it's totally toddler superhero!

Thanks Agathe for the hat. Hope you have a grand time in Paris and I can't wait to see your new designs for next Autumn/Winter. Although I love mustard, my heart really melts for the colour BLACK!

Please visit louloueskimo HERE.

The coward Robert Ford

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000Z

I love her in this photo.
Unfortunately there was another very similar shot next to it that in my 'workaholic zeal to delete what I don't need immediately off of my memory card' I deleted. In that photo, she somehow looked like Casey Affleck in the amazing film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
true story.

Burns Night

2012-01-25T14:30:00.002Z

In Scotland each year we celebrate Robert Burns...who as Ruby says in the video: 'loved the ladies.' We eat haggis (vegetarian if I'm cooking it) and occasionally we can coax someone into reciting a poem. Our family has become a bit lax in celebrating it the past few years, but this video by some of my new favourite people is inspiring me to run out the shops and get the ingredients for our Burns Supper!

Please don't miss:

1.53: Jolene encourages Ruby to sing 'senseless asses' with gusto

2.23: Ruby sings the loveliest solo ever...made me cry my eyes out

2.59: Jolene uses her Stage Mother voice to command 'last time.' and 'Bella.'

to a drowsy wee sister on the sofa so that she'll join in the last of the song.

(This kills me every time)

3.15: Ruby's exhausted face and big eyes

3.23: The story behind the song

The hilarious back story (and reason for the jammies and dressing gown) is that the first recording (pre-bedtime) didn't take and so their loving mother got them out of bed for an encore. That's dedication. It just adds to the pitiful-ness of the camera panning to a half-asleep Bella being called for to sing 'Green Grow the Rashes, Oh!' just one last time...

(Thanks Jolene, this made my day!)

2012-01-25T13:51:00.001Z

us + toto knits = the beginning of something beautiful.

test shots with the Cullys.

2012-01-24T15:38:00.000Z

Took some test shots on the weekend of these two...I'm not sure if they love the camera, but they were very patient and I love how they photograph. After having a quick but good literary discussion with their mum, I'm inspired to start a new project.

So thankful to have lovely friends who have lovely kids who will let me take their photos. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Cully for not minding me taking your son outside in the cold wind--not even letting you comb his hair or wipe his nose and for not being afraid of my crazy ideas.

Last week I read:

2012-01-24T10:53:00.001Z

This week I'm reading:

Working on a project involving ideas of madness in literature...which should after hours of enjoyable reading form itself into a photography series...that's the theory at least!

Both books highly reccomended.

Don't let Muriel Spark's grandmotherly photo on the back of the book fool you though. She's one dark, violent and intense Catholic writer.

a happy compromise.

2012-01-23T14:27:00.001Z

I wanted to buy him the black gloves but he wanted the bright blue pair. When he spotted these fingerless hobo-chic little numbers, however, his mind was made up. Argument over. He is now calling these his 'awesome gloves' and promises to never lose them. They certainly come in handy when you're fighting your reflection in the train window...

apocalyptic puddle portraits & defaced photographs.

2012-01-22T00:10:00.001Z

A few photos of the exhibition and the huge windows dwarfing the pieces.

At the end of the evening, I'm left with a strange feeling of having pinned my heart to my sleeve, then pulled it off and smeared it all over the wall leaving someone else to clean up the mess.

It's also late and I also have the feeling that I should go to sleep and quit typing/thinking far-fetched analogies.

Good night.

(and thanks, Cully.)

Scottish landscape from a moving train window.

2012-01-20T23:20:00.001Z

On the way to Dundee to hang my photos.

big sky

snowy hills

power lines

a tree

a fence

two fields

perfect.

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000Z

the family overbite.

Friends who paint.

2012-01-19T09:08:00.000Z

DISCLAIMER: The below image was 'painted' on a computer as a joke and in no way represents Jonathan Queen's actual painting ability.

Following on from yesterday's post, here's our good friend Jonathan Queen's 'rest of the composition'. I think my husband's beard is made of carpet...not far off, Jonathan.

(by the way, Jonathan is one of my favourite painters of all time.)

I must also soon share the painting our friend Steve Cefalo started of my husband this summer...I think his beard was forked and he was taking on a distinct centaur-ish look about him.

Thanks to Steve, Jonathan, Mike Lierly and Robert Macmillan for being great and for all the encouragement you've show to Lydia as she's starting to paint. I'm glad we're friends.

worst composition ever.

2012-01-18T13:47:00.000Z

(I left a space so that you can mentally draw the man some shoulders...or at least the rest of his beard...sheesh!)
I was inspired by photographer Tim Coulson to branch out a bit and experiment with more sky in portraits. As you can yourself testify to, it was a failure of epic proportions. I just can't delete it, though. It's the first time in a good long while I've photographed his face properly--without a strained 'I'm posing for yet another photo' expression. It also has the bonus ability to keep me humble. That negative space is just negative and the composition is awkward, and not in a good way.

Ach well, here's to next time...

a perpetually messy bedroom.

2012-01-17T21:39:00.000Z

I suppose I could be cleaning it instead of photographing it...

This is Glasgow: Dirty Dancing

2012-01-16T15:22:00.001Z

This puppet not only posed for photos, stuck his bum out at me, and gave me a right good cuddle on my neck, he did all of the above to the tune of 'I've had the time of my life.' One of the best buskers I've ever seen. I actually felt a bit flattered by the cuddle. (And isn't it amazing how the puppeteer's trousers form a miniature theatre curtain?)

Poor wee guy--he's exhausted. He works hard for his money.

She used to just be our friend's kid sister.

2012-01-15T20:30:00.000Z

Now she's an honorary member of the family and one of my besties.

We love her, and not just for the free good haircuts.

It's obvious to anyone who knows me or reads this here blog, that I'm a crier. I must say, however, that years of living transatlantic-ally and saying goodbye to family and friends repeatedly has dulled my tears a bit when it comes to departures. But when that friend who never cries starts to tear up, well...it's all over.

Glasgow misses you already, Sunshine.

For 16 years I've been taking pictures of Lydia.

2012-01-14T23:22:00.004Z

I'm fairly certain this is one of my favourites.

Taken on the train and through the glass of the shelves used for stacking luggage. She used to sit here with her brothers when they were all small on the days seats were scarce. (insert motherly sigh here)

this is Glasgow: fake polaroids

2012-01-13T16:20:00.001Z

the culprit.

2012-01-11T22:29:00.000Z

The moral of the story: Do not put jars with paper labels in your dishwasher before recycling. Though this is very kind to the bin men, it is not kind to your dishes (or your appliance, I reckon). You will end up with small bits of chewed-up paper mixed with food debris on your 'clean dishes.' Every time. Gross.

dear new camera,

2012-01-10T09:19:00.001Z

you've got skills.

There's just something so satisfying about not having to edit my photos to make them look halfway decent. If I edit them now, it's because I want to not because I have to.

Thankful.

weekending.

2012-01-08T21:32:00.000Z

(I've stolen this title from a lovely lady I recently met called Jolene. She writes a great Glasgow blog and often chronicles their weekend wanderings on a Monday.)

And so, I bring you our WEEKENDING.

(well, our Saturday at least.)

All seven of us descended en masse onto Glasgow Green for a last bit of family time together before we became shackled once again to school and university. (also a chance for me to look at a spot for a shoot and play with my new camera.)

We took a quick look inside the People's Palace.

(self-portrait in the Buttercup Dairy below)

Olive looked lost as usual.

Uncomfortable daughter-as-donkey and husband-as-child seaside photo...

The sisters and Neil Diamond. (incidentally her Dad was wearing the same t-shirt the day Lydia was born...)

We went into this building and ate pretzels.

(Well, the building attached to this building...)

Our table (reserved for a future contingent).

Hugo in hiding.

(a moment before he had the napkin around his head babushka-style saying in a falsetto voice: 'Look, I'm Ann-dree-uh.' in his Glaswegian accent.)

Without being asked, Otto took charge of her the whole time we were there.

The aforementioned legendary pretzels.

The aftermath.

Although completely banned from playing 'rough,' (it always turns ugly with these two) Hugo manages a slow-mo right hook whilst he thinks we're not looking...

Thanks for patiently letting me practice with my new camera, homies.

In a way, it's nice to have a semi-quiet house during the day with only a toddler to wrestle with...

In a way, I miss you already.

the gowns of babies born in prison

2012-01-07T20:07:00.001Z

The People's Palace

GLASGOW

typecasting.

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000Z

It's hard to take an episode of The Twilight Zone seriously when...

one of the main dramatic heroes is Darren from Bewitched. Even with a John Barrowman look-alike and eight serious soldiers looking to him for strength for the battle, he still looks like that goofy husband working for McMann & Tate whilst trying to hide his wife's identity from prying neighbours.

If he knew then what I know now, would he have ever taken the part knowing that he will forever be 'Darren from Bewitched'?

our last hurrah.

2012-01-06T14:00:00.000Z

Well, the Christmas/New Year school holidays are drawing to a close. As we eat the dregs of our holiday sugar fest, try to shake off our Christmas colds and watch our DVD boxsets, we can feel the daily routine-ness looming. Here's hopin' for a creative, productive, loving, peaceful and beautiful 2012.

I leave you with one of our finest moments of 2011--Lord Vader dancing the Can-can.

blast off!

2012-01-05T23:22:00.003Z

that time we were in Italy and someone had posted a glove...

2012-01-04T17:38:00.001Z

They call him the indie hipster king of first year.

2012-01-02T15:28:00.000Z

He may be the smallest 13 year old this side of the Atlantic...but what he lacks in height, he makes up for with soul (and giant eye-magnifying Ray-Bans). This year, to add to his personal kingdom of cool, we bought him a PLAY BUTTON for Christmas. Yes, that's right...it's an album you can wear. How amazing is that?

guests.

2012-01-01T20:55:00.000Z

off duty.

2011-12-30T14:48:00.001Z

I've got some important photos to take over the next couple of days...

These guys are going to have to fend for themselves.

(with a bit of help from Mr. Mum)

oh Christmas tree.

2011-12-29T21:33:00.001Z

tèarmannair

2011-12-29T00:35:00.001Z

(protector)

self-portrait with street-light.

2011-12-27T16:00:00.000Z

...and a really long exposure.

that wonderful gift you didn't even know you needed...

2011-12-26T22:26:00.002Z

Ours has a name:

and now she is 2.

Vader.

2011-12-26T00:54:00.000Z

imagine our surprise when we looked under his cloak...

blog's....out......for....CHRISTMAS.

2011-12-22T13:13:00.000Z

But it's not out forever. Do not let your hearts be troubled. I'm just taking a few days off to celebrate

Immanuel

(God with us)

with my favourite people in the whole wide world. Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday season.

Plastic deer, fake tree & sticky toffee pudding.

our second family.

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000Z

Our first three kids are officially teenagers and fairly self-sufficient. This is quite a good thing because for some insane reason we started a second little family six years ago. And although these two are completely high maintenance, they make our family complete. Despite our exhaustion, we've come to the conclusion that we're glad we have them and glad that they have each other. And NO, there will be no third family.

my Christmas present from the kids last year.

2011-12-20T15:14:00.000Z

Lydia with my Queen Elizabeth mug in the snow.

This is Glasgow: holga-ish

2011-12-19T21:27:00.001Z

George Square at Christmastime.
(statues & ferris wheels)

The back of the lorry.

The side of the shop.

The jolly builders.

Self-portrait.

Suitcase & blinds.

An architectural puddle portrait.

yes.

2011-12-18T21:49:00.000Z

Frances Bean inspired.

2011-12-16T19:27:00.001Z

I'm posting over at Babiekins magazine blog today about Olive's leopard print coat that was Lydia's once upon a time...
and encouraging parents everywhere to hoard their favourite kid's clothes.

(Confession: I also keep boxes of clothes to pass on to future grandchildren...I hope they like black.)

CLICK HERE to see the post.

This is Glasgow: the school show.

2011-12-16T12:41:00.000Z

(that's my boy singing Bugsy Malone with a bowler hat and moustache askew)

It was a good school show complete with non-working microphones and Scottish kids doing hilarious American accents. There was however one really tense moment when a disgruntled Grandad shouted at one of the standing mums:

'SIT DOON!

THERE'S MAIR THAN ONE WEAN ON THE STAGE'

Thankfully, she did indeed sit down and the shouting match/fistfight that seemed for a moment quite possible was averted...and we all nervously smiled with relief.

waiting for a haircut.

2011-12-15T11:41:00.000Z

It's a good thing our Karla is coming to Scotland in a few weeks time...

Hugo's starting to look a bit like Nick Cave with The Birthday Party circa 1981 .

with sympathy.

2011-12-14T22:17:00.000Z

The news on the radio is often bad news. It's often so bad that I shudder and then shove the dark information into the back of my mind and try to say a quick prayer for those involved whilst not thinking too hard about the dad that attacked his family and then killed himself...or the suicide bomber...or the hurricane or earthquake, etc...
Today, I just can't shake the Belgian Christmas market scene. Of the four confirmed dead, two are teenage boys, one is a toddler, and one is an elderly woman. Now, I love the Christmas season, I have a genuine love for old people, two of my children are teenage boys, and my baby girl is almost the same age as the toddler that was killed. It's far far too close to home. My heart just aches every time the news brief is read out.
I'm also finding it hard to reconcile the fact that if that man who shot a baby whilst in his mother's arms and threw hand grenades at children and old women was still alive, I could probably tear him apart with my bare hands. I feel that this is a good protective type of anger, but I'm not totally certain on that one.
Regardless, it's an opportunity to pray more for the families, love my own properly, and speak up for those with no voices. God help us...

I'm about ready to raise some Ebeneezer...

2011-12-14T16:38:00.001Z

I'm cold, I'm out of ketchup and I'm restless.

2011-12-14T14:34:00.005Z

I can't get warm. I'm hungry. I'm in-between projects...

But to be honest, there's lots I could do--I just don't feel like it. I'm finding this perpetual winter darkness decidedly underwhelming. In an effort to rouse myself out of my mental slumber, I took a few photos around the house.

the statue.

the window.

the bell in the kitchen.

the bell again.

inside the cupboard.

inside the dryer.

inside the fridge.

Mission accomplished.

My mind is now awake to the possibilities of my camera's self-timer

and it's time to put on a second cardigan.

I'm glad I didn't sell Frances.

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000Z

Yes, I'd hoped he would find a home on Saturday, but to be honest, this girl loves him. And so, Frances becomes a member of our household and has already been subjected to Olive's tender (and sometimes violent) embraces.

I'm not sure why he's blurry in this photo...

maybe he's trembling--anticipating the body slam he's getting ready to experience?

The Christmas fireplace.

2011-12-12T10:31:00.000Z

I don't generally take photos of our home decor...

mostly because I'm not sleek, smooth, hip or tidy.

But what I lack in minimalism, I make up for in clutter & sentimentality.

1. Star I bought in a large crafty chain store in America with my wonderful friend Jaime.

2. Antler coat rack found in an Indiana flea market (housed in a defunct shopping mall). I haggled a bit ($3) and then unscrewed them and brought them home in a suitcase. We still can't tell if they're real or faux.

3. Porcelain Jesus statue (a la Nick Cave) given to us by people we love--the Queens.

4. Antique medicine cabinet that was originally in my childhood home. I burnt my forehead once looking into this mirror whilst curling my 'bangs' with a curling iron into a big 90s monstrosity. (I think I was getting ready for the 8th grade dance)

5. Dried lavender from our garden...to be replaced with red berry branches--hopefully today--if I can get out the door to the flower shop.

6. Plastic fox mask bought for £1 at a toy shop...thinking it will be spray painted off-white tomorrow.

7. Ribbon from Jeanette. thank you.

8. Petitcollin naked baby doll snowglobe--one of my favourite things ever.

9. Silver beads bought for our Christmas tree 12 years ago...I can still remember scraping our money together to get a few things that year.

10. Mystery for Christmas book--great collection with a creepy Santa photo on the cover.

11. Antique crushed velvet cover for the arm of an old chair...I bought it at a garage sale in Fletcher Place years and years ago when Lydia was a toddler.

12. That wooden CD tower I bought for Dan...which is really annoying...when you pull a drawer out, you can't see the CD titles...they built it in the wrong shape.

13. At some point, someone ripped out a beautiful (potentially ornate) wooden and tiled mantle and replaced it with this modern yellow wood/fake marble ugliness.

14. The fake (not even working) ugly electric fire.

15. An old frame I've had for years--trying to hide the fire...and draped with some pine branch garland from IKEA

16. Pom-pom trim Lydia bought years ago with a gift card from her Grandpa. (he passed away nearly two years ago)

17. Reindeer that I painted and I'm glad didn't sell at the craft market.

18. Super-tacky snowglobe from Lindisfarne.

19. An 1814 copy of Pilgrim's Progress, an old hymnal, and a Victor Hugo novel.

20. Blue flocked deer Hugo picked out last week.

21. Antique frame usually holding a photo of Lydia age 4, now with a vintage postcard of a baby Jesus in an Italian nativity scene. thanks Catherine.

22. Grey wall painted during my invalidity by Wyn and Karla. Thank You for everything.

23. Stocking by Hugo this year.

24. Andy Warhol ornaments drawing.

25. I can't remember for the life of me where I bought this. I only use it for dried flowers.

26. Lovely nativity scene cut out of a half slice of a tree trunk from the Black Forest in Germany.

27. That wonderful family photo we took last year...still can't understand why the BBC didn't want to use it when Jack-Lewis was featured on De-a-nis?

The End.

2011-12-11T15:38:00.001Z

the bin of the manse

Lindisfarne Priory

The Holy Island

I'm hullabalooing.

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000Z

Me and my newly printed cards will be at the best Christmas market ever today.

If you're in Glasgow, run down to the Holiday Hullabaloo

City Centre, The Lighthouse

10.30-5pm