in or out

it's that time of year when I can't decide if I want to play outside with the dogs in the last days of sunshine and green or cozy up inside with a cup of chai, cashmere socks and a good book* (or do some art). which do you choose?

*thanks to a friend from camp, have now moved into my second go 'round with young adult literature. let's hope this one ends better than twilight.

mosaic monday

let's go to the fair!

I grew up in an agriculture town so the county fair was a big big deal. I haven't found an east coast fair yet that has the same dustyfunk mojo and I'm tempted every september to hop a plane just to experience my hometown extravaganza of rides, games, food (not many other fairs have basque roasted lamb sandwiches on the best sourdough bread known to man) and animals.

nonetheless, any fair sparks the nostalgia for me with their unique mixes of color, sounds, smells and the ubiquitous racing pigs. come on along. and please don't rock the ferris wheel bucket.

{see happy flickr fairgoers here.}

oh hello there autumn

you tiptoed in while I was luxuriating in my post-squam deliciousness. you have no idea how happy I am to see you. while I enjoy spending time with your friend summer, this year's version was a wee bit harsh for me. I'm looking forward to you wrapping me in your colorful coziness as only you can do. let's get on with it, shall we?

{photo of beautiful shannon in her amazing teal green boots was captured at her shop bittersweet mercantile, the most luscious space to dress for fall.}

view finder

last spring when I discovered this sweet soul was teaching a through-the-viewfinder photography class at squam, all ambivalence about attending was squelched. I've long admired ttv images for their blur, scratches, and unexpected flashes of light but found myself challenged time and time again to make it work. no better way to learn than from the master. the little magic genius brought bright colorful props across the country to the woods of new hampshire. I just love her.

this class was the high-point of "formal" learning for me at squam. it was also nice to discover that hula is just as beautiful, friendly and down-to-earth funky in real life as she represents online. and another type of learning was taking place for me in my other classes and just existing in the magnificence of squam and with its people.

I learned from lovely gentle wise jen that my protected heart may be necessary right now just as the candy-coated shell of an m&m makes sense. she just let me be.

I learned from my girls in wayonda that friendships can happen in an instant. that kindred spirits find each other and the right people show up at just the right time.

I learned that my view of the world has shifted ever so softly.

I seek and view resonance and truth and vibrancy and connection. I love the view through my lens: it has a bit of a blur, some scratches and unexpected flashes of light.

hello campers

welcome to squam.

this is a magical place where you will shed layers of constriction and fear. here you have permission to be open and joyful and safe. you are now free to explore and take your alter-ego/inner artist/childlike soul out for a ride.

for a few days, you will meander through a labyrinth of wooded paths speckled by the autumn sun trickling through a canopy of trees. the soundtrack for this weekend includes the amazing songs of loons, laughter, musical love and the muffled delight of the dance party at the cabin next door.

girls with cameras...all kinds of cameras...will be a familiar sight. we love our photographs here at squam.

make some art.

make a beautiful sparkly mess.

celebrate that which you create.

each cabin is filled to its knotty pine rafters with summer-campy nostalgia, lifelong friends and magnificent views.

you have your own pier suitable for yoga at sunrise...

...and collaborative stargazing in the pitch black of night {no. 21 off the list!}.

you will meet amazing women with so much courage and talent and beauty it will make your heart burst.

go on ahead and play.

did I mention girls with cameras?

oh and by the way, I need to warn you about the air here: it's filled with this magical energy that will soak your entire being with light and love and risk and trust and friendship and art. please consider it a gift to you, a souvenir to carry with you forever and always.

autumn is the new spring

raise your hand if your season of renewal and growth starts in september.

I'm off for a few days on an adventure of art and discovery. love to you all.