Now available for sale in my shop.

Ordinary Sparkling Moments

I have been mulling over how to write this post since I got back from The Squam Art Workshops.

The impact Christine Mason Miller had on me Friday night is beyond anything I have experienced in a long time, and I feel a bit speechless.

I have always felt moved when reading Christine's musings on her blog, so I knew that I would love her book "Ordinary Sparkling Moments". I ordered it through her Etsy shop, and asked her if I could get it when we were at Squam, so I could have her autograph it for me.

So the evening of the book launch I was super excited to hear her introduction to the book, since I had not yet gotten my copy.

I am a huge analogy person. I always use analogies when teaching and explaining things to friends, so when Christine shared an analogy at the end of her sharing, it stuck to my heart like glue.

I am completely paraphrasing here, but she asked us what our big dream feels like. She made an analogy of our dreams being synonymous to fluttering butterflies. That each of us has butterflies, unique to us. That we should release them into the world, because they are important and needed in the world.

Anyone who knows me, may recall my connection to butterflies. This is my bio from my Etsy store Monarch:

Since I was young I have loved picking and admiring flowers. This appreciation was nurtured by my mother who was an avid gardener and photographer. She taught me to closely observe my surroundings and to appreciate the beauty even in the smallest things. This is why you will find many close up shots in my store.

I took art classes at The Woodstock School of Art as a child and then concentrated my high school courses around photography and art design.

After high school, I shifted my attention to more traditional studies. I earned my BS in Biology and Anthropology. My love of studying life inspired me to earn a MS in teaching.

Two and a half years ago I had my son and left teaching to stay home with him. During this time my love for photography and art returned and was given room to expand.

When coming up for a name for my store-I wanted to include something that would embody the love I shared with my mother. I lost her to Lung Cancer in 2000. Being an only child of a single mother I have felt the need to feel her close to me in this adventure of sharing my work.

I chose the name "Monarch" because:

~Butterflies undergo a transformation that is both miraculous and beautiful. My mom always encouraged me to grow artistically.

~Monarchs must be very strong for their size and weight because they have to travel the great distance of about 4,000 to 4,800 kilometres from Mexico to North America. My mother was one of the most persistent and strong people I have ever known.Her strength serves as an inspiration to me.

~A butterfly is seen as the personification of a person's soul; whether they be living, dying, or already dead. One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind the bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. I think this is self explanatory:)

~Some people say that when a butterfly lands on you it means good luck, and who couldn't use a bit of luck?

I came across a friend from Squam's beautiful synopsis of Ordinary Sparkling Moments, that was so eloquent I must share it with you.

"Ms. Mason Miller has ignited an under current in this inspiring and juicy must read. Readers will rediscover their authentic selves under all the 'have, should and musts' citizens impose upon ourselves in this hectic paced and material driven world. This inviting prose will slowly and gently beckon the audience to clear the mind, listen inward and savor the ordinary graces in the every day. This is a delicious read that will satiate the hungriest of readers and whet the appetite those just starting their authentic journeys."

Patricia Dolan

The goddess of Squam Art Workshops - Elizabeth Maccrellish- introducing Christine, while holding her sparkling headband she brought to symbolize sparkling moment love.
Christine reading from the book.
I think this is the part where Christine told us to release the butterflies within us.

Christine listening to a question from the audience.
Talking from her heart as always.


And the yummiest, delightful smile....Christine Mason Miller is one of the wisest, authentic, and generous souls, I have ever had the honor to call a friend.

Sneak peak

Yesterday I had a senior high school photo session in Western NY. The drive there was so spectacular. It was hard to keep myself from stopping on the way to photograph the scenery, the old barns and beautiful small towns I was driving through.

When I arrived at the house of my client, the view of their land simply took my breath away. I had such a fun time, I didn't want to leave. LOL.

I completely filled my card and have many many beautiful photos to work on.

I just wanted to say thank you by posting a few sneak peaks.

Checking in. It has been a crazy few days. Yesterday was our 10th wedding anniversary. Today I am headed to western ny to do a senior hs photos shoot.

I am slowly workingthrough some of the photos from Squam. I think I am 1/4 of the way through day 1.LOL.

Will check back in soon.

Liz Lamoreux
Kirsten Michelle

Beautiful apron made by Liz Lamoreux

Liz is such a dear heart and creative diva. I was obsessed with getting one of her aprons to where. I feel so loved and yummy when I wear it.

Go check out her shop The little room. She rocks!

Squam

Re entering the world after The Squam art workshops.
I have so much to share but I am so so tired.
I wanted to tell everyone in this photo. Thank you....for being part of that pivotal moment when my dream took over.
I felt all of your butterflies and am honored to have witnessed their release into the world.
They are special and oh so important.
PS - Christine (aka Swirly) shared the most beautiful analogy at the end of her book launch that has been with my ever since. I cannot even attempt to quote it-but that is where this butterfly analogy came from and it was utterly perfect.

Peak

This family was so much fun! I had such an amazing time with them.

Here is a sneak peak