Parenting

It has often been said, there is no manual to parenting. First time parents (myself, one of them) must fumble, stumble and find our own way to being a confident, self assured parent. There are so many (well meaning) people, willing to give advice. The best person to listen to, I've found is yourself. This article hit a chord with me, mothers are just trying their best everyday without having to worry about a 6 month old 'babbling vowels'. A friend told me the other day, it really all depends on the rhythm of the mother, is she happy, is she calm etc...and I couldn't agree more. Sometimes, I feel like I've got it all sorted out and then the next day, I feel like I'm flailing (just a little flail here or there:) Every parent I've ever known only wants their child to be healthy and happy, it is universal. I try to read as much as I can about being a good mother, but I might start to listen more to the mother inside me instead of the mother on the written page. 

The Art of the Bookshelf

Rita Konig (love her) has a great post all about the art of the bookshelf. Books are essential for me and I love having a home full of coffee table books, worn through paperbacks, latest off the shelf hard back books...They mean so much to me, reading is such a big part of my life. I love this short post about bookshelves...check it out. 

The Cricket

The Cricket, what a genius idea. The architect behind this camper/trailer extraordinaire, works for NASA. Check it out here.

Cool Gallery Wall

* I don't have the credits for this, sorry:(

Dreamy

I've fallen for Canadian Photographer Barbara Cole, her work is so dreamy. 

Dutchess County Fair

We went to the famous Dutchess County Fair this past August - what a visual treat. Funnel Cakes, magic shows, rides, games, animals...

Flower Chain

I know I'm late on the Emmersonmade blog love, but I had to post this. Check out the belt too. 

Flying Gus

I still can't believe Gus is 15 weeks old. He's such a happy little guy, I feel so blessed. 

Cottage Life

A few weeks ago, my good friend S, invited my family up to her husband's cottage in Southern Ontario. Cottage life is big in Canada, specifically Ontario. I just love this shot of the dock, so very inviting. Thank you S&P for providing us with such a gorgeous place to convalesce. 

In loving memory of Ted Parks

My dear Dad died on Sunday, June 19th (the day before Father's day) of an inoperable brain tumor. He died with so much dignity and grace. I miss him so much. Dad loved his family, he loved skiing, tennis, playing bridge, road trips, picnics and traveling. But above all else he loved to talk about the accomplishments of 'his girls', (much to the embarrassment of me and my sister) but now I look back and it gives me great comfort to know how proud he was of us.

Life goes on and he was adamant I live life to the fullest. We had several lucid days with him before he died, we really got to say everything we wanted and we heard everything from him too; how much he loved us and how proud he was of us .I will be forever grateful for those days. I love you Dad.  

This was taken at Christmas a few years ago. 

My Dad as a boy (he was 9 in that picture) and my Dad as a handsome man of 35!