We ventured outside after dinner last night and enjoyed the cool breeze. First one in a week so we stayed out until the light went away. I clipped almost an entire bush of lavender. 1 down, 2 more to go. Did I mention that lavender crafts are addictive? I can’t stop.
Caitlin, at the tender age of 11, has decided she doesn’t much like being in front of the camera. She does like being behind it. She took this photo of me. I like being her subject. She told me where to stand and did some fussing with my props. We had fun.
Now that I’m 43, looking at pictures of myself can be a bit unsettling. Yes, those really are wrinkles. The slight shadow under the chin doesn’t appear in the mirror with the proper head angle. A little wider, a little saggier, gray roots emerging. The body of a mother of two. In my mind’s eye I still feel 25. Curly brown hair, smiling, skinny, looking at life ahead as one big adventure with the sky as the limit. Pictures remind me that time has moved on. Maybe a little faster than I wanted it to. When I look closer I notice some wisdom in my eyes. A comfort about where I’m at in life and what’s ahead. In that photo I’m looking at Caitlin. I’m thinking how much I love her and how much I want her life to be full of optimism and joy and how I want her to follow her dreams.
Yep, all that in one little picture of a 43 year old mother of two.
After reading your last post I went out to check on my lavendar. Darn, they are past their prime and probably not worth making wands out of. I soooooo know what you mean about seeing your 25 year old self. She’s who comes to mind when I envision my physical self. However, when I think about my inner self, I’m very glad it’s the 40 year old version whom I relate to
Ahhhh… you ARE wise. And sweet. And I think you look great!
Yay, Caitlin! What a lovely shot. I love the styling of the lavender, and the beauty of the subject.
Found your site via Jan. Great picture for all of the reasons you wrote about!
It’s a beautiful photo; a beautiful post. I’d also not mind my 25 year old body back, but I wouldn’t trade it for my now more interesting mind.
The quality of light here is really captivating. Good job, Caitlin!
I agree with the others–love to have the body back, but really love my “inner self”–the one that doesn’t worry so much about the body…
Loved your post!
Yep – I see that all too. Contemplative mood brought to you by a cool evening breeze. I’m afraid it’ll be 4 more months before we feel one of those. Cheers!
First what a beautiful picture. I would rather see a wise wonderful woman with a few wrinkles. Second that you for posting this, so if I ever see you like a central market I can say hello. Clarice
hi there,
i’m a silent reader from the netherlands. I learn very much with you and love your blog! it ’s nice to meet you!
regards!
So nice to see you, Kathy! You have certainly held up well through 2 children. I find myself asking myself “Why did they do that?” when thinking about my friends who are in their 20s and then I remember that I was once that way myself. I have learned and grown so much in the last 10 years – I’m hoping that the next 10 years will bring some more growth. It’s a good place to know that aging is not a scary thing. Someone commented on my blog that graying hairs are better than NO hairs – I needed to hear that.
)
I am also 43. I also have an 11 yo daughter. We have two sons to go with her. You look beautiful. I would love to hear more about your lavendar crafting addiction!
I want to look that great at 43. I loved your lavender sticks from yesterdays post. Lavender is on my list of things to plant this year. And I guess I choose to see wrinkles and gray hairs as reminders of the experiences I’ve had. Some may have been trying, but what did I take from them and how did I grow as a person. Anyways, you look great!
It is a beautiful photo, Kathy! And a beautifully written post too.
Wait till you’re 63! Lol. I still feel 25 though and that’s the most important thing. I hope you still feel 25 when you’re 93.
43 here also and loving it. They are not wrinkles they are lines of experiences. You are looking great from here, lovely post.
Kathy, I think you are still as beautiful as the day you were born and all the things you wish for Caitlin are the things your father and I wished for you. As a child you always had a love of learning and a passion for what you did and quess what, you still have those qualities and married a wonderful man that also has those qualities. I know my beautiful granddaughters will follow in your and Greg’s footsteps. Being passionate about life is contagious. Good picture Caitlin! Your mom was about your age when she started taking photos. See you soon. Love to everyone.
Beautiful and inspiring, I am the mother of a 2 year old! I love your blog, it is in my “favorites”. Also saw your mitts on Quilter’s Buzz..so cute!
What a touching, honest, inspiring post. Thanks so much for sharing! I hope I have that kind of perspective & insight after two kids. I’m 28 now and already look back at pictures of myself from just five or six years ago and marvel at all the wisdom I’ve gained. BTW, you look great, IMHO!
You’re beautiful.
Your daughter takes a great picture!
A perfectly beautiful photo of you, in all of your 43 years of wisdom and love …
I just did the math and I will also be 43 when my son is 11. Guess I’m following in your footsteps. Hope I’m as creative, thoughtful and beautiful as you are…
beautiful post and picture kathy! — i too will be 43 when my son turns 11 –(i saw joanna’s post before mine and did the math too). i’m sure caitlin will appreciate the wisdom that you will pass on to her.
beautiful picture and beautiful post kathy. i too will be 43 when my son turns 11 (i read joanna’s post before mine and did the math too). i’m sure caitlin will appreciate the wisdom you will pass on to her.
Such a wonderful picture of you! So nice to see the beatiful person behind the amazing posts, quilts and crafts. Caitlin did a wonderful job- you can really feel the love that is between you in this photo.
I enjoyed this comment on you and your life. Gives me ideas, to what to write about in my scrapbook. I admire your talent and love of family and life.