within walking distance: color!

within walking distance: haircuts and low overhead

within walking distance: patriotism.... and self-importance

When I took this picture on one of my walks, I asked the lady, who was in her garden, if I could. She asked what it was for, so I briefly explained the project. She asked what the end result would be, I said, maybe a book. (unlikely, but who knows?). After I had taken the picture, she then asked, in what form would her royalties come, since I was taking a picture of the flag SHE made. Oh Americans, our ignorant arrogance. For future reference, if I do make a book, I won't include this one. (and as a side note, I did offer to email her a picture of it, to which she flippantly refused and scoffed. Wasn't that a nice and regular thing to offer?)

becoming her

dear mom,

do you remember the first time you showed me the picture of you in the orange pioneer dress? that was the first time i consciously realized, and reveled in the fact, that i look just like you. i love that i look like you, mom.

i see you every morning, every evening, and multiple times in between while i play with wallace and his reflection in the mirror.

i see you when i read stories all day.

i see you when i sing to my heart's content during church.

i see you every time i am moved by the beauty of classical music.

i see you when wallace and i have dance parties in the middle of the day.

i see you when i tell stories well ("you are going to BOMB my house?!")

i see you when i champion nursing and mother's knowledge.

you are right next to me when i order bean burritos (with no red sauce, green sauce only).

you whisper in my ear how to calm worried babies and love them into laughter.

i see you in the mountains. they sing your name to me when the sunrise breaks through.

i see you in my desire to continually self educate.

i see you every time i cook well (brissons know how to COOK!),

every time someone asks me for a recipe,

every time i tell about larry lizard, the littlest angel, and wallace purling.

because of you, i can dub myself, "flamingo feather retriever",

i know the color of giraffes tongues,

i know plants can get sunburnt,

that spiders are not scary (except when they are),

and that dogs are the best alarm systems.

you taught me to love everything, to live every minute, and serve tirelessly.

thank you for teaching me, my entire life, that i am worth investing in.

i am lucky to have been chosen to be your daughter.

Love,

Alisha

To the Letter

My darling niece took this picture of me while we were out doing a shoot today. I completely love this font, so clean and modern. And its really nice to have a picture of me. I need to do more of those, I guess.

morten lauridsen

I had the opportunity to attend one of the Madeleine Festival Concerts tonight and last night. They performed a song by this composer. I was able to sing some of his beautiful pieces while in the Hayfield Madrigals, and I still am moved to tears when I hear his pieces. They are the definition of God music. There are a lot more concerts, and they are free, so attend if you are in the area. Listen and enjoy!

God's promises

Yesterday, my little family and I were heading home from a romp at the mall (WHEN is that last time that happened?!), and we take our exit into the city, and the most beautiful FULL rainbow is over Salt Lake. It started around the wells fargo building on one end, then around 2100s on the other. As we made our way home, it continued, and I could still see some of it from my house. It only lasted about 10 minutes total, I am so glad I could run into the house and grab my camera. LOVELY!