Father's Day - To my Dad

Dear Dad,

First of all, happy Father's Day, and thanks for cooking Rob and I such a yummy breakfast this morning.

Dad, words can't describe to you how thankful I am that you are my father.  You have always been a source of positivity, support, inspiration, and encouragement, from when I was in diapers to my marriage to Robbie and beyond. You have always pushed me to be my best self and to accomplish everything I set out to do with a smile, just as you do every day.  You've sacrificed so much for me and my sisters, and I hope you know just how much we all appreciate it. 

Dad, as I grow older I can only hope that I am half the man that you are (though technically I'm failing, what with the uterus and all, but you get the point). I'm sure down the road I'll need your advice and I'm sure you'll give it with a smile and a "you're doing great, kiddo," just as you always have. 

I love and respect you so much, Dad, and you truly deserve the recognition you receive on this day. Please know that you are loved and you are appreciated, far more than words can effectively express.

Have a wonderful evening, Dad.  Sit back, relax, have a few G&Ts and watch your favorite new show, "30 Rock" (you're welcome!). You deserve all the recognition you receive today, though one day of recognition is hardly sufficient for such an amazing man and father.

P.S. If you wanted to dress like this again, I would be fully supportive.

P.P.S. - I heard this song on my iPod today and it made me a little misty-eyed, remembering all the times we'd sing it together in the blue truck.  For the rest of you, please enjoy the 90s hair.

Back to Our Roots

Rob and I are originally from a tiny, rural region in Maine that no one's ever heard of and for which you have to provide multiple reference points when answering the question, "so where in Maine are you from?"

It's a 4-hour drive from where we currently live, and since this weekend is Father's Day (both of our fathers live down here) and since I booked a family shoot for Sunday, we made the soul-sucking trek down the highway and finally into the deepest reaches of nowhere earlier this afternoon.

First we drove to my grandparents' house to help my dad with a few projects. Then we met up with Lindy to photograph some of her wares for her Etsy shop and prepare for a (shh!) giveaway...coming soon :)

So after all of those adventures we're finally back to my childhood home, which is tucked at the end of a 4-mile dirt road on the shores of a beautiful, clean lake.  I love how quiet it is here, minus, of course, the occasional loon or more frequent mosquito.  It's like a whole other world down here.  Seriously, take a look at this location:

Beautiful, no? I feel very privileged to have grown up around so much green and natural awesomeness.

You think I'd be well-versed in the temperature difference between our current home (in the west, by the mountains) and our hometowns (by the coast), but I still managed to plan poorly.  When we left home it was 65 degrees, perfect sandal and dress weather.  When we arrived, it was 56 and cloudy.

Idiot.

Now I'm wearing jeans under my dress and a sweater.  Yay summer!

What did you do today?

P.S. I saw the first iteration of my matryoshka tattoo, you guys, and holee. crap. It's amazing.  Ten times more amazing than I ever imagined.  Think gypsy skull, lace, and Cyrillic.  When the design is finished I'll post a picture and try not to have your mind blown. LEMON OUT.