Halloween 2013

 Happy Halloween from The Spanish Princess and The Washington Monument!

In Print

I am very honored to have had one of my photos selected for the Harvest edition of Kindred, a beautiful literary magazine. I couldn't resist taking a photo of Camille holding the image of her hands peeling borlotti beans. Kudos and thanks to, Amanda for putting together such a lovely celebration of autumn.

Ephemeral

The end of the milkweed. Taken a few weeks later than last year's milkweed discoveries. So many gorgeous, delicate details and textures inside those alien looking pods. Woodend Nature Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Lemony Snicket and a Suspicious Mother

Another morning of truancy and books with my boy. 

It turned out to be one of the most creative and dramatic author events I have ever attended (and I have seen a lot of wonderful events recently). I won't give away the details, but I will encourage adults and children to make the time for a Lemony Snicket event. It really is worth it. 

If you are in the D.C. area, you have the chance to experience it for yourself tonight at the M.L.K Library. If you are in another part of the country, see this list of upcoming tour dates. And if you are are unable to attend anything, treat yourself to last year's Fresh Air Interview where you can hear live accordion playing, retro vocabulary, and Terry Gross snorting with laughter multiple times (I don't think I have ever heard anyone else make her snort like that!).

After this morning's event, we quickly hopped in the line for book signing. As Noah approached, I did my usual thing and started snapping away. Daniel Handler glanced my way several times, then turned to Noah and asked him if it was strange to have a woman following him around with a camera. Noah informed him that I was his mother and rolled his eyes as he confirmed that yes, I did indeed take lots of photos of him.

The signature in Noah's book reads: "To Noah who has a suspicious mother".  I love it. 

Noah, Brooke, and Camille

 Three cousins on a cloudy day in downtown D.C. slurping down Shake Shack shakes.Lots of laughter, lots of silliness, and lots of sugar!

Post-It Note Author

 A text-free book. A Post-It loving girl. And suddenly a new story to share. 

I love seeing how inspiration strikes and takes hold. She started "reading" the story aloud to me and before I knew it she was on a determined quest to get it written down.

Post-It notes aren't only handy, I would also argue that they are a very important thing to have for new writers (and experienced ones, too!) Camille is especially fond of them and we are constantly finding them around our house. My mom is a Post-It note person, too, and I always love discovering her notes tucked and taped in surprising spots. Hooray for text-free books, Post-It notes, and creative writers!

Sunday Mornings

Bread and Chocolate, Chevy Chase

 It started last year and it is re-starting again. Our Sunday morning ritual. Drop the kids at Sunday school and head to the bookstore or a cafe or take a walk together. This morning we met friends for brunch and it was just so nice. I love these weekly chunks of time that feel like such delicious, decadent gifts lacing busy week to busy week while keeping us connected.