sunrise and butterflies [52:20]

Many years ago, my cousin was selling holiday gifts through school and tucked in the back of the catalog was a set of butterfly window clings. I saw them and immediately decided that they would be perfect on my east-facing window. Even now, cracked and faded, the butterflies add a special touch to my view of fluffy clouds and tree tops.
Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I got a rare opportunity: to watch the sun rise through the butterflies. I rarely see the sunrise because I'm a night owl and therefore sleep right through it. But last night, I absolutely could not fall asleep. So I got to watch the sun rise this morning before I finally dozed off.







As I watched the sun peek through, I realized that I had the perfect photo for my project 52. This is springtime. This is the world waking up after a long, cold winter (although not in Florida). And this is exquisite happiness, especially to a sleep-deprived mind.

Watching the golden sunlight play on every surface of my room was absolutely wonderful. Maybe I should wake up early more often and go play in the sunshine somewhere, soaking up its golden shine. Anyone for a beach day?

combating the darkness [52:19]

Another last minute project 52 entry, just barely making deadline. Oh self, what am I ever going to do with you?

This week's theme is window light, which I have been avoiding like the plague. I have a lovely east-facing window so I can wake up to a beautiful morning. I also have had a lovely side effect from the steroids that keeps me up until almost sunrise, which makes me want to hide under the covers forever when I finally get to sleep. So basically, I have not been putting my window to good use. But this morning I noticed that my windowsill has exactly what I need to make my world happy: sunshine, a purple lightsaber, and a good book.

my favorite time of day

I have been saving these photos for a day when I really would rather not be awake. When I feel like I could use some time off from my life, I just have to look at these photos to remember why I'm here.

I wrote this as my Facebook status on Tuesday, right before I ran outside to take these photos:
"Dear golden hour, the world feels better when you come around. Our love affair needs to last forever (although I may cheat on you with your early morning sister)."

it's time for a FIELD TRIP!

Did anyone else hear that title in Miss Frizzle's voice?
Moving on... On Saturday, mom and I were babysitting one of her former students, who is so much like me when I was her age, and so we just had to go to the Museum of Discovery and Science. I went over winter break so I was overdue for a return trip. I didn't take too many pictures because my main priority was my mini-me but I couldn't resist sharing a few of my favorites. I already sent my favorite people photos to her parents.

I love the fruit bats.

If I ever questioned why I needed higher ISO capabilities, this shot proves it. Hello 1/50 handheld shutter speed. (For those of you who don't know much about photography, low light means I need a longer shutter speed, which most likely entails me either putting my camera on a tripod or having a blurry shot because I move too much.)

I got a better picture of this guy last time. His glass was a little smudged and he was a little sleepy.










Those of you who knew me pre-blog know my obsession with alligators. (I'm slightly embarrassed by how awful some of those photos are.) While mom and her student explored the kids' section, I chilled at the alligator tank.


There was one gator who kept diving into the fountain and trying to grab something. I think he was trying to catch some lunch, except there isn't any in the tank.

first thing in the morning [52:18]

This is what it looks like to realize that you kind of, sort of, maybe missed the deadline for project 52 this week. This is me with my hair unbrushed, facing my window and taking in a moment of calm before going back to freaking out about missing deadline.


the sun came up with no conclusions//flowers sleeping in their beds//the city's cemetery's humming//I'm wide awake, it's morning
-Bright Eyes

home

Dear home,
I'm here.
I already miss being close to the beach.


But it's good to be home.

soft and sweet [I heart faces]

This week's theme over at is soft and sweet.

I never blogged this photo before. I posted it on Facebook as part of my spring break album and left it at that. It took me this long to be okay with putting my heart out there.
I came home from school on a Thursday. I left right after class to pick up my friend Corbin from the airport and have a fun day with him when he flew in. Truthfully, I was afraid his visit was going to be boring and awful because that Friday, I had heart surgery. That night, Doug and Corbin curled up in my bed, hugging my stuffed animals and filling them with love for me to take to the hospital.
This was one of those quiet moments that I needed more than anything. His love gave me the calm I needed to be able to walk into the OR (literally) and tell the doctors I was ready.


Interestingly enough, I managed to go on an airboat ride 2 days post-op.