May Self-Portrait: Hope Town

Hope Town:  a special place I called home for two years, and a place that still has a piece of my heart.  Last week I traveled back to that beautiful Bahamian island to visit friends and introduce Noah to people who have become family to us.  I’ll be blogging later about the whole trip, but I wanted to make sure that I got in a self-portrait this month of me in one of my favorite places.

The porch behind the Mission House is one of my resting places.  You can feel the wind, hear the ocean, and really just be still there.  I used to sit out there many evenings, reading or just listening.  I don’t do either of those as much now, and this trip really reminded me of that.  I have a chair outside that is becoming one of my still places in Durham, but man oh man is it good to hear the ocean while you’re being still!

Here’s to the ocean, to Hope Town, to stillness.

“The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still.”  – Exodus 14:14

Noah: 10 months

One more monthly photo, and then I’ve made the executive decision to go to 6-month intervals!  I feel like I say this every month, but Noah is changing so fast.  I’ve been debating whether he is really saying words or still babbling, but we did a double-take last night:  we all heard him say “bye!”  (I felt like Ross on F.R.I.E.N.D.S.)  He hasn’t said it again, but I’m inclined to think it was the real deal!  We’ll see…

Also note: he has his first teeth on the bottom, but of course I couldn’t get a close picture of them.  The kid moves fast.

Jonathan and Beth’s Surprise Engagement Party!

Mike called me on his way home from visiting school Monday.  ”Jonathan’s going to propose to Beth tomorrow!  And he wants us to be at a surprise party to celebrate afterwards!”  I always feel extra excited– and a little guilty– knowing about an engagement before it happens.  This was no exception!

Jonathan had thought of everything, even arranging for his mom and brother and Beth’s mom to make the trip to Durham to be at the celebration.  A bit of the plan hinged on the weather, but once he felt confident it wouldn’t rain (quite the feat right now), he set the plan in motion.  They first had dinner at Vin Rouge, an incredibly romantic restaurant in downtown Durham, and also a place that had a history with these two.  Then he took her to Duke Gardens, where they also had sweet memories.  (Beth adds here that at this point, she’s thinking Jonathan is really mean if he isn’t planning to propose!)  Relieved to find his #1 choice of a bench open at the gardens, they sat down and he popped the question.

Right about that time, several of their friends were gathering for the next step.  Champagne was poured, desserts were prepared, and all were excited to see the freshly engaged couple!

Thanks again, Jonathan, for inviting us to be a part of such a special, memorable evening!  We’re so happy for you both!

Lauren & Friends on Film

I had so, so much fun with my friend, Lauren, on her visit.  She is one of the most amazing, talented, brilliant people I know… and I’m incredibly thankful for her!  Aside from all those things, she can be just plain silly.  What a perfect treat for me on the day I chose to spend an entire roll of film downtown.

We started off in the center of Durham:

Then we headed over to Triangle Brewery for their brewery tour…

Then we headed to our friends’ house for some DIY action:  turning lockers into a colorful pantry!  (complete with live music)

And a few more to end the roll.  Dang this is fun!

Shot with a Canon Elan II on Kodak Portra 400 film.  Developed and scanned by Southeastern Camera.

April Self-Portrait

Ok, ok, it’s May now, but this picture was taken in April… I also didn’t take it myself, but I did get on some Kodak Portra 400!  My second recent roll of film was more or less a success (full post coming soon!), and I’m excited to share my first in the self-portrait series on analog.  Many thanks to Sean for the capture.

Developed and scanned by the fine folks at Southeastern Camera.

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