I am not a home blogger. Annnnd, I don’t really keep a tidy house. I take pictures. I take pictures of almost anything, and most of the time, my pictures don’t have people in them, nor images of special places we’ve visited. Sometimes, my pictures are sorta just art. And I think I’d like to...
You go girl! I was just flustrated as I tried to maneuver through my house–we are “painter ready” for tomorrow but a “busy” and cramped house make me nuts (even temporarily)! Here, here to our homes being an oasis of peace for our loved ones 
those are so beautiful! you should definitely hang them on your walls.
i’m not a housekeeper either.
Housekeeping? What is that?!
::snort::
Love the photos!
Patty, I woke up with the same thought this morning. My girls (poor darlings) are home from school this week and I will mostly be taking a blog break…because I want to spend time with them, AND I am hoping they will help me with a bit of pre-spring tidying. The house has become insanely cluttered in the past 6 months as I have not had the energy to do much at all. But you are right, home is meant to be a sanctuary, or at least it feels that way when things are tidy and spacious…feels that way to me.
Thanks for the links, I will check them out before my sleepy heads arise this morning.
ps…your photos are DEFINITELY ART and that is what I love about them:-)
Beautiful photos Patty! I can’t say that I don’t keep a tidy house because I do. That’s not to say that I am some kind of an anomily, but I truly do not living in a cluttered, unorganized, unclean environment. When I leave a room, I scan it to see if there is anything that I could take to where it belongs on my way out. I also vacuum with my cordless shark upright everyday to keep the dog hair up of the floor. I clean up as I go while I cook so I don’t have a huge mess after meals. I keep Clorox wipes in the bathrooms and wipe down the sinks and toilette everyday. I do a thourough deep clean once a week and I do laundry everyday. It seems like a lot, bit my routine is set and it keeps me feeling happy. I’m not obsessive about my tidiness. My house does not own me. I teach my girls to do the same thing just to instill a sense of team work and importance in caring for our home. Doing these little things everyday keeps my home manageble and my family happier.
Patty, I need to go back through those 31 days as well, it seems like if I don’t consiously pay attention to what I’m bringing into our home, or for me how I’m not picking up after myself, I suddenly look around to rooms in chaos.
Your photos will look lovely framed on your walls–maybe you should do that first, then it can help motivate you to get cracking on those other things. That’s a trick that I fall for every time.
Sorry Patty for the typos in my earlier post. It was done pre-taking kids to school and I didn’t have a chance to edit! LOL!
I’d love to simplify my house more – but that’s because my laundry contents are currently spread all over my kitchen table.
Gotta love renovations…….
Great post…My husband asked me once, “Why do you care what people think when they come over?” I told him it has nothing to do with people coming over and everything to do with the fact that when the house is orderly, my mind is orderly…and free to be!
I love a clean house…I’ve told you how I can’t function (in a healthy way) lol, without one. That doesn’t mean it’s spotless but it is free of clutter. I can’t wait to see the wall art you are going to hang.
Love this! I can’t wait to see the transformation. I am reading a book on this subject called “Organized Simplicity”, I’d recommend it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440302634
Oh my goodness…this is really something I need to work on. My home is not tidy either. I have piles. I have easily distracted by the computer, the camera, etc. I’ve been reading a bit as well about what clutter mirror in self. I want to feel unencumbered, light, peaceful. I want to be able to take more pictures about the house without worrying what mess might be in the background.
I love a neat home. I try to keep it clean and organized but since we homeschool and our home is small there are always pockets of clutter. Things are left out, dogs are running around, two dog beds-one very large-and dog chew toys everywhere, not to mention the dog hair. With our husky we have dog hair tumbleweeds all over the floors. So much for clean.
Ruth
[...] Society of East Tennessee (PSET), a chapter of the Photographic Society of America (PSA), and began “Operation Organization”. And I’m pleased to report good progress in the kitchen. I even changed up my decor a bit and [...]
[...] tamed her guest room Patty inspired me here This post was in my inbox this morning. Clutter Rehab? Yes please And from there I went and [...]
I pull myself up to the gate. My skis slide under, and I look down as I begin to rock my body, forward and back, in pace with the race official’s count: three, two, one … I see the wool of my sweater and the denim of my jeans and the toes of my boots...
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I was thinking about something similar as I gave the kids a bubble bath tonight.At first I wanted to race them through it, but that would be cruel, don’t you think? I needed to breathe, find my rhythm.
Obviously your life is more exciting than mine. Skiing v. bubble Baths? Please.
Fabulous Photos. My favorite is the last one!! Hope you’re feeling better. I’ll text you later today. I’ll be sitting at the hospital waiting w/ Soph while my bff has hip surgery. Her husband’s out of town so we’re staying w/ her for a few days. Hugs. Jess
whoa, patti. this is awesome on so many levels….
Thank you so much for posting these! I’m stressed out and these made things so much better:)
fantabulous! I have the ski fever
Patti,
Beautiful words and beautiful photos! I’m glad you’re feeling better. I especially love the last photo!
It’s been awhile since I stopped by. I love what you’ve done with your blog.
I have never skied, but today I did! Thank you Patty for this beautiful prose written with so much description. it transported me to the top of the tallest snow covered mountain, and today, I skied for the first time!
I have never skied before. Thank you for this beautiful post! The photos and prose transported me to the highest snowy mountain, and today, I skied for the first time!
Breathtaking photos! There is serenity to be found on the slopes, you captured it perfectly in words and pics!
You made me feel like I was there. Breathing, in rhythm, yep I can do that. lol I love that last photo!
When I tried skiing, it was that feeling of being too fast to control that terrified me! I guess I am not yet mature enough to release the fear and trust.
Breathtaking…and you breathe and it’s still breathtaking…
Just beautiful, Patty.
Perfect shots!
Congratulations!
Perfect shots!
Congratulations!
Great reminder to stop, breathe and absorb.
Ruth
Wow, stunning pictures. I could imagine hurling myself down those slopes.
patty…. wow.
first of all, you race? incredible, friend.
and the photos…
and your words–i so understand, this finding rhythm, only for me, it’s in snowboarding… and there is such freedom in that rhythm.
i always always love coming here. always.
Oh, my. Such breathtaking beauty! I felt the rhythm too. Gorgeous.
these are so lovely . the contrast of colors and textures intertwined with the words make it breathtaking ~
ISO 125, 1/3200, f/2.8, 30mm I woke up swallowing razor blades. I swear, you couldn’t have convinced me otherwise. ISO 125, 1/2500, f/2.8, 48mm After I saw my family off to a day of skiing in the beautiful southern Rocky Mountains, I snuck off to the medical clinic. I know me, and I knew I...
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What a shame for you to get sick while on your holiday. Hoping that the anitbiotics kick in quickly and that you get well quickly.
Stunning shots too – the colour of the sky against the buildings is amazing!
Breathtaking – obviously since it took yours, literally! I’m so sorry you feel bad, hopefully you’re perking up by now. I have to put visiting this place on my to-do list. I better get busy, it’s getting longer and longer.
I’m so sorry you are feeling so icky! Get better soon and hope you can enjoy the rest of your trip.
Man, these are some gorgeous pictures! I hope you’re feeling better now that the old antibodies are flooding your system. Being suck sucks even when you aren’t on vacation. 
Wow Patty! I had no idea until reading this that you were sick! I am so sorry your trip was spent not feeling your 100 percent Patty self. You sure did get some beautiful shots though! I really need to make a trip to New Mexico. We lived in the Southwest for two years and on the West coast for two and never made it to New Mexico. It’s beautiful, especially as seen through your camera lens! Glad you are now feeling better!
Patty ~ sending healing vibes…
these photos are just so incredible. incredible. I think there is something so stunning about the contrasts of this area, the mountains, snow, desert. It’s breathtaking , and you brought the wonder of it to us in that oh so phenomenal way you do.
i love the color and perspective on these shots. how really beautiful!
Oh Patty I’m so sorry you’re sick! You poor thing. I’m sending you big healing cyber hugs and a virtual cup of hot tea with honey, whisky, and lemon. (I swear by it!)
Your pictures are STUN-NING. Seriously. Every time I think they can’t get any better, you outdo yourself yet again.
I’m sorry I couldn’t link up this week. I didn’t have the patience to deal with that big scary M.
xoxo Feel better.
Oh, Patty what a bummer to be sick on vacation. But your photos are glorious, that’s for sure. Praying for refuah shelema, complete healing for you my friend…and soon so you can really enjoy the rest of your trip!
Aww, hope you’re feeling better Ms. Patty. Your manual mode is exquisite! Love the sapphire skies and the crosses. I’ll pray for quick recovery. Love to you all. Miss you!
hey wb- sorry to hear u r under the weather..hope u r on the mend. beautiful pics! and 2 think we were almost there together! me not being able to ski anyway. enjoy the family. miss u! oxox
You found such beauty even though your were feeling bad…such an interesting place, thanks for sharing.
How amazing that even ill you can find such beauty and make me feel good as a reader. Hope you are much better soon!
Hope you’re feeling better now. Love the buildings! Very cool, all those angles and the beautiful colors against the sky!
Sorry to hear that you were sick while on vacation. Hope you are all better now.
I love the photos.
Ruth
Taos is dreamy, I haven’t been there in 25 years. You make me want to go back..now. I love the shot of the 4 crosses above the wall. What a drag to be sick while there.
[...] was a little rough… a little chaos, still recovering from being sick… But on a good note, I attended my first meeting of the Photographic Society of East [...]
{Inspired by Amy} {EST} 3:50am :: Alarm sounds. 4:30am :: Back out of driveway as garage door closes. 5:33am :: Arrive at Tyson Airport in Knoxville. 6:00am :: Begin boarding for Atlanta. 6:25am :: Flight departs TYS. Sleep. 7:00amish :: Arrival to Atlanta airport. 7:30am :: Enjoy long, leisurely breakfast with friends and family. Laugh....
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Yet another beautiful post Patty! The photos are stunning! Makes me want ot go to New Mexico today. Great moon shot, I knew you would get it! I am glad you all had such an amazing trip!
♥
wow those are so pretty, looks like a great trip!!
Gorgeous photo essay! I’m in awe of the one of the horizon.
I LOVE this post! Your photos are always beautiful, but these ones took my breath away! In one day you managed to capture the essential soul of Santa Fe. And that sky? STUNNING! The song is super sweet too. What a wonderful mama you must be. Have a wonderful trip, dear Patty! Miss you! xoxo
What an amazing looking place full of incredible colours.
Love your son’s song choice
These colors are amazing! Have a great trip!
I was wondering if you made it home yet. I was anticipating your trip photos and knew that if there’s any beauty in N.M. you’d find it…and you did.
LOVE them all. Wish I had been there too. I couldn’t listen to the video for some reason an error. I’ll try to look it up on Youtube. Hugs my friend.
Stunning photos! I enjoyed them very much!
Great shots, you made me want to visit!
Amazing~
Amazing! The color is just fabulous. Some day I would LOVE to visit that part of the country.
I found it interesting that there is an absence of people…except the one with them in the distance. Interesting to experience that in a photo ‘essay’ like yours. Beautiful.
Goodness. I loved those shots. Gorgeous, Patty!
wow. What a beautiful busy day!
Say what you will about Kanye. The boy makes mistakes. But he does love his dear mother more than anything, and his words convey the depth of his pain and love so beautifully.
And thanks for your beautiful photography. It is inspiring.
Love that bench shot…what a great collection!
The snow is thick, and crunchy, layers and layers of it with no chance to melt between falls. It supports my weight, and I walk across it, navigating my way, avoiding ice puddles and sharp edges. I curl my fingers into my palms and push my fists deep into my pockets. It’s cold, and I...
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I am awed by your words so beautiful, so real, so raw. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!
Hands down my favorite post you’ve EVER done. Beautifully written, so vulnerable and brave. I can SO relate to your reluctance in embracing a faith and especially in giving it a voice. And the photographs are breathtaking!!
I’m so proud of you for developing and sharing all this talent you have.
Miss you too!!
Now this post had to bring a gigantic smile to the face of God. xoxo
beautiful. it was great reading your writing as segments in between the photos. & i love that you compared your coldness to the coldness of the sea gulls…. two species who were built to bare the elements…. xoxo
The photos of the birds are so amazing! And the entire post is inspiring.
gorvgeous pics…would love to catch a sunrise there…i usually greet the sun myself and breathe deep its first rays…
I read this earlier today and thought it beautiful.
Now I come back to it tonight and am blown away. I love your willingness to be vulnerable and put it out there. You truly inspire me, both as a photographer and as a person. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Simply lovely. I especially love the one with the bird’s wings vertical. Lots of waiting for these beautiful shots, I suspect. Beauty takes its time, so we must too…
Wow, the photography here and the quick peek I took at your other blogs is all phenomenal. It looks like you live in a beautiful space that makes your heart sing and camera beg to whir. You have captured a lovely, serene moment at your daybreak pause. Beautiful words and photo journey.
Oh. My.
I love this, and really your photos are killing me. Also, the part with the seagulls bearing witness was AWESOME. I’m keeping that with me.
Such a beautiful song you sing friend.
You make my soul sing.
I can’t imagine my life without this space .
thank you Patty. thank you.
I agree with Jessica, this is a favorite (I know, I say that every time). You sure know how to say what I’m thinking (except I can’t even THINK it that way). I started blogging several years ago because I was finding I no longer “fit in” with local/cultural religious practices. Separating religion and spirituality …what a great topic for another blog post!
“And I realize my faith, like my breath, has always been there, sustaining, nurturing, even when I can’t see it, even when I forget to notice, even when I refuse to speak of it.”
Oh Patty, this is so beautiful, so true. I think it is important too to cut ourselves some slack, to be compassionate toward our selves in the knowledge that sometimes we get busy, and forget…the important thing is not the forgetting, but the remembering…the return to this awareness of God’s Presence, no matter how brief, or far between rememberings. WE do come back to this realization eventually, and the the gratitude, the awe is deepened, and perhaps even more sincere because it has been a while since we noticed.
Listening to birds on this cold morning…remembering my breath, and the Holy Blessed One flowing though my ears and those birds throats…allowing all to be possible in this moment.
gentle steps
i’ve been there, with the gulls, too. and Him. love this:
“I breathe out again and this time, I notice the translucent white of my own life-sustaining breath. It swirls and lingers and then slowly dissapates. It’s been so long since I’ve seen it that I’d forgotten. But it is still there, still sustaining life, nurturing my cells with oxygen. And I realize my faith, like my breath, has always been there, sustaining, nurturing, even when I can’t see it, even when I forget to notice, even when I refuse to speak of it. ”
may you know His grace in believing…
oh patty…
this is your most beautiful post yet, i’m sure…
those birds, those pebbles, the lines of the ship…
and the way your faith weaves it all together.
don’t stop. please. you’re helping us all…
Words won’t do it justice, so I won’t try.
Patty, this is simply beautiful, your words and pictures collide to create an impressionable, inspiring call to feel the glory and beauty of His sanctuary. I agree with Jessica, one of your best posts.
Xoxo
Beautiful Patty.
I just wish that we could meet and talk! There is so much similarity to my own journey in what you have written.
Your writing is beautiful as are your photos. I especially like that first one.
Words and images both are almost u bearably beautiful. Thank you.
Oops, of course I meant “unbearably”…
A 31 Days Series on Nurturing Her Self-Esteem
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