another amazing week full of challenges when i put these two in front of the camera. i am so glad to have this group to keep me accountable to taking photos of my kids.  this series was taken in my childhood backyard.  my mom really didn’t want me venturing out there with the kids to have their photo taken since the dogs have claimed it as their own.  i didn’t listen. when i was little the yard was perfectly kept and a great escape from my indoor play.  this yard has been in the family for 3 generations (my mom grew up in this house) and i have pictures of her our here when she was little.  this yard is the place where i would tumble and play until the sun went down.  this is the yard where i would sun bathe and swim.  this is the yard where my parents had their 30th birthday and where most of our childhood parties took place. this yard was full of wonder when the easter bunny would come visit and where pet ducks would wonder before we “had enough” and let them go live at the lake.  i have had so many memories in this yard.

this project has me determined to capture my kids even when they don’t care for me to.  it’s not easy to pull through when you can just put the camera down and walk away from trying.  i focused on stella this weekend to give her the spotlight and she was happy to oblige.  i don’t know what i was expecting but this is what she gave me when i let her be herself.

and one more that was taken today by the pool.

i will save you from the images of the red rose that she wanted to hold that made me think of glamor shots.  the project is on its second week and it has already brought me so much joy.  i don’t think it will be hard to capture an image a week for a year.  i was thinking of the title of the project this afternoon and googled it.  this poem came up and i have seen it before but it seemed more meaningful today.  as i tucked her in bed tonight she asked if she could go to the dentist like she goes to art class.  i told her that was a once every 6 month type of activity.  she also thinks that little bugs live in your throat thanks to the mucinex ads.  she is certainly my child.

you are my i love you by maryann k cusimano

I am your parent you are my child
I am your quiet place, you are my wild
I am your calm face, you are my giggle
I am your wait, you are my wiggle
I am your audience, you are my clown
I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down
I am your Carrot Sticks, you are my licorice
I am your dandelion, you are my first wish
I am your water wings, you are my deep
I am your open arms, you are my running leap
I am your way home, you are my new path
I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath
I am your dinner you are my chocolate cake
I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake
I am your finish line, you are my race
I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace
I am your favourite book, you are my new lines
I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine
I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo
I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you