it's always worth it.

there is freedom within

there is freedom without

try to catch a deluge in a paper cup

there's a battle ahead

many battles are lost

but you'll never see the end of the road

while you're traveling with me

hey now, hey now

don't dream it's over

hey now, hey now

when the world comes in

they come, they come,

to build a wall between us

we know they won't win

(Neil Mullane Finn)

probably one of my favorite songs. as it came on the radio i couldn't help but think of where we are today in this country and how all i want is to make my daughter feel safe and happy and positive. hard to do when every  morning i turn on the news and go ugh! one foot in front of the other. keep doing the right thing. keep your head up. keep your heart full. fight the good fight.

resist + persist, just to exist. 

xo

she.

please, please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it.

it's always worth it.

(hillary clinton)

everyone says summer goes by so fast.

there are a few new freckles on your shoulders

the hammock swings lower and touches the grass

the apples are ripe and the corn is past

everyone says summer goes by so fast

{carly simon}

my girl is started 6th grade. 6th!!! i can hardly believe it. time is fleeting. i remember when she began 1st grade - she seemed so little. now, she's blossoming. turning + changing everyday. growing. a sweet young lady to be sure. does she still need her mama? does she fight that in between - the wanting to be stronger and wiser and independent. sure of her decisions, sure of her path. she is my in between girl - my closer to 12 girl, my brave girl, my sweet girl, my feisty girl. every  moment she is walking away from me, walking into her own life. i hold onto this bond between us. but i too have loosened my grasp more and more. i savor these moments, the hugs, the kisses, the laughs, the joy, the frustration, the stomping away, the frowns, the smiles. i savor it all because she completely and forever has my heart. annie viola. i adore you. xo

snippets from summer 2017.

all images from iphone 6

who loved his daughter more.

If you leap awake in the mirror of a bad dream

And for a fraction of a second you can't remember where you are

Just open your window and follow your memory upstream

To the meadow in the mountain where we counted every falling star

I believe a light that shines on you will shine on you forever

And though I can't guarantee there's nothing scary hiding under your bed

I'm gonna stand guard like a postcard of a Golden Retriever

And never leave 'til I leave you with a sweet dream in your head

I'm gonna watch you shine

Gonna watch you grow

Gonna paint a sign

So you'll always know

As long as one and one is two

There could never be a father

Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition

It's just like goin' fishin'

You cast your line and hope you get a bite

But you don't need to waste your time

Worryin' about the market place

Try to help the human race

Struggling to survive its harshest night

(Paul Simon)

- this is the song that Bil will dance to with Annie at her wedding - far in the future! xo.

Happy Father's Day Bil.

Words can't express how grateful I am to you for being the amazing father that you are to our little girl.

She adores you.

You adore her.

That's all that matters.

From the second she was born I knew she would truly be the love of your life.

You remain the calm in our stormy seas, you guide her so gently and so true.

Thank you.

xo