after everyone is gone.

I love the way the house is so silent once everyone has left for the day.  The hustle and bustle of the morning, coaxing sleepy children out of bed, spilled milk while lunches are made, laughing over silly things, anxious concerns about the day have been talked about, kids have made a run for it as the bus comes around the corner and now there are no voices.  Only calm after the storm of the beginning of day. 

When I get home from my morning walk before I sit down to write I usually walk around the house just pushing silverware and toothpaste drawers back into cupboards, picking up wet towels from showers, putting brushes back into bins, and starting laundry or putting away cereal.

I love to see the beds and blankets and pillows all jumbled up on the bed in a pretty mess.  It reminds me of nudging my warm and sleepy kids from their dreams and coaxing them into the new day as gently as I can.  I love the way my kids have that sweet smell and warmth from sleeping as they come down to eat breakfast and hug me.  I love mornings with my kids and Mike, they are a kind of routine crazy chaos that we go through every morning.

When I walk through our quiet house after everyone is gone and see unmade beds it reminds me of how much I love my mornings...even if they come earlier than they used to...

beautiful. LIFE.

fave books.

As you'll see on my inspiration list Lovemarks is at the top of my list.  I adore this book.  It's not a normal book so if you're looking for a book that's a straight through read this is not the book for you.  It's set up for an artist with hodgepodge pictures everywhere, random thoughts, art and graphics everywhere, sticky notes with ideas on them...

It is just up my alley.  When I picked it up over 4 years ago it changed my business life.  I consumed in while I sat in the bookstore and then refused to leave with out.  I've gone back and bought one for each of the people on my team.  It is a core to the way I run my business.  I can't say enough abou it.

So many books talk about branding and marketing and this book tells how to take all of that to a completely different place and make your business become a lovemark.  A lovemark creates loyalty with out reason, passion, and so much more.  Apple computers has become a lovemark. 

This book is a must read for anyone starting out a company...especially an artist.

So...I'm always posting business books when in reality I ADORE reading in general and I especially love a great novel.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is exactly that. If you love Jane Austen books you will love this beautiful story of a woman living in the United States who receives an letter from a man living on a small island off of the coast of England. That letter sets in motion a chain of events that changes the way this woman sees everything in her life. I love the descriptions of these characters from crazy eccentricities to endearing things they say, I felt like I knew each of them.

You won't regret picking up this book!

good. LOVE.

I love these photographers.

I'm always inspired every time I look through their images and portfolios.  Many of the photographs are them just walking the streets of their town, some of them are portrait sittings, and some are completely set up shots.  Either way their use of light, circumstances, locations, situations...all of it are completely inspiring.  I love the opportunity to have my creativity sparked as I look through their work and think about how I can better capture the essence and depth of a person or a relationship without manipulating it too much or how to use light more to my advantage or see light in a new way. (Just click on a book to go to a link to purchase.  I have a lot more books I love here, too.)

Dorothea Lange.  Willly Ronis.  Robert Doisneau.

Gracie below searching her 'booklist' for inspiration when she got home from preschool today...

learn. LIFE.

meaning.

I love things with meaning.  Things that have a history.  A story.

I went to the Farmer's Market in Salt Lake with Freda and Matt for their get to know you shoot (more on that next week sometime) and while we were there we met Lauren.  She is the founder and designer of Ruthie Pearl  ** bags.

The name: Ruthie Pearl is Lauren's Gramma.  Every bag she makes is named after someone that Lauren loves, is close to, a friend, a sister.  Listening to her talk and hearing how she has brought together two things she loves...the people in her life and her talent made me want to have one of her bags.  Lauren's bags are wonderful but I'd like one of her bags if for no other reason than to have a constant reminder to treasure the people closest to me, to love and to celebrate the relationships in my life.

So check out Gramma's bag and celebrate someone you love.  Go to www.ruthiepearl.com.**

**Lauren is going to be adding more and more bags over the next few weeks so make sure to check back for your fave if you don't see it right away.**

meaningful. LIFE.

I love VChocolates! 

They have the smoothest, best tasting, most wonderful chocolate I have ever had.  I love their toffee, it's my favorite.  But you really can't risk missing the yummy carmels...such hard choices.  Not only are the chocolates the best ever everyone at Vchocolates is a dream to work with.  Vicki is always so cheerful and kind on the phone and always goes the extra mile to make sure that my orders are sent out quickly and that everything arrives at it's freshest.

The really big plus for me is that their packaging is so incredible.  They have these gorgeous boxes that let you know before you even know what's in side that you are in for a delectable treat for your tasting senses.  All around the box are little reminders about the simple wonders of life with a bit of humor thrown in to make you just want to keep the box. 

Vchocolates are the perfect gift for so many occassions...Mother's Day (especially Mother's Day :wink: :wink:), Valentine's Day, Thank You, Have a Happy Day,  Congratulations, The perfect wedding favor (they have really cute tiny little boxes of chocolates), and pretty much any other occassion you can think of! 

Vchocolates. TASTY. LIFE.