after all

I achieved a personal best last night.  My best homemade batch of biscotti. And it's usually hard for me to compliment myself in these matters, but really it's not that amazing of an achievement, and being truthful is a part of humility. Plus, it’s probably so good because it’s the Easter time and everything is better at the Easter time.  I have them on my mind right now, because I just had two cups of coffee, and I am pretty sure at least 75% of the reason for the second cup was so that I could dunk another biscotti. 

good morning! on a plate

Coffee and biscotti are a one of the best couples I know.  I would like to be a bridesmaid in their wedding, because I fully support this marriage, and believe it will last until death do they part.  Dude, chocolate chips embedded in biscotti, melting in the perfect cup of becreamed coffee?  Mondays need that kind of sweet action. Lest you think that this entire post is about biscotti, I will move on by a simple recap via photographs of the weekend.

photo by very proud papa, Ed

I had my first officially unofficial photography gig. Unpaid makes it unofficial, being commissioned by someone other than myself makes it official.  It was for the Dominican House of Studies gala, and it was wonderful.  

The Dominicans were the perfect hosts, and their little garden in the middle of the cloister centered around a statue of the Blessed Mother with wavy locks was beaming peace and loveliness. 

God put leopard print in this flower.  China swooned

I could have sat in there just to listen to the trees grow and watch the birds flutter from branch to branch.  My old camera and I did mosey down picturesque lane, and I absorbed as much of the tranquility as I could.  

There may be something therapeutic about watching a monk lighting a candle in a garden inhabited by peace, and observing men who have given their lives to the Prince of Peace.

Their smiles made it clear that happiness lay in doing the Father’s will, and obediently following Him wherever He leads.  

They laughed with joy that rang with a sweet freedom most of the world will never know, for they have found their happiness in Love, in obedience, in sacrifice, and they have nothing to fear.  

They do, however, have much to laugh about.  It is Easter after all, and so the funny things are even funnier. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to photograph  these joyful moments for something so real, so beautiful, and so worthy of capturing.  Thank you Maggie, and all the Brothers and Priests there that made it so wonderful.  

Saturday had me loving the gift of sleep, and not setting any alarm whatsoever.  There are some things that you would never think twice about as a kid, and so when you do start thinking more than twice about it, and it becomes something worthy of a little jig when it happens, you know that in some very obvious ways you are definitely an adult.  Or at least sort of possess some adultish characterisitcs. Like not setting your alarm and letting your body decide to get up when it darn well pleases being one of the sweetest, and most coveted luxuries, and oh baby does it deserve a jig.   Or when the gas prices drop below $4.00, and it is something you feel is worth dropping a sentence on in a blogpost.  For the record, they haven’t, but I have hopes.  It’s Easter, after all.  

I spent Saturday in a rare way of total relaxation, photo editing, Spring loving, west street walking, and got to have the windows open at Mass giving me my favorite view of life.  The Eucharist, plus green leaves dancing in the wind in honor of their Creator.  I capped off Saturday following suit with more rarities.  I dressed up, donned red lipstick, a sequined dress, stiletto red heels (gasp!), and went to a party with Christina and some of her lovely friends.  

And we rocked the dance floor.  But, that’s normal.  I, to quote Sarah Jessica Parker in her very underrated film Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, love to dance.  Especially with China.  Especially in sequins and red lipstick. 

On our drive home I got a call from my best brother ever, who thought we were lying in a ditch somewhere, due to my haphazard willy nilly leaving of half eaten pieces of pizza on the table..and a wadded up napkin was mentioned as well.  It was sad, but nice to know that if Bubba thinks we were possibly kidnapped, he investigates.  Sorry again, Bub!

Sunday was lovely in its’ content (Mass, visit with newly engaged friend, time spent with Lianna, Ed, Sophia, and Maddy bear); but not so lovely in weather.  I decided to ignore it completely, for it did not deserve my attention.  But, it’s still cold today, so I reserve the right to be put out during the end of April, when temperatures drop below 50.  Gross.  


At least there is almost-perfect-Easter-biscotti, hot coffee, and most of all the Eucharist, the Risen Savior being always present amongst us, and smiling monks, sequins, dancing, red lipstick, and new baby girls and a 2 year old who loves her baby sister and won’t stop saying the cutest things ever.  

Happy Easter! Happy Monday!