And that is why I have chosen to make wall art with a most exquisite fallen branch, found on the floor of my woods — so that I will always be reminded of this connection to something greater than myself. ‘Hug’ (chipboard die cut letters) is a symbol of home and what matters most; which is my family. Despite the routines and normal demands of our everyday living, one thing remains paramount. Connection to each other. Physically, emotionally, spiritually.

HUG

This is Teddy our ever-growing maine coon. He sits by the fire to watch the bread dough rise.

~chamomile and orange mint tea preserved from the summer garden~

Sharing:

• Join us for my latest online class, Toy Camera with Photoshop, that begins on March 1st. This may very well be the last online Photoshop class that I am going to teach, as my brain is bubbling with new ideas and directions.

• Shameless, the original drama series (not the remake), is well done. Fun, quirky, raw, and adorable. Nice way to relax in the evening. And yes, that is the famous James McAvoy before he became famous, playing opposite Fiona, his real-life wife — that explains the chemistry.

• Mmm mmm — butter rum cotton candy that we make with this gadget (best family Christmas present ever and you can use your favorite hard candy to make the floss — ingenious and delish!).

• Andrew Bell’s album The Ladder. I can’t get enough — wonderful compositions.

• Dreamy Beaver Brook

I am enamored by the architecture of historical buildings in Maine. They do make you feel like you are somewhere in Europe, because they were built by settlers of British and French ancestry. My family and I made a trip downeast yesterday (which in these parts means you are going further north). We traveled to Bangor, to explore a city unfamiliar to us; one with new possibilities that were revealed to us as we took it all in. We lunched here and visited the best children’s museum that our state has to offer.

I think I may have offended this pigeon in some way. He came right up to me, was so chatty, then all of a sudden turned his back and remained in this cold-shoulder stance until I eventually walked away:)…

We spotted this heart at the exact same time, Howie and I. We embraced on the bridge overlooking the canal and kissed. After almost 14 years of marriage and experiencing the natural ebbs and flows of a relationship, this man is giving me butterflies in my stomach. Just like when we first met. Blessed. Grace.

Now I know how to get to Paris in under two hours by car:)

XO

One of my most favorite instagrammers (actually, he is my favorite) is David Booker (known as _blemish_ on IG). He recently gave an interview to Juxt — I am fascinated by his approach to photography and his philosophical beliefs regarding what art-making is all about. I was most honored and humbled by his mention of my work — he has inspired me to step up my game even more. Thanks David!

Sharing:

I am overwhelmed by the response to my latest online class, Toy Camera with Photoshop, that begins on March 1st. There is limited seating left — I would love for you to join us.

XO

Without further ado, I am happy to announce the winner, drawn by random number generator:

Anita Starkoff — congratulations Anita!

For those of you who would like to join us, registration will be open until the class begins on March 1st. It would be a pleasure to have you in the class.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

XO

what’s your passion?

GIVEAWAY CONTEST:

There are only two days left to enter my GIVEAWAY for my latest online workshop, Toy Camera with Photoshop. If you register for the class before I draw a winner, you can still enter the giveaway contest. If you win, I will refund your payment for the workshop.

The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day at 9 P.M. EST.  Note: Registration will remain open until the class begins on March 1st.

XO

Don’t forget, I am having a GIVEAWAY for my latest online workshop, Toy Camera with Photoshop. Keep in mind that EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION is going on until tomorrow (registration will continue after that at full price), and if you register for the class before I draw a winner, you can still enter the giveaway contest. If you win, I will refund your payment for the workshop.

It’s all good. Best of luck!

Sharing:

Make a valentine ornament out of fabric from an old shirt (on the front) and muslin (on the back). Stuff with poly fill. Make a hanging loop from twine (knot it) and stitch it to the top/back of your ornament. We are making lots of these hearts around here, to decorate our valentine tree with.

XO

All you have to do is follow the easy steps above to enter. When you link back to this post, use this address: http://susantuttlephotography.com/?p=1497

If you register for the class before I draw a winner, you can still enter the contest. If you win, I will refund your payment for the workshop.

Best of luck to you!

The Johnny’s Selected Seeds catalog came the other day and we have composed our dream list — a flood of orange sticky notes sticking out the top, marking our choices. I am especially enjoying selecting a variety of specialty greens like pac choi, red mustard and mizuna, and winter squash like buttercup, scarlet kaboch and butternut.  Howie and I are exploring both vertical gardening possibilities and french intensive-gardening techniques. My head is swimming with warm and delicious thoughts and dreams of digging, planting, watering, nurturing, growing — Mmmmm!

sharing:

Earlybird Registration is now open for my brand new online class Toy Camera with Photoshop. We are going to have so much fun! Won’t you join us?

i have been indulging in showers of self-love over at Viv’s blog where she is hosting 14 Days of Self-Love. I am honored to be one of her guests and will let you know when my post is up. Today i am enjoying her gorgeous, feisty featured creative.

XO

sharing:

Earlybird Registration is now open for my brand new online class Toy Camera with Photoshop. I am very excited about the response so far and would love for you to join us.

I can’t help myself — I LOVE this song. dancin’ in the kitchen after dinner. sharing our moves, laughing. my daughter (age 6) has all the moves!