I think there is something so special about photographing children in their childhood bedrooms. It’s their place to grow, to dream, to become…but most importantly it’s their own little space in this world. Their own little piece of calm they get to nestle into before they enter the madly spinning chaos adults know as the real world. I have old pictures of myself in my childhood bedroom and there is such nostalgia that lies within them.
Not only did I get to capture two beautiful children last weekend, but they are children that are so very special to me. Our family waited a long time for these two to come into the world. I used to be the baby of the family until Owen came in and stole the title. Now, it has so graciously been handed down to Claire. I have been known to teach her a thing or two about what it means to be the doll of the family. There are spoiling rights involved and there is no talent lacking in batting eyelashes and pouty lips with this one. You’ll see, however, that most of the time in her day is spent giggling. She did not stop giggling the.entire.shoot …and I loved every second of it!
Owen on the other hand is a bit more reserved and has quite the adoration for all things that involve Minnesota sports teams. I got a firsthand lesson in trading cards, sports jerseys, and collector hockey equipment. AND I didn’t even have to pay him like I do Sabrena. He was a willing subject and a natural in front of the lens.
I come from an incredibly large family and the one thing that remains consistent is that there is an abundance of love, and excess of I Love You’s, and a tightly woven web of people to carry you through your ups and downs. My Uncle Tom has given us so much more than he could ever possibly realize this past year by following in the footsteps of my father and holding on tightly to a dream that he envisioned more than twenty years ago. He would be so so so proud.
I hope these pictures of his children let him know just how thankful we are…

Many many loves to you Tom, Beth, Owen and Claire…

Krysta

This is just a tiny peek into my pretty little space that I love so much. Does the dress look familiar? :) It makes me happy every time I look it. It now has tears in the arms and down the front, but I love it as it reminds me of the moment Sheye and I almost took Tara Whitney out with her own bike and then laughed hysterially afterwards. Such a beautiful evening I’ll never forget. The crown is another from Roses Petite Mason. I adore everything she does! I posted about my QUEEN sign a looong while back. I originally wanted this shabby pink table at an antique shop in my hometown. I went back to get it and the owner, who just happens to be a good friend of my parents, said she had left it out all winter and the table fell apart. One sleeve of the table was all that was left. I had helped them get their coffee shop up and running so as a Thank You she handed it off to another good friend to have her paint QUEEN on it. It is one of my most favorite things in the world and makes me giddy every time I look at it. The square bookshelf is actually part of my new project table which was handmade by my Uncle Al. It’s so incredibly special to me and deserves a post all its own. I’m waiting on a new desk chair and will then show you the whole thing in entirety. It’s beautiful. The pillow on the chair I handcrafted from an old sweater I had and vintage flower pins. And the last image is the top of my bookshelf which just has all of my trinkets that I adore and make me happy just to have them near.
I have totally revamped my office as I have a few things coming up very shortly which necessitated a new space for me. I can’t wait until I can share them with you…

And yes, Brady loooooves this Tiffany’s Blue, shabby chic office. I think he’s slightly jealous he didn’t think of it himself. :)

Much Love,
Krysta

(The light trying to push through the haze on Christmas Day.)

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on 2009. For as much beauty as it held, there was also a lot of pain. It was my first entire year without my father physically present in my life. And while I have given myself a homework assignment of really really trying to just BE in the moment, I am only human. I do make a conscious effort every single day to live in the present, but it’s tricky. My past involves a beautiful man who gave me beautiful memories and left an imprint on my life so large that some days I fear this heartache will be forever unrelenting.

There are moments where I truly do take in all that I have on this earth. The blessings that still exist in my day to day life. But it’s in those moments that my father blurs and I can’t bring him into focus. I can’t tell you what it’s like to walk into my house and not remember what it was like to have him there. Those are the moments that the guilt creeps in and the tears flood and the “I’m sorry’s” begin. However there are the times when the present moment fades and I can pull him into full clarity. I can recall every shade of gray in his beard, the gentle tones of his voice, the smell of Tobacco Flower in his cologne. And I want to stay because he’s there and it’s all I have left of him.

I have had to establish a new relationship with my father this past year. One that has no physical connection. I have had to learn that it’s okay to flip back and forth between the past and the present because beauty exists in both. In some moments there is the space between where both are fully transparent and those are the moments I soak in and am so so very thankful for.

I have much hope for 2010. I have been given opportunities to do things this year that I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of. I know that no matter what I do, it will be done with all of my being. After all, I need to make my father proud…

Happy New Year with Love,
Krysta