Ahhh, today.

Let's catch up!

It has been much too long since I have made a post here. I wish I could--and if I were efficient, I would.
Life has kept me busy--and really, it isn't as simple as it once was. It is still a rich life, though, I have to say.... and I guess simple is relative--so, I still claim the title, "This Simple Life is Rich".

I have been doing a lot of working at JP Parker Flowers. And less and less time is left over for my own creative exploration... but I am not deprived because, a colleague of mine introduced me to the app, Vine, several weeks ago...and I have been slightly addicted. These six second videos are a perfect way for me to be creative with imagery and have that instant satisfaction. I have no followers besides my sister and a handful of friends...so, it isn't fulfilling in that sense--but fulfilling in the sense that I can start to finish a photographic mini project in what seems like no time. So, allow me to share several of my favorite vines here... and hopefully, I will be able to be better at making posts featuring these looping wonders in the near future....

Also, I had to close down my Etsy shop... I offloaded a lot of my inventory at a pop up shop earlier this summer... or, I guess it was a yard sale... anyway... maybe more about that later....

Hayes is growing up so fast. He is four now... and will be starting kindergarten in the Fall. Yes, he is starting a year early. We are very proud of him and believe in him and the school he goes to--Montessori method is the best!
Watch as he performs in for the camera in our tiny living room and "ends" with one of his many artworks:



Hayes swings in our hammock.....



I used to be all over the documentation of our garden... I have really let that go... But, about 31 days ago, I captured this vine video of our garden--so, at least you all know we are still growing veggies and berries!



And to show that Scott and I are doing well and happy and loving our city life...and our date nights that we get every now and then... I share this crazy, disjunctive video of a midnight stroll downtown Indianapolis...



My dear dear friend, Sarah, and her family have procured an artist studio in the well known Stutz Art Studios downtown.... this is very exciting for her family and for me because she has invited me to work on an exciting project with her... won't say what it is for now--it is under wraps. The following video is on a day we moved some of our former furniture into the space after they purchased it from us... it fits perfectly.... and so does the happy twirl at the "end" of this vid...



How many vines can I cram in here today??
Hayes is very into drawing... so, we worked on incorporating collage into his repertoire....



I have found great satisfaction in capturing imagery from magazines in vine videos. I love print material of all kinds... and recently acquired many Art In America magazines from the 1980s and 90s.... I love to use the imagery in collages but argue with myself over tearing pages out...so, one day, it occurred to me that it wasn't completely necessary to incorporate them to save them.... I could just capture a rapid short video of some of the most outstanding imagery... and there, it would stay forever...and I can pass the mag along to my friends for their perusing.



What else, what else? Oh, I have been using vine to create fun little behind the scenes videos of the activity at the flower shops:





We went to Holiday World and had soooo much fun.





At a recent wedding of friends, I captured this little tea party... too cute!



And Hayes has been cruising in his dune racer....



....and dancing on monuments....



...and enjoying a concert on the canal....



Well, I have tons more... hopefully, I will be sharing them (one or two at a time instead of this mass share) soon.

Thanks for catching up! xoxo Paula

Portrait of a Flower (or many)

I have to say... I dearly love my job!  While I was attending art school, I never imagined I would be doing the work I am doing now.  After digital photography and the advent of the affordable camera capable of professional quality allowed for any interested person to become a photographer...my original plans went by the wayside.... Also, just by being exposed to the world through art school... I decided I didn't want to pursue my original plans....it wasn't as interesting or challenging to me to set up a portrait studio in my own home as was approaching photography through art.  Portrait photography from home was a dream of a girl who hadn't been to college.  Who hadn't lived in a city.   Who could have been happy just where she was.... She could have settled for less.  And, yes, I do think it would be less fulfilling had I set limits on myself.... backed into a corner tucked far away in a small town.  Don't get me wrong... I love my hometown.  I don't rule out going back.  I could easily make a space for myself there--just not doing service photography.   (This is a subject that I could go on and on about, really...but here, it is merely an introduction to what I am excited about today....)  I have several dreams for my rural self.  One day, those might be realized... but for now, I wholeheartedly appreciate where I am...what I am doing.  I feel like I am valued.  I feel like I am relied upon.  I am growing as a professional and as a creative person.  I feel like I am making a difference at JP Parker Flowers.  Just this week, I finally put together a photography studio for JP Parker Flowers' online shop.  It will take some time, but I plan to streamline our online shopping look to be something like:

....sure, of course, it is basic...but that is what we need.... a blank canvas for our stunning designs to stand alone and project off the webpage into the concept of actual space... So far so good, eh?

Here is a look into my JP studio (yes, I differentiate with "JP" because....soon to come- a post about my home studio!!)... improvements to be made....but for now, I think it is modest yet grand!

I am looking forward to showing JP Parker Flowers' designs in their best light!!

Succulents, Orchids A Plenty

Well, here it is, Spring Break 2012.... Usually, that wouldn't mean a thing for us.  It hasn't meant anything since I was in college--and usually, that just meant I wasn't going to class that week.  The only big trips I took during Spring Break were with my parents and sister when we were all much younger.  One in particular comes to mind... and funny, as my Mom mentioned it this week.  1993.  My parents decide that Panama City Beach would be a good place for a Spring Break family vacation.  Well, we had fun... but I wouldn't say it was for the family.  We checked into one of the biggest hotels in the city (after arriving at a smaller one and Dad deciding it was too close for comfort)...and [I think] we were the only four people not on a college spring break.  We watched all kinds of shenanigans take place from our balcony.  I think one morning, we even filmed our neighbors sleeping on their balcony.  I remember walking along the beach... all of the sudden, splash!  Some spring breaker quit a little early on his beer bong...and the excess beer flew through the air and landed splat on the flat chest of my teal (neon bicolor sash belted) one piece swimsuit.  I thought it was funny.  There is even a photograph of my beer splotched suit.... We got funny looks.... my Dad was even interviewed by a local journalist.  He wanted to know if my Dad knew what he was getting into bringing his two young daughters to the devil's playground... well, at any rate, we didn't get hurt-and it is a fun memory.  One souvenir we still have from that trip is a hot pink plastic mug with half scratched away letters in font that is like rad lightning... "Spring Break 1993".
So, years after Spring Break meaning no change for us, this week, Hayes is on Spring Break.  In order to keep my regular work schedule and for Hayes to have some quality Grandpa and Grandma time, my Mom and Dad met us [not quite] in the middle to take Hayes back south with them for the week.  So, Scott and I have had some time to ourselves and just as important, I have had some quality time to myself, too.  Keeping very productive... still hoping to get several things accomplished before the end of this week.....
Hayes is Spring Breakin' it...drinking his milk from the ceremonial Spring Break cup....
And as for us, every time it gets quiet, one of us puts a fist in the air and mock yells, "Spring Break!"

Okay, point of the post:  sharing my images of the beautiful marvels of the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse and Shop at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

I met Scott for a stroll through the greenhouse and a picnic lunch in the gardens.  What a treat!  We ran a little over because we lost track of time in the greenhouse..so many things to see and talk about... and photograph.

Vibrant red begonia

delicate pinky peach begonia

Sunny yellow begonia 

Not quite sure what this is..but very neat.

Orchids!

Different orchids

Pink jelly bean succulent plant

Check out this shoot off of this succulent with tiny blooms!

Babies with their Momma Succulent

That drop of water looks like a stone.

I wonder how old this aloe plant is. It is pretty magnificent.

And it's blooms! Wow.

Kind of like gems.. this succulent has interesting shape.

What beautiful texture!! From root to fur.

This is my favorite.  String of pearls.  Beautiful, interesting, exotic... 

Like peas on a string... just so neat.

A succulent with a trunk.

A moth.

More succulents.  Look at that lavender color.. and then the teeny tiny succulents in the foreground.

This peachy yellow plant was Scott's favorite.  I like it, too.  It would go so well in our house.

This has interesting texture, too.  The spikes on the outer leaves left impressions on the inner.

Sharp

What neat shapes.  Sharp with two leaves.

More orchids.

Nepenthes, pitcher plant, monkey cups... whatever your call it, this is an interesting plant.

See those furry rope looking things?  Yep, those are roots of an orchid.

Here is another orchid, it's roots wired to a branch as that is their natural habitat... up in the trees.

More orchids.. like little animals.

For me this is a bit more recognizable...looks more like the orchids I see regularly in the flower shop.

 Since I went all crazy snapping photos in the greenhouse and I had already spent a lot of my memory card at work that morning, I had a few shots left by the time we got to the garden.  So, I snapped one of my favorite flowers.  Lilacs. 

Mama's Little Helper

Last week, Hayes was on Fall Break on Thursday and Friday.  I had to take off of work to be with him--which, of course, is fine by me.... even though I had that nagging feeling that I should be somewhere else during those short morning hours.  Nonetheless, we did what we had to do.  I heard that one of the designers made a bouquet for an Indianapolis Monthly magazine shoot.  The bouquet came back on Thursday.  I took the opportunity to run up to the shop, toddler in tow, to conduct my own little shoot.  Hayes was very good, as usual... yet, I know the air was a bit thicker--filled with short breaths and sighs of relief when the tall arrangement remained standing after some close calls..... What can I do?  Roll with it, I suppose.  I did manage to get some good shots-but below are examples of the reality of the situation.  Every time I would frame up.... if I took too long to press the shutter button, enter frame left, right and center: bumbling red sweatered child closing in on the subject arms open hopeful to hug the crystal clear tapered pole... the coolest firefighter pole to date.... or hurrying to the window to see a garbage truck go by.  Here is what I snagged from those fractions of moments.

We both had a good time in the flower shop.  I am pretty sure the breaths were drawn in a little easier after we left.  Inventory in tact.  Fwew!

The images I went to the flower shop intending to capture: here.

You Can Also Find Me....

I read several blogs where the author is contributing to other blogs, as well as their own.  Often they have large badge links boasting "You can also find me at...."  I love that.  I have always secretly hoped that one day some one would invite me to write for their blog.... Pinch me, because-if you read my previous post, you already know that my secret wish has come true.  I am writing for JP Parker Flowers in Indianapolis and Franklin, Indiana.  I published my first post today--the first of many to come and I am very much looking forward to it!  Large Badge to come...at some point!

Have a great Monday!

Working Mom; That's Me

Well, well, well... Did I have anyone guessing about what I am up to?  Going to work...?  Yes.  It is true. While Hayes is enjoying his Montessori, I am spending mornings downtown working at JP Parker Flowers.   Yes, can you believe it?  The Dooce returns.  If you have been reading for more than a year, you know what I did.  I sabotaged (so I thought) my career with JP Parker Flowers by writing about something that happened there that left a bad taste in my mouth (in their mouths, too, I am sure).  I couldn't help but to get what was on my chest off-and at the time I was asked to keep carrying that burden...when, really, what I should have done was insist that I be heard.  And, too, then--not in my defense-just fact of the matter--I didn't know as much about blogging as I do now.  Lesson learned.  Now, it is easy to just say, "lesson learned".  In fact, it was quite a painful thing.  (I would tell people that I was going through a re-birth.... true.)  I thought I was a loser.  Well, I was, in a sense-I lost my job.  What I mean is-I slipped into a bit of a depression-questioning myself-what is my worth....and convinced it couldn't be very much.  After several posts that revealed probably too much about my state of mind....and constant asking of myself, "What am I doing?" and a year of just doing...going....moving forward...I convinced myself that I was exactly where I needed to be.  I was.  I am completely happy.... Hayes was happy but beginning to get a little bored.  Not that I am at my limit of what I can teach him-I am always teaching... but I was beginning to see his need for more structured learning and socialization.  I have had my eye on a Montessori School for some time-but with no job-there is no way to pay for it.  Also, I have been helping my friend with her business-designing and communicating and, ya, cleaning the toilet.  I have been quite the busy photographer lately, as well.  In fact, instead of writing this post, I should be cleaning my house ironing clothes listing etsy merchandise planning dinner retouching images.  But I am so thrilled about my reunion with JP Parker Flowers.  I wanted to get it out into the world.  I want people to know that bridges can be rebuilt.

During the last year, as I continued to mother Hayes, freelance and post both desperately and cheerfully-I had no idea that the owner, Pam Parker, of JP Parker was following along with my blog.  She called me up one morning as Hayes and I were on our way to go see Wilson.  She wanted to meet for lunch.  I, caught off guard just a bit, agreed that it would be lovely.  The following week, we met at Aunt Judy's Country Kitchen in Franklin.  (It was delicious, by the way.)  She talked about her grand plans for Holiday Decorating and Super Bowl!  She was asking for my help.  I was surprised and flattered by all of it.  I had to think about it.  The next thing I know, she is calling me and setting up another lunch meeting because plans had changed.  Needs had changed.  On our way to the meeting, Hayes and I dropped by the school to pick up information and let them know that we would be applying.  At the meeting, I happily laid out what I could offer the company.  Pam and Pam, owner and Indy shop manager, laid out what the company needed from me.  After going home, mulling it over and discussing it with Scott-it was a done deal.  My working relationship with the best flower shop in Indiana (I would say the world but no one would take me seriously if I went around saying stuff like that.) has been reestablished.  I am a company woman.  I am pleased to be in the shop at opening doing various tasks such as data entry, communications, customer service, research and more.  Anything that needs doing, I am there to do.  Then, after picking Hayes up from Montessori, we have lunch, take a walk and when he is down for his nap--Yes! Nap!  I haven't known nap time for a long while--now that he is tired out from his sensational mornings-he is always due for down time.---I get back into work mode, following up on emails sent/received, research, website maintenance, twitter....and yes, their blog.  As of today, I admit-not much has happened on the website and blog-I am just getting acquainted with the marketing company-so, soon....I will be writing for JP Parker.  I will post links and even maybe they will have their very own badge in my sidebar.  This is just the first week-I am just getting going-I am loving it and I know that I will be very busy.

Over a year ago, I thought I would never be welcome in that lovely and creative space again.  I was afraid that I would offend someone by coming in as a customer.  So, I didn't.  It really is exciting to belong in a professional space again.  I am always a professional--but to be attached to one of the most outstanding businesses with some of the most talented and hardworking people in downtown Indianapolis (and Franklin)-well, that is empowering.

JP Parker, thank you for welcoming me back!

As I was opening a page to grab the url for my "Dooced" post, I ran across this great article in the New York Times.  I really enjoyed reading about Heather Armstrong's success as the most powerful woman blogger.  I suggest you read it.  If you are a blogger-then, I am sure you know all about it.  If you are not-you might learn some things... and find more people to follow.

a bit of this week...

Earlier this week, Hayes and I took a little drive to different park.  The one near our house is nice overall--but the play structures are often overrun by bigger kids and unfortunately, there have been profanities scrawled on some of the surfaces.  Disappointing.  Another downside is there always seems to be a cloud of smoke hovering as many "adults" stand too close puffing like chimneys while "watching" their kids.  So, this little park proves to be serene and private, really.  Partly shaded, fun structure and a neat double teeter totter.... and great swings.  There is plenty of traffic that whizzes by but we enjoy watching the trucks and cars. 

 

Scott and I have been talking about painting a little in the house.  We have never painted over the neutral tones that were here when we moved in.  It seems like it really took us a long time to settle in.  Hang things where we want them, and so on.  I guess that is living, though.  As time goes, you acquire new things... lately, we decided we needed a little change.  Scott is always salvaging refuse from his workplace.  Things that are destined to be thrown out or even just stored for infinity.  He was given permission to bring some paint home and we looked over the selection, and I decided-blue.  Bermuda Blue.  It is quite rich-and yes, a little dark.  Our house is tiny.  So, the all one shade of neutral had its space maximizing thing going on.... and we just cut it in half.  We decided that we would paint the entire wall that separates the living room from the dining room-front and back and the belly of the arch.  I think it plays well with the artwork and other furniture in our spaces.  By the way, the VOCs are extremely low in this super high quality paint.  It is used at the museum.  Scott mentioned that if we were to go out and buy paint for ourselves, we would not be browsing the aisle where this is kept-automatically out of our price range.  So, lucky for us old scavengers. 

 After dinner, Hayes and I took Oli for a walk.  Hayes insisted on wearing his "fire boots" and doubly insisted on walking instead of riding on his tricycle.  So, just over halfway through the route, Hayes wanted his boots off and to lie down.  It was a minute long standoff that ended when I picked him up and then carried him and his boots the remainder of the way home.  Fwew!  34 pounds on my hip isn't so easy... but we made it.

 Hayes had a bath while Scott continued to paint.  Boy was he funny--the things he comes up with.  He was saying, "Water from the eagles! Water from the eagles!" over and over again.  We didn't know what he meant.  And then he was talking about coffee.  "Oh, this is good coffee from the store.  Oh, no, no.  This is old coffee.  But we can mix them together."  Hahaha!  Scott looked at me and said, "he must have worked at a 7eleven in a previous life."

 

Nearing the end of the evening, the wall looked like this.  I will gladly share pictures when we hang things on the walls and when everything isn't so cluttery.  See my centerpiece on my dining table?  No, not the paint can... the moon flowers.  We have a nice big patch in the back yard.  Really these botanicals are called a few different things-but usually: Jimson weed.  Lovely lemony fragrance... and fleeting white and pale lavender blooms.  When the blooms are done--just after one day or night, they fall away and the seed pod forms.  I think the seed pods are just as beautiful as the blooms!  I always think of Georgia O'Keeffe's painting, which hangs in the IMA, Jimson Weed.  I had never cut and vased them before... so I thought I would give it a try.  Success.  They perked up, bloomed and were open all day... I cut away the drooping blooms and two more opened for me(of course after a couple of changes of water and snipping the stems).  I do adore fresh flowers in the house- much more so if I have cut them from my own garden!