Bigger than the whole sky
Also in here: our Halloween costumes
Hi, wonderful readers! And a warm welcome if it’s your first Handpicked. Shall we start with a photo?
On Saturday our community had a paddle out in Redondo Beach to honor our friend Jonathan. (If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a bit about paddle outs.) You’ll be pleased to know that I did not crash the drone or let it fall into the ocean, though I was terrified the entire time that I might.
Truly, it’s been my honor to make photos for Jonny’s family, especially this one of his loved ones saying their final aloha.
“The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love — whether we call it friendship or family or romance — is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light.”
―James Baldwin
today’s bouquet
You guys, I just really hate Halloween, I’m sorry. I truly cannot wait for Real Fall, aka all of November, aka Thanksgiving, the best holiday. For those who are less grinchy, you may like to know that Nate and Mick are going as Forrest Gump and Lt. Dan and I will be a half-hearted Jenny. Eleanor and Lucy are going as Gryffindors and Charlie as a red Kirkland brand dinosaur.
something i do not hate. garlicky tomatoes on toast w basil. kodak portra 400, 35mm Fighting fire with fire: I’m not a fan of the green paint in our bathroom (but the landlord is), so I ordered 5x7’s of my favorite green-centric photos to hang on the wall. Is this what they call leaning into it?
I finally listened to bigger than the whole sky. 💔
Gardening enormously while grappling with cancer.
“Every moment there are a million miracles happening around you:
a flower blossoming, a bird tweeting,
a bee humming, a raindrop falling,
a snowflake wafting along
the clear evening air.
There is magic everywhere.
If you learn how to live it,
life is nothing short of a daily miracle.”
―Sadhguru
Extremely cute: design your own cross stitch. (via Sammy)
Seven rules for being a good dinner guest. For an eighth I would add: give the kids your full attention for a brief part of the gathering. Play Tenzi or Mario Kart, make a friendship bracelet, read them one book, etc.
Livestream wildlife from all over the world! (via)
I’m the 9999th person to share these beautiful cord covers, but aren’t they just terrific?
Wow, wow: light painting photos of Pablo Picasso.
in my basket
“Stores pay us. We pay you.” I could not live without this little extension. Btw, here’s $40 free for both of us, no spam/ catch/ tricks.
Curious about a yak sweater… I already know and love alpaca!
Still trying to make room in the budget for her.
Wishing I’d had this nursing cardigan exactly one year ago.
100% certain that these hot air balloon ornaments will sell out. Our family tradition is for each person to have their letter on the tree, so I grabbed one for Mick, since I didn’t know his name yet last year :)
Related: the absolute best selection of novelty ornaments (which also usually sell out.)
Perfect for family pictures: a famous, flattering dress that looks great from every angle. If you’re going for a more laid-back vibe for your Christmas card, you can’t go wrong with a white top and jeans. For more, here’s how to get dressed for family photos.
last thing
Most clicked link from last week: skincare/ beauty AMA
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I’m shooting family photos in Southern CA throughout November, and then I’m taking December off! Reply directly to this email if you’d like to get on my calendar. (By the way, I shoot little weddings, if you know someone eloping!)
families on film! :)
“Family members are like human blackboards, standing in front of us saying, ‘Write what you think of me!’ Our job is not to teach someone who’s going through a rough patch that they are bad or disappointing. Let’s tell our loved ones in spoken and unspoken ways the messages they long to hear: ‘Our family feels whole and complete because you are in it.’ ‘You will be loved for the rest of your life—no matter what.’”
― Sister Tamara Runia
That 8th rule is KEY!