Stork in flight- Alfaro, Spain

Secret Valentine Exchange

“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh

I wouldn't call myself a Valentine's day cynic, but neither have I ever been a huge fan. It always just seemed like another "Hallmark" holiday meant to make people get crazy with consumerism to avoid getting into trouble with their beloved one. But this year Valentine's day took on a special meaning for me because I decided to participate at the last minute in a "Secret Valentine" exchange hosted by the super talented Sanae (see watercolor below) and her equally inspiring co-conspirator Ute. The Secret Valentine's exchange worked like a Secret Santa exchange with the stipulation that the gifts be handmade and small enough to ship in a mailing envelope. And we were also encouraged to keep to materials that we already had on hand. An international group of about 30 crafters and artists participated and I was given info about the person I'd be creating for. I had a few clues from the questionnaire she filled out and I had so much fun perusing her pinterest board for ideas. My sewing skills are still in the early stages, but I loved creating these gifts for Alison in Ireland. Last week I sent everything off- a drawstring backpack, a small bunting, a hand embroidered felt fox and a lavendar sachet. It was a great experience and encouraged me to get creative in the wet doldrums of winter here in northern Spain. Thank you, Sanae and Ute for organizing this wonderful exchange! And thank you very much to my Secret valentine gifter Isabelle from Lathelize in France who sent me a beautiful drawing, a block print and really sweet earrings. I loved everything!!!

Check out Sanae's blog for more info and the Secret Valentine Exchange flickr pool to see the amazing creations that everyone made.

Mallos De Riglos

The setting sun illuminates the Mallos, a set of conglomerate rock formations that rise 300 meters over the small village of Riglos, Hoya de Huesca, Spain.

Buck. Ilundain Forest, Navarra, Spain

Door 3, Maella-Spain

Today's Sky

Just as it is. I love the light in October.

Flowers and Feathers

It's definitely changing seasons around here and the last of the sunflowers are a burnt copper color. Gunshots in pursuit of doves can be heard from the surrounding hills. In the nearby fields I found a strange and haunting mix of dying flowers, discarded feathers and bird corpses- such a telling October story.

The Holy Hour

A monk arrives to sing the afternoon chants at Monasterio de la Oliva, Navarra, Spain. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and today is home to 26 monks, down from the more than 100 that lived there just a few decades ago.

Last Light

Summer

Full Moon

Peeling Asparagus

Seeking out the last rays of sunlight. Yes! Summer has finally arrived after a long, wet, cold spring.

The View From Here: Winter Twilight

Sweetness

From the archives. Feeling very grateful for my boys.

Happy New Year

Resolution #1: Take more pictures!

Lantern Festival, Oloriz-Spain

October

Julen: 2 years, 4 months and 1 day

Cadaqués, Spain

So, the blog's been lagging big time lately (read: I spend all my time chasing after a crazy 2 year old), but I couldn't resist posting this one of a girl proudly posing for her mama's camera.

Bayonne, France (and the one(s) that got away)

This past weekend we took a trip to visit the French Basque country. It's only a little more than an hour from where we live, but I love that crossing over the border from Spain into France suddenly throws you into a completely different mindset- not only is it the language, but the architecture, the food, the expressions in people's eyes, the light. So many things. I was excited to bring my camera along, but realized soon into the weekend that taking pictures must, for the moment, take a big back seat to other priorities in my life. Our son Julen has just turned 2 and is still in that precious and totally crazy stage in which a wee second of not looking in his direction can mean he's spilled the juice he was drinking everywhere, or worse- taken off down the street. Which means, of course, that the kind of seeing that it takes to make photographs that not only look visually appealing, but that also tell a story, get left behind. I know this time will pass more quickly than I can imagine, but there are times when I daydream of having days or weeks on end to dive into a story. I love shutters, and pretty buildings, and amazing light, but I love photographs whose content takes me deeper even more.