wander + wonder BLOGtag:wanderandwonder.org,2008-02-26:/blog//12008-10-16T00:09:22Zart + creativity + beauty + travel + photographyMovable Type Personal 4.1Pow Wowtag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.182008-10-16T00:05:27Z2008-10-16T00:09:22ZCharlotte]]>
Francetag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.172008-10-15T17:42:10Z2008-10-15T17:46:50ZPoor blog has been neglected. I had such high hopes for this new blog. Just having created it was supposed to inspire me. Oh well. Busy living life, I guess. Well, I just finished posting the last of my photos...CharlottePoor blog has been neglected. I had such high hopes for this new blog. Just having created it was supposed to inspire me. Oh well. Busy living life, I guess.
Well, I just finished posting the last of my photos of our trip to France (which happened in August) -- so I thought I'd write an entry about it. We spent two weeks there visiting family. The first week we stayed with my aunt, Martine, and uncle, Allard at their house just south of Paris. The second week we went to my family's beach house in Brittany, on the west coast. We got to see lots of family members and Sophie got to meet her French great-grandmother, Mannick. It was a wonderful trip. Everyone was so welcoming and Scott even made a huge effort to learn and speak some French with them. Sophie was a sweetheart, as usual (although the red-eye flight over there was a bit challenging). We took a million pictures (1500 to be exact) so it took me nearly two months to get around to editing and posting them. Enjoy the slideshow!]]>
I did it. I lost 25 lbs!tag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.162008-07-22T20:57:25Z2008-07-23T04:39:59Z Actually, since I got home from the hospital I've lost 35 lbs. But since I started really trying to lose weight, I've lost 25 lbs. It took me 5 months of doing Weight Watchers but I finally reached my...Charlotte Actually, since I got home from the hospital I've lost 35 lbs. But since I started really trying to lose weight, I've lost 25 lbs. It took me 5 months of doing Weight Watchers but I finally reached my ultimate weight goal. The craziest thing is that it really wasn't that difficult, thanks to Weight Watchers and to breastfeeding -- your body burns 500 extra calories a day just to make the milk. That's the equivalent of an hour on the treadmill. Weight Watchers was great because really it's not about dieting... it's more about, well, watching your weight... watching what you eat and tracking it. Portion sizes, healthy eating, and not depriving yourself of anything. I still had my occasional piece of chocolate, glass(es) of wine and cheeseburger, just not as often as before. I feel great. Physically and mentally. I can't remember being this weight - ever - I don't even think I was back in high school. So you can imagine I feel pretty good, especially considering I just had a baby. So, not to toot my own horn but I am damn proud of myself. Go Weight Watchers!]]>
Bye-bye Maternity Leavetag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.152008-07-09T17:40:18Z2008-07-09T17:54:54ZI am officially working again (part-time)... and have been for the past month. My mom is watching Sophie in the afternoons while I head over to a nearby coffee shop, set up my laptop and get to work. I've picked...Charlotte Also, I feel like I'm more inclined to make the time that I spend with Sophie (mornings, evenings and weekends) quality time. We've been going to swimming classes, baby and me yoga, and this week we start a music class. In the evenings, when I'm not sneaking away to yoga class, Scott, Sophie, Peanut and I enjoy family time: going for a walk around the neighborhood, playing in the big empty room (that would be our living/dining room if we had any furniture) and taking a bath before bedtime (believe it or not, all 3 of us fit in the tub, pretty comfortably too!).
I guess I feel like my life is more balanced since I've started working again. I also feel extremely fortunate that I can pick and choose how much work I want to take on. Freelance is the greatest when you're a parent. ]]>
Celebrating our second anniversary.tag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.142008-06-30T15:47:07Z2008-07-03T16:40:20ZWell, Scott beat me to writing a blog entry on our family blog about it being our anniversary... and it was so sweet that I really can't compete. So I thought I would do a quick posting here and illustrate...CharlotteWell, Scott beat me to writing a blog entry on our family blog about it being our anniversary... and it was so sweet that I really can't compete. So I thought I would do a quick posting here and illustrate it with a couple photos.
We did celebrate with lots of nice plans: dinner out, a night of camping, a picnic at the botanic gardens -- and all the while appreciating each other and being grateful for this wonderful marriage that we share together. We left Sophie with my mom -- our first time leaving her overnight -- and that went smoothly. We didn't miss her too much, but we were happy to see her the next morning. My mom took lots of pictures which served as a documentary of the great night that they had while Scott and I were away. Emilie came by and got to feed her some mashed peas. She only just started eating solids a couple weeks ago and she loves her veggies! ]]>
Book Club Weekend Getaway - Twin Lakes, COtag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.132008-06-10T15:07:53Z2008-06-10T15:07:53ZThis past weekend was our second annual book club weekend getaway. Last year we went to Taos, New Mexico. This year, Rachel's in-laws were kind enough to let us stay at their 'cabin' in Twin Lakes, Colorado (near Leadville). We...CharlotteThis past weekend was our second annual book club weekend getaway. Last year we went to Taos, New Mexico. This year, Rachel's in-laws were kind enough to let us stay at their 'cabin' in Twin Lakes, Colorado (near Leadville). We had a fantastic weekend filled with relaxation but also lots of fun. We cooked, ate, drank, watched movies, played games, hiked, napped, laughed, gave ourselves pedicures (thanks to Katherine for her pedicure-survival-kit gift bags), went gallivanting on the ATV (all terrain vehicle), and did a whole lot of chatting.
I was sooo happy because I had spent the week previously doing everything I could to get Sophie to take a bottle. She had refused to do so for the past few weeks and I was nervous that I was 1) going to have to take her with me, which would have been fine, but not as relaxing for me or 2) not be able to go. With a whole lot of patience and some perseverance she did eventually take the bottle, happily, so I had no problem leaving her with Scott for the weekend. He was a bit nervous but it all turned out great and it sounded like they had some nice bonding time.
I've said this a million times but it's always good to reiterate... I am so grateful to belong to such a wonderful group of amazing women!]]>
Who am I kidding?!tag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.122008-05-23T18:12:09Z2008-05-23T18:48:05ZSo I thought this blog could focus on anything and everything NOT having to do with my baby. I have one thing to say "Yeah right!". Notice how few blog entries I've actually posted since I started this blog. The...Charlotte The truth is, for now, Sophie is my inspiration for wondering and wandering. Now that she has become more inquisitive and curious I feel like I have been given a new pair of eyes, a new way of seeing the world around me, a new perspective. I see everything through her eyes; I get to see everything for the first time all over again. Just the other day there was a rainbow just outside our house - I showed it to her. She's still too young to appreciate it but, oh, how amazed I was by it! Yesterday in the bath we brought out the bubble blower and blew bubbles. She grabbed at them and popped them. I've always loved bubbles but yesterday I got to feel the joy that bubbles bring into the world. Since spring has finally arrived, I've taken her into the backyard to explore - she reaches for branches and grabs at the leaves, crumbling them in her hands. I've sat her down on the grass and again she touches the blades beneath her. What does a leaf feel like? What does grass feel like if you've never sat in it before? I wonder. The wind blows the tiny little leaves of the aspen trees (my mom compared them to shimmering medallions) and Sophie stares. I stare at her and wonder what she's thinking. There's magic in her eyes.
And together we wander... I don't go anywhere without her (well, there is the occasional getaway when Scott stays home with her and I get a mini-escape, but for the most part she goes wherever I go). Winter with a newborn meant staying at home, keeping warm. Now though, I want Sophie to see and experience new things - so together we wander - around the botanical gardens, around Wash Park, on the hike behind our house, around the neighborhood, at the dog park. Being the homebody that I am, I'm certain I wouldn't get out as much if it weren't for Sophie.
So, really, who am I kidding?! My baby is an integral part of my wondering and wandering so from now on I give myself permission to write blog entries about Sophie and about motherhood!
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Flowers at that Denver Botanical Gardenstag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.112008-05-03T02:21:48Z2008-05-03T02:32:25Z My mom got a family membership to the Botanical Gardens and we have been taking advantage of these beautiful spring days to wander and admire all the beautiful things in bloom. Our first visit there was a nice warm...Charlotte My mom got a family membership to the Botanical Gardens and we have been taking advantage of these beautiful spring days to wander and admire all the beautiful things in bloom. Our first visit there was a nice warm day but a bit overcast and I only had the little camera with me. A nice visit in general but not fantastic for picture taking. We returned just a few days ago, when the sun was out and so many more flowers were blooming -- this time I brought the big camera with the macro lens. Maman carried Sophie in the Baby Bjorn so that I had my hands free to take pictures. The gardens are so peaceful and the smells are amazing. Yay, for the membership - I'm sure we will return numerous times this summer. ]]>
Walking and Hiking into Springtag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.102008-04-16T12:46:56Z2008-04-16T13:04:37Z Ever since launching the wander + wonder website I have told myself to spend less time in front of the computer and more time outdoors! Especially now that spring is sneaking back into my life. The past two days...Charlotte Ever since launching the wander + wonder website I have told myself to spend less time in front of the computer and more time outdoors! Especially now that spring is sneaking back into my life. The past two days were 70 degrees! It's time to be less sedentary and more active. Yesterday, I took a walk to downtown Golden. I walked along Clear Creek where people were kayaking, tubing and sunning themselves. Sophie and I sat quietly watching and at some point I dipped her feet in the water but she screamed out -- I guess that mountain water was a little to cold for her liking. On Monday I went for a hike on the trail behind our house -- took some photos along the way. Walking through our neighborhood, you can see lots of tulips and daffodils, buds on trees, and front lawns turning green, but once you get into 'real' nature it feels like a lot of the world is still in hibernation. There are the occasional wildflowers blooming though and I love how they inspire me to kneel down, admire them from close up and snap a picture. I can't wait for the little lizards to come out and even a snake or two would be fun to see. The mountain lions and rattlers can stay away, though. A little lady bug landed on Sophie's head which is supposed to be good luck and a sure sign of spring. Yippeeeee. ]]>
Portrait of Peanuttag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.92008-04-15T17:04:22Z2008-04-15T17:14:48Z Scott and I finally got around to setting up an amateur photo shoot of our family, something I've been wanting to do since Sophie was born. Good thing we waited until now because 1) she's so much more interactive...Charlotte Scott and I finally got around to setting up an amateur photo shoot of our family, something I've been wanting to do since Sophie was born. Good thing we waited until now because 1) she's so much more interactive and smiley now and 2) I feel a lot more confident having lost 20lbs since I got home from the hospital (thanks to WeightWatchers!). Since this blog is about everything other than Sophie -- I won't be posting those photos here (of course you can see them on my Flickr account). During the photo shoot, though, I had Peanut pose for a couple portraits. She was so obedient... motivated by the promise of a "treat." She just hears that word and her big ears perk up, her head tilts to the side, and it's almost as if she smiles for the camera! ]]>
Wander + Wonder World Mapstag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.82008-04-10T15:49:42Z2008-04-10T16:09:03Z I've been working on this art project for over 3 years -- creating artistically designed world maps. My intention all along was to build an online gallery and to offer prints of the original pieces. Since I was so...CharlotteI've been working on this art project for over 3 years -- creating artistically designed world maps. My intention all along was to build an online gallery and to offer prints of the original pieces. Since I was so focused on running my web design business for the past 2 years (DESIGNi2i, Inc.), designing and developing sites for everyone else, I never found the time to create a site for my maps. Since Sophie started taking regular morning naps (2-3 hours) I finally found time to devote to this art project. I also took 24-hours of "me" time this past weekend -- left Sophie with Scott for an entire day -- and gave my undivided attention to developing this site. I am so happy to announce that it is DONE! Well, I do have 2 art pieces that are works-in-progress, but those should be done soon. I am just sooo excited to share these maps with the world. Read the 'About the Artist' page to understand what inspired these maps in the first place.
Wander + Wonder [wanderandwonder.org] ]]>
Early Morning Sunrisetag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.72008-04-02T12:50:56Z2008-04-02T13:19:24ZI've been up for the past half hour, sitting in my office, working on my laptop and watching the sun rise out of the corner of my eye. I woke up at 6:10 and couldn't get back to sleep -...CharlotteI've been up for the past half hour, sitting in my office, working on my laptop and watching the sun rise out of the corner of my eye. I woke up at 6:10 and couldn't get back to sleep - I guess I was just excited about the day. Not for any reason in particular. Maybe I heard birds chirping and the reminder of spring arriving made me want to get up. Normally, I sleep until about 7:30 -- usually around the time when Sophie wakes up for her first feeding of the day and around the time Scott gets out of the shower. I like to start the day as a family, eating breakfast together before Scott goes off to work. I'm sure this morning will follow that same routine except I will have had some nice quiet time to myself awake before everyone else.
Oh! The sun just peaked over the side of the mountain. It's slowly rising now, illuminating my office. Everything is yellow and glowing. It feels warm and welcoming. ]]>
Yoga :)tag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.62008-03-28T14:39:40Z2008-03-28T14:53:39ZAhhhh.... wonderful yoga. I took a prenatal yoga class once a week while I was pregnant, which was a great way to get my body moving, my hips gyrating, and my mind relaxed. Last night I went to my first...Charlotte
Ahhhh.... wonderful yoga. I took a prenatal yoga class once a week while I was pregnant, which was a great way to get my body moving, my hips gyrating, and my mind relaxed. Last night I went to my first yoga class since Sophie was born. I'm an off-and-on yoga practicer (a few months on, a few years off, that kind of thing) but I've done enough of it over the past 10 years that as soon as I sit my butt down on that mat with my eyes closed, I am transported to a peaceful, loving, relaxed state and reminded how healthy it is to stop, breath and stretch every now and again. I wish I were disciplined enough to practice on my own, but, alas, I am not. And anyway, I think a class once (or twice) a week will be a great opportunity for me to get out of the house (without Sophie), to recoup, and to return feeling invigorated! Ahhhh.... wonderful yoga.
Easter Sunflowerstag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.52008-03-25T15:38:51Z2008-03-26T15:44:37Z My mom came over on Easter Sunday and brought these beautiful sunflowers in celebration of spring. I put the macro lens on the camera, positioned the vase in front of a window where the sun was shining in and...CharlotteMy mom came over on Easter Sunday and brought these beautiful sunflowers in celebration of spring. I put the macro lens on the camera, positioned the vase in front of a window where the sun was shining in and these photos were the result of that photo shoot. I love how some good 'ol sunshine and an amazing camera lens can turn ordinary flowers into a work of art. Ahhhh, how I love photography! ]]>
Peanut the Puppy Dogtag:wanderandwonder.org,2008:/blog//1.42008-02-26T18:32:32Z2008-04-15T17:18:02ZBefore Sophie was born my main photographic subject was Peanut the puppy dog. More so when she was actually a puppy (she was so irresistably adorable) but even as a grown dog I took plenty of pictures of her. Then...CharlotteBefore Sophie was born my main photographic subject was Peanut the puppy dog. More so when she was actually a puppy (she was so irresistably adorable) but even as a grown dog I took plenty of pictures of her. Then Sophie was born... not only did I stop taking pictures of Peanut but so much of my attention has been redirected to the baby. Peanut hasn't seemed overly jealous although she is a lot more affectionate than she ever was before. At night, when Scott and I have put the baby to bed and we sit down to watch a Netflix movie, or Lost, or Biggest Loser, Peanut doesn't waste a minute before jumping into my lap and curling up for a cuddle session. I love those moments when she and I can bond again.]]>
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Poor blog has been neglected. I had such high hopes for this new blog. Just having created it was supposed to inspire me. Oh well. Busy living life, I guess.
Well, Scott beat me to writing a blog entry on our family blog about it being our anniversary... and it was so sweet that I really can't compete. So I thought I would do a quick posting here and illustrate it with a couple photos.
This past weekend was our second annual book club weekend getaway. Last year we went to Taos, New Mexico. This year, Rachel's in-laws were kind enough to let us stay at their 'cabin' in Twin Lakes, Colorado (near Leadville). We had a fantastic weekend filled with relaxation but also lots of fun. We cooked, ate, drank, watched movies, played games, hiked, napped, laughed, gave ourselves pedicures (thanks to Katherine for her pedicure-survival-kit gift bags), went gallivanting on the ATV (all terrain vehicle), and did a whole lot of chatting.
My mom got a family membership to the Botanical Gardens and we have been taking advantage of these beautiful spring days to wander and admire all the beautiful things in bloom. Our first visit there was a nice warm day but a bit overcast and I only had the little camera with me. A nice visit in general but not fantastic for picture taking. We returned just a few days ago, when the sun was out and so many more flowers were blooming -- this time I brought the big camera with the macro lens. Maman carried Sophie in the Baby Bjorn so that I had my hands free to take pictures. The gardens are so peaceful and the smells are amazing. Yay, for the membership - I'm sure we will return numerous times this summer. ]]>
Ever since launching the wander + wonder website I have told myself to spend less time in front of the computer and more time outdoors! Especially now that spring is sneaking back into my life. The past two days were 70 degrees! It's time to be less sedentary and more active. Yesterday, I took a walk to downtown Golden. I walked along Clear Creek where people were kayaking, tubing and sunning themselves. Sophie and I sat quietly watching and at some point I dipped her feet in the water but she screamed out -- I guess that mountain water was a little to cold for her liking. On Monday I went for a hike on the trail behind our house -- took some photos along the way. Walking through our neighborhood, you can see lots of tulips and daffodils, buds on trees, and front lawns turning green, but once you get into 'real' nature it feels like a lot of the world is still in hibernation. There are the occasional wildflowers blooming though and I love how they inspire me to kneel down, admire them from close up and snap a picture. I can't wait for the little lizards to come out and even a snake or two would be fun to see. The mountain lions and rattlers can stay away, though. A little lady bug landed on Sophie's head which is supposed to be good luck and a sure sign of spring. Yippeeeee. ]]>
Scott and I finally got around to setting up an amateur photo shoot of our family, something I've been wanting to do since Sophie was born. Good thing we waited until now because 1) she's so much more interactive and smiley now and 2) I feel a lot more confident having lost 20lbs since I got home from the hospital (thanks to WeightWatchers!). Since this blog is about everything other than Sophie -- I won't be posting those photos here (of course you can see them on my Flickr account). During the photo shoot, though, I had Peanut pose for a couple portraits. She was so obedient... motivated by the promise of a "treat." She just hears that word and her big ears perk up, her head tilts to the side, and it's almost as if she smiles for the camera! ]]>
I've been working on this art project for over 3 years -- creating artistically designed world maps. My intention all along was to build an online gallery and to offer prints of the original pieces. Since I was so focused on running my web design business for the past 2 years (DESIGNi2i, Inc.), designing and developing sites for everyone else, I never found the time to create a site for my maps. Since Sophie started taking regular morning naps (2-3 hours) I finally found time to devote to this art project. I also took 24-hours of "me" time this past weekend -- left Sophie with Scott for an entire day -- and gave my undivided attention to developing this site. I am so happy to announce that it is DONE! Well, I do have 2 art pieces that are works-in-progress, but those should be done soon. I am just sooo excited to share these maps with the world. Read the 'About the Artist' page to understand what inspired these maps in the first place.
I've been up for the past half hour, sitting in my office, working on my laptop and watching the sun rise out of the corner of my eye. I woke up at 6:10 and couldn't get back to sleep - I guess I was just excited about the day. Not for any reason in particular. Maybe I heard birds chirping and the reminder of spring arriving made me want to get up. Normally, I sleep until about 7:30 -- usually around the time when Sophie wakes up for her first feeding of the day and around the time Scott gets out of the shower. I like to start the day as a family, eating breakfast together before Scott goes off to work. I'm sure this morning will follow that same routine except I will have had some nice quiet time to myself awake before everyone else.
My mom came over on Easter Sunday and brought these beautiful sunflowers in celebration of spring. I put the macro lens on the camera, positioned the vase in front of a window where the sun was shining in and these photos were the result of that photo shoot. I love how some good 'ol sunshine and an amazing camera lens can turn ordinary flowers into a work of art. Ahhhh, how I love photography! ]]>
Before Sophie was born my main photographic subject was Peanut the puppy dog. More so when she was actually a puppy (she was so irresistably adorable) but even as a grown dog I took plenty of pictures of her. Then Sophie was born... not only did I stop taking pictures of Peanut but so much of my attention has been redirected to the baby. Peanut hasn't seemed overly jealous although she is a lot more affectionate than she ever was before. At night, when Scott and I have put the baby to bed and we sit down to watch a Netflix movie, or Lost, or Biggest Loser, Peanut doesn't waste a minute before jumping into my lap and curling up for a cuddle session. I love those moments when she and I can bond again.]]>