Photography As A Metaphor For Being In The Moment

For the past couple of years while we've been traveling, I have become a picture-taking fool (please check out my portfolio to see some of my work.) I carry my camera with me absolutely everywhere, and I am always stopping to snap a shot of a flower or bug, an interesting architectural detail or a child playing in the park. And what I love so much about photography is that it allows me to be even more in the moment as I go about my daily life.

Some Days, I Wish I Worked At 7-Eleven

As I sat here today, trying desperately to be witty and engaging in my latest blog (my poor, tired brain fighting me all the way), I thought about the mixed blessing that is my job. Being self-employed means that I'm not allowed to simply punch a time card and go home. I have to always be creating, producing, doing something different than the day before. And it's exhausting! Some days, I wish that my biggest responsibility involved nothing more challenging than pouring Slurpees!

Why "Why?" Is The Most Important Question You'll Ever Answer As A Parent

This past week, Matt and I visited the Jacksonville Zoo -- full of children, most of them pretty well-behaved (and lots of room to get away from the ones that were being obnoxious!) As we were checking out the black leopard, I felt a small person attempting to shove in front of me. I was initially impressed when his mother pulled him back and told him not to do that again. But then he asked, "Why?" and she said, "Because I told you so" and I just wanted to scream!

Chasing Spring Wherever We Go

Matt and I have been down in Florida since the beginning of the year -- while the rest of the country has been buried in snow during one of the coldest and longest winters in ages, we've been enjoying warm weather and sunshine. However, the thermometer is starting to rise above about 85 (and we've actually had to turn on the air a few times.) That's a sure sign that summer is on its way -- so it's time to head north!

Making Coupons And Discounts Pay Off

Coupons, if done correctly, can be a great way to reduce your weekly grocery bill. Unfortunately, very few people manage to take full advantage of all those discounts offered in the Sunday paper. Why is it that, more often than not, your good intentions end up expiring before they can save you the first dime?

Frugality Is A Way Of Life, Not A Temporary Quick Fix

There has been a lot of talk in the media about "frugality" since the economic downturn. However, I'm disturbed by the way that magazines and newspapers seem to be treating the idea of saving more and spending less as some sort of a quick-fix, a temporary solution to tide us over until the economy bounces back again. True frugality is a way of life, it's a set of values which influence every spending decision you make.

The Therapeutic Value Of Crayons

The other evening, Matt and I ate at a casual waterfront restaurant. Nothing fancy -- plastic plates, disposable napkins, and paper tablecloths. The kind of place that provides crayons to keep the little ones occupied. Of course, we don't have children, but I still wanted the crayons -- Matt and I amused ourselves (and the waitress) by decorating our entire tablecloth with original (and mostly abstract) artwork. I haven't done that in ages, and it was the best kind of stress-reliever!