California Dreaming and Finding Gratitude

textured with 'oceanside' from the studio collection

This quote speaks to me. 

After visiting and falling in love with California, I've been struggling to find the beauty around me. I mean really, really struggling. In fact, I've had several little pitty parties....and grumbled quite bitterly about it on several occasions.

A few weeks ago I was out walking Ben and I wiped out on the ice...
Oh my gosh....did I let out a string of 'not so nice' words.... I then proceeded to tell John that I hated it here. I hated winter.... I went on for about 2 or 3 minutes. He helped me up....kept walking.....silent..... and when I was done, he said.... 'well let's sell the house, and move.'
Just like a man, he wanted to solve the problem. I simply needed to get it out of my system. Ya know?

It feels like there's still a part of me in California..... Slowly, I'm finding my way home. It's the strangest thing. I can't quite wrap my head around it. 

I must return...and soon! My oh my.... I love it there!

textured with 'empty page' from the studio collection

In the meantime, I'm very much aware that my 'bad attitude' has got to go. I must have a grateful heart.

It's imperative!

'sigh'....

The other day I took my Nikon out on our walk. It felt good to see the world through my lens.... As I walked and watched the dogs romp around, I paused and really took in the true loveliness of our little world. I began to see the beauty again.

And for that I am most grateful.

I'm thankful for the wide open space....the snowy backdrops....for the unusually warm temps we've been blessed with this past few weeks. I'm thankful for our safe little spot on this earth.... thankful I can walk Ben in the dark around our town with no fear at all. 

I am truly thankful. 

pssst....look real close and you will see ben in the trees, looking your way.

Nope, this is definitely not California, but it's rich with blessings.... 'prairie blessings'.... and I'm so so glad my heart is rediscovering it.

Crazy really.... This quiet, home-loving girl, suddenly has an intense urge to 'fly'....

Just when you think you have it all figured out.... life has a way of shaking things up!

Do you ever struggle to find beauty in your world? 

Have you felt the tug of something new...something unfamiliar? Something different, something unexpected? Something unsettling?

Share with me today, my beautiful friends. I adore you! 

xo,

makeover monday ~ texturized

mouse over to see the before  hi there... finally getting this posted.....

what a most fabulous, but fast day!!

so here's a lovely image i took on the trail today.  i'm in love with the little ponds along the trail.  i love the amazing reflection off the water. 
but it was bright and i didn't adjust my aperture...so this image although beautiful was a little washed out.

not to worry...textures to the rescue.
so here's my recipe on this image.... 
curves adjustment
autumn texture from my collection - soft light 100%
tiled window from my collection - soft light 100%
the autumn texture makes the browns and rusts pop... and the tiled window just seemed to soften and even things out.

i heart this scene....sigh....

xxo, kim
 

... p.s. you can purchase my textures here.
and don't forget class registration for photoshop the "skinny" closes on friday.
i'm so excited about the class... and thanks so much to all that have registered already...

yay.....

til next time.... have a most fabulous evening....
♥kim

on the trail....

i had the most amazing walk on the trail today.

spring is in the air.

and i am completely grateful.

i took sweet sophie with me.

she was so excited to be on the trail.

her enthusiasm is contagious.

as i stopped to take pictures, she was right there... as if to say...

what are you looking at auntie kim?

show me......

the walk was just perfect.

even though the trees aren't budding,
the earth is still kinda just brown....

it is beautiful...

thank you spring... thank you....

i'm really glad you are here.

happiest almost wednesday...

xxo, kim

p.s.

just in case you missed it.

camilla of the amazing blog "bloom"

is sharing an interview with me!

i still can't believe it.... such an honor.

she is also hosting a texture collection give away.

pop over and check it out... if you have a moment...