The Gustafson Family ... life in a contact sheet.


Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  "Pooh!" he whispered.  "Yes, Piglet?"  "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.  "I just wanted to be sure of you."  ~A.A. Milne


I share my images and feelings about this family often. Sure, she
is my dearest friend, and her children are little stars in my sky,
and she continues to amaze me every year we grow a little older...she grows better : )
This contact sheet was a little challenging. For one, I have SO much material, and two, my desire to make it 'perfect' for her is much like my desire to hand make my 5th grade boyfriends valentine...a hot mess.
Here you are my dear. Merry Christmas and I love you 
all SO MUCH - hot mess and all!

xo
L


... a few of my favorite things...




My monogrammed coffee mug~
I was given this mug as a bridesmaid gift at my friend Elizabeth's wedding. I have several mugs, like any true coffee addict, but this one is my all time favorite. I save it for Monday mornings where I can enjoy its weight, and touch for hours while I work. I find myself glancing down at it from time to time, and smiling at it with a cheeky grin, " you are so cute L mug".




Little sparkly things~

I was most likely an undiagnosed hoarder when I was growing up. Among my favorite treasures to squirrel away, were 'gems', or, anything that caught light. When we moved into the house where I spent most of my childhood, the closets were stocked with things the previous owners had left behind. While my parents tore down walls, and remodeled the entire house - the crevasses and cracks left behind were ours to discover. My biggest prize was an old box full of vintage chandelier crystals. I kept the box in my underware drawer; taking it out when I was alone, and adorning my body with the heavy glass gems. After careful placement (using old warped paper clips), I'd lay still on my floor and pretend I was Cleopatra, asleep in her tomb. I wish so badly I still had them...wherever did they go?



Cooking, or in this case - tossing, with lemon~

I. Love. Lemon...
In the summer there are empty glasses all over the house with lemon rings sagging at the bottom, drained of their tart water. I got this delightful habit from my mother, who also shares my obsession for all things lemon. The dish above is a go-to when the house is just too hot for cooking: deconstructed caprese salad sammys...inspired by the movie Julia & Julia (there is a scene where she and her hubby are shoveling them into their mouths * slurp, *smack!). Hail to the citrus, my favorite of the fruits!