because perhaps i have been here so long, the story can’t be told without the pictures.

and because i have been here for so long, there are so, so many pictures.

some so old, you may have seen them before.

but regardless, they tell the story of lives.  firsts.   and of blessing granted.

pictures which tell a story of so much humanity.  growth. and love.

of the best times.  of sisterhood.  of familyhood, which I can’t help but wonder if isn’t the most potent way that God uses to teach us about Him.

despite all the breaking apart, growing up, and learning that happens and seems to shatter every previous illusion.

of  having arrived at a desired spot.  or realizing that the desired spot includes heartache that one never saw coming.

and so we grow, along with our charges, amid beauty and delusion of what we thought would be.

the story never stops. No matter if you try.  It can only be captured.

moment by moment.

for what it is.  elusive.  joyous.  immediate.  and nonstop.

amid parties, events, lack or abundance.

the learning, adventure and beauty continues

ready or not.  it comes.

ready or not.  here it is.

have a pancake.

grab a camera

and lean in to life.

because the adventure is as wild as you want to be present for.

so lean in, and let the wild rumpus begin.