Papa.

Papa passed away yesterday. He was 93. He told my mom at night that he didn't think he'd be here the next day and he was right.

On days like yesterday I feel most comfortable on the front lines. I want to stop everything. I want to be there. I want to go see the body. I want to cry all the tears. I want to take pictures because I know it's a sacred day and I want to remember it always.  

So that's what we did. We cleaned out Papa's nursing home room (I'm glad he wasn't there too long), we made a trip to the funeral home and said goodbye to his body, we cried and laughed and cried, we documented the day in photos,

It was beautifully sunny and icy. Pictures don't do it justice.

We went back to his house and started sifting through his clothes...his old military uniforms, flannel work shirts, and leisure suits from the 70's. We got out photos and worked on the display for his memorial service.

What a stud. I see why their blind date wasn't their last.

I'm working on a "5 Lessons I Learned From Papa" post.

Til then I'll just say thank you, Papa. I'm VERY proud to be your grand daughter. Life is better because of you and won't be the same without you.

Arian : )

Papa's

We spent the weekend camping with my mom, Andrea, and Tye at Papa's house. It was perfection. And by "camping" I of course mean cooking hotdogs and s'mores over a fire and then leaving the boys outside in tents while Eli and I slept indoors in a bed. You know.... camping!

 Though I love life in the city I am so grateful to have our family country retreats. We can spend the day surrounded by the people, architecture, business, coffee shops, and excitement of downtown.... then pack an overnight bag, hit the road, and in an hour or two be sleeping to the sound of crickets and nothing else.

 Papa has lived in the same house on the same hill since long before we were born. It's a big part of our history and we love day dreaming about its role in our future---- hosting creative getaways, outdoor concerts, recording studio, rustic modern guest cabins.... Who knows what this place will become as the seasons in our lives change!

 As we huddled around the campfire past midnight with Tye and Andrea, catching up and casting vision for our futures, I saw TWO shooting stars! TWO!!

 And in the morning we ate homemade biscuits and gravy with cappuccinos.

 Andrea, denim, coffee, vintage mugs, pretty rings, Papa's house.....yeah, these are a few of my very very favorite things.

I'm super grateful that September has held so many sweet gatherings and retreats for us. The summer felt hard and tiring. I needed this month to reset and get inspired.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Arian

Fall Awesomeness

Oh man, get ready for a barrage of fall awesomeness. We've been blessed with beautifully sunny days and bright, bright trees this autumn. And amidst our busyness we are trying to soak. it. in.




Pumpkin picking, corn maze-ing, hay riding, fresh air breathing at Irons Fruit Farm.




















We also spent a weekend at Papa's house with friends. We planned for one night but stayed for two : )




Because, seriously, how fun is this?!
























Walnuts and persimmons from Papa's land---pretty tasty!












Best. Picture. Ever. : )












The path to the creek.








Hope you're enjoying the season wherever you are!




Arian : )

The Country

We spent the day yesterday in the country at Papa's house, the house that's been the same peaceful Papa-built, Granny-decorated home on a hill since way before I was born.



Every time I go I take lots of pictures. Pictures of old things because every old thing in the house has a story.


Every table, afghan, rocking chair, and quilt, it seems, was made by one of my grandparents or great grandparents or great-great grandparent.


And I take pictures of new things. Like Eli on his first trip to a house I hope he'll love as much as I do.


Sweetest wallpaper ever.


Old school!


Bathroom counter


Great-grandma-made afghan. I like her style.


Baby Wilco enjoying the fresh air at HIS first trip to the country too.


Porch time


Tinkertoys. They were vintage when I used to play with them.


Dreaming of growing all our own food some day.


Explaining the map he drew exploring Papa's land.


The man himself : ) 91 and going strong!


A lofty reading spot



Yep, a day at Papa's is just the cure we needed.

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Arian