16 years ago today...

... I married my very best friend on a sweltering summer evening. It was such a beautiful day. It started with my clock radio actually waking me up to hear none other than "goin' to the chapel" playing bright and early. I can still remember smiling at the very idea of that being on the radio before waking up completely, rubbing my eyes and realizing that it really was on the radio. It was just a perfect an unexpected little detail that has been followed by so many others. Falling in love with my husband was the easiest thing I've ever done, only followed in ease by learning to love him more. We are still just getting to know one another in some ways, and in others, the familiarity is the most comforting place we have at the end of the day.



Those unexpected details unfold before our eyes and become our dialogue, our plot, with all of its twists and turns, filled with so many characters that all continue to write the story of us.

I walked out the front door the other day to head to the bottom of our long hill to get the mail. As soon as I had shut the door behind me, I heard it open again with three sets of giggles speeding up to reach my back. I didn't even turn around, but knew immediately who the tag-alongs were by the sound of their mischief. Once I was about 10 feet from the edge of the road, they all stopped at the crack in the driveway that I don't let them passed while I went a little more dangerously to the edge of the road to pull the mail out of the box.

Raising my head up from the pile in my hands after a quick scan of the contents, I watched them race each other back up the hill and was impressed with how well the littlest kept up. In that moment, walking slowly and watching them run quickly, our home in the background holding all the rest of the souls that complete our picture - I was struck - blown over - overwhelmed - at the fullness of it all. How we have become so much more than just us. Not just in numbers. In love. Heavy with blooms like the crepe myrtles that are laying on our front walk when they can't hold up all that beauty any more. It overwhelms them. It overwhelms me.



Over these 16 years there have been countless times when that weight feels more burdensome than beautiful and it causes us to scatter a bit. Last night on the way home from our first dinner alone since Roman was born, we were listening to some exotic, percussion-laden instrumental song, that I cannot remember the name of. I was trying to explain to Jeff how appealing it was to me because all the random, seemingly mismatched elements and beats were happening simultaneously and it gave you the feeling that any minute, it wouldn't work, and the rhythm would fall apart or miss. But it continued just beautifully despite the virtual chaos and all the various tempos happening at once.

And so do we.

Happy Anniversary sweetie, I love you more. xoa

thats MRS. allie to you

photo by rachel williamson

I turn my back for one second and this one runs off and gets married!!! The nerve!

How adorable (and gorgeous and glowing) is our sweet Allie? The day we were off to our vacation last week was the day she was off to becoming Mrs. Allie Murphy. Mike Murphy is one lucky guy, I know that for certain. And we wish them both many, many years of love, health and happiness. (And tons of kids, of course!)

(And Allie- right after that blissful two weeks of a honeymoon in Ireland, its right back to your dreadful work life, young lady! We miss you!)

Did I mention.....

...that we've planted ourselves elsewhere for this week?



And new toes are feeling wet sand for the first time and also feeling the kisses of a dozen cousins, aunts uncles who are meeting those toes for the first time.



Of course we have several experienced grown beach babies too, who know just what to do.



This would be the first ever wave splashed through with Dad.

Here's to thousands more....

sandy hugs and salty kisses from sunny North Litchfield, S.C.
Anna, be home soon

Morning mess, Afternoon Applique, and a little laugh

I have been making one mess after another around here and only cleaning enough in between to keep the brain clear. As it turns out my brain operates pretty well in the midst of a physical mess, which you might have guessed by now.



As long as there is one clean pretty space in the process of becoming something, like the quilt on the board in the background. Roman, no surprise, has a front row seat to all the goings on here in the studio. That sounds easier than it is. It doesn't always please him to sit and watch. It doesn't always please me to do instead of cuddle. But we both give in a little and mostly I am just happy that our days are becoming more routine with each passing one. Small rituals arise out of no where.... like making sure to fold large pieces of fabric in front of him, because he really likes following all the motion and color flipping through the air above him.



I felt myself almost striking that balance today that I haven't known in a few years...nurse, cut, rock & pat, sew, cuddle, sew, diaper change, email, swing, sew, nurse.....and so on. Both of us getting in all our varieties of daily duties alongside each other.



And this would be the binky/swing soothing his afternoon sleepies in the background while the needle/thread soothes my long day in the studio in the foreground.

No day would be complete without laughing a little, and here's what did it for me today:

Listening to our Patsy Cline Radio on Pandora has of course given us some Johnny Cash as well (gladly). Eleni was balancing and walking along one particular plank in the hardwood floor today and when I asked her what she was doing she replied "Ohhhh... just walkin' the line."

hope you balanced along a nice line today xoxox Anna

What a baby doll doesn't prepare you for....

... is just how wiggly a real baby can be. And how they seem to have many more arms and legs when you try to change their diaper (even though the arms, legs, toes and fingers were counted within seconds of birth). Baby dolls also don't prepare you for what you find inside the diaper once you open it....but she's proven a willing mommy-in-training nonetheless.



The willingness could have something to do with getting to hold a sweet, dry, and thankful baby afterward. Yes, that's it, I believe. Real babies are totally the best.

Very busy in the studio this week, and Roman watches all from his swing, his bouncy seat, or the breast....which I can now manage with a laptop at the end of my lap and I'm mastering my one-handed typing. As long as he's not set on maximum wiggle mode.

Oh, and speaking of baby, baby, we can't get enough of Pandora with Patsy Cline set in the search field. So, so good, and nostalgic, and almost summery too I think. Maybe just cause its all so southern and sweet and heartach-y.

xoxo, Anna

Two girls + 4 dishtowels + lots of trips to the library = something even I can manage

Our particular towels are found here (of course).

Now that they're busy I think I may sneak off to do this.

xoxo, Anna

They do this to you, don't they?

Turn things upside down, I mean, of course. Mostly in a good way, naturally. But, ohhh, my dear friend, Sleep, where for art thou? He's one whole entire month today. How did this happen? And explain the tiny (yet heartbreaking) pile of clothing already too small??? Sigh.

I'll be back tomorrow with a simple sewing project that me and the girls came up with. And if I can do it (running on fumes) I know that you can. I wish I could say it's for Father's Day. But well. Not right side up enough for that just yet.

kisses, Anna

(yet another cute photo of Roman by Angela)

A weekend

From my spot at the living room table ~



I saw this through the window~



So I went outside and noticed the marker on her hands ~



A few movies and markers made for a very fun Friday night ~



(above my bed) And a very funny Saturday morning ~



It looks like some shopping was done at the playroom bookshelf ~



Oh, I should get back to nibbling the newborn ~

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. xxoo AM

And you thought your summer reading was hard to put down

A rare moment alone and uncuddled.

We spent the day with my friend Angela today, which is a good thing to do when you have a new baby and loads of kids around. Roman was very cooperative and we got so many beautiful shots- even one of the whole gaggle (see new summer banner above-see, see!). I find the prospect of getting a photo of 6 children who are related to each other tends less on the challenging side if their mother is not the one taking it. Angela is amazing. (You need to see more of her gorgeous and quirky and clever baby photos here!!) And believe it or not, we were working too. I will confess that the word "work" has taken on a strange and weird new reality these past few (almost 3!!!) weeks. But for reals. Some of what we did with this little baby counted as work towards a very exciting project thats been underway here for several months. More on that soon enough!!

Thank you for continuing to drop in here and coo with us. I'm thinking of that day when I can offer you a little more than baby photos. But right now anything else feels almost wrong. I'm getting there. My brain is slowly remembering myself again, and I sorta like that. Its always a new me though. New all of us. Remember these thoughts? Yup. Every time.

He's just so hard to put down. Sigh.

(going to pick him up.)
xoxo, Anna

The Boy, Himself

Yesterday was Roman's due date. Tomorrow he is two weeks old. Today I already cannot imagine our lives without him. What were we doing before he arrived? What funny noises did we giggle at or who's soft head did we stroke our cheeks against?

When I was 10 weeks pregnant, I dreamed about a boy born to me with a round face, glowing complexion, golden brown hair. He was so peaceful and smiled as soon as he arrived. It was such a euphoric dream~ an indescribable joy surrounded me nearly to an ache of sorts, and I woke up with the name of Romanos in my mind. This little one seemed to reveal himself to me that morning and I didn't want to wake up from his sweet face. It was then that I began to know him, if thats even possible. It is, I think. Most mamas would agree. And I let everyone know he was a boy before we found out officially. I've had inclinations with most of my pregnancies, only wrong about gender once, I think.

What has been such a gift with this boy is that his demeanor at this stage is just like my dream. Peaceful. Attentive. Tolerant. And smiles, though they be accidental and not what one would describe at the social smile yet, abound. Constant smiles. And I keep saying to Jeff, my mom, and everyone, it's just like my dream. This isn't answered with much acknowledgement of significance. No one says, oh wow, yea you dreamed all this, thats amazing. Rather. Its our sacred little secret. That we've known each other.

And these early days are not filled with only blissful, angelic moments. There are exhausting, sometimes painful, sometimes frustrating moments, but all bridged by interludes that can only be described like our dream~a joy that I don't want to wake up from. Perhaps he dreamed of me too. And so we rest within each other.

xoxo

Taking Turns

Juliana's turn



Nicolas's turn



Joseph's turn



Isabela's turn



Eleni's turn



Daddy's turn

If it weren't for nursing every few hours I'm not sure I'd ever get to hold sweet Roman. Though no one seems to be around between midnight and 8 am. Which is just fine with me. Just fine with both of us.

Promising more pictures and words soon. I just assumed you kind and generous souls would expect a lull here. I so appreciate every comment and email (and gift!) that has been sent this way. We are soaking up every piece of this time and we all thank you!

with so much love, Anna & family

Mama & baby are doing fine

Roman Ambrose Horner arrived Tuesday May 19, 12:40pm

7 lbs 5.75 oz & 20.5 inches

(daddy & lots of elated brothers and sisters are doing fine too!)

Eleni's Spring Accessory Must-Haves

Always a leader and never a follower, Eleni insists that felines on the head are the next big thing. She recently watched precisely two brothers and one sister place live frogs on their heads but decided the side effect of frog-pee on your head wasn't in her current fashion vs. fashion-consequences gamebook. (I decided however that should I want to induce labor via laughter I will ask them all to do the frog thing again.)



She's also noticing Ducks around the neck becoming and important part of the Spring 09 style scene. Classic yet Pop Culture, these charming little quacks are reminiscent of your tub toys yet also provide a nice glimpse of the summer ahead where we'll be floating around on their inflatable cousins.



Feeling a little warm? Try Eleni's pick for cooling oneself on a budget. The obvious solution is at once simple and genius. By recycling your favorite art, you'll have as many one-of-a-kind pieces as your pre-school class can churn out.

Thanks for joining us.

(I don't make this stuff up, I just document it. She really came in "ready" for school outfitted with all three. Which was followed by some some great one on one conversation about form, function, and practicality regarding accessories. I couldn't make this up. Its too good.)

xoxo,Anna

Blue Mama

How did he know???!!!

Okay, despite my blog-begging which would leave no shadow of doubt as to what I might like for Mother's Day, I still can't fake how it actually went down. Real story:

Anna posts obnoxious blog. 10 minutes later, Jeff calls.
Anna: (answers with no assumption in her voice, even though she sees his number on the caller ID): "hullo"
Jeff: "Just get it"
Anna: "Hmm? What?"
Jeff: "the art, buy it, I like it"
Anna: "No, you buy it, that's your job"
Jeff: Pause. Pause. "Anna. Just buy it."
Anna: (defeated) "Okaaahhhyyy."

Which I promptly did. And I was glad about the prompt part, 'cause it was sold out a day or two later. Exactly what I wanted. Maybe not exactly how I wanted it, but I'll take what I can get. I did wait to open it. And my favorite up close detail? That precious little babe's finger (and toe) pointing the way. Love.



Though some contraction action warranted an early check at the OB on Thursday, Friday I was where I said I would be. So glad to have had the chance to see Natalie and have some lovely conversation, book-trading, and sharing. I also left with this too cool stitch-t-shirt-kit which I will be transforming into a layette (the potato sac sort) for the little bub. Anything blue currently is doing the trick.



And I took a picture of my blue breakfast too. These are the kind of antics I get myself into while I twiddle my thumbs. Soon enough though. Having had several babies early makes those who might come on time seem late somehow. My fortune cookie last night said something about patience is joy blah blah blah. Okay.

Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day!
(I need to make a pedicure appointment to get my toes painted blue now.)

xoxo,Anna

A few sunny things here in Nashville

Many of you are familiar with Natalie "Alabama" Chanin because of her lovely book. Today, I'm excited to let Nashvillians and those in the nearby know that she'll be in town today and tomorrow trunk-showing her Fall/Winter 2009 clothing collection, "Songbirds", at Studio Berry Hill.



From the invite:

"The Alabama Chanin Fall/Winter 2009 Collection has been inspired by what we call "The Songbirds." They include women like Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Allison Moorer, Abigail Washburn, Allison Krauss, The Be Good Tonyas, Elizabeth Cook, Shonna Tucker of The Drive-By Truckers and many, many others."

Thursday & Friday, May 7 & 8, 10am-6pm
Studio Berry Hill
2923 Berry Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37204

Provided I'm not in labor, I intend to waddle in that general direction sometime today or tomorrow to say hello and maybe pick up some goodies. So excited.



Another favorite. Duy Huynh. My dear friend Meg at Art & Invention first introduced me to his stunning work a few years ago, and I have since been lucky enough to meet Duy, his lovely girlfriend Sandy and watch them spread their wings into more art, and the opening of their own gallery in Charlotte. I am so happy to own one of his pieces (which I would photograph for you if I could move) and even happier watch all the new works that float from his eloquent imagination to gallery walls worldwide.

Though the opening was last week, Duy's works will be showing at Art & Invention through June 14th.

So there ya are.

I often get asked about places to go and things to do here in wonderful Nashville, Tennessee, and will try to make a point of sharing my favorites more often. Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll even start tagging my posts and keeping track by category so you can actually find things when you come here. Sigh. Oh, huge kick! This baby wants out.

xo, AM

Getting Through Today's Rain is brought to you by the color Purple

And its still raining. We did have a break yesterday and I think every soul in middle Tennessee mowed their grass, 'cept us of course. I took this bouquet and a model and a photographer and some other pretty stuff to a nearby park for a photo shoot. My newest big project is underway, (yes, besides the human that I'm growing) and can't wait to share more.



For now though, these royal purple beauties have me feeling like all the rain isn't so bad. If you can indeed reach your weeds its a good time to get those. Not to mention the pitter-patter is so charming if you stay inside.



Look at her in the front. Doesn't she look like she's directing some slickered and galoshed school children across the street? Or maybe she's pointing me to her good side.



Oh yes, I agree. Thank you, gorgeous.



As with most things, its all a matter of what you choose to focus on. Even if RAIN is in the forecast for many days more. (Or it could be that taking directions from and talking to flowers is a serious sign that its time for some sun and fresh air. Hmmm. Whatever feels the most poetic to you.)

xoxoAM

Raining there?

Pouring here. All day. And more to come.
Though it looks like one of those skies now, where a rainbow could suddenly appear.
But just in case it doesn't. Here ya go.

good weekend! xoxo, AM