Just Me

I was totally inspired by this post today.

I see and know firsthand what it is like to be the photographer-not the photographed. I also know that I usually HATE any photo's of myself that other people take. Perhaps that because I know (and perform) all the handy dandy tricks when I am photographing myself (i.e. jutting chin, looking up, taking a gazillion photos, etc.) Truth is though, I want my children to have proof more than just remembrances. That I was *there*. PARTICIPATING in their lives. And loving on them, nonstop.




And so. I post a few photos of myself with my littlest. Even ones with sun spots smack dab in the middle of my forehead and freakishly bent noses. Because who CARES what I look like. RIGHT?!? (Please say yes.)

In other news: tomorrow is my birthday. I was duly impressed and very very complimented to receive Happy Birthday wishes from several bloggy friends this past week as I was anticipating the day. I know not how you could remember such a thing (even knowing the MONTH of my birthday is impressive!) but THANK you, THANK YOU-for taking the time to participate in my life and for your very kind, very sweet well wishes.

I have recently discovered and become fixated on Ina Garten. Know of her? She is the Barefoot Contessa, for goodness sake!

Truth is, *I* didn't know of her until I was making my weekly library list last week and was scouring Amazon for interesting titles to add to my inter-library loan list and found the little "recommended" box. The Barefoot Contessa book came to my library with my little name on it last week and, well, I've been lost in ooey, gooey goodness every since.

Everything she makes is beautiful! And doable! And elegant enough for company but easy enough for eating during the week.

Now I COULD photocopy the recipes before returning the book...but then I wouldn't have the beautiful photography to get my eyes salivating. (Yes, eyes DO salivate.)

So even while I was hoping to LESSEN my collection of cookbooks, I have changed my mind and decided I want not only The Barefoot Contessa but every single ONE of her cookbooks (she has quite a few, turns out.)

Ummmm.... Mattie?!? (tap, tap)

You there???? (tap, tap)

Would you please buy me all of these cookbooks for my birthday that will be here in less than 12 hours and pay $99.50 in shipping for super-deluxe faster-than-the-speed-of-light shipping for them to arrive on time?

Please? Because you love me?!?

Tomorrow I am having company over (lots of special people are coming and bringing one EXTRA special person!) but I think I might be feisty enough to try some fun "birthday" pictures of myself. I always do "birthday shoots" of my kiddos. We'll seeeeee.......

I wonder, is 27 years old too old for braids????