two years

I am still a normal girl with insecurities, hairy arms and occasional bouts with hemorrhoids. I am afraid of butterflies and wear only white socks. I love being a mom, except when I have to take my sons with me to the grocery store or mention Santa's cell phone number in March. and on most days, I'd rather do some coloring than my writing practice.

it's been two years now since I started this blog, and it hasn't always been easy. yet I hope that this little place of mine has reminded you to delight in the little things, find beauty in your every day life. that it has comforted and made you laugh at times, and encouraged you to keep writing and creating through the most boring, stressful and confusing circumstances.

my mentor recently told me that God takes pleasure and great joy when I am most being myself, when I fully embrace all that I am. and I realized that it's something I'm often incapable of. so thank you. thank you for calling me a good mother every time I mistake my failures, guilt and fears for what I am. thank you for calling me a writer and help me accept this fact. thank you for delivering compounded quantities of support and kindness every day. for allowing me to connect to your lives. and for calling me your friend.

Comments

[blackbird]

The pleasure is mine...

[Ninotchka]

Awww, Happy "Bloggyversary", Irene. I'm so glad you blog. THANK YOU.

[Chris]

Happy blogiversary, Irene!! And yes, you do remind me about life's simple joys. Thank you.

[Kohana]

Yours is definetly the most beautifully written blog that i read. You have an amazing mastery of language and imagery. I love coming here, even when you're struggling.

[Aimee]

Thank you for being you, Irene!

[Heather]

ahh, that is so sweet. It is a pleasure to know you through your blog. I love reading about you and your life and I so often see myself in what you say. Congrats on 2 years!!

[Heather P]

You have truly been an inspiration, Irene. So, thank YOU. :)

[halfmama]

Hi Irene, Just wanted to delurk and tell you I love your blog and I find your words and photos just so... calming. :)

And your boys are gorgeous. Isn't life with twins crazy/great/tiring/fascinating?

Thank you thank you.

[Marilyn]

What a beautiful portrait. I have a feeling I speak for many when I say the pleasure is all ours... xoxo

[shaz]

congrats! altho I've only been here for a short time, I feel like I know you, and I really love your writing. thanks!

[carol]

Wow - that photo is stunning. You are all so attractive.

Congrats on your anniversary. i believe I must have started right around the same time. You are one of the first blogs I ever found. Thanks for all the writing. Every time Chris wears his Tour de France t-shirt, I think of you. I owe you a Utah souvenir.

[christina]

thank you for sharing your life, and your beautiful words, gathered up just so between the perfect punctuation, and for the unique way that you see the world. xo!

[Kady]

Bravo Irene!

[Julie]

Thumbs up! :-)

[Chookooloonks]

I look at this photo, and can't help but imagine your boys as men, looking at this photo years from now, and reminiscing about their beautiful, gentle mother who helped create the great men they've become. This is a gorgeous shot that I'd have printed and framed for all the men in your family, Irene.

And yes, you are a wonderful writer, who exudes great calm in this space. The blogosphere is a better place for having you in it. :o)

K.

[jen lemen]

irene, one of my great delights is discovering you in the blogosphere! i agree with karen wholeheartedly. to mother these boys, to write and to show the world what your eye sees through the lens--these are gifts that make the world a richer place.

[Sam]

You are honest in your struggles and in your joys, and you share it with us. That is the gift you give us, and your sons, and those who love you.

And I just adore everything you've shared about your mentor. What a good egg!

[Heather C.]

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!! Irene - I live through you in the city of my dreams. One day when I get there again, I'd love to visit you. You inspire me!

[Steph]

The pleasure is indeed all mine, all ours. Your elegance with words and brilliance with the lens keep me grounded and perservering during the dullest of days. You give me renewed inspiration every time I visit. Thank YOU for sharing your life and experience with the with us.

[Elin]

just found your blog today and i really like it, thanks alot for the links about being multilingual, we speak two languges with our little daughter :)