Grace...

" I don't want to dress up a picture with just my face."

Grace Kelly

Stretching My Legs...

I've been finished with school for exactly two days and I'm already enjoying this "new" sense of freedom to the utmost. I've been so very, very tired these past few weeks of just sitting. Sitting for classes, sitting to study, sitting to write those oh-so-important last papers. I haven't been able to help feeling as if I've been sitting my entire spring away. If I could have only figured out how to memorize the various geopolitical tensions of East Asia while clipping along at a brisk jog...I would have been happy. ☺ You can't imagine my delight at realizing that I finally have the time to walk, walk, walk to my heart's content.

Our dusty dirt road is a long slim ribbon stretching before me as I walk across this beautiful patch of God's blooming green earth. And each night, as I stumble hot and tired up our long stone drive, I am so thankful to be young and alive with two good feet...no matter how much they hurt at that moment.

I'm trying to keep up my four mile a day streak. I'm on the third day so far...a jump up from the two miles I had been walking. And for a girl that's been sitting all spring...I don't think that's half bad.

Hollywood Mommy...

In honor of Mother's Day & my own wonderful Mommy, I thought that I would share a few of my favorite photographs of Hollywood starlets with their real-life children. Instead of showcasing strictly glamorous poses, these photographs allow us a "behind-the-scenes" peek into the quiet moments & everyday lives these famous stars might have experienced.

Enjoy!

* * * * * *

Debbie Reynolds with son Todd Fisher & daughter Carrie Fisher

Audrey Hepburn with son Sean Ferrer

Barbara Stanwyck with son Dion Fay

Shirley Temple with daughter Linda Susan Agar

Shirley MacLaine with daughter Sachi Parker

Lucille Ball with children Desi Jr. & Lucie Arnaz

Elizabeth Taylor with children Michael Wilding Jr,

Christopher Wilding, & Liza Todd

Gene Tierney with daughter Daria Cassini

Lauren Bacall with son Stephen Bogart

A Wednesday Evening...

I'm ever so sorry for neglecting you, dear friends!

Life has been a whirlwind these past few weeks--or rather months--what with a crazy, hectic school schedule, the funeral of a dear, dear friend, & a million other small, time-consuming things besides. It's been oh-so-difficult trying to stay on top of everything while still managing to squeeze in those important moments for family, but I've managed to--just by the skin of my teeth!

Now that the semester is winding to a close, my days are slowly beginning to be filled with a freedom & peace that I can't help but relish. I've felt so terribly guilty these past few weeks for all of the letters and emails I have neglected to send to certain special people in my life, but I have truthfully been so very, very busy every moment with school. I've hardly been able to keep my eyes open at dinner & each night that Sarah convinces me to watch a movie with her, I...fall asleep on the couch. So, please do know that you have been in my thoughts & expect a letter shortly in the mail!!

I really must head to bed for now...

Love,
Emily