Living In the Moment

  Hoping Everyone Had an Enjoyable Spring & Summer! What Have You Seen? Where Have You Been?  I Would Love To Hear All About Your Good Weather Experiences!  I realize life is a series of ups and downs.  I have tried to ride the wave when I can fit in fifteen minutes here and there to appreciate the small moments in life. My Guilty Pleasures Include:  Backyard Bunnies , Flowers , Meeting the Author - Riley Sager, enjoying the fur kids, catching up with the best parents ever, driving halfway to meet a cousin who is more like a real sister for lunch, having a quick coffee with a wonderful friend, visiting an ocean side cove for a tasty lobster roll and a quick stop at the local pond  Enjoy the last days of Summer! I am welcoming in Fall with open arms, as I do each year! 

  After a January blizzard Turning another year older in February Finding new artisans, creatives and authors to fall in love with mid-year The loss of a beloved feline that will always remain in our hearts  While taking photos anywhere color catches my eye  Original Photography by Kristine    Original Photography by Kristine   Great get-togethers in fun cities, and lakefront homes  Finding classic authors that I managed to miss along the way  And making more collages to capture each and every moment Original Photography by Kristine  Original Photography by Kristine  Keeping our ears and eyes open for new furry aspects for housemates  Preparing for the upcoming twists and turns and the end of the year  I would love to hear how this year has been for you?   

Photography by Kristine  THE COSY AUTUMN BOOK TAG  (Original Tag Created By The Book Belle on BookTube) Q U E S T I O N S  1. What book always reminds you of Fall/Autumn? Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman  2. What is your favorite autumnal book cover? Autumn by Ali Smith  3. What is your favorite autumnal drink to read with? Pinot Noir - Any Season!  4. Do you prefer to read late at night or early in the morning? Always at night  5. Halloween is coming! What is your favorite spooky read? Pet Sematary by Stephen King 6. What is the ultimate comfort read for you? Relish by Lucy Kingsley  7. What is your favorite autumnal reading snack? SmartFood White Cheddar Popcorn  8. What is your favorite autumnal candle to burn while reading? Woodwick Pumpkin Butter  9. When you're not reading, what is your favorite autumnal activity? Photographing my favorite season 10. What is on your Autumn/Fall reading list? Many Food Memoirs including Save Me The ...

A YEAR IN PHOTOS ...

It has been a short while, so I thought I would catch you up on what has been happening!  Summer began with a few major surgeries (and worries) in our family. I am happy to say we are on the other side, observing small steps to better health. We still have a few more hurdles to go, but we are able to see the finish line. We are so grateful! In the chaos of it all, I have tried to "stay in the moment". I have been taking a few photos to notice the simple things around me to keep me grounded. Photography by Kristine  I have also been making an effort to "up" the number of books I read this year. My current count is 16. I have set a goal of "50" books by year end. My new found love is audio books. I have to admit, I was the one that said they would never be a good fit for me. I stand corrected. I realize there is a debate on if audio books are "really reading" compared to holding a physical book - But neither here or there, it ...

Photography by Kristine  THINKING OUT LOUD  A bitterly cold day Layers of comfort Daylight Savings Time  Looking ahead to a new work week An upcoming blizzard in view Reading to catch up on Journal writing to be done Appointments to reschedule Momentos to cherish A charity to give to Promises to keep Photographs to take Springtime plans to schedule A day trip to the ocean Re-arrange clothes for a new season Calendar appointments to check Family members to visit Thank you cards to write Time made for what matters Wish for more time Hope for the best Grateful for it all Kristine Dubuque Ortega  03/12/2017

As many of you know, I love sharing things I come across and fall in love with ... These are two items I never mind finding in my mailbox ... Anthropologie Catalog & Bella Grace Magazine ... Ever since I took Bella Cirovic's Online Course - A Flame in the Frost - (She mentions this catalog to search for images that speak to us to place in our journals) - I ordered this catalog - The artistry and dreamlike photos make my heart sing. Bella Grace is a magazine that I learned about through many of my UK friends. This magazine is like no other. It has amazing photography, thick book like double fold-over covers, with articles and prompts for you to try ... I cannot wait to dive in and dig a bit deeper into myself with a delicious cup of coffee this weekend!