beautiful photos that have inspired me lately: peony, once, 135, I love walking in the rain and casual time.

"the maternal instinct is as mysterious as the sexual instinct, and as powerful. it's not rational. it's primal. it's one of the great joys of being a parent, too -the first time you understand that if a car were hurtling toward you and your child, you would absolutely throw yourself in front of it to save your child. there's a deep joy in realizing you're capable of that selflessness. there are things that you couldn't do as yourself -but as a mother, you can do anything. Anything." 

– Ruth Reichl reflecting on maternal figures in her favorite books, Cookie Magazine May '09.

Bloom, Grow, Love

she is always so certain of my own strength. she always tells me that I'm good enough. she has so much faith in my ability to learn my lessons, overcome adversity and create the life I want for myself.

I didn't realize until recently how much my mother's support and encouraging words continuously remind me that I am strong, that I am capable, even under the most difficult and sometimes painful circumstances. and for this I am so grateful.

more wonderful moms: for my girls, an embrace, 27 weeks and photobooth friday.

lately I've been into:

exercising 4 times a week, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, walking down the avenue des Champs-Elysées sipping iced latte and toting a small paper bag of pistachio macarons for the boys, beautiful Polaroid photos by Jennifer Evans and these tank tops from Petit Bateau.

some of my favorite photos from Spring 'Roid Week 2009: a week in Polaroid, balloons, untitled, rainy lilac, untitled and another day in paradise.