Through the eyes of a child ...

Children are so perceptive. I am so lucky to have very verbal boys, we talk about everything. They know that no matter what they can come to me.

When I was little my aunt Nancy came to visit. When she got to our house she didn't run in the house and chat with my parents, she came over to me as I played with my friends and said "Let's go for a walk". I was floored ... Looked behind me to see who she was talking to, it was me. So we walked, hand in hand and talked. To this day that little walk stays with me. She took time out for me, just me, she was interested in me. A small little thing but a huge impact on a seven year old. She made me feel special.
Our children are watching and doing as we do, not as we say...
Teach them the best of what you know:)


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favourite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

photo by Ryan Dawson

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Drift wood home decor

Just another day at the beach...

A rough, windy, but beautiful morning on the lake with the skyline in the distance.

So I have had this stick ... Not just any old stick, but one that broke off a tree at some point and found it way into our glorious lake, I'm pretty sure it has a story to tell about the journey it took to end up on the beach all worn and bleached. I found it on a walk with my boys. I have had it propped up in a corner for years, always knowing it was meant for greatness. Well, today was that day. After bobbing along in the lake until it was smooth and worn, then sitting in a corner for years, then hanging on my wall waiting to be turned into something good, it has become a wonderful piece of art. I love that because the stick is not straight the pictures hang a bit off, I find there is perfection in the imperfect:) I hope you are inspired to make a little something with things you find and they make you happier! This does it for me!

Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
Celeste m. Photography
Www.celestem.com

Make the best of things...

Just a few thoughts as we all head off for a beautiful holiday with the ones we love. Remember there is function in disfunction:) Things don't always go our way. People aren't considerate, kind or even human sometimes. It's ok, it isn't you. It's them. You never know what others go through in life, everyone has their own personal hell, even those who inflict it on themselves. So instead of feeling bad and trying to understand others... Be grateful that you are kind, compassionate and very human. Be happy that you know how to treat others well, that you think before you act and not just think,but think about how others will feel. And if you don't think of others, no time like the present to start. A joke is never funny at someone else's expense. People make mistakes... Don't be the meany and point it out. Share the best of what you know about people... Raise them up. The world is full of enough people that don't hesitate to jump at making someone look bad... Don't be that person, it doesn't make you look good either. And if you need a guideline, we all do:)
The six pillars of character

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

So when your sister shows up with the jello salad that looks more like jello soup kindly tell her you bet it will taste great and offer to put it in the freezer:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Cleveland Rocks!"

Just wanted to share some photos I took last summer @ Huntington Beach...

No not in Cali....In Cleveland Ohio...I know right, it's beautiful...these kids

were all goofing off trying to knock eachother in the water. They were having so much

fun. It was such a warm glorious night...no bugs, crickets chirping and a nice breeze.

Here in this picture you can see it is a bit darker and the sky is just glowing...I love the people

hanging out on the rocks...very peaceful and romantic. A gorgeous night in Cleveland.

This picture makes me happy because you see the shadow of the person walking....

I think it looks neat on the water.

These were taken on a day I took the kids to school and headed downtown by myself with

my camera to take some pictures by the east 9th pier...I know scary right? Not even

a little...it was beautiful and I felt very safe. So pay no attention to Forbes! Every city has it's

rough areas. Cleveland is a beautiful city with so much to offer and a city you can walk and see the sights and not worry about crime. For more great ideas make sure you visit http://www.positivelycleveland.com/

These are the stunning cheetah at our Cleveland Metroparks Zoo http://www.clemetzoo.com/

they were very active this day and very fun to watch and photograph...a very powerful animal that inspired my most popular designs on http://www.celestem.com/

Beautiful late fall/early winter colors and frost...

Peaceful Huntington Beach in fall...

Hope you enjoy my photo's of my Cleveland...check back for more pictures and updates:)

xo Celeste