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Monday, August 6, 2012

inspiration Monday: a simple dream

     We are always exhorted to "dream big!" We worry about "settling" and selling ourselves short. Yes, I love a good goal and challenge. But let's not forget the charm of a simple dream.
      I was taking a run/walk in a very nice neighborhood recently, when I heard the unmistakable sound of kids having fun in the water: lots of splashing and giggles. By very nice neighborhood, I mean palatial compounds that loom grandly behind tall walls, mansions with exquisitely landscaped entryways, unobstructed ocean views, sweeping driveways, costly ornamental copper gates swirling with dolphins/waves/palm fronds, and long Hawaiian names proclaimed in iron letters on the stone wall.
      Upon hearing the splashing and laughing, I immediately thought, "kiddie pool." Then I took another look at the carefully maintained landscaping and realized that behind that sturdy stone wall I was more likely to find a stately pool instead of an inflatable piece of rubber filled up with warm water from the garden hose. I had to laugh at myself. I love the good things in life -- and sometimes they come in the humblest forms.
     
 The inspiration: Katie Holmes

My take: 
 Tommy Hilfiger shirtdress, Macy's
Softspots Ventura sandals, Ross

 

     While I was taking these photos, a guy scared the bejeebers out of me. I had set the camera on a rock wall along a curving path, so it seemed he appeared out of nowhere. As I snatched up the camera, he said placidly and pleasantly, "Getting some nice pictures?"  I managed to answer, although I think I turned as pink as my shoes. Perhaps that's why I managed to give my booktalk in an extremely calm manner in class right afterwards ... I guess I had used up my blush quota for the day.

18 comments:

  1. haha, sometimes the truth is different than what we imagine sometimes... i try to teach my kids to stay humble... and i love being plesantly surprised at people who are humble. i once met a friend who you would never know was a millionaire... until you went to their house--had a butler and everything.. but in person is the sweetest and most humble person ever. :)

    btw, where is your photo...?

    have a great wk, carrie!
    kisses,
    jasmine
    Adam ❤ Alex Mommy

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  2. Thanks, Jasmine. :) I think humility is one of the greatest things we can teach kids, so I'm glad you're focused on that.
    Pics are up. :)

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  3. Love your take on the chambray shirt dress! Such a classic :)

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  4. This is a great post - I agree that humility is so important, but so is the ability to have a deep and profound understanding of our own worth. Though, that probably goes hand in hand with humility - rejecting our gifts and denying our talents and value are just another form of false pride, after all. And haha, I totally relate to the horrible jolt that comes from having someone witnessing us photographing ourselves. It's a funny/awful thing. :)

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  5. You did a fab job. It's blue, it's belted and you have colorful shoes! I would give you an A for your effort for sure.

    Come on over to my place and see what is there for you. My sister Mary and I are doing a blog hop starting tomorrow. See what you think?

    I'm joining yours right now and inviting my sister and a great new blogger Jacqueline!

    :D

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  6. Haha that would have been freaky to have someone come suddenly into your photo! It's hard to self take photos huh? Love the shirt dress :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  7. I love your take on the inspiration look. The dress is so cute on you and those shoes are fab! I hate when people catch me taking my outfit photos. So embarrassing! But at least you used up all of your blush before class! :)

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  8. Thanks! It's strange that I can spend all day teaching a bunch of kids and not be nervous at all ... but a roomful of adults makes me nervous. :)

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  9. Thanks, Kat! Once the fall semester starts, I don't think I'll be taking photos on campus ... there will just be too many people walking around. :)

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  10. Thanks, Lisa! I've been wanting a pair of pink/red shoes for a while, and I think these will work out well. :)

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  11. Thanks, Renae. Will check out your blog. :)

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  12. Carol - "a deep and profound understanding of our own worth" could be a whole 'nother blog post. :) You're right, there needs to be a balance.
    I keep thinking that I need to have a (fake) explanation for why I'm photographing myself ... photo class? 365 project? photo challenge? But then again, I'd probably be so nervous I'd forget my reason!

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  13. Thanks, Katie! I'm looking forward to wearing it to work and changing up the accessories. :)

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  14. This is an adorable dress, and I love it with these shoes. :)

    -Mary @ stylethatmoves.blogspot.com

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  15. Thank you for dropping by, Mary. :)

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  16. Love that dress on you - so cute! And those red heels? Fabulous :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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