Cultivating Beauty.

I have always had a deep appreciation for and slight obsession with a pretty garden.  We inherited a forgotten garden when we purchased our property.  It was a large space that was connected to our next door neighbor's garden, as they were once relatives.  We knew it could be something special someday.  Since 2014, we have doubled the size of the garden, planted grass pathways, and created a visual separation from our sweet neighbor's garden.  The weather has been so beautiful this summer and it was just the perfect season to take a moment to capture one of our favorite places.

 

We had to take a moment to remember what the garden looked like our first summer.  I had completely forgotten how many trees we had to take down!

These photos are proof that cultivating beauty is always worth the effort.  Walking in the garden often reminds me of this truth when faced with the reality of motherhood and life and work and balance.  Naturally, I couldn't help but to capture our first summer family photos in the garden.

 

I think I will print one of these to put on the mantle because perhaps more than ever before, this season of life has proved to be one of fighting for beauty.  So many decisions and changes and need for much, much grace.  So, we will keep digging and fending off the proverbial weeds in order to cultivate beauty in the walls of our home, in the halls of our schools, on the streets of our community, in big ways and small ways for us and for all.

These captures from the ever talented, Palette of Light.