Here I created a collage of my recent photo shoot in Golden, New Mexico, adding a few pictures I haven’t shared with you. I love doing collages. They are so easy to make with Picmonkey. And it’s free!
You can find the previous pictures I posted from this photo shoot here.
Have a lovely day,
Sofija
My favorite drive to Santa Fe is through the mountains on highway 14. This little church is on the way in a tiny town called Golden. Every time I drive by I am compelled to stop and take pictures. Did I mention to you that I am drawn to the Catholic Churches in New Mexico? They are so beautiful.
You can find the pictures I took last winter of the same church here.
-Sofija
Friends,
Our state is breathing a huge sigh of relief. We have gotten enough rain to open up the forests and open spaces again. That opens up a lot more options were you can exercise. The weather has also been slightly cooler; I was able to turn of my air conditioner for the first time since June. Cooler weather also means the kids can spend more time outside. We have 14 children in our cul-de-sac. This summer they all have been outside and playing elaborate capture the flag games. Kind of reminds me of my childhood, you know the classic you-are-out-playing-all-day-and-come-in-only-for-meal-times? I am so blessed that my kids have friends in the neighborhood. It makes up for the fact that they really can’t visit other friends without me driving them. And this way they don’t realize that we haven’t gone on a long vacation either. I just need to stock up my bandage supply to keep up with the endless crashes.
How do you feel about your kids playing outside for hours and getting hurt in the process? When my 12 year old had a bad crash going down the hill on a homemade four wheel contraption my husband and I looked at each other and thought: that was nothing. We got hurt like that all the time it’s a miracle we are still alive. But all that has changed a lot hasn’t it? Kids are a lot more protected and sheltered today. Getting hurt is a big deal. We know at all times where our kids are.
It griefs me to think that my kids might not have that sense of discovery and exploration that we had.
-Sofija
P.S. The picture above is a rare shot, even my 15 year old came out to play…
Friends,
How was your week? Ours was pretty packed, but also fun. On Wednesday we got to drive through the mountains and visit my friend’s mom’s garden. Beautiful gardens are rare in New Mexico and you won’t believe what you have to go through to have a garden look like this one. You need double fencing. One sturdy one plus a rabbit fence that goes under the ground, cause critters can dig, you know. The fence protects not only from animals like rabbits, gofers, and squirrels but also from the incredibly strong winds. Don’t even try to use the clay soil, you’ll need to buy top soil, manure, peat moss, etc. And water twice a day. Then you might have a chance to grow something. Believe me, I have tried most of the above and still can’t grow anything big enough to get a decent harvest. My friend invited the girls to harvest her lettuce, kale, herbs, zucchini, carrots and peas. They were so thrilled!!
It was a great learning experience for sure. Connecting with where our food comes from and how to harvest it. Now I need some ideas how to make cook with kale…
How about you, do you find it easy to garden? Do you live somewhere where a Secret Garden just grows naturally? Or are you like me, stunned with how much work it takes…
Have a great weekend.
-Sofija
Dress: Tea
Boots: Naartjie
The Rio Grande Gorge bridge is located 11 miles north of Taos New Mexico. Crossing it is not for the faint of heart, but the views are rewarding. Next to the bridge there is ample opportunity for shopping, Native Americans and hippies are selling their jewelry, clothes, and food. A colorful bus (first picture) is selling smoothies.
Go here to see my Taos Pueblo shoot.
-Sofija
These are my favorite pictures from our recent trip to Taos. I’m thinking this girl could be a model. There is just one tinsy problem, this girl doesn’t like clothes…she hates seams, threads, and everything that itches. I have to catch her on a day she can tolerate an outfit that works for a shoot. Here she is wearing a dress from Tea and crocks. Earlier she wore some really cute moccasins but they had gotten too itchy. It was either the crocks or no pictures…
-Sofija
You can find more pictures from that day here and here.
Are you ready for the 4th of July celebration? Any fun plans?
We finally had a good amount of rain last night. I’m hoping it was enough for some of the fire restrictions to be lifted in this state. Maybe we will be able to light some fire works after all…
I wish you all a wonderful time celebrating with your friends and family!
-Sofija
All pictures taken last year by Lonely Mountain Photography. I missed it. I was in Germany with Natasha and Shane, having a blast at the flea market in Frankfurt.
This two year old has added so much cuteness to our lives. She is the baby and she knows it. 
Friends, how was your week? It has gotten hot in this part of the world. Yesterday it was 105F. The pool seemed like a bath tub. We are all hoping for rain. All the forests are closed due to fire danger. Even the open space in our back yard is closed.
Any fun plans for the weekend? We have none, and I am exited about that. It is nice to have one day that is completely open.
Have a lovely weekend,
Sofija
I have to confess, cooking is not always something I look forward to. I like it when I cook with other people, we have music going, and I’m drinking a glass of wine. But cooking day in and out can be boring. I noticed what makes it more fun is cooking with colorful pots. I have three Le Creuset pots (featured above). Every dish I make in them looks better, just because of the color. They look nice on the dinner table, too, which is important to me since we cook large quantities.
How about you, what is your favorite pot to cook in? Do you care about looks or more about function? I have had my blue French Oven for two years, and so far it has delivered on both.
Happy cooking!
Sofija
Friends,
How is your summer going? We have been to the pool and went on our fun one day trip to Taos but other than that I have a to do list that is a mile long. When I school the kids during the year this stuff just doesn’t get done. Curious what’s on that list? Take a look.
This is only half of my list:
It is overwhelming for me just to look at. I try to do one major cleaning/organizing a week and at least one trip to the pool. I also plan for one family outing and one meeting with friends. I wonder what I will be doing with my summers when everyone can swim and is potty trained?
This is probably why I am glad when the summer is over and we can get back to normal life.
How about you, is your list even longer? Or do you relax and enjoy a long vacation?
Have a great day,
Sofija
This is what I was doing this time last year, while my husband (bless his heart) stayed home with 4 kids and did all the cleaning.
Teach Where You Live 