SPRING BREAK IN THE TETONS

Driving through miles of potato fields, and were it not for fences, there would be no way to tell where earth ended and sky began. Everything around us was white, white, white.

The falling, blowing snow made driving slightly difficult on this lonely highway.

We soon came across a little car that had slid off the road and gotten stuck in a snowbank. Its occupants were attempting to dig themselves out with snowboards. 

We pulled them out only to realize their car was too damaged from the accident to drive. We left them in the hands of a tow truck. 

See the sign peeking out of the top of the pile? I thought this might give you an idea how much snow there was once we reached the mountains. 

After an hour drive, we reached the Grand Targhee Ski Resort in...er...Wydaho, U.S.A.

Being the first day of my spring break, Andrew got work off for some half-price snowboarding. 

I ask, what could be better than combining snowboarding with half-price? I know not. 

We enjoyed thirty inches worth of new powder...on deserted slopes. People must have assumed the snow would be lousy this late in the season. 
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Boy, were they wrong. 

Most snowboarders lead with their left foot. We discovered I should be leading with my right, and changed my bindings accordingly. A a result, my progress was exponential! I keep dreaming about going back as soon as humanly possible. 

We came across some folks who preferred an alternative way of enjoying the snowfall. 

This gal, moments after taking the picture, rolled around in a fresh snow-pile before jumping back in the pool. 

Driving home at the end of the day, we came across others who weren't deterred by the spring storm. 

Spud farmers, up to their ankles in mud, prepare for the fast-approaching planting season. 

As we descended back into Rexburg, I couldn't help think of those celebrating a wild spring break on beaches in Florida. And here I was, perfectly content to enjoy the effects of a snowstorm on spud fields with my love, from the middle seat of a Dodge pick-up...ha!

CHECK ME OUT.

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Hello, blog buds!

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You may remember me mentioning 

PLAYING HOUSE 

as one of my all-time favorite blogs:

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I hope those of you who took my advice to have a looksy have enjoyed the glimpses into Rachel Meynder's adorable life. If you haven't had the privilege yet, go say hello!

Are you ready for the exciting news? 
I, Rachel Ashmore, was honored to contribute a guest post on this most beloved of blogs! Hooray! I spent a day with camera in hand, documenting my small-town life for a popular "Typical Tuesday" feature. It was. so. fun.

Click HERE to see for yourself! Totally worth your time, I promise.

SILHOUETTES

I was up early on a Saturday morning when I walked by the kitchen window and saw our tree full to the brim with fluffy little birds.

There was something about their silhouettes against the lightening horizon that captured my creative fancy...

...their feathers puffed up in an attempt at warmth in the bitter, Idaho cold.

I spent the next hour sitting cross-legged on the dining room table, aiming my camera at the pretty things.

I couldn't get enough of the ever-changing colors of the morning sky.

I did a delighted dance after capturing the light through those wings in flight. Rather dramatic don't you think?

Spring is on the rise, my friends.

FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--purple, silky bra

The focal points of the week...best and worst...

WORST:

Tuesday
*(7:30 a.m.) I catapult out of bed at about the time I am supposed to be arriving at work.

*(10:15 a.m.) A few minutes before the superintendent and the entire school board parade through my classroom, I spill my berry breakfast smoothie down the front of my blouse and favorite pair of pants.

*(2:35p.m.) I walk exhausted into the restroom where I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I am stained, looking exceptionally tired...and in the early morning rush...obviously forgot to apply makeup.

BEST:

Friday
*Driving home from work today, Erickson's GMC electronic sign flashed a beautiful 67 degree  temperature.

boo-yah.

Especially since it snowed just a few days ago...




Ummm....So-So

Today
Anyone missing a purple silky bra? About a size C cup?

I found it. On the flagpole at the elementary school this morning.

Yes, your joke was very funny. But it had to be removed before my two little flag bearers arrived and became scarred for life.

My students lead a very sheltered, Rexburgian existence, you know.

SPRING SUBWAY ART PRINTABLE--freebie!

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eighteen25 came out with their Easter version of my favorite subway printable!

It's already helping to make my living room look a little spring-y-er. =)

You can get it HERE.

WEBSITE WEDNESDAY-- Vivian Maier, street photographer

This story about Vivian Maier has fascinated me to no end! 

Watch the video clip below for the juicy details, but let me fill you in on the basics:

• Thousands of old negatives and rolls of undeveloped film discovered in storage a few years ago
• Man buys them all at an auction and begins sorting through the boxes
• Stunned by the beautiful street photography he finds
• Begins scanning and archiving images never seen by anyone
• Discovers a name: Vivian Maier
• Googles her and comes up with an obituary...from a few days before!
• Through research, finds her to be a private, family-less, old maid nanny 
• She spent spare time on the streets of Chicago with an old film camera during the 60's
• Word gets out about this discovery
• Art exhibitions, documentaries, book offers, and movie offers follow
• Only a fraction of the images have been scanned--there are so many!
• Scanning process continues daily
• Every so often, a new, amazing image will be posted on THIS BLOG.

Her photography captures such a unique life from such a distinct time period. And I am in love with her style: pictures of real people, living real life. No posing, or lights, or editing. Just naturally beautiful.

Here are a few favorites that have been developed thus far: 

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(Check out vivianmaier.blogspot.com for the rest.) 

{lovely}

{Make anyone else think of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory?}

{fantastic!}

{poor thing...}

{fantastic perspective...love the shadow framing the women}

{dramatic}

{hard day? too much to drink?}

{what a coat!}

{classic look}

{lovely silhouette}

{neighborhood fun}

{Now days, these girls would be chatting through Facebook}

{love the light hitting that adorable expression}

{hello there}

{ha!}

{ya gotta go when ya gotta go}

{He looks slightly baffled over what to do with it}

{Isn't the cigar awesome?}

{such sweet, innocent faces!}

{pick a little, talk a little...}

{lovely lighting on the walls}

{Wowza, what a shawl}

{another classic woman}

{wise, wrinkled face}

{oh. my. goodness. absolutely stunning.}

{i wanna hear the music!}

{one of my very favorites}

Each one tells an amazing story. What are your favorites?