My 3rd Eye - Day 33: Rise & Shine

"Alright, Self," Lindsay said to her Self (herself) in her most commanding tone, "Time to snap out of your lazy summer ways and accomplish your many ambitions, one by one!"

"You are so right!" Self responded, "I will. Starting tomorrow morning."

"Now, where have I heard that before?" Lindsay teased.

"I'm SERIOUS this time," Self insisted, "I'm writing my Summer List of Ambitions and checking them off, one by one! You'll see! I can be astonishing if I want to be..."

{the sunrise this morning as we drove to the Denver airport}

Time to RISE&SHINE!

Dislike & Love - Part VI

Today I Dislike:

band-aids,

skinny-dipping hobos

(yes, you read that right),

nosebleeds,

my unsatisfied apple craving,

going home,

having one more photo shoot to edit,

the thought of unpacking.

. . .

Today I Love:

squir-rels (say with British accent),

teaching Madre what the phrase, "I'm down with that" means,

talking to cute boys on the phone,

my trusty Nikon,

dogs the size of horses,

outdoor malls,

being the youngest (aka getting "spoiled"),

panini deliciosity,

orange toenails that match the hotel furniture and carpet,

exploring new and exciting places,

distinguished business men reading "Fable Haven,"

FINALLY being healthy after 4 weeks of sore throat obnoxiousness,

people-watching,

SUV's and GPS's (and acronyms),

getting weird looks for taking pictures of...well...basically everything,

walking around outside lots and lots.

. . .

YAY for the Loves and Dislikes of Boulder, Colorado!

My 3rd Eye - Day 32: Sunset Cycling

It was another fabulous day here in Boulder and I'm sad we're leaving tomorrow ...especially cause we have to leave our hotel by 5 ...like AM! Oh well, it's been a beautiful break and I'm ready to partay the rest of the week away: shopping, backyard BBQ date night, the fun never ends!

I Love. (period)

P.S. I have a lot of fun adventures to catch y’all up on! Wahoo! Look forward to some awesome posts!

My 3rd Eye - Day 31: Musical Streets

We got to Colorado safe and sound and spent the day walking down 16th Street Mall in Denver. I LOVE discovering new places, especially places with as much character as downtown Denver. I wouldn't want to live there by any means (no offense, I'm just more of a small town girl), but it was fun to "people watch" and take large quantities of fabulous photos.

I don't know whose brilliant idea it was to put painted pianos on the streets for anyone to play, but I'd just like to take my hat off to them and their genius. Bravo!

Back to Boulder

Remember THIS?

Dad, Madre and I are going there in the morning!

Beautiful marvelous fabulous vacations, my heart!

*Note: I italicize for emphasis…that’s a lot of emphasis.

My 3rd Eye - Day 30: Heigh Ho

When my n&ns come over each Sunday one of our favorite things to do is sit down and draw pictures. Their request of me tonight was Mr. Kermit the Frog.

My 3rd Eye - Day 29: Roaming Wyoming

My 3rd Eye - Day 28: To The Rescue

This weekend was absolutely amazing. I can't wait to tell you the whole story, but for now here's the short version:

My ward and two other wards in our stake went to Martin's Cove, Wyoming - a famous LDS Church History site where the pioneer handcart companies got stranded in the winter of 1856 as they were making their way to the Salt Lake Valley. President Brigham Young called rescuers to travel from the Salt Lake Valley and bring them safely to Zion. Their accounts and unwavering faith have changed my life. I can’t wait to share our experiences and some photos with you!

It was a long drive, but SO worth it!

My 3rd Eye - Day 27: Splash!

My friend Jamestown USA (world's most awesome nickname) hostessed a pool party this weekend.

Twas a blast! I love SUMMER!

My 3rd Eye - Day 26: To Infinity and Beyond!

The crew going to Toy Story 3!

It. is. AMAZING.

See how excited we all are? I think anyone should be grateful for an excuse to act like a kid every once in a while. Go see it! You won't regret it!

One Question

If I could guarantee that I would never be asked one specific question for the rest of my life I think that question would have to be:

"So, are YOU dating anyone?"

I don’t think I would miss hearing that one.

Oh well.

Let the family date-nagging ensue.

What question would you pick?

P.S. Sometimes I check my own "I Unlike This" boxes :)

You know USA scored when...

...all the guys in the library's computer lab spontaneously start clapping and cheering at their computers at the exact same moment.

Haha! Wow, who knew soccer could be so entertaining?

...oh, and the soccer part, too, of course ;)

Childlike Giddiness!

I’M GOING TO SEE THIS TONIGHT!!!

YEEEEEEEEHHAAAAAAAA!!

My 3rd Eye - Day 25: June is bustin' out!

If you don't know that song (“June is Busting Out All Over” from Carousel), you should probably culture yourself here (sorry the music & video aren't in sync).

Gotta love those good ol' musical dance sequences, eh? I do!

Speaking of musicals, I just realized the last two titles of my photos posts have been from musicals (“Never Fully Dressed” from Annie). I guess that's because June makes me want to burst into song and dance spontaneously.

Love. This. Weather.

"AAAHHHHH!!" (picture this sung like an opera diva)

My 3rd Eye - Day 25: You're never fully dressed...

...without a smile.

I sure hope that you're not one to be seen in public when you're "not fully dressed"...

Faith

It was not the first time a quote has hit me like a glass of ice water, slowly trickling from my face down to my feet,

But I asked Dad to read it again. And again.

"Faith is the art of holding onto things your reason has once accepted,

in spite of your changing moods."

That C.S. Lewis was a very intelligent and inspired man. Tonight, for Family Home Evening, Dad read excerpts from "Mere Christianity" by Mr. Lewis - not the kind of book you can absorb without being seriously present-minded and attentive, but one I will strongly recommend to anyone.

Heaven knows that the "changing moods" Mr. Lewis is referring to are, in fact, the reoccurring downfall of my day-to-day faith.

In my inadequacy I am often reminded of another quote,

"Whatever was good enough to get you to where you are today,

will not be good enough to keep you there tomorrow."

Oh great! So, what gets me from where I am now to where I’d like to be tomorrow?

Faith.

A deeper knowledge that everything will be ok despite Life’s often-unbearable and unavoidable circumstances.

Everything will be ok, despite the fact that all of my siblings are now married and my "changing moods" tell me to feel abandoned and forlorn about it, rather than happy and hopeful.

Yeah, yeah. Woe is me. Boohoo.

Fear is not faith.

I know that. I knew that yesterday. I'll know it tomorrow.

But just knowing it doesn't make it any easier, does it?

Faith is a verb, just as Love is a verb.

Love & Faith - two of the greatest rewards in life and they don't come by merely thinking about them, learning about them or even simply believing that you have attained them. You have to work for them and therein lies that unexplainable sweetness in finally attaining them.

I have faith that I can be more tomorrow than I am today.

I have faith that the final destination we individually seek is significantly sweeter when we enjoy the journey despite the steep slopes, winding roads and "changing moods" along the way.

I have faith that, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier," as my wise bishop constantly reminds my ward.

Faith and Forward, friends.

image via Google Images

The Late Lindsay Kay Photography

For those of you who haven't heard, I officially ended my career as a professional portrait photographer and "turned off" my photography blog. Yes. And while there may be a collective, "WHAT!?!" from the masses by that news, it's been a long time coming and I feel really good about it.

Rest assured that I'll still take photos for fun and do shoots for my family, but that business just isn't for me. More power to those of my friends who enjoy it and thrive in it: Ex.A & Ex.B

Graphic design on the other hand...WHOOP WHOOP! (original source of the news)

Furthermore, to whom it may concern, I have imported my recently deceased photography blog onto this blog under the label "Lindsay Kay Photography" (found in my list of blogables at the bottom of the page) for your convenience. So, you can still view all of my past photo shoots and photo tips here!

Rest in peace, my old photography business!

Alright In The End

If you're feeling any of the impatience or spiritual-weariness that I seem to be feeling in overwhelming abundance this weekend, you'll be grateful for this video as well:

Everything will be just fine.

Keep the faith & smile!

My 3rd Eye - Day 24: Breakfast in Bed

Dad's Favorite Breakfast:

All you need is a half a cup of Greek Yogurt, bran or whole wheat cereal of your choice, favorite berries (strawberries, blueberries), several orange slices and a drizzle (about a Tbsp) of honey over the top. YUM!

Happy Father's Day!!

My 3rd Eye - Day 23: Husband & Wife

Sara and John were sealed for eternity yesterday and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful Saturday morning!

We spent a wonderful day at the Salt Lake LDS Temple taking photos and then enjoyed some beautiful family moments at their luncheon. Yes, I shed my fair share of tears yesterday, but only because I am so happy for these two (and maybe feeling a little abandoned as the last sibling of 9, but I'll survive)! Best wishes and love to the happy couple! Have fun in Cali!

My 3rd Eye - Day 22: Four Blondes at a Punchbowl

...sounds like a good way to start a joke, but I'll refrain.

Friday evening was John & Sara's reception.

It was a beautiful night of celebration, love, food, family and friends.

I'll post all about the wedding festivities next week.

PPP Recipe - Fried Tilapia Fillets & Strawberry Spinach Salad

Time for another PPP Recipe! We have this lovely dish at my house on a regular basis and it never disappoints, so. Without further adieu, I present:

Fried Tilapia Fillets with Lemon, Wild Rice & Strawberry Spinach Salad

Fried Tilapia Fillets with Lemon

(I know you're thinking, "FRIED?! HEALTHY?!" but 4 tablespoons of Olive Oil to 4 fillets is only one tablespoon per person. Not too shabby!)

4 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 lemons (for zest & juice)

4 Tilapia fillets

2 Tbsp butter (or Butter Buds, flavor sans the fat)

4 Tbsp flour

2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

4 sprigs of parsley

Salt

Pepper

Zest one of the lemons with a fine grater (we use a Microplane Zester, they are FAB). Then cut 4 slices of lemon for a garnish & squeeze the rest to add at the end of the cooking process with the parsley & butter. Rinse each fillet with cold water & then pat dry with a paper towel. Then lay them on a plate & sprinkle flour & salt & pepper over one side of each of them. Distribute half of the lemon zest over one side of the fillets. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan on stovetop. Fry the fillets on one side until lightly browned. Turn over, sprinkle the second sides of the fillets with more flour, salt & pepper and the rest of the lemon zest. Continue frying until done to an internal temperature of 145°. Add the lemon juice, the butter & finely chopped parsley. Arrange the fillets on a serving plate & garnish with the lemon slices and sprigs of parsley.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

All you need is spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced toasted almonds and Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing. Just toss it together and POW you have a delicious, crisp, fresh salad. The picture shows that we had candied pecans instead of almonds and added blueberries, but I like it a lot more the other way. So, there are two options.

{Tah-dah! I'm practicing my hand modeling! Look, ma!}

Please, send me an email (lindsaykayphotography@gmail.com) or leave a comment with your favorite healthy recipes! PPP is all about sharing ways to get and stay healthy, so I want to hear your recipes, your stories, your workouts, your inspirations, your tips! Keep ‘em coming my way and let’s create a healthier, happier planet! Please & Thank You!

Bon appetit!