Hanging with the fam.
Sometimes our stories are old. I found out [on our hike up Rock Canyon] that my knees are getting old. But my family's eclectic conversations, jokes, love of granola, and laughing at shallow YouTube videos never gets old.
Neither does looking at good photography. Which was the whole reason our family got together. We couldn't miss the gallery opening of the 30 Strangers Exhibit.
It was one of the coolest evenings I've had in a long time. And I'm not talking about the efficient air conditioning system. There were lots of cool people that came to support Justin. Then the coolest of the cool read essays about Motherhood. And of course, the photos were so cool they froze time. Justin Hackworth style.
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Below Justin is surrounded by five heavy hitters in the writing world. They knocked it out of the park as they read incredible essays, each in their own profound style. Each confirmed that motherhood isn't for wimps, as we ironically sat wimpering with tears of heartache one minute and tears from laughter the next. The readers chartered us through a wide range of emotions: a roller-coaster ride that mimics parenthood. It felt good to FEEL, and to be reminded about the basics and the essentials.
I especially loved the essay by Amy: my SIL (below). Amy blew us all away with her incredible insights, charm, wit and wisdom. She artfully used a lesson learned while in London as the backdrop for her attitude about being a mother. Her essay skyrocketed the adage 'seize the moment' to new heights.
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| photo credit Allen Hackwowrth |
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| photo credit: Ashley Thalman |
Go here for the heart-wrenching, inspirational essay by Molly Jackson, a pillar of strength (far left).
Go here for the laugh-out-loud essay about Carina Hoskisson's reconciliation with motherhood. Notice (2nd from the right) she's such a good mother, she WEARS her children. Yes, that's a living breathing 3-4 week old baby in her carrier pouch sling thing.
Still waiting for Amy Hackworth, Brooke Benton (far right) and NieNie (2nd from left) to make their essays available (hint, super big hint).
And of course, Justin's perspective on motherhood was told through his photographs, which perfectly framed the essays.
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| photo credit: Ashley Thalman |
This is my daddy and Kiera Haddock talking shop: both great photographers in their own right.
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| photo credit: Ashley Thalman |
This is one of my favorite photos of the night. (Score Ashley) Don't you want to know what my dad is laughing at and what Kent Miles is so intently shooting? The mystery is a mark of a good photo. Plus I just love seeing my dad so juvulur (a new word which is a crafty combo of jubilant and jocular, penned at the party by the brilliant* Ryan Campbell) (*I truly mean that compliment about Ryan in the sincerest way. It has nothing to do with the fact that I want him to get us Lion King tickets.)
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| photo credit Ahsley Thalman |
Me and my teeth were happy to be there.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
It was so fun to have my daughter come with me to the show. Her dress from Shabby Apple is so stinking cute I can't stand it.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
My beautiful mama fresh from the soil of China. She's sporting her fancy new custom-made shirt fresh from a Chinese tailor.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
My awesome papa in his matching custom shirt made by the same Chinese tailor. Behind this big grin is his joy to be home in America. Oh and pride in his son.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
Justin was a walking art exhibit himself in his fancy new suit from Garth at Perfectly Suited.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
Trust me. Ryan Cambell (far right) isn't yawning. He's awe-ing.
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| photo credit Kent Miles |
There was a constant stream of people for the entire 3 hours of the reception. We could have charged admission and people would have still come. That's how good the show was.
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| photo credit: Brett Howell |
My mouth is already watering for next year!!
5 comments:
Great re-cap, and thanks so much for being there. That really meant a lot to me.
Does Amy have a blog???
Ellen,
Great question!
Amy does not have a blog. Something needs to be done about that :)
Thanks for asking.
Thanks again, Jenni, for such a super sweet and thoughtful post. Wouldn't really expect less from your super sweet and thoughtful self, though. :) Your support really is such a great gift--thank you!
Amy
Oh, yes. Two more things:
1. "Her essay skyrocketed the adage 'seize the moment' to new heights." This was a REALLY nice compliment and so well-crafted. I love that sentence, and like it even more b/c it's about me. :)
2. Juvular. That's hilarious.
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