empty nest

I don't get many things right the first time,
in fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns the stumbles,
and falls brought me here
And where was I before the day
that I first saw your lovely face,
now I see it every day
And I know

That I am, I am, I am, the luckiest.*

{*Ben Folds Five}

18

Remember when you were this sweet, painfully shy little boy? Okay, so you’re still SWEET and somewhat shy, though that has been replaced with sharp wit and humor from what I’ve gathered. And little doesn’t count unless you’re counting body fat. You are (in your own words) a grown man. It’s true that time flies because all of a sudden, I’m turning around and seeing a young man. And I have to SMILE, because while you have grown up and constantly amaze and fill me with such pride, you will ALWAYS be my boy. Happy birthday, J! Loves.

throwback thursday

Sept. 2007

My name is Ren …
It’s not terribly unique or pretty, but different.
My daughter is Isabeau.
She, like her name, is quite unique and beautiful
and different.
My son is Jordan.
Like his name, he’s uncomplicated but far from ordinary.

I thrive on delicious food, sunny days,
movies, music, happy funny people,
Life.
I like to read but I never have enough time.
I’m always busy because it’s hard for me to sit still.
Though I love naps.

I have a gift for creativity. But I wish I could write.
I have a lot to say and I don’t always know how to say it.

I wish I could remember fond, childhood memories,
but everyday, I’ve built new ones.
And I’m grateful for tomorrow.

I love meeting interesting people.
I have a few select friends.
Not that I’m a snob, I’m just selective.
About who I want to let in and really know me.
Matt is my best friend. My children are my bestest friends.

My lover is sweet. He is the sweetest person I know.
He saved me and saves me every day.
Matt means “gift from God.” I believe that to be true.

I don’t sleep when I’m worried.
I eat wickedly, bad food when I’m stressed.
I play with my earrings when I’m nervous.
But, I spend my days wisely. Focusing on the good moments
and not wasting too much time on the bad ones.
♡♡

{photo by Matt Reiske © All Rights Reserved}

Day 26. black & white

Oh, how I love and miss black and white film photography. Before I could dig out my old Canon film camera and Tri-X film {sigh, the good ol’ days}, I found myself rushing out the door to attend a friend’s Stella & Dot party. So I promised myself that I WILL take a day, when I find a free moment, to do just that. For now, here are some from my iPhone, manipulated with filters to appear as black and white … not the same, I know, but I hope you like.

{Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved} aprilphotoaday instagram @groovininthesun

old school film. my first pup, Speedo.

Good morning, pup. She has my heart.

RENagade bracelet from Stella & Dot

Day 21. Favorite photo of you

{Matt Reiske © All Rights Reserved} Ren Reiske febphotoaday instagram @groovininthesun

There are very few photos that I like of myself. I am my worst critic. But my children {now grown} bring out the best of me.

Day 10. Self portrait

{Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved} febphotoaday instagram @groovininthesun

If you are what you eat, I would be these. But I did resist the chocolate mocha cupcakes at Uprise Bakery. Don’t they look delicious?

Oldie but a goodie. I set up my Canon on a tripod and shot with black and white film, old school. We were just silly college students. Still silly though. :)

Day 30. Nature

{M. Reiske © All Rights Reserved}
Just the tip. Colorado. 
The “tip” was rock from a far distance, and trying to line up my hand to capture this was quite a feat. Seriously, it was a steep drop and I almost fell off that great cliff. Do not try this.

Day 21. Reflection

{Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved}

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. reflection: old/new film/digital me/rob

Instagram/janphotoaday @groovininthesun

Day 19. Sweet

{Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved}
sweet child of mine… in the original {old school} black and white film, and early bird on instagram.
Instagram/janphotoaday @groovininthesun 

One {Photo} Day at a Time

So, it’s a new year. I didn’t make an actual list of resolutions because I seem to subconsciously carry the same perpetual list in my head. One being to do something creative every day. I design for a living, so it can be a challenge to find time and do something that’s not work. 

I recently acquired a new iPhone which serendipituously resolved this dilemma. I’m putting myself through Instagram’s Photo A Day challenge. Each day has a theme and most of my photos will be iPhone only {but I’m also learning/experimenting with a new lens for my Canon, so I may post a few of those}. I welcome comments here, Twitter @2Rtist or Instagram @groovininthesun {Thanks for following}.

Day 1. You
This isn’t me, obviously, but it was New Year’s Day and Miss Buffy looked so adorable with her tiny, blue ribbons. At the end of the day, as I was going through my pictures, I realized she looked exactly how I felt. :}

Day 2. Breakfast
I received this cool espresso set for Christmas. The cups are wee tiny. I drink regular coffee so needless to say, I downed five of these. And ate perfect egg whites. Only because it’s a new year and oh, remember that diet? I really wanted pancakes.

Day 3. Adore
Adore him. And learning photography when it was all film and dark room techniques. Going old school here.

Day 4. Letterbox
I had to get up at the break of dawn to capture this horse. I am not a morning person.
{Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved}

Black, White and Texture

One of my favorite VF photos with texture treatment. Texture source: J. Borealnz

{Matthew Reiske © All Rights Reserved}

{Ren Reiske © 2009 All Rights Reserved}

I’ve discovered some wonderful textures, and I am enjoying recreating photos with them. Many thanks to J. Borealnz for the inspiration and texture samples. :D

Jordan

Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved

The Birds!

Ren Reiske © All Rights Reserved

21

twenty one 

you brought me roses 

a dozen red 

and sweet chocolate cake 

(that’s when i knew) 

my friends surprised me — 

they were all there, 

but i only saw you. 

how strange that i 

can still remember 

your knee touching mine 

and kelly spying on us. 

to be twenty one again… 

i’ll never forget.

For M — Happy 21st anniversary ♥♥