“While we are blinded by carnal desires, the commands of God will appear rigorous; and we shall labour more to explain them away, than to obey them: but if once we adopt them as the rule of our conduct, their beauty and excellence will manifestly appear; and we shall be convinced that, to obey them is, to be truly happy?”
Simeon, C. (1832-63). Horae Homileticae Vol. 15: Romans (474). London.

Grilled Cheese for Lunch

A slice of life on a Christmas season Saturday

Here's a photo of my wife Jenn and daughter Calire this Christmas season on a both leisurely and busy Saturday. Claire is enjoying a grilled cheese, prepared by my my wife Jenn, who is in the background preparing hers. The Christmas tree is framed by the doorway into our living room and you can also see other significant bits of our life: the dogs bowls in the bottom left, the espresso machine which jumpstarts every day with espresso, the outdated and cluttered kitchen, which works just fine, the photo board to the right, which is reguarly updated with prints. 

I've never enjoyed taking photos more than with my latest camera, a Leica M10. Looking through that optical rangefinder is wonderful. It allows me to see real life rather than looking at the electronic version on an iPhone screen or the electric viewfinder of so many of the latest cameras. Framing can sometimes be challenging, as I've always had a zoom lens with a wide angle, but now I look for ways to layer elements, and include portions of objects instead of the entire object. In some ways my photography has taken a step back (such as quickness and nailing focus), but in other ways it's taking a stride forward. And I'm capturing bits of life that normally don't get captured or appreciated. 

Cost Plus WorldMarket

The Costplus World Market has been in the same location, by Toys R Us, for as long as I can remember. It's one of the few niche stores that has not been replaced by something newer. I'm so glad that they continue to survive. Now my own children love to browse and find things.

Jenn, holding a gather sign. Given that this is so close to Thanksgiving, she thinks perhaps people have replaced "give thanks", with gather.

We love this mirror hung on the wall, but have no clue if it's for sale. It was the only one we found. 

Do you know what sitcom this product can be found in?