personal post

Our Autumn Family Photo Session

0 · Feb 22, 2017 ·

I got up early this morning to do a little writing and try to catch up on life before the rest of the house sprung to life. I quietly crept out of bed, shimmied past the dog and sneaked into the bathroom. I kept the lights off and made my way to the coffee maker managing to adjust my vision and not stub my toe. So far, so good. But the second that cupboard door opened, sure enough I hear the patter of little feet on the cold tile floor. Apparently coffee awakens the four year old soul as well.

Measured in the dark, the coffee this morning is was not exactly my best ever. It’s funny how different life is in just four short years. Back then, I would have never imagined life today as I hear little voices in the background talking to Smelly Nelly (our cat) and reading tales of Fancy Nancy and fairy princesses. I would have never realized what a luxury waking up early and having a few quite moments to yourself really is. Although, I don’t think I would change it for the world.

Toward the end of October, I reminded myself that we need to preserve these moments just as we are, so we headed out into the crisp autumn air with my dear friend Kellie (of Hetler Photography). It was just before Gretta’s fourth birthday. Willa June had just pasted 18 months and I can still remember our spring time session with Gretta at that age. Gretta was so much more cooperative. But all the same, it was a moment, a memory, and I never want to forget these days.

So on this day, I’ll remember Gretta’s spunk and flowing pig tails. I’ll think back to how determined she was to be the best big sister and comfort Willa June’s unease. I’ll remember Willa’s stubborn disapproval of the entire day. And those big blue eyes. I don’t know where they came from but I love them.

Photography: Hetler Photography

There’s a different memory and lesson to be learned from each day. Some good, some bad. I’m slowly learning to savor them all – from early morning coffee to a meltdown in an autumn wheat field. This is our one and only life.

Save

The 5 Most FAQs for the Month of March

0 · Apr 4, 2016 ·

I’m full on having an ADD month. I start one project, leap to another, tackle the unpacking of one box, grab a paintbrush and splash some color on half a wall, check my email, forget to respond to the message I just read and end the day feeling exhausting and unaccomplished.

Moving. That’s what’s on my mind. And of course the impending wedding season which is full of flowers. Ah, flowers.

Through the shuffle and the driving, I’ve had some amazing blog posts run through my head. But when I actually stop to sit down at a computer. Poof. My mind immediately goes numb. I forget how to form a sentence, proper grammar and all forms of punctuation go out the window. The three parts of a story – gone.

So today’s post will be in list form, between to-do lists, project lists, packing lists – this just seems fitting to have a blog list. The answers to my 5 most frequently received questions over the last month. Here’s everything you need to know, even if you really don’t care to know it.

How’s the move?

Such a loaded question. Moving is hard. It’s emotional, time consuming and strenuous. I’m so sick of looking at boxes, wondering where things are and feeling unorganized. But if I can put all of that aside, it’s really good. The house is great so far, we’ve had our challenges of being in a rural setting, but overall I think we’re going to be really happy here – if it ever stops snowing.

How’s the new house? Are you getting settled?

See above. The house is great so far. A sweet friend texted me today reminding me that even small steps are progress. But it’s hard. I really want things done NOW. Patience is not a strength of mine.

How are the girls adjusting? Does Gretta like her new room?

Packing and moving an entire house up is hard. Packing and moving an entire home AND business is harder. And packing and moving both of those things with two small children is crazy. What were we thinking??

Gretta is adjusting great. She loves it. The first change we made to the house was painting her room pink (actually a subtle blushy white, but it’s pink to her – she is 100% girly girl). And everyone who comes over gets to see her pink room as the first stop via the Gretta home tour. Willa June, on the other hand, has been very out of sorts. I didn’t expect it to be such a struggle for her, I figured she was young enough that the environment change wouldn’t have much of an effect. I was definitely wrong. She’s been a little extra clingy and doesn’t seem quite herself. I think we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with that as the last couple days have been much improved.

What’s the house like? I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

I don’t think I’ve shared much about the house we bought here so I’ll give you a little history on the home. (You may remember me contemplating a couple of choices back when I posted this here). We ended up buying another 1950’s ranch. It was foreclosed on a couple years back and last January a couple bought it to flip. They did a ton of work, it’s completely remodeled and brand spanking new – which really isn’t like me at all. It feel strange not changing things out of pure necessity. But it’s pretty nice not having all the projects lingering over my head.

I will, however, be adding my own touches to the space. While the finishes are really high end and the couple who fixed it up did a great job, not everything is completely my style or how I would have done them. My sister summed it up perfectly “it looks really nice, but it doesn’t look like Shelby.”

I’ve had so many people share how eager they are to see what I do to the new house, how I decorate, etc which I think is really funny. While I love home décor, I’m not an interior designer and have never pretended to be. I’m just a girl who likes to keep up on style and binge watches Rehab Addict whenever possible. However, you can follow along with my tweaks and updates #thedaysinteriordesign, just be nice.

One of my favorite parts though is the location. We have six acres of wooded lands, wild grasses and rickety old fences. There are birch trees, an apple tree and lots of potential for foraging. I found a pussy willow a couple days ago. Chickens live across the road and we’re within walking distance to a little lake. And the crickets and bullfrogs sang us to sleep on the couple of warm nights we experienced. I am aching to have the windows open and smell sweet scent of fresh country air.

When does wedding season start? How is the move affecting business?

These are big questions. Part A – wedding season starts at the end of this month. I have a huge wedding April 30^th in Grand Rapids and I’m so excited for it. It’s going to be a beautiful explosion of spring flowers and vibrant colors.

Part B – what many people don’t realize is that even though I previously lived in Grand Rapids, I really didn’t do that many weddings in the city itself. I think only about 25% or so of my weddings were local. With that said, I wasn’t really afraid of the move. I’m closer to my Traverse City/Leelanau brides and it’s not too much further from those Southwest Michigan and lakeshore brides. And I’m working on having a proper floral studio within my home, which is going to be amazing and help with my workflow and productivity so much.

Willa June | The Day's Design | Moving to Big Rapids Photography: Justine Simmonds

Last week I stayed up for a couple of late nights painting our living room. And on Saturday we hosted our first of many family gatherings, this one in celebration of Willa June’s first birthday. We still have a huge horse trailer full of belongings sitting in our driveway and I’m just trying to take one day at a time. I think we have finally found reliable internet service, so we feel connected to the world again. Week three of country living and all is well for the night.

Shelby signature

Note: Just to clarify, I don’t really have ADD – just days I mindlessly hop from one task to another and cannot sit still as I’m overthinking every little piece and project in my life. Focus Shelby, just focus.

A Generation Shaped by Grandma

0 · Jan 30, 2015 ·

January always brings memories of my Grandma; it was her birthday today and the anniversary of her passing earlier this month. She had a huge impact and influence on my life. I loved her so much and wish all the time I could call her up, sit and have a cup to tea (or toast with peanut butter – her fav!) with her or play another game of Cribbage. She was a strong, Godly woman who shaped a piece of who I am.

But it wasn’t until her funeral when I realized how many other lives she had touched. Person after person came forward to share who my grandma a touched their lives. This made my memory of Grandma even more magical.

My grandma has become a source of encouragement for me. She was the inspiration for my daughter’s name, she impacts my day to day life and also has an effect on the business side of my life. My forget-me-knots bordering my logo are in memory of her as I think of how they used to grow wild in her yard and grandpa was not allowed to mow while they were in bloom.

I have come to realize however, that I am not alone in my admiration for my grandma. I have run across a number of others, both in the wedding industry and elsewhere, who blog or tell tales of how their grandmas inspire them. Pieces of their businesses where named by them. Life just isn’t the same with them gone.

Why do we admire Grandma so much?

She grew up in a time before cell phones, internet and computers. She made meals from scratch and gave the best hugs. Her life was simple. She lived in an era when it was still okay to carpool with strangers, houses were made from fieldstones, pictures were in black and white and women were married at the age of 18. And marriages lasted.

What made her such an amazing woman? She didn’t even know how to properly send an email?! Are just romanticizing her memory? I don’t believe so. I believe that Grandma’s unsheltered way of life taught her something. I believe that she learned to fight and work hard, not having an easy way out. I believe that she had an extra burst of stubbornness that refused to quit. She didn’t have an “easy” button or a way to escape through technology. She had to talk about her problem, think about her answers in thoughtful letters of response. She learned to properly converse with one another and how to punctuate a sentence. She knew how to be a lady, as well as how to work on the farm. She walked to her job because she wasn’t spoiled with an extra car. And at the end of the day, she was tired.

Grandma, thank you for your passion and fight. Thank you for keeping me fired up for what really matters and making my family so amazing. Our grandma’s changed our generation. As they’re slowly finding their final resting places, a portion of history and wisdom is being lost in this world. “Simple” ways of life are being forgotten and it makes me sad.

Grandpa and Grandma at our wedding, June 2010. Photography: Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}