ramblings — hudson valley, NY family photographer

In a few days it will already be August. How on earth did that happen?! Time seems to be zipping by these days. A lot has been going on for me these last few months. I sold my house in Delaware and moved up to Hyde Park, NY. (Sidenote: I’m still booking with clients in DE as well as with clients in the Hudson Valley area and NYC.) I’m renting an apartment in an old house … which is a new experience in itself for me after owning a home for a long while. My favorite part about it? The maintenance man lives below me : ) I also love that the apartment is in a very old house — complete with the quirky charms that are often found in old buildings, beautiful floors, and lots and lots of sunlight. All of these things were something that I really wanted to find in my new home. I sold almost all of the furniture that was in my house in Delaware, so I’ve been getting to know the Hudson Valley region better by traveling from thrift store to thrift store looking for new treasures for my space.

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know that a few weeks ago, I had to say goodbye to my little friend, Bella. I’m still not really able to talk much about it much as my heart is just too heavy. But as I hopped in my car to journey up to Maine last week, I wondered how I would ever get through the week up there without her. She was always by my side everywhere I went; the thought of the drive without her … the dock without her … the kayak without her … well, I just didn’t know how I’d do it. But I managed, with just a little help from my Mom’s dog, Emmie Lou. Whenever I’d visit my parents’ house, Emmie would try and attack Bella. So I spent most of the time trying to push her away from Bella. We’re now working on becoming friends …

My grandfather has always loved Polaroids. He snapped the oh-so attractive picture above of me and Emmie Lou. Doesn’t my hair look fabulous, lol?! (Haha, I actually look just like that in my new NY driver’s license. The lady asked me if I wanted to fix my hair first before she took the picture. A clear sign that I should have tried a little harder that morning! I was like, nah … I usually look like this, so let’s just keep it real in the picture!)

This year, my Mom bought my grandfather a tablet. He checks his stocks, reads a few emails … and then falls asleep. He’s 96 and swears over and over again that his secret fountain of youth is red grapes. He eats them every morning. And I must say, the man’s skin is better than mine … so I guess it works.

It rained much of the time that I was in Maine. But can I just tell you my FAVORITE thing about Maine … and especially about Maine when it’s wet? It. Smells. Amazing. I’m very sensitive to any kind of chemical smell … so people’s perfumes, plug-in air fresheners, and other stinky products give me an insta-headache. But I do just fine with essential oils and other natural scents. And this year, the smell of pine was stronger than I ever remember it. And because there are so many pine trees, I smelled it absolutely everywhere I went. So heavenly!

Most family members who come to my grandfather’s house want to sleep in the little guest cottage. I, however, want the porch. I’m lulled to sleep at night by the sound of the loons and the feel of the breeze from the lake. And on rainy days, I stay there in bed and read.

But my favorite thing about this year? With a brand new (empty!) apartment to decorate, thrift stores and flea markets were an absolute must! I found some reeeeally awesome linens and a few other treasures for my home. I also mulled over paint samples for my kitchen. It’s the room that seems to be the trickiest one for me wrap my head around. If I owned the place, I know exactly what I’d do! (um, new cabinets!!!!!!!!) But since I don’t, and I can only make cosmetic changes, I’m feeling a little stymied. But I think I may have figured out what I’m going to do. Stay tuned : ) I’ll be sure to post pictures once everything is finished up!

How has your summer been going? I’d love to know!

Happy Monday!
Kate

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