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One {August 2017}: The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 Edition

Oh, my. I see my blog posting has gone entirely off the rails this summer. Many photos exist, so I hope to catch up soon.

In the meantime, it is time for this month's One post! At the end of August, my entire family (immediate and extended) trekked off to Wyoming to be in the path of the Total Solar Eclipse. Now, we've known we were doing this since Christmas of 2015, when we received eclipse viewing glasses from my uncle, together with a save-the-date because...science. And outer space. And total solar eclipse! And WHY NOT!? It was also my dad's 70th birthday that same week, and we have lots of small babies in the family, so it really was a spectacular hurrah and a perfect reason to get together. And it's always a good idea to head West. 

I had lots of fun taking pictures and pulled them together into this compilation - my "one" shot for the month to be sure. I've included a few closeups of the eclipse at totality because it really was very cool to see. Enjoy! Then please take a spin over to the midwest to see what captured Jessica's eye this month. 

Stacey Leece Vukelj20170827-Eclipseedit001.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

One {May 2017}

Hello, there. While I wish I could attribute my absence to a broken camera, an around-the-world voyage without internet or simply a lack of photos, the reality is it's been a tough spring and my time and energy have been needed elsewhere. However, this past weekend we enjoyed a change of scene as the guests of some dear friends. Their home is near a beach, where we were able to do some relaxing, or "laxin'" as a certain sandy someone likes to call it. Hoping the summer is off to a laxin' start for all. 

Please head out to Chi-town to see what Jessica found this May...

 

 

 

One {November 2016}

During a busy weekend away, these two passed out cold in our hotel room and no amount of standing over them on the bed and clicking a loud camera in their faces would have stirred them. They may be loud and crazy, during their waking hours, but they really do love each other in the sweetest way.

To see the rest of our November One images, please head down to the Lone Star State and see what Adele found this month, then make your way around the circle. 

WWB - November 2016 - Perspective

I am chock full of imperfect analogies and incomplete thoughts these days, but bear with me. It is very easy to live in a shrunken universe, where the only relevant things in our lives are our kids and our spouses, our jobs and our communities, our paychecks and our neighbors. Good intentions, passion projects, causes close to our hearts, the art of empathy - when it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, we turn inwards, even at the expense of others. Recently, I stayed close to home, and in doing so, I failed to speak out and lend my voice where it is needed.

As a parent, all instincts point towards protecting my children. Yet, I know deep down that the best protection is to send them into the world as competent, compassionate, thinking people, even if that means teaching them hard things and letting them fly on their own.

Of course, the best way to mold competent, compassionate, thinking people is to be one myself. And so, I will try to do better and be the kind of role model I want for them. In the meantime, I encourage the adventurous souls in my home to find the joy in the unknown and tackle their fears. In this particular instance, in the second-to-last car of an upside-down rollercoaster. 

Please continue to Who We Become to see our collection of images this month or travel to each photographer individually, starting with the incredible Lisa Rigazio in Maryland. 

Hershey Park, November 13, 2016

One {October}

Earlier this month, we took a trip out to California to celebrate my mother's birthday. It was a nice round milestone, and we had a whale of a week with all of us together. It was made extra special by the fact that it was the first time my kids got to meet their two baby cousins. I have a really amazing family, and my particularly amazing mother is at the heart of it all. She has spent a lifetime showing us what love should look like and inspiring each of us when it comes to being a parent, a friend and a person. We are so very lucky. Happy birthday, Mom. I love you!

Please continue around to see what fall has brought to Jessica in Chicago!  

WWB - October 2016 - Iceland

The casual observer of this site may have noticed a distinct lack of activity in recent weeks. While I may eventually try to catch up with my remaining summer images, for the time being, let's assume that is unlikely. In terms of recent events, did I mention that two of us went to Iceland? We DID. The primary purpose of the trip was to celebrate the birthday of an awesome friend, but a few nice pictures came from the travels as well. Here, an Icelandic horse, a rainbow, some casually captured Northern lights (with no tripod, sorry about that) and a waterfall for good measure. 

Please continue around the blog circle to see what my friend Linda found on her recent travels - it's a somewhat exotic month over at Who We Become!

75 Days of Summer - Days 18-25

We packed a few adventures into a short week at home, then I was off for a quick trip to L.A. to meet my new niece! 

75 Days of Summer - Days 9-12

Vacation comes to an end in the Lakes District in Northern Italy. We spent a day near the gorgeous Lake Maggiore, and another in Lugano, Switzerland, because why not pick up a country for the kids while we're in the area? Next up, a return to the playgrounds of New York with a quick trip to Los Angeles tossed in for good measure...

75 Days of Summer - Days 6-8

75 Days of Summer. The project continues, and the posts continue to lag. Vacation photos are coming to an end which will greatly reduce the volume of these updates! Here, a look at our last few days in Puglia. 

75 Days of Summer - Days 2-5

We are so very lucky to have wonderful friends in our lives - and then in an unnecessary effort to become even MORE wonderful, one of them decided to rent a gorgeous villa in Puglia to celebrate a milestone birthday. This trip has been in the works for almost a year, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world. 

Our first few days were spent relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea, investigating a nearby grotto and watching Italy in the Euro 2016 Cup.  

8 Days a Week - July

For this month's edition of Eight Days a Week, a few different views of the Ionian Sea. The camera escaped with only mild splashing. Please head over to the Pacific Northwest to see what the ever talented Meghann Prouse found this month.  

One {June 2016}

One for June: the value of a life. While we were in Italy, I was honored with the task of remembering a beloved man. A scattering of his ashes are dedicated to the rainbow waters of the Ionian Sea. To witness the impact of the loss of one person on a family is painful and powerful - a reminder to treasure life and all the joys and sorrows that come with it. 

The sorry news these last few weeks undermines all of these sentiments, as ones, tens and hundreds at home and abroad have been ripped from their futures and families at the whim of a stranger. We must do better and we must be better. I wish I knew how.

Please continue to Washington and and see what spoke to Krista's heart this month. 

8 Days a Week - June

Drum roll, please: I am an aunt! I got to meet my sweet, brand new, beautiful nephew this month and this guy is cemented into my heart. My brother and sister in law are already rocking the parenting thing and anyone who knows them simply marvels at how lucky their baby is to have such incredible parents. 

Please check out the full June edition of 8 Days a Week, starting with the amazing Meghann Prouse. 

 

 

Two Heads are Better Than One

The dynamic duo at work and at play.

Who We Become - February

Dear New York, we hear you're having a touch of cold weather. Please forgive us if we aren't one bit sad to be missing it.

Please visit this month's Who We Become collection here, or make your way around the blog chain to get to know everyone a little better, starting in Texas with the lovely and talented senior portrait photographer Kim DuPree.

One {December 2015}

Another year in the books! I am thankful to be sending December on its way in the presence of family and dear friends. A life filled with love and health has been our great fortune and it is with a grateful heart that I excitedly anticipate all that the new year brings.

I wish you and yours a very happy New Year - may your 2016 be filled with unexpected delights and sweet surprises! 

And speaking of dear friends, as we wrap up our third (!) year of our One circle, please ring in January by taking a spin around our little circle. I'm so lucky to have these people in my life. Start in Chicago, with my hilarious and talented friend, Jessica. 

75 Days of Summer: Day 56 - The Erie County Fair

At this point, it's really a matter of pride. I shot 75 days of summer, and I will post 75 days of summer. Even if it kills me. And I know what you're thinking - one measly day? But how often does one get to go to a real County Fair? In fact, this may have been my first. We had a blast looking at animals, watching the pig races, eating the most unhealthy food imaginable and riding a truly incredible assortment of rides that go around and around in a circle, designed for people under 46 inches tall. Highly recommend.

75 Days of Summer: Days 54-55

For the record, 75 Days of Summer is officially over. After today's back to school pictures, the camera is being given a much needed rest. Plus, I'd like to get caught up on the rest of our summer adventures before fall begins.

Resuming from where we left off: Days 54-55. After a few days of solo time with grandparents, we joined our little adventurer and crashed his party. Like him, we think Grandma and Grandpa's place is the bee's knees. 

P52.3 - An Update

A sneak peek at the remainder of our summer fun upstate - my daily shooting project has left me a bit behind in my P52.3 Perspectives postings this summer.  I am mostly current on the Who We Become site, but my updates here have been sporadic. As we all head into our fall routines, there's some catch-up going on so please check back in once in a while as we get our acts together and fill out the ranks again. Here, weeks 19, 20 and 21 - Imperfect, Playful and Uninhibited - links to the site under each image. 

 

Imperfect - What we were lacking in light, we made up for in deliciousness. 

Uninhibited - I never thought I'd see the day he'd let a bird sit (and poop) on his head. 

Playful  -At the State Fair