minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

  • Home
  • Blog
  • 2026 Desktop Calendars
  • Lightroom Tutorials
  • Online classes
  • Class Login

April Looked Like This

April looked like spring bulbs putting on a glorious show. And in case you missed it, I did a whole deep dive in the daffodils that I planted last fall if you'd like to geek out with me. April looked like the landscape coming alive, both in my yard and in the neighborhood. Yes...hello color. ... read more

Filed Under: life Leave a Comment

Learning to See | Three Photos and the Truth

Focusing on Life was a collaborative blog started by my friends Terri and Dotti as ‘a caring community for people who are passionate about photography and life. And a place to inspire, teach, nurture, support and accept one another; a place where we can grow in our craft and as ... read more

Filed Under: Learning To See 1 Comment

Learning To See | Irises, Salvia, and the Meaning of Life

Right on time, the irises are blooming in my backyard, and I love cutting a few stems to bring inside where I can enjoy their flowers and heavenly scent while I'm in the kitchen. Besides enjoying them for their beauty, these irises have a very special place in my heart. All those years ago, ... read more

Filed Under: Learning To See Leave a Comment

Daffodil Report | Spring 2023

As daffodil season starts to wind down in my neck of the woods, I thought I would take this opportunity to share all the cheery, spring goodness that these delightful blooms have brought to my yard this year. You might recall that last fall I placed a big ol' order of daffodil bulbs, and I am very ... read more

Filed Under: gardening 3 Comments

Learning to See | Growing from the Inside Out

We've lived in our house for seventeen years, and every year the azaleas in the front yard put on the most glorious show. They were planted over 30 years ago and we take great care to keep them healthy and thriving. Part of that care includes regular pruning, which I know might sound ... read more

Filed Under: Learning To See Leave a Comment

Learning to See | Making Peace With Suffering

I've tried a lot of ways to get out of suffering in my life, but we all know that there is no 'get out of suffering free' card. And one thing I've learned these past few years, is that the more I try to avoid pain and suffering, the worse I wind up in the long run. So if I can't avoid it, sooner or ... read more

Filed Under: Learning To See 4 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • …
  • 291
  • Next Page »

My New Photography Class Is Here!

Here’s where you can find me on the web

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

About Me

Hi There! I’m Kelly. I am a wife, mom, light seeker, homemaker, and storyteller. From an empty nest to an abundant life, all it took was a little time, a lot of faith, and the courage to see my life differently.

You can read more about my story here.

So now, armed with my trusty Canon camera, here is where I share my journey to live an inspired and intentional life.

Welcome to my little corner of the interwebs!

Learning to See Photography Series

December Daily® 2023

Popular Categories

  • 10 Things
  • ordinary life
    • family
    • faith
    • friends
    • travel
  • creativity
    • photography
    • memory keeping
    • blogging
  • home & garden
    • recipes
    • gardening
    • crafts
    • holidays
  • my favorite posts
    • my not-so-empty nest
    • the art of an ordinary life
  • Memory Keeping 2019
  • Photography
  • About Me
  • Contact

AROUND THE WEB

Regular Contributor to Focusing on Life.

Story Teller for Ali Edwards Design Team

Currently Teaching at Big Picture Classes.

My Portfolio - Kelly Ishmael Photography

Some of My Favorite Topics

10 Things 31 days 50 Stories 52 Weeks of Pinspiration! blogging crafts creativity faith family friends gardening holidays home Learning To See life memory keeping Nature photography recipes seasons Summer Magic The Week in Photos travel Uncategorized

Copyright © 2026 · Faithful theme by Restored 316