minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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Holiday Happiness

December Craft Therapy

A couple of weeks ago, I was working on my desktop and device calendars for December. Something I have been doing for several years now. Something that brings me a lot of happiness. Anyway, Tripp happened to be home that day and saw me standing at the front door with little piles of bits and bobs ... read more

Filed Under: holidays 3 Comments

A Sabbatical for the Soul

Happy Monday friends. I’m dipping my toe back into my blog after a taking a break from social media. Maybe it’s because I am an introvert. Maybe it’s because of my enneagram number or zodiac sign. Who knows. Whatever the case though, the world simply got too loud for me. And when this happens, ... read more

Filed Under: life 3 Comments

Gardening, Grace and Gratitude

Gardening is an instrument of Grace.May Sarton I have been gardening for the better part of my adult life and it has been a source of immense happiness over the years. This year though…well to be honest, I can’t ever recall a time when I have NEEDED gardening so much - Body, Mind, and ... read more

Filed Under: gardening 2 Comments

Monarch Season

It's Monarch butterfly season in my neck of the woods. I've been writing about my life in this space for ten years now and documenting my love for Monarch butterflies almost from the beginning. Goodness I do so love seeing how my photography has evolved over the years. At any rate, the ... read more

Filed Under: Nature 2 Comments

New Stories To Tell

Today I shared the last lesson in my Empty Nest + New Stories class at aliedwards.com. My goal for this lesson is to encourage my students that although motherhood will probably look different in this phase of life, it is every bit as wonderful with so many awesome new stories to tell. Plus, ... read more

Filed Under: family 1 Comment

Transition, Transformation, and Time

TRANSITION: passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another // CHANGE. I love how Merriam Webster uses the word “passage” in their definition of transition. Because I think it lends itself to the idea of a transition being a PROCESS - something that takes time. And I can’t think of a ... read more

Filed Under: Nature 1 Comment

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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!

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December Daily® 2020

2019 Memory Keeping

2019 Memory Keeping

Week in the Life™ 2019

Week in the Life 2019

2018 December Daily

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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

the latest on instagram

Happy Friday friends! Our big snow has lasted quit Happy Friday friends! Our big snow has lasted quite a long time since it’s been so cloudy and cold. But the return of the sun yesterday was very much appreciated and I love how it made the remaining snow sparkly and twinkly.✨

I’ve got a marathon gift-wrapping sesh planned and tiny bit of shopping left to do. What’s on your agenda this weekend?
The sweetest gift from the sweetest girl. ❤️✨
We woke up to winter yesterday! The snow started a We woke up to winter yesterday! The snow started around 7:30 with the biggest, fluffiest, wettest flakes and it didn’t let up until around 4:30. I walked around with a big, goofy smile on my face most of the day. It was so beautiful and so peaceful. At one point I was outside taking photos and I could hear the downtown church bells off in the distance. It was utterly magical in every way. ❄️
I spent last week in Kansas City with Tripp. And a I spent last week in Kansas City with Tripp. And after I got home yesterday and unloaded the car and unpacked my stuff, I was feeling a little frazzled and out of sorts.

I was sitting in my chair in the living room, picking at the cuticle on my thumb, trying to decide if I wanted to go for a walk. I knew it would make me feel better, but there was the pressing matter of my cuticle and trying to decide what to do about dinner. And all the usual things that fill up my head this time of year.

After debating about it in my head for a few more minutes, I finally willed myself out of my chair. And on my way out the door I grabbed my camera.

Best. Decision. Ever.

Walking through the neighborhood helps me to feel grounded and more connected to my surroundings. Plus nature is always source of delight and taking photos is so meditative and soothing. It was a breath of fresh air in every possible way. So good for my mind and my body and my soul.

It always feels good to come home. And yesterday it felt good to come home to myself.
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