minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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Morning Light, Thanksgiving, and Other Things

I have a new appreciation for Friday mornings.  It’s such a beautiful, albeit cold, morning and I am so thankful to be home in my warm house. I know it was just a couple of weeks ago that I was lamenting about how quiet the house is when I’m here alone, but I finally got a grip on my empty-nest ... read more

Filed Under: holidays, life 2 Comments

Room to Grow

A few weeks ago when I was planting pansies, I had 5 little plants leftover.  I stuck them in this pot by my back door, but there weren’t really enough of them to make the pot look full and lush like I like.  I told myself that I would run by Ted & Debbie’s later that week to get cabbage and ... read more

Filed Under: gardening, life 5 Comments

What Do They Know?

They said not to expect much color from the leaves this year… …what do they know? "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus Peace, Kelly ... read more

Filed Under: life 2 Comments

My Weekend Was a Real Treat

I am writing this blog post from the relative safety of my upstairs bedroom, sitting in the queenie chair with my dogs huddled next to me, to escape the throngs of angry trick-or-treaters who came to my house expecting candy but instead got a note on the door that says, “So Sorry – No More Candy.”  ... read more

Filed Under: family, life 5 Comments

Putzing, Piddling, and Puttering – The Best Day Ever

After two of the most stressful, exhausting weeks at work, today was a dream come true.  When I called Tripp at work this afternoon, the first thing he asked me was, “Have you been piddling?” to which I boldly proclaimed, “Yes. I. Have.” Merriam-Webster defines piddling as “PUTTER, TINKER; to move ... read more

Filed Under: family, life 1 Comment

When Work and Blogs Collide

I take full responsibility.  I spent the better part of my PTO in a complete empty-nest meltdown.  For two days I whined and bawled about how aimless I’ve been and how quiet and empty my house feels in the afternoon.  I practically double-dog-dared the universe to make a complete fool of me. Me- ... read more

Filed Under: life 2 Comments

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My New Photography Class Is Here!

Here’s where you can find me on the web

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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!

Learning to See Photography Series

December Daily® 2023


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Regular Contributor to Focusing on Life.

Story Teller for Ali Edwards Design Team

Currently Teaching at Big Picture Classes.

My Portfolio - Kelly Ishmael Photography

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