minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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Staying Alive

I’m starting off my week with a little dahlia love. ? These are all new dahlias that I bought and planted earlier this year since the big arctic blast killed all the tubers that I had left to over-winter in the ground. I had high hopes for lots and lots of big, showy blooms, but like everything ... read more

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The Migrating Monarchs

The migrating monarchs have made their way to my neck of the woods and I have seen them fluttering all over town and even in my hanging out in my backyard. But my favorite place to watch these magical little creatures at the Gathering Place.  They hang out at the north end of the park, near ... read more

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DIY Dried Flower Wreath

There is something about the change of seasons that always puts me in a crafty mood and a making this dried flower wreath checked all my favorite crafty boxes. Which in case you are curious always includes anything to do with flowers and hot glue/florist wire. Anyway, I love how it turned out so ... read more

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This Summer

This summer I worked in the yard and tended to my garden flowers. As always, gardening is a place to work with my hands and get out of my head. It's a labor of love and source of so much happiness. This summer Tripp and I moved out of our Kansas City apartment. After three years of commuting ... read more

Filed Under: life 2 Comments

After the Wedding

I’m still trying to put into words how incredibly special it was to witness Kelsey and Alex getting married Saturday night. The problem is that words like wonderful, amazing, incredible - they just don’t convey the love and joy that was present there for these two beautiful souls and cherished human ... read more

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Kelsey + Alex

I first met my future son-in-law in the spring of 2017. Kelsey and Alex had been dating for a couple of months and she asked if Tripp and I would like to meet them for dinner at Mi Cocina. Sitting down together over Mambo Taxi’s and bowl of queso, we got to know each a little better. And instead of ... read more

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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® 2021

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

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spe “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” ~Annie Dillard

How do I spend my days? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately, and I got some answers last week participating in Week in the Life. There was desk work and house work. There was also a lot of time tending to my people, pets, and plants. All that was reflected in the photos that I shared.

What you didn’t see in the photos - what I didn’t capture and share - was the time I spent looking at my phone. Some of it was intentional. Most of it was aimless, mindless scrolling on Instagram. It got me to thinking, if this was a part of how I spend my days, then it’s also a part of how I will spend my life. And the question I’m asking myself now is, is this what I want for my life.

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with Instagram. I love the special connections and true friendships I have made with like-minded creatives. I love getting know you and your families through your photos and projects and stories. I love being inspired and learning new things. 

I hate that I see less of that now and more of what Instagram thinks I need to see. I hate having my habits and interests mined and my mind intentionally manipulated by an algorithm whose only function is to keep my attention and direct my spending. I hate the divisiveness and conflict that social media naturally invites and cultivates.

Is this how I want to spend my life?

Today the answer is no.

I need some space and perspective so I have decided to take an extended break from Instagram. I want to get back to place of creating more than I am consuming. I want to be present and connected to my family and friends. I want to spend my days in a way that cultivates the inspired and intentional life that I am trying to live.

I am forever grateful to you for your kind words and encouragement.

Love, Kelly

#gatheredstyle #foreverfaffing #loveliest4 #astilllifestyle #floral_faffery #still_life_gallery #tv_stillife #jj_still_life #tv_living #global_ladies #transfer_visions #tv_neatly #tv_flowers #tv_retro #etherealmoods #moody_tones #moodforfloral #moodyflorals #curated_nature #ihavethisthingwithflowers
Sunday in Photos 📷 I’m wrapping up my Week i Sunday in Photos 📷

I’m wrapping up my Week in the Life™ photography with scenes from a very ordinary day at home with Tripp. Looking back at the week, it was a nice change to turn my lens towards home and family and capture little details of this season of our life together.

As always, thank you for letting me share my photos and my stories with you.

#craftthestory #witl #aewitl #aewitl2022 #weekinthelife2022 #aeatrest
Saturday in Photos 📷 When the conflict and cha Saturday in Photos 📷

When the conflict and chaos and noise of the world get too loud and too heavy, I find sanctuary in my home and yard. On Saturday, I found some quiet in my head and comfort for my soul in simple tasks around the house.

#craftthestory #witl #aewitl #aewitl2022 #weekinthelife2022 #aeatplay
Friday in Photos 📷 I took a break from posting Friday in Photos 📷

I took a break from posting over the weekend, so today I’m catching up with my Week in the Life™ photos. Friday was a very full day and I spent most of at my desk which is reflected in the smaller number of photos I took. But that’s OK because in a way, that also tells the story of the day.

On the documenting side, I’ve been filling in my Week in the Life™ journal and I have some ideas for including the photos and other stories from the days. I’m looking forward to putting those pieces together in the next week or two.

#craftthestory #witl #aewitl #aewitl2022 #weekinthelife2022 #aethismess
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