minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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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

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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