A Blessing

30 April 2010


{via flickr}

Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is as delicate as the skin over a girl’s wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.

–James Wright

Pssst! Now you can check out all of your fave P&P poems in the “Previously” section.

Vintage beach engagement session + style board

30 April 2010

This is one of my favorite portrait sessions to date (about as good as this one, I’d say). The light… man, it’s incredible. As are the artists behind these images, the Luna Photo team (be sure to check out more from this session on their blog here!). Though I (sadly) don’t have any upcoming portrait sessions to speak of (and even if I did, I’m not sure I would be as brave as Sarah and Nick), I will hopefully have some upcoming beach trips.

Since Sarah’s getup is so fabulous, I thought it would be fun to put together a little style board based on her shoot. Here’s what I came up with:

Sarah’s suit is from Victoria’s Secret ($125) and is also available in black. Alas, even if I wanted to spend $100+ on a swim suit, VS is out of my size. That’s probably a good thing.

To get those crazy lashes, I suggest Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara ($24.50). Maybelline Great Lash ($6.50) also works well.

A similar version of Nick’s hat is available at Urban Outfitters ($28).

This next item is a poor stand-in for the shoot’s gorgeous, oversize (what looks like) vintage quilt, but in a pinch, it’ll do. From Robert Roller Rabbit, $60.

Now those heart sunglasses, I think I might need them. And trust: if I showed up to the beach in these, pretty sure not a single one of my friends would bat an eyelash. At $98 from Juicy Couture, however, they’re a little steep for my budget. I did also find this version from Urban Outfitters, ringing in at the much more palatable price of $10.

Last but not least, we have this picnic basket from Amazon ($25). I would pack it with hard-boiled eggs, strawberries, and brownies. What about you?

P.S. While we’re on the subject, does anyone have a favorite source for handmade quilts? That is, besides your grandmother’s attic? Although, if you’re willing to let me raid your grandmother’s attic, I’m game for that.