Calm of fresh snow

Fresh Snow by Lucky Candice Photography

"Sunshine cannot bleach the snow, nor time unmake what poets know."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Holiday Spirit

Lanterns of Temple Square by Lucky Candice

For whatever reason, I've been feeling the holiday spirit this year.  I'm loving the holiday music, the shopping, the treats - it's not my usual bah humbug.  Last night I went with friends down to Temple Square in Salt Lake.  They basically coat the entire place with millions of lights.  We were there at 6 p.m. as the lights popped on in the entire square.  It was seriously magical.  Above the temple and the square the sidewalks are lined with these paper lanterns.  Each has a holiday wish on it or Merry Christmas in another language.  It was one of my favorite things of the evening.

The Temple Door

Golden Doorknobs by Lucky Candice (they say Holiness to the Lord)

Taken of the East Doors at the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

When the topic of portals came up, my mind immediately jumped to this photo above.  I have been thinking about whether or not to post it for the past several days.  I am shy about religion and my beliefs when they're posted on a blog or written as a status in Facebook.  As a society we're cynical.  And especially cynical (and somewhat scared) of those who mention Jesus in conversation or talk about the Holy Spirit or want to talk religion at all.  People of all religious groups who are devout believers have learned over time to bite their tongues when it comes to the issue.  Because it seems, and maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like no one wants to hear it.  And I also get the sense that if I personally open up about it, there are many who will turn away because of it.  Especially being Mormon.  And so I bite my tongue.

But I am feeling lately, that I am done with that.  I am Mormon and I am a believer.  I am also a lover of all persons and I am a photographer. 

This photo represents to me, an important and sacred place that I love.  Enjoy!

Simplicity

My favorite photos of my little ones

are the simplest.

My 2-year-old in her yellow dress and a purple flower

in her hair.

My son giving me his "mean face."

My child showing me their favorite shell

at the beach.

And this one.  My sick girl, laying down on our blanket

at the park.  Catching some fresh air.

Lemon Tree

It's spring for our Lemon Tree. We bring it inside when the weather turns chilly and it almost immediately begins to bloom. Within a few weeks the entire tree is filled with flowers and small tiny lemons. By next Spring we pick the lemons and put the lemon tree back out on the patio where we anxiously wait for Fall and new blossoms.

Lucky Candice

http://luckycandice.blogspot.com