water lapping up against the rocky
shoreline, murmuring and rippling in a
song of old, whispering stories that
one must lean in closely to catch snippets
as the light breaks through the slate cotton clouds
speckling the sky with azure patches.
the landscape beckons quiet listening:
to the northeast wind and twittering birds
and the gentle splish splash of the lake-shore.
(c) carlotta cisternas

It's spring break, which calls for wonderful spring break-y things like going to the lake on a Wednesday morning. Under a mass of foggy clouds, the lake shore was rimmed in shades of green as the water slipped and slid smoothly over the rocks. I alternated between hiding out in the car, to warm up my chilled fingers, and sitting by the deserted lake, writing with the wind whipping my face. Later, the sun came out and the sky cleared--I soaked up the warmth and laughed until I was left gasping for breath.

Can't it always be spring break?
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ps I joined the cool cats and made a tumblr. I know, I know, but I'm happily eating my I-swear-I'll-never-get-one words. check it out? carlottacisternas.tumblr.com

Early mornings in our house are quietly peaceful. The smell of breakfast wafts lazy from room to room as the eastern sun paints shadows on the floors. More often than not, I hit the snooze button one more time to catch a few more minutes of sleep, but sometimes I slip out in the dawn with a blanket and my journal. The cat usually comes running, intertwining herself around my legs and licking her fur lazily in the sunlight, pink tongue darting in and out.
Early mornings are such a sacred time to me. I like having a whole day ahead to fill and making each moment count. It lends itself to get up a bit earlier to steal a few moments for myself and to avoid the rush. Take a little extra time choosing an outfit, embracing the sunrise, sipping your coffee slowly. It's worth it, promise.

What do mornings look like for you?

There are only a few short days left of this month, and I'm left with a satisfying feeling. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly made is so special, but this was such a good month. I was finally able to get out of the doldrums of a winter slump, at least creativity-wise, and the amount of sunshine and excursions did me a world of good. I successfully made it into the fourth quarter of school (already! cannot believe it) and I'm now filled with hope and excitement for the next season in my life.

Like Ellie, who focused her photos on two of her six siblings, this series mainly chronicles Lilly's March. All of a sudden she's grown up on us--it's bittersweet time...it's so fun to see, but it makes me sad that she's getting so big so quickly. I love that tree-climbing, nutella loving, toothless independent spirit that is my sister.

March, you've been good. I can't wait to see what April brings. Be sure to visit Ellie and check out her everyday moments!

How was your month?
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ps I (finally) read the first hunger games book. can't remember the last time I finished a book in less than twenty four hours. and these emotions I'm feeling...oh my gosh, it was intense. but so good.

You have to look closely for their personalities, but they're there, no matter how subtle they may be. Summer is a blonde bombshell, perfectly tan and toned, with a flashing white smile. Autumn is a man, quiet and mild-mannered, with a hint of boldness peeking through now and then. Winter is an ice queen, beautiful but harsh and unpredictable. And then there's spring, the innocent younger sister of Summer, a young girl with a wonder for the world. Her cheeks are delicately blushed and her slim figure is draped in a flowy dress as she flits across grass strewn with the petals of fallen blossoms.

(raw honey courtesy of our beekeeper friends)

At the moment, Spring is quickly growing into womanhood. It's becoming warmer by the day, leading to the long, hot season that's sure to come. The nights are no longer cold--last night we stood in the backyard watching Jupiter and Venus run their courses in the sky, while the sweet breeze ruffled our hair and slipped across our skin. My freckles have returned and a tan is beginning to spread across my arms. Eating outdoors is a daily occasion now, and trips to the river happen at least bi-weekly.

Plans for the summer are advancing (that are ridiculously exciting, I must say) and the anticipation mounts, but Spring will grow out of her girlhood all too soon. I shouldn't miss what's left of it.






Happy Tuesday!