playing receptionist and bathroom photographer

the end of last week was epic. Thursday morning began with a commute to Grapevine for a few hours, then over to Richardson for a few more hours, then down to Austin to stay the night at the Ramada just off 35 (the same one we stayed at when I was shooting Fiesta, mom & lindabell). that Ramada has a great breakfast, fyi. I lazed around a little that morning then headed about 45 minutes northeast to Thrall, where a movie called Abel's Field is shooting. I was just a day player, playing a receptionist at the bank where the young male lead has come to try to get a loan. we had a really lovely little scene, and it was a good day. I then hopped back into my car and headed home, pulling into the driveway in Houston around 9p. here's me as The Best Receptionist Ever:

my hair was totally shellacked.

after trips like that, I generally just want to hibernate for awhile. we had a nice weekend, culminating with an encouraging Sunday. we were blessed to have 2 new families attend our small group, and I'm struck by how much of a shot in the arm that is. new blood. growth. welcoming and serving. last night, at our Wednesday gathering, one of those families was there as well as another woman with three children I'd not met before. I pray for the encouragement of more individuals and families at our church, more opportunities to serve and share the journey. mgb was sharing stories about the kids he gets to work with on Wednesday nights... some of them have experienced so much, and even though they may have no other family present they show up at our church and eat as much fruit, sandwiches, and veggie chips as they want. I know we're not the right fit for everyone and God plants people where He will, and I know we face challenges. but it's invigorating and I'm hopeful.

and now let's get on to photos of the magpie.

books are mostly stashed here, on the lower bookshelves, and in her room. she spends a lot of her day bringing them to us and plainly communicating that she would like you to read it to her, please.

like this.

asking teddy if he wants to talk on mama's phone:

sleepyface.

Daddy bought Magz her first set of crayons. behold:

before church:

shoehands!! (a favorite game of hers)

wearing the pretty necklace marmee gave her:

passed out in the car, looking ever so much like mgb.

this next series is titled 'Scenes from a Bathroom'

'talking' on the dental floss phone

yes, that's my headband she's using as a necklace.

hope everyone is having a good week. peace, my people.

-m.y.