It’s dark and cool tonight after a gorgeous rain that soaked deep into our parched soil. The air smells delectably clean and fresh and frogs are croaking happily outside my office window.
It’s long past my bedtime, but I don’t mind. It’s the last day of my 30’s and I feel quiet and thoughtful, happy to indulge in some quiet moments to settle my heart and embrace this next big adventure: turning 40.
I feel deeply thankful to be in this place, this time in my life. Not because things are idyllic and stress-free, far from it, but because I’m handling things so much better. I love sitting back and observing my stronger self, getting little chuckles of pride when I don’t crumple before a bully or have my health shatter at the first hint of stress. It’s a lovely, amazing thing to grow, heal, and strengthen, to feel courage and self-confidence instead of crippling fear and self-doubt.
A few months ago I decided that I was going to do something brave and creative before my 40th birthday, something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl: publish my own book.
Although I’m thrilled with the history book I was commissioned to write, and can’t wait to share it with you in a month or so, I really wanted to make a book that was all mine, my words, my photographs, a sharing of something precious to me.
So, bit by bit over the last months, an hour here, a few snatched minutes there, I’ve been working on a black and white photography book about Italy. Although I initially thought I’d write words to go with it, the photos took over and it became a book more about inspiration and reflection than words. I finished up the last edits today and am delighted to be able to share it with you on the eve of my 40th birthday.
These are not images of famous buildings, fashionistas, or posh restaurants, they’re moments of daily life. From laundry blowing in the wind and a farmhouse breakfast to surprising works of art and treasured moments in Italian homes, these are the photos that I love: quiet, simple, reflective. (You can see a little preview below.)
Such a beautiful life Krista;-)
Feeling very thankful, dear Val. XO
Krista how wonderful and what an inspiring way to celebrate your 40th…….beautiful images and yes each one does hold it’s own.
Just shared and will keep sharing xx
Happy Birthday to you, Hippo Birdie two Ewe xx
Thank you so very, very much, @renovatingitaly:disqus 🙂 I loved your birthday expression – so beautifully Aussie. 🙂 XOXO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely lady. Wow!! That book looks amazing. Italy in black and white (how I always imagine Italian Riviera-chic). I love the idea of photos of everyday life also.
I am off to follow the links 😉
Hope you have a lovely day with Bear, and here’s to the next chapter of your life (the best part 😉 xx
“Italian Riviera-chic” – I love that, @vannessaluxuria:disqus 🙂 The next chapter IS the best part – thank you for that. XOXO
Congratulations and happy 40th… big hugs to you on this special day xox
Thank you so much for the hugs, @liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂
Happy Birthday! What a lovely book… a gift to yourself and all of us.
Thank you, Andrea! I’m so glad you like it. 🙂
Wow your photos are truly stunning! So glad I found your blog 🙂 Happy bday, Chelsea @ http://www.ameriaus.com xx
I’m glad you found it too, Chelsea. Thank you! 🙂
So proud of you for making this happen, you truly are such an inspiration to me with how you face life and make things happen. The good kind of things- like quiet moments to reflect. Happy, happy birthday dear one. XO
Thank you so very much, dearest @breannemosher:disqus I’m so glad we have each other in this crazy old world. XO
Happy birthday Krista! I hope you have a wonderful day x
Thank you, @nancyplusatesix:disqus 🙂
Happy Birthday, dearest Krista! Massive congratulations on fulfilling your heart’s desire. The photo previews are simply gorgeous, creating a mood that is fully evocative of a beautiful time and place. Thank you for sharing that with us. I hope your day was made special by those around you. XX
I’m so glad you like them, dear @Jacqueline_at_Bliss:disqus XO My actual day was marred by illness, but this weekend was truly lovely. 🙂
Did I tell you lately just how awesome I think you are Krista?! Seriously girl…. You inspire me the way you approach life and do all the amazing things. I Think You Rock. 🙂
Happy HAPPY happy Birthday lovely one. 🙂
Oh @disqus_o9c9vkchcC:disqus , you always know just what to say to put a huge smile on my face. XO Thank you, luv!
Happy 40th birthday to you, Krista, and what a great idea to celebrate / commemorate it with your very own photography book. Not surprised your photos took over the words. 🙂
Julia
It just felt right, @turkeysforlife:disqus , and I’m so glad I did it. 🙂
Happy 40th birthday. I hope you’ve been having a lovely day Krista 🙂 xx
Thanks so much, @wanderingsheila:disqus xo
what a great birthday present to yourself! Birthday blessings Krista 🙂
It really did make my day, @tandysinclair:disqus 🙂 A beautiful way to start this new decade. 🙂
Happy Birthday and that’s a lovely collection of photos that tell a story.
I’m so glad you like them, @OrgasmicChef:disqus 🙂
oh my! this is very exciting and gorgeous! i’m going to come back and look again. (i’m supposed to be cooking – it’s thanksgiving!) HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY SELLING! These fotos are stunning. xoxo
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
Thank you SO much, dear Claudia!! 🙂 You made me grin today. 🙂
Happy happy birthday Krista, sounds like an amazing book! hope your day was special xox
Thanks muchly, @karin_stienemeier:disqus 🙂 xo
Happy birthday! The book preview is beautiful – I look forward to getting the real thing!
I’m delighted that you like it too, @rachelfriesen:disqus 🙂 I hope you love it in person just as much. xo
Just getting caught up with my favorites. . .so by now you are 40! I am certain it will be one of your happiest decades. Your courage to tackle a book – books! – is most inspiring. So glad I have you among my blogosphere friends!
I’m so glad you’re my friend too, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂 You’re such a bright, encouraging light in my life. 🙂
Happy birthday dear Krista!
Thank you, Tracy! And thanks for the hilarious Thanksgiving story you sent me. 🙂
Congratulations Krista on both finishing your book and turning 49. I am sure you will have celebrated your birthday by now , so I hope you and Bear had a wonderful time. your book look absolutely wonderful.
Thank you, @taniamykitchenstoriescomau:disqus 🙂 I definitely have some treasured moments from our celebrating. 🙂
You timed it perfectly, Krista! An achievement just as your turned on to another chapter of your life. Happy for you! Congratulations on the book. Will have a look at it 😉
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Happy Birthday Krista! Welcome to a new decade in your life (I just turned fifty). You have so many great thing shappening in your life.
Happy Birthday sweet Krista!! I LOVED my 40’s… well, I’m still there for another 3/4 of a year, but so far they have been the best decade ever. Wishing you the same!! And congratulations on your book… that’s the kind of book I love.
A belated but sincere Happy Birthday wish to you. I’m sure Bear made sure that your celebration was lovely. Enjoy each and every day of your next decade…I believe that you will make the most of them.
Always and forever filling my heart and soul with joy. You’re beautiful. Hugs xxx Best years are here!