A word so dear to me, first read about in Finding Adam by Martha Beck, where she explains it as follows: "'Natsukashii' is a Japanese word that described exactly what I was feeling: a wistful sense of longing, an appreciation for beauty laced with sadness at its transience..."

Also defined by a now-obsolete blog called Wanderings and Wonderings, a definition I really like as well:
"Natsukashii is one of those Japanese words that is quite difficult to render into English; poignant might be a close approximation. It signifies the tinge of sadness that comes with the reminder of/remembering familiar things. Maybe a place that was once significant and not longer is, but nevertheless, still holds emotional appeal." 

For me, "natsukashii" is that feeling of achy joy at anything I treasure that is fleeting, or anything dear to me that has already passed into the past. I believe I am an avid memory-keeper, via journaling, taking photos, blogging, etc., so I can attempt to hang onto these treasured moments and feelings, even just a little... though these photographs and words I create are often the source of all natsukashii for me. And that's okay. It's a beautiful feeling, even when it aches.

Larkin: Nine Months Old

 (No, no, sweet baby: it's not SIX, it's NINE months... Much as I wish I could slow time, you have made it to NINE months old.)

 That's closer.... Now maybe turn that number to face me, and we'll have it! 

 Close enough. Chewed and damp and mangled... But it's a NINE now. Ha! 

Larkin Clementine: Farm Chic

As I was snapping photos for Larkin's 9-month update, I was so enchanted with her cute new denim dress that I didn't want to stop shooting. She was just so fresh and sweet, and she kind of looked like a country girl or a farm maid. 

AHA! 

Sudden brainstorm and two minutes gathering a few props and VOILA-- we kept shooting, this time out by the red shed in our backyard... 

Just a few minutes more of keeping this busy girl in one place, and I have new favorite photos of my girl. I'm gonna need to order a print of one of these immediately. That hard part will be choosing just which one. ♥

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The rooster is from IKEA, the mini egg basket was an impulse buy from Vintage Market Days last fall, and the eggs were freshly hard-boiled the day before. The headband is one of her many ones from aliexpress.com, and the dress is a darling Carter's dress I bought from a friend who had never used it with her own daughter, so it still had tags on. I am SO IN LOVE with it. And with this baby of mine. 

Her nine-month photos with her birdie quilt are coming up next. Happy new week to everyone! May your June vibe be a calm and relaxed one, and may our summertime feel easy(ish.) Ha!