big, ole honkin' picture post

Don't blame me for the number of pictures in this post. Blame Ali. And Tracey.

During our adventure this summer, I shared a room with Ali and Tracey. Tracey was on the top bunk, I was on the bottom bunk,  and Ali was on a twin bed about 6 inches away from us. Our room was lovingly referred to as "Control Central" on more than one occasion. I can assure you that I was simply lumped into that description, being the playful, carefree, whimsical, laid-back, happy-go-lucky person that I am. 

I remember watching Tracey climb down and thinking "Holy crap! That's the Shutter Sisters girl."  And, looking at Ali while she was crashed out and wanting to poke her in the forehead to see if it was really Ali, the Life Artist - in the flesh.

Well, I developed terrible crushes on both of them and vowed to take more pictures and make books. Imperfectly. Damn it. 

When Ali started the Week in the Life Weekend Creative, well . . .  I couldn't resist. I read Tracey's awesome guest post "The Great Indoors" on shooting inside, and did it! 

I'm not sure how I'm going to get these suckers into books, but I am really loving the project. It's just a celebration of the ordinary and everyday. The joyful stuff.

Here's 9 of 29 photos. I'm going to try and do one week every quarter (or season), avoiding the big holidays. I figure that's already well documented . . . and too vulnerable to the whole "we look like we're having a good time, but I'm fixin' to kill somebody" thing.

I've created a new section on the blog called "week in the life project."  If you want to see the entire week and the photo stories, check it out on the left tool bar under "explore." 

 

Ali and Tracey - thanks for helping us remember to capture the wildly wonderful ordinary moments!  If you'd like to share some of your favorite "week in the life" snapshots (in words or pictures), I'd love to hear about them!

Comments

[Stacey D]

What an awesome idea! Each picture is fantastic with a great story and such meaning. This is such a wonderful way to really appreciate the joy in each day!

[Carolyn Rubenstein]

Such a wonderful post! I recently started reading your blog (and book) and am a bit addicted! I've been doing a week in the life project and it's been such fun to document the "ordinary." It makes you realize how much those ordinary moments mean.

Thank you for being such an incredible inspiration!

[jessica]

LOL nice title+. I am jealous that you met Ali in person. So cool! I just started the project this week myself and put up my own first post today. Feel free to check it out here..http://www.insearchofdessert.com/?p=659

i really like the idea of doing one a season. had not thought of that and i might just do it.

[jen lemen]

brene,
this is so great! and your photographs are rocking!! you go girl.
i have a natural aversion to all such projects, but you are making it look good.
i might succumb. :)
xo

[ELK]

thank you for sharing yourlife in pictures ~ it is fun to see

mine is a "life in an hour" walk I took with my right hand Sam:

http://www.redorgray.com/

[Renae C]

Beautiful shots, wonderful idea. Oh the shame. One of my projects this fall was to get back on top of my pictures. It is so bad that I really don't want to take anymore - and that's just sad. We haven't even uploaded the pictures from Disney off the camera onto the computer yet. Maybe you'll inspire me - something needs to!

[Aby]

I first came to your blog via an Ali post and became interested in your book. Then, last week, a friend sent me the link to your site because she read and loved your book...and she never really sends me things like this. It was just a random - "hey you might like this" kind of thing. I think I need your book. :)

I did the week in the life thing, too...but my soccer photos are way boring compared to yours. What a great shot.

Thanks for a great blog. I'll be back. :)

Aby

[Ali]

Go team go :).

[Joan]

Where can we get your bookmarks? Love them! joan

[carissa]

Oh yes... i LOVE this idea! A smile always finds my face when i am enjoying your blog!

each day this week... too far into the day... i realize oh i forgot... i was going to do "a DAY in the life"... figured i could handle that! you just reminded me how fun it can be... it is the simple things!

and your pictures ARE awesome... that "eye"... so there!

[carissa]

okay... just peeked at your "week in the life project"... SO great!
i SO want do this... thanks for the boost! :)

hAppY FridAy!!!!!!

[Nikki Lively]

I just discovered your blog! It's already made me cry tears of joy! I'm originally from Houston, but moved to Chicago to get my masters in social work. I work in Women's Mental Health, mostly with perinatal mood disorders. I plan on referring some of the women I work with to this blog! Next I have to read your book on shame! Looks awesome!!

[nyjlm]

I'm grinning so hard right now my eyes are all scrunched up in the corners. You are too stinking cute in the last picture, loooove the bookmarks, ooooh you really have the courage-compassion-connection sign!, just love them all.

[krista]

GREAT pictures! love it!

[teri]

I stumbled upon your blog from the Kind Living Blog. I started where I always start and read your story first. You had me at black Danskos and Reefs (My pair this year has bottle openers on them.I didn't know what they were until my much younger dentist pointed them out.) Anyway, I will be back.....

[WallaceAmanda26]

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