Returning Home

(Post translated from by spanish blog: Regreso a casa.)

A few months ago I returned from Dominican Republic where I was on vacation. It’s difficult to describe what I feel towards my hometown. Although I miss it, it seems that as more time goes by, the more I distance myself from it. Maybe what I love is the memory of it, the high school and college years, the place it once was, the girl I was back then. 

As I left the airport with my parents, I had this strange feeling of not belonging, I was home and yet it didn’t feel like home. The city had changed since my last visit: on my way to my parent’s house I encountered a new highway, new cemetery, businesses and buildings that did not exist before. The city had grown, it seemed like another. I would’ve liked to roam the streets with my camera, return to the places I frequented once, reconcile my past with my present but I couldn’t get myself to do it. The sense of insecurity was stronger than the love I feel for this country. Perhaps I exaggerate and put much thought into it because of the violence I’ve heard of recently. It’s sad to know that I don’t feel the freedom and tranquility I did when I lived there as a teenager. Some people (like my mom) refuse to live afraid and don’t think much of the situation. And, yes, I get her point but it’s hard to accept these changes and when my heart is anchored to the past. 

Nowadays, when I’m in Santiago I enjoy it because my girls love it and are happy there. For them, it’s another world in which every day there is something new to be discovered and experienced, like pick mangoes from trees, play with chicks and fallen leaves, jump in puddles and watch their wet footprints magically appear on the cement, carry and chase my aunt’s dogs, jump over beach waves, help grandma take down clean laundry, eat breakfast outdoors and feed the parrot. Small and everyday things that is so much more appreciated after a long and brutal winter. 

Here, a few pics of our time there:

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Week 29: Sharing cookies.

"Portraits of my children every week, once a week, in 2014."

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Week 28: In the city.

"Portraits of my children once a week, every week, in 2014."

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Week 27: Eyelashes. 

"Portraits of my children once a week, every week, in 2014."

Fun day

"Today was a fun day!" Those were Stella's words as I started the car. We were about to head back home from the playground after a very long day. Several hours of our day were spent in that same car, driving around Manhattan, helping daddy out with work. Afterwards, we had a late lunch at an Italian restaurant where the girls ended up with pasta everywhere. I actually didn't mind the mess. In fact, I enjoyed watching them slurp spaghetti and untangle the long strings with their hands. They were so happy I could not help but watch and let them be. 

And so we went to the park. The idea was that I would have them accompany me while I played with my camera and the light, try to get as I could from the evening sun. Yeah.. that lasted about five minutes when I had to change plans and take them to the playground because my littlest was not in the mood for photos and the oldest wanted to be over with it as soon as possible. 

I managed to take a few pictures:

While at the playground, my little one yelled several times: "I'm brave", as she insisted on climbing a latter on her own. She refused to be held and so I stood behind her, every single time, ready in case she needed me. It's amazing how much she's grown, changed and learned in the past six months. Watching her, I was one proud mama.

If motherhood has taught me anything, it is that you can never really plan things. I mean, you can try (and you should otherwise there's no way of getting things done) but it's easier to expect them to change and just go with it. Sometimes it turns out for the best.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge / Make a Splash!

Decided to join the fun and submit a photo for this challenge. This image came to mind as soon as I  read the theme. It's one of my favorite summer photos ever... The scraped elbow, the wet clothes, the warm sunlight and green grass. So much to love! 

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Week 26: Watermelon. Bubbles.

"Portraits of my children once a week, every week, in 2014."