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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

November 19, 2012

A Love Letter for 13 Years

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13 Year Anniversary Wedding Picture

There was a time in my life where I wrote prolific love letters… deep and meaningful words spoken from the heart. Then, after a failed first marriage, I came face to face with a box of letters I had written. Each page, raw, real and vulnerable, laid out there to remind me how exposed I had let my heart become through words. I can remember so clearly, sitting on the floor of my bedroom, reading each letter, sobbing at what was and what would never be again and feeling nakedly exposed and so vulnerable.

I was young…really young and was convinced any vision of a happily married life was over. I remember crying to my sister the first time I had to put a check mark on a form asking whether I was “married, divorced or widowed”.  23 and already divorced. Who would want me now?

Thankfully, God had very specific plans for me… the first marriage, the divorce… those and every relationship I had even prior to that led me to the man I ended up marrying 13 years ago today. And you know what? Despite the hurt and heartache each relationship yielded, I would gladly do it all over again if it led me to the man I am now married to. For, because of him, I am eternally blessed.

Photo courtesy of my talented friend, Jennifer of Jennifer Mullinax Photography.

So, to my husband, who has never received a love letter from me, but deserves a box full, I want you and the world to know that I love you more than words can say. You are the answer to my prayers, and each and every day I am extremely thankful that you chose me to be your bride. I love the life we have together… it has not always been rosy, but even through our darkest times, I know that we are meant to be together and that our love is as real as it comes.

Marriage is full of peaks and valleys, I now know that. I’m glad you are there to hold me during both.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness and most of all for being my best friend.

I am ever grateful to have you as my partner in this life. Happy 13th Anniversary!

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Filed Under: Family, Previous Tagged With: 13 years, divorce, life, love, marriage, wedding anniversary

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alysa (InspiredRD) says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful story you are living.

    P.S. Leila saw your wedding pic and gasped, “Oh Mom, she is SO pretty!”

  2. Kathryn says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:11 am

    Happy anniversary, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and it sounds like the relationship you have with your husband is so strong and true. I wish you many, many more happy years together.

  3. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Happy Anniversary my friend! You are a huge inspiration – personally and professionally. We just celebrated our 7th Anniversary and I know it isn’t always roses and butterflies. Congrats on a huge milestone!

  4. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:13 am

    You’re both such lovely people, inside and out. Happy for you!!

  5. Amy Tong says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Happy anniversary! That’s the sweetest love letter. 🙂 I am happy for you that your prayer is answered! You two look wonderful and beautiful together. Wish you many many more 13 years to come.

  6. Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Happy Anniversary, Nick & Kristen! I could have written something similar.. a great heartbreak led me to James, and I’d have never met him if it weren’t for that first heartbreak – literally! They were friends!

    I’m so glad for you both, and for your kids, that you hold the love you share so preciously. It makes all the difference.

  7. Michelle @ Taste As You Go says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Happy Anniversary, Kristen! Here’s to the next 13 years for you and Nick 🙂

  8. Liz says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Totally brought a tear to my eye (okay, so I blew snot!) happy anniversary!!!

  9. Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Happy Anniversary. What a sweet love note to your husband!

  10. Shanna says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:37 am

    This is beautiful, Kristen. It is so good to take the time and thought to articulate love to our spouses and to do it publicly, too. Happy anniversary to you and your husband — may God give you many more to come. : )

  11. Rachel Cooks says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Aww, I love this! God sure does work in mysterious ways. Glad you found your true love. Happy Anniversary!!!

  12. Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:51 am

    What a sweet post. My son is going through a rough end to a very short marriage. I hope he finds that perfect someone too.

  13. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Such a sweet post and photos Kristen. Happy Anniversary.
    I got to believe everything happens for a reason and no matter what we do we can’t make is come faster or skip it.

  14. Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:01 am

    This is such a beautiful post. 🙂 Congratulations on your happy years together, and best wishes for many more!

  15. Melissa says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Congrats! Happy anniversary!!

  16. Chelsea {Whatcha Makin' Now?} says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Such a sweet post and a great picture of you and your man. Happy Anniversary!!

  17. TidyMom says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:11 am

    such a beautiful post Kristen! and I love the picture of the 2 of you – I want a good one of me and Steve

  18. Kim says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Love the honesty. thanks for sharing. being real and investing in relationships is what it is all about. praise God for his perfect plan.

  19. Paula says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:16 am

    Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful love letter to your husband. You make a beautiful couple and best wishes for many more years of happiness together.

    Life often takes on down roads that we sometimes feel we would have rather not had to travel. However, inevitably, they always lead us, through the hills and valleys, the light and darkness to exactly where we were meant to be.

  20. Bev @ Bev Cooks says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:40 am

    You guys look THE EXACT same. Congraaats!

  21. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:48 am

    What a sweet sentiment to share…and a very Happy Anniversary to both of you.

  22. Linda | The Urban Mrs says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:54 am

    This is so sweet – I’m sure you’re truly blessed. Happy anniversary and cheers to the journey of happiness and endless love.

  23. Heather says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    What a beautifully written post. Although I have always known it, I have begun to truly believe, that everything absolutely happens for a reason. The ups, the downs, the good and the bad–God has a plan and everything is apart of it. I hope you have a wonderful anniversary and here is to many, many, many more! 🙂

  24. Rachel {Studio Cuisine} says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    Beautiful post, Happy Anniversary!

  25. Johnna says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    What a beautiful post! Happy anniversary to both of you!

  26. Gina says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Oh how very touching Kristen!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your new photo- beautiful.

  27. The Husband says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    I love you.

  28. Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says

    November 19, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    Very sweet…Happy Anniversary to the both of you!

  29. Ali | Gimme Some Oven says

    November 19, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Ahh – totally made me tear up on my lunchbreak. (And definitely when I saw his comment above.)

    I love this, and love how you share your heart. He’s a lucky guy to have you by his side. Wishing you both many more years of joy ahead!

  30. Kim - Liv Life says

    November 19, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    So beautiful! I’m so happy for the both of you… a very Happy Anniversary!!

  31. Kelly M says

    November 19, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Such sweet words from the heart. Things DO happen for a reason!

  32. Sarah W. Caron says

    November 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    I really, truly believe everything happens for a reason — even the heartbreaks. Beautiful post. Happy anniversary!!!

  33. Stacy Rethlake says

    November 19, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    I think sometimes actions are just as great as kind words. To one of the most wonderful, heartfelt, genuine couples I know. Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness. Best wishes!

  34. Amber (Sprinkled With Flour) says

    November 19, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    Happy Anniversary!! Such a sweet post, your husband definitely is a lucky guy. 🙂

  35. bridget {bake at 350} says

    November 19, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    So sweet, Kristen! Wishing you guys a very, very happy anniversary! ♥ Love the pictures!

  36. The Teacher Cooks says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    What a sweet post. Happy anniversary!

  37. Stacey says

    November 19, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    Happy Anniversary, what a lovely post!! May you always cherish one another.

  38. Pat Wogan says

    November 19, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    When you think back about it, the heartache you went through made you more able to appreciate Nick. When you think back about it, the “coincidence” of Peggy was of God’s making. When you think back about it, you realize that Nick was the best thing that ever happened to you! Dad and I shared your heartache and we shared your joy. Remember your list of things you made up. If I remember, Nick had all the qualities on that list…which included things like “likes Chinese food”…but 2. He wasn’t older than you and I don’t remember the other one. I thank God for bringing Nick into your life! Nick is a great guy and a wonderful husband and father. You are truly blessed!

  39. Pat Wogan says

    November 19, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    BTW, Nick is also blessed to have found you. Happy Anniversary to both of you!

  40. Nancy Wyatt says

    November 19, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    What a gorgeous couple you two make! Love how I can truly feel just how much you love him through your words here and in other blog posts. Happy Anniversary my friend!! You were a beautiful bride then and now! Hugs from Conroe, TX

  41. Susan Licht Salzman says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Lovely! You are blessed!

  42. Susan Licht Salzman says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Lovely! You are blessed!

  43. Marian (Sweetopia) says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    Sniff. I loved this post. Thank you for sharing, Kristen. Happy anniversary! xo

  44. Laurie Nestler Williams says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Happy Anniversary to two wonderful people! This is an absolutely beautiful love letter which reminded me how lucky I am to have gotten to know you both. But it also made me stop to think how blessed I am in my life and marriage as well! Celebrate your special day today and here’s to many more years of love and friendship ahead – Cheers!

  45. Laurie Nestler Williams says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Happy Anniversary to two wonderful people! This is an absolutely beautiful love letter which reminded me how lucky I am to have gotten to know you both. But it also made me stop to think how blessed I am in my life and marriage as well! Celebrate your special day today and here’s to many more years of love and friendship ahead – Cheers!

  46. Kathy Essmiller says

    November 19, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    Salads, mom. That was the other thing. He didn’t love salads. But it seems to be working anyway..:-) Happy Anniversary! And great pic!

  47. Eat 2gather says

    November 19, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Elephant tears, snot flowing. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Anniversary! {hugs}

  48. Eat 2gather says

    November 19, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Elephant tears, snot flowing. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Anniversary! {hugs}

  49. Julie says

    November 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Happy Anniversary!!! This may be one those times you could use the expression everything happens for a reason.

  50. Kristi C. (@lov2read68) says

    November 19, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    Happy Anniversary Kristen! Isn’t it amazing how God’s plans work out? It’s usually not in the way or the timeframe that we want or expect. Wishing you many more years to come!

  51. Les in NE says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    Despite the hurt and heartache each relationship yielded, I would gladly do it all over again if it led me to the man I am now married to. For, because of him, I am eternally blessed.

    This is my story, too. Married at 19 (no, I wasn’t pregnant!) to my boyfriend of 3 years. Became a mother at 22. Divorced at 23. Remarried to the love of my life and we just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. Twu wuv! 🙂

    Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Here’s to many, many more years of love & laughter.

  52. Jackie Clayton Davis says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Happy, happy anniversary. God has a plan. You both are so blessed to have found each other and created this wonderful family together. Enjoy!

  53. Jackie Clayton Davis says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Happy, happy anniversary. God has a plan. You both are so blessed to have found each other and created this wonderful family together. Enjoy!

  54. Jackie Clayton Davis says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Beautiful pictures too!

  55. Angie Jerde says

    November 19, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Wow, what an honest and amazing post. I too had a short lived first marriage, so I can completely relate. God did have a plan for you as well as for me. I will celebrate my 13 year anniversary in a few short months. Many many blessings to you and your family.

  56. Maureen says

    November 19, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Happy Anniversary to you and Nick!

  57. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm

    Happy anniversary to you and your hunny! Your photos then and now just speak so deeply to the love you have for one another – it just radiates.

  58. Christy Robinson Davis says

    November 20, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!

    http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com

  59. Christy Robinson Davis says

    November 20, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!

    http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com

  60. Christy Robinson Davis says

    November 20, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!

    http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com

  61. Emily {Pink Tiger in the Kitchen} says

    November 20, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Happy anniversary to you and your husband!! I just have to say this was about the most amazing post ever. Nearly brought me to tears.

    Here’s to many many many more years of happiness to you, your husband and your family!!

  62. Heather @ Heather's Dish says

    November 20, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    God works in all things – what bigger blessing than a heart and a marriage like y’all’s that honors Him? It’s beautiful to see God moving 🙂

  63. Cassie | Bake Your Day says

    November 20, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    This is the best love letter someone could ask for. I love it! Hope you guys had a happy anniversary!

  64. Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says

    November 20, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    Happy Anniversary, my sweet, beautiful friend! Love you!

  65. wintersundays says

    November 20, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    How beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing such simple and honest words from your heart. Happy Anniversary!

  66. Denise says

    November 20, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you both (a day late). Love works in mysterious ways. I, too, have been in the shoes you walked. All those broken hearts were lessons and the path to the man I love and can call my partner. I believe if there were not dark moments, we would not grow. One cannot live alone pink colored clouds!

  67. Denise says

    November 20, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you both (a day late). Love works in mysterious ways. I, too, have been in the shoes you walked. All those broken hearts were lessons and the path to the man I love and can call my partner. I believe if there were not dark moments, we would not grow. One cannot live alone pink colored clouds!

  68. Danijela says

    November 21, 2012 at 6:13 am

    How beautiful. Happy Anniversary! 🙂

  69. Naomi says

    November 21, 2012 at 8:20 am

    You two are amazingly beautiful — on the outside AND on the inside.

  70. fabiola@notjustbaked says

    November 21, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    This is beautiful. I have teary eyes, happy teary eyes. I love those tears. You two look perfect together and I am so happy you found your joy with him. And thank you for your honesty and love letter. So awesome!

  71. Bob says

    November 22, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Fabulous, happy anniversary to you!

  72. Ashley says

    November 23, 2012 at 8:18 am

    I’m late to the party, but I just have to say how much I love this — and how much I love your wedding look. It was timeless. I’ve been married a year and I hope I can say the same thing when I look back in another 12. 🙂

  73. Ashley says

    November 23, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Just wanted to say how much I love this post and how much I love your wedding look. It was timeless. I don’t think anyone would ever look at this photo and say, “Oh, that was 1999.”
    I hope that in 2024, no one looks at our photos and goes, “Oh, that was 2011.”
    Happy anniversary!

  74. JulieD says

    November 27, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Time got away from me and I have been meaning to wish you a wonderful anniversary!! You’re a beautiful person and I’m thankful you’re my friend!

  75. Eva says

    November 30, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Just teared up reading this. What a beautiful and honest post, wonderfully well-written. Congratulations to you and your husband for so many happy years together.

  76. Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says

    October 8, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    Happy anniversary! What a touching letter. I think that any of us who have gone through deeply heartbreaking breakups wonder what the heck God was thinking…but He always has a plan for us that is far greater than any we could piece together for ourselves. God continue to bless you and your husband (He already has!). xoxo

    • Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says

      October 8, 2013 at 11:51 pm

      Damn. I just noticed the date on this post (it was just shared in my FB feed today, so I assumed it was new). HA. *rolling eyes*

  77. Kristy says

    October 9, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Such a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary!

  78. Linda says

    December 1, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    Congratulations lovely pis

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Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

#pinkflowers🌸 #happyday💕 #touchingbase #spreadhappiness #thursdaytherapy #lifecoachforwomen #springflowersmakemehappy
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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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