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The rain is falling and I am thinking. Thinking about how fast we built a new life. We are returning to South Africa tomorrow, for two short weeks. The last time I was there I was leaving a life behind. A life I loved. A good, sure, certain space… but no longer mine to occupy….
It’s harvest time here in Burundi and we decided to take the entire family into Burundi’s beautiful coffee hills to see it… and the film crew tagged along too. I don’t know if you will remember, but last year we didn’t see the harvest because we couldn’t get ourselves moved over here in time. It…
Thank you 
Again wow 
These photos are amazing… especially the ones with the grapes or whatever the red fruit is… Your work is good. #SeriousGrace
Are you in South Africa? I am about to be too! I am so excited to be offering a limited number of portrait sessions in Durban and Cape Town. If you are interested in snatching one up, email me at kristyjoycarlson@gmail.com. THANKS EVERYONE! IF YOU HAVE BOOKED A SESSION, I WILL SEE YOU SOON! CURRENTLY…
Thanks so much!
Wow… your photos are soooo good… wow.
Really blessed and talented 
The Cooked In Africa film crew is back in town putting the final touches on the show. They are staying in our house, drinking all our coffee, and generally being a nuisance. Except that they are really not a nuisance at all. They play with our kids and make us laugh. It’s like having built…
Totally hopeless… and published in the New York Times.;)
Don’t know why it posted twice, with a bit of variety! So now here’s a third comment for you. Apparently I’m hopeless with the internet too.
I’m always amazed by how beautiful you make everything look. You could probably make Djibouti look stunning! I’ll have to work on my camera skills. I have no talent when it comes to images. Words, maybe a bit, but pictures…I’m hopeless.
I am always amazed by how beautiful you make things look. I bet you could even make Djibouti look stunning! I’ll have to work on my camera skills, I have pretty much zero talent when it comes to images. Words, maybe a bit, but pictures…hopeless.
What will you think when you see us on TV? Oh, I wonder. I wonder what you will think of me when you see me rolling my eyes at my husband. When you notice that I barely smile in the first 3 episodes. When you see my frizzy hair and our un-styled style. When it…
Jenny, thank you. Beyond words, thank you.
Thank you Mary!
Thanks Krystal, I know what you mean by those big-red-puffy-heart expectations. Wouldn’t it be fun to throw them out the window?
I think in a sea of supposed perfectness. of big red puffy hearts and unicorn rainbows, and “I sew all my own designer frocks, homeschool my children grade levels above their peers, cook gourmet dishes for every meal, all with a big smile and perfect hair and make up” your authenticity is perfect. and much appreciated . and makes me love you all the more. thank you for this amazing post, for your honesty and for being you.
Don’t ever feel bad or regret anything you post. You have ever reason to be proud of yourself and family. I would be so much worse than you could ever be.
My friends, THANK you for giving me courage and encouragement. We are not sure when the show will air. Probably sometime within this year!
You look fabulous. You are fabulous.
Don’t be hard on yourself.
You got good reason to be ‘embattled’ at times.
It shows in the show.
The show is great.
Relax, no more judging.
We are ALL human.
J
I have been following your journey for a long time and I just want to encourage you that your story resonates with so many people going through the same challenges…your honesty and authenticity has helped me so much as I deal with the possibility of having to leave a place I love, friends I love when I get married this year…thanks Kirsty
Well, remember some of us have seen you sick…and we still love you to pieces! In the end we are all flawed people trying to live the best life we can…you are so brave for letting everyone see it. So, take a deep breath, go to your happy place, and just be:)
I love how real you are. And in those hard moments of being sad and unhappy…..people are reminded to pray for your family. I love what you all do!
You have no idea how much I needed to read this tonight. Thank you for being you. Love you much, from one sometime sad trying to be authentic girl to another:)
So when WILL we be able to see you on TV? I, for one, will appreciate (already appreciate) your authenticity.
by longmilescoffee
kate - I would like this multiple times if I could. What a powerful post. -kate
longmilescoffee - Thanks Denise, I appreciate that so much!
Denise - You crack me up and make me think and make me cry. What else could you possibly do to a person?
I don’t know you (just know Ben’s pa and ma) but I LOVE you just the same.
Keep on bloggin’
Denise
longmilescoffee - thanks Jessica
you are awesome!
Jessica - There have been many, many “likes” on all of your posts:)