as frequent visitors to the blume blog know, posts have been few and far between over the past few months. now — if you’re not a frequent visitor here — don’t let me give you the wrong impression. i’m not one of those guilt-ridden bloggers who posts consistently inconsistently, always to apologize for the silent month since my last post, which also was an apology. no! but to catch you up, we’ve had a few things going on lately in addition to an unusually busy work load.

first, our feature documentary film, “lost boys of paradise,” has been touring the country, and i’ve been privileged to attend several screenings in a couple states and at a film festival — humbled by the generous and heartfelt responses of so many viewers. (the film is our personal project, focused on helping an amazing ministry, engadi ministries intl., to reclaim the children of guatemala’s post-civil war slums. follow the above link to the film’s web page and find out how you can see the film, join the movement, and change a life!)

secondly, a new member of the blume family arrived — our second daughter, juliette rose. happy, healthy and beautiful. we’ve been trying hard to wear off all her sugar, but she just stays so dog-gone sweet! our little/big girl jasmine is an excellent big sister as well, oohing and aahing over her little sister, and lending her lots of eskimo kisses. sure, there have been a number of sleepless nights; but our circle of friends are the best in the world, and we’ve been well supplied with food, gifts and support of all kinds. blessings on top of blessings!

we’ve also had some exciting invitations to speak about our work to students, to a couple of publications, and on tv. (more info about that last one coming soon!) add to all that, hosting a chinese exchange student, deeper investigation into adoption, and the incorporation of blume photography in anticipation of some exciting things to come, and life has been a little busier than usual. at the same time, it’s been a thrilling ride and we wouldn’t change a moment of it.

today, though, was the first time in a long time that we got to put all that aside to celebrate a person who is very special to us — so special, in fact, she inspires us to break our blogging fast. jasmine hwa came to us from the university of georgia’s fine art photography program, looking for a senior year internship. at that time, our only criteria for an intern was that she have the same name as our daughter. not only was jasmine’s name “jasmine,” but her last name — “hwa” — was taiwanese for a flower. so we pretty much had to hire her.

two jasmine “blooms” in the studio was confusing at times, but we overcame the challenge by lovingly and embarrassingly referring to jasmine hwa as “BIG jasmine” — sometimes in a deep booming voice. over the course of the semester, and over many cups of hot tea, BIG jasmine became more than part of our company. she became part of our family.

today jasmine officially graduated from the university of georgia. (BIG jasmine, not our two-year-old.) my eyes were red as i watched her walk into her commencement ceremony in cap and gown. admittedly, it was because i went to the 12 am premiere of “the hobbit” last night. but even if i had slept last night, i know i couldn’t have maintained dry eyes. jasmine is one of a rare breed. she’s creative, inspiring, caring, driven, and just plain fun. whoever’s path she crosses on the next leg of her journey, they’re in for a treat.

we love you, jasmine! congratulations on your graduation.

love, phillip, eileen, little jasmine, and juliette