Last week my mom, myself and my daughter hit the road for a few days. There was so much to do at home and work, and I had some decisions to make, so we took off. Yes, just like that, sometimes when the world is whirling around you, you just need to step outside of it it. So we headed to Victoria for some three of us time.
I have my typical Victoria routine, but this time I threw on a little tourist cap and we followed my mom's lead, the lady has it figured out. So here are few of our collective tips
1. Hotel. If you aren't already a Hotwire Fan, jump on board. With Hotwire you can search the location, dates and amenitiens you want and then book. The catch is that you don't know what hotel you are staying in until after you book. What I love about Hotwire is it saves me hours of obsessing and googling hotel options. This time, however, we stayed at the Best Western Carlton. It is right on Johnson off Douglas. Usually I love to stay in the inner harbour, but this location was fabulous. The hotel has free parking and once we parked we didn't get in our car for the whole time we were there. The Carlton isn't fancy but the service was so nice, the internet was free and free parking including the day you need to check out made up for the lack of fluffy robes.
2. Zambri's. If you haven't been to this mouthwatering restaurant just go. It is a top rated establishment that will have you wanting to come back the next night for what I describe as their smooth, light comforting Italian style. This restaurant definitely sits in my top time.
3. The Royal BC Museum. Why I have never been? It is charming, and full of intrigue for both grown-ups and children. This museum is a real treasure. We explored the natural history section and were reminded of all BC has to offer and played make-belive in the old town section. It really is a must and I would leave two to three hours.
4. Chinese Food. We hit up china town for some real chinese food, something the Comox Valley just doesn't offer. I had Mu-Sho-Pork for the first time in ten years, and it brought me back to when my sisters used to tell me I wasn't old enough to have it so that they could have more.
5. The Bug Museum. Most of know about the bug museum, yet I was still wowed by our experience. If you can go during a week day you will most likely receive your own private guide. We spent a good hour there. The kid loved it and I did a respectable job of hiding my disgust of the large spiders and creepy black centipedes.
6. The Empress. A walk through the Empress as we headed back to the hotel from the museum proved a fine place for adventure and a short history lesson. It's a free activity best pre-cursed by the reading of one of my favourite children's books Eloise.
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How I did Victoria
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I am thankful. Everyday. I live a life of abundance, something many of us are aware of this time of year. This year though, I am thinking about you. You all play with me. You choose me to photograph what you love. You comment on my facebook page, you smile and say hello , your emails lift me up on down days. You are the web that allows me to grow, create, stretch and have meaning in my work.
As I wrap up Celebrating Ten years of photographing in what I am sure is one of the kindest communities in Canada (just try telling me otherwise,) I can tell you that if the next ten bring me the interactions, the lessons and the laughter this one has I will double over with joy. With it will undoubtedly be the continued challenges, road-blocks, questions and self-doubt the last ten years has see me face and for that I will continue to be a better and wiser person. I will continue to make decisions based on meaning and fun, and promise to always carry heart with my camera.
This town, this community, I love you.
A significant part of what gives my work meaning is collaborating and supporting charity work. It humbles me, it teaches me, it fills me up and hopefully passes some of that on. For the last ten years I have had the chance to work with numerous organizations as well as quietly give to individuals who needed a little something special.
Your support of my business has allowed me to make meaningful contribution to our community and live a life full of passion, while roll modelling for my children that both are possible.. The special events I have held monthly this year and the 12 Days of Christmas is just a small way for me to say thank you.
Introducing Day 12, where my heart lies:
Parameters
- Work must be able to begin in 2011
- Charity must be interested and open to discussing ideas on how photography and visual storytelling can support their cause
- It is recommended that the charity be aware that you are nominating them
- It does not need to be a registered charity, although it needs to be a not for profit organization
- Only the chosen charity will be contacted.
You are welcome to just email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com however you may also fill out this form - it's nothing too formal, but it would be helpful.
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Day 12, With gratitude and passion
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I am currently enjoying a little get-away with my mom and daughter in Victoria. I am so thankful to have a job, a laptop, I-phone, and my lovely office manager Christine - all these things make it possible for me to travel and stay on top of work and life!
It seemed slightly insane to leave the office for a few days right before the holidays, but sometimes the things that seem a little crazy are exactly what you need. This time of year is very busy for me at work and home and now after a few days away, and some time with my mama (you are never too old to need this,) I am full of zest to head home and jump back into life and work with buckets of energy. We have had a wonderful few days here and I am thinking I will do a post about it, I come to Victoria often, but rarely with a tourist hat, as I did this time.
Here is the 11th day. I feel excited to announce all the information for tomorow, day 12, The charity give away, but also a little sad to see the 12 days finish off, it has been super fun!
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Day 11, the last day, sort-of
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Love the 10th day... this should make three special families very happy. I think this would be so sweet to put under the tree for an expecting mom or a family celebrating their new arrival!
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10th Day of Christmas celebrates your new arrival
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Today we celebrated the Teen. Yes, that's right, that pesky teenager! I am perplexed as to why we photograph our children regularly until they become a teenager. I think the teen years is an important time to document and celebrate their beuty and uniqueness.
As a mom of daughters on the cusp of teenagedome I have been thinking about all those loving things I have done to celebrate them. I am reminding myself that, even though their independence is growing, it is as, if not more important that I continue those loving acts that remind them that they are fabulous. For me, one of those things is adoring our home with photographs that celebrate who they are.
I hope this session goes to teens that will feel the love that a photo holds. I look forward to talking to them, develop the shoot concept, giving them a fabulous experience and creating memories with them.
Note: Yes, this session can be used for Grads!
Remember to email: info@mckinnonphotography.com or call: 250-890-9222
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9 th Day of Christmas is a teen dream
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