Our trip was heaven. Pure heaven. Thank you Mexico. Thank you Children's Wish Foundation.
It was a wonderful trip that gave me so much.

I celebrating creating memories with the love of my life, and we dreamed of future travels together,
I watched my oldest relish in independence as she enjoyed some alone time and the experienced the luxury of room service which is like magic to a pre-teen.
I watched my middle two giggle and take in a different world, while longing for and appreciating the one the they live every day
I laughed as my kids favorite activity was rubbing my back as they pushed me around in an inner tube.
I watched my youngest trust herself and overcome fears, including swimming in the middle of a big ocean, where her toes didn't come close to touching the ground and a large turtle passed her by
I saw my partner be totally content and realize he was living the life he wanted.
I read three books.
I tried to comprehend why my daughter was given the gift of health and then a trip to Mexico.
I soaked up the warmth of my family, the comfort of a privileged life and the heat of a country that I feel at home in
I counted my blessing and gave thanks every day.

oh... and I had more than one mojito every day.

A little (poor quality)  point and shoot photo, tourist style, of us  -

Last week I was interviewed by The Daily show about the Comox Valley Love Affair and wedding photography in general. It is on Channel 4 rotation right now.

I think I "ummmm-ed" a few times and failed to make eye-contact - but, hopefully you will forgive me.  It is so funny to watch yourself. I really do have a  voice that is made for phone-sex, well at least I always have that as a career back up plan.

There to be interviewed alongside me, and to help make me look better, were my fabulous clients Mackenzie and Kevin. I have had the chance to photograph them, their extended family and now their wedding.

I have been interviewed for The Daily before for some charity work, but it was a bit different talking about myself, it definitely made me more nervous - but super fun, it could be addicting. Seriously, I think I have a huge problem, an addiction to challenges.




Honest and Sincere Plug:
You might know these two from their business MacKenzie Gartside and Associates - the valley's awesome-sauce mortgage brokers. Christine, myself and many of our friends use their services and I can't say enough good things. They have proven more than once that they have my back, have great follow through, personal service and they don't make me feel like a total dweeb when I ask the same question five times.

 

I'll admit it, it is a bit of frantic time. I have collaborations left, right and center. We are heading off soon on a family holiday, I am organizing a wedding show, and going back to teaching at the photography college in Victoria.  I am on a Roller Derby Team, I want to skate. I have friends and family facing huge challenges, my body is sore from the gym, I have opportunities landing in front of me. I have two good books that I can't put down. I'm adjusting to a hubby who works away. I'm asking myself big life questions.

I have new music I love, recipes to try and a room I want to re-arrange. I have six movies I want to watch before the Academy Awards.

I have ideas. I want to create. I am learning buckets. I am buzzing.

I don't know what it means to hit the year running like this. But, I think it is okay....

I feel grounded.

Maybe, I finally know myself enough to accept the above and not feel that I have to slow down when I feel speedy or speed up when I feel slow.

Maybe I have found my secret, found what I need to make sure I am smiling and totally present as I drive children from A to B, and that when the day is done and it is just me and the right piece of music, to feel content, calm and to feel love.

Take care of yourself. It's worth it for everyone who loves you.

Enjoy Wednesday.

I have been thinking  lately about connections, and how it is connections that give us, and bring things to life. Connections between hearts, between  minds - really, how often is a thought a completely solitary creation, how often is though not influenced by others. Connections between people drive innovation and hopefully compassion.

Of course, there is connection to faith, nature and animals, but how long do you want this blog post to be? 

At one point in my photographic path, I was photographing nature, and even objects, it was light that inspired me, but it wasn't quite what I was driven towards - I felt there was more. It wasn't until about five years ago that I was able to put a name to a huge part of what inspires and drives me creatively and professionally - and it's connections.

This last week, after a little photographic break, I got back to shooting portraits. What a fabulous week I had. I met the nicest people, and re-connected with some that I have been photographing for years.  I walked away from my week inspired and motivated - full of ideas and joy.

I truly work with some beautiful radiant people. Thank you.

The week kicked off with the gorgeous Reese and her absolutely fabulous parents.

This, I am 150% sure is  a new favorite - there are many cute ones from the session, but I like the way this one stands on its own. She is stunning, and draws me in.