The thing about me is I am a romantic. In a huge way.
Now my definition of romance is not about grand gestures (Note to John: don't let this deter you from acts of grandiose, this blog post is about romance in everyday life, and again, I repeat, should not deter you from proclaiming your love in extravagant ways.)
Romantic is defined as evoking or given to thoughts and feelings of love. Using that definition, it is really easy to have a romantic day regularly.
Today is romantic.
It started at my favourite coffee shop Freakin' Coffee, where you are always greeted warmly, for myself and many - it is our Cheers. Here I had a creative meeting, for an upcoming can't be talked about super fun project. It was all good. I left buzzing, possibly it was the java, but I think it was the romance of creative collaboration.
Then, it was lunch at Tita's. Owner Lisa now lives in Cambodia where she is building healing center for trafficked women, where they can grow and heal in a positive environment and begin to build a better life. Until Sunday the restaurant is serving a $10 Cambodian style lunch and all proceeds from the lunch benefit the centre - even staff are donating their time.
Lunch was delicious and I will be back again this week. If you have lunch out this week, please consider this great tasty cause.
Next up we did the 5th St. stroll, which included a stop at the library, then our favourite second hand book - both trips proved fruitful. We had credit at the bookstore, but didn't have our credit - they used the trust method. Love it.
We stopped in at another book store, for my daughter to spend four dollars on Pokemon Cards. I was a reluctant participant as they are $4 for 10 cards. Even though I didn't express my opinion in the store, the shop owner offered to call me if they came in used and said he would like to give them to her. So kind.
Then, off to location scout for some upcoming session. This led us around the Headquarters area, and to the "Selah sign" I receive an email every few months telling me about this camp, which has the same name as my daughter - but my Selah, hadn't been out there since she was little. She was thrilled! It got better - while there, the caretaker drove up and once he found out her name he invited us to come in and have a tour and visit. Seriously, my daughter felt like a celebrity. There was romance in the air.
Next off, when stopping in at a local barn to ask permission to photograph there, not only did the embrace the idea but offered a full tour of their dairy facility. Magic.
Then to end the night we went to a very special birthday party. Gabe, now four years old, and I first met when I was photographing him during his stay at Children's Hospital. Today some friends of mine are mourning the loss of a friend to cancer. They were in my hearts tonight as I celebrated a four year old that is beating it.
That is, in a world that often doesn't make sense, a bit of romance.
I guess you thought I might write about something juicy, but really it is just a little romantic love letter to our town. Which includes many of you. Thank you for the romance.
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My Romance
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As part of a daily email I am receiving this month this came to my inbox this a.m.
""Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Emerson. If there's no enthusiasm in what you do, it won't be remarkable and certainly won't connect with people on an emotional basis. But, if you put that magic energy into all of your work, you can create something that touches people on a deeper level. How can you bring MORE enthusiasm into your work? What do you have to think or believe about your work to be totally excited about it?
I have been thinking deeply lately about why I love what I do so much, why it feels like magic so often and how my work impacts how I see my place in the world and how others see me.
This excites me and it was too early to call my sister so I thought I would share here.
A shot from Justine and Phillips Saturday wedding, more to come at the end of the week -
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I think being a father is complicated and often confusing. Over the last 50 years men and women's roles in the family has become more similar, gone are the clearcut roles, and with that came both parents needing be be jack of all trades - as homemakers and parents. I know among my women friends, over coffee, over wine, we talk about the joys, frustrations and challenges of trying to make it all work - of being great partners to our hubbies, of having time for ourselves, of raising our children, paying the bills, all while feeling balanced and happy!!! It's A LOT. I know I couldn't do it with out those heart to hearts with my girlfriends and sisters.
But men, dads ... let's face it they don't (typically) call up a friend, venting, "I am overwhelmed," - "I feel disconnected from my wife," - "I need more me time," - "I fear I am losing myself" - typically, men to men heart to heart sessions don't happen like it does in the gal community. Heck, I can have a genuine power share in the aisle's of the grocery store with someone that can get me through the day.
Yet, dads are often facing the same challenges us moms are.
I think of the dad in our house. How he works to please us all, puts up with our highs and lows (he does live with five female's after all) and keeps loving us through them. I feel proud. I hope he does as well.
We love you and our love for you unites us.
John is away working this week, and we celebrating Father's Day last week. As part of the day we presented him with a 36 inch print of the above image. It made us so happy to create it and the look on his face when he received it is one I will always remember. I love the opportunity father's day gives us to unite in reminding you how important you are to us.
Danielle:
Karen, what a beautiful gift! This is such a great idea, something John will cherish always - his beautiful girls holding beautiful words, showing him lots of love!!
(06.19.11 @ 08:36 PM)
Tanya:
SOOOOOO Sweet!!! What a great idea.... full of love... :)
Amanda O'Brennan:
Karen! That is the greatest Idea! I just love it. So sweet, all his lovely ladies.... :)
sarah :
Karen, Jenny and I loved seeing you today! I think what you and the girls created for Fathers Day is something John will remember forever! Love it, so you! Your talent is amazing as are you!! xoxo have a great rest of your week and hopefully we see you in July!
(06.20.11 @ 11:19 AM)
christine:
You always know how to put emotions into words, Karen, I definitely felt the love there. Happy Fathers' Day John! You are amazing, and your girls adore you!
Tammy:
Beautiful!!!
(06.20.11 @ 09:44 PM)
Tina Moreira:
Karen, you are amazing! This is so cool!
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When I got home last night I continued the holiday vibe and stayed up way to late finishing this book. The book was a creeper, the kind that you don't realize is getting under your skin and ruffling your emotions until you put it down. I think you would either despise it and find it a waste of time or really appreciate it. For me, obviously, it was the latter.
I have been asking myself many questions lately, This book, and a conversation I had with a good friend this morning, had me thinking about compromising. How much to compromise in life? I am obviously a believer in big dreams and following the magic, but at what cost? Can your dreams be too big? How much risk is too much risk in turning bold dreams to reality?
So if you have an easy answer, feel free to fill me in. Meanwhile I will embrace the journey of seeking these answers and enjoy all the goodness that surrounds me - including this long anticipated sunshine.
Anonymous:
I have that book in my 'to read' pile...I usually have 5 books sitting in this pile at one time...while I finish reading one book from this pile... three more seem to be added... Guess I will have to move this one to the top...:)
Barb:
Thanks so much for sharing with us Karen - that is a big question. Sounds like you have a fabulous family.
Roxanna:
If only ... there is no easy answer. But I'm happy you keep challenging us all with these thoguhts.
(06.07.11 @ 09:45 AM)
Pete:
Compromise on dreams? Is it really that? Or is it not letting a dream be of a kind that becomes either "fulfilled" or "unfulfilled". I love climbing mountains, I hope that my dream is to climb, rather than to stand on the summit. That summit is just an arbitrary navigation point, achieving it is optional, the descent back to the rest of my life is not. Many people have a work/life balance "problem", and if we don't then we are certain to at least have a work/life balance process because the effort and time we put into this, versus that, is always worth examining, but it strikes me just this instant that dreams and fulfillment would be best felt in the doing, in the process, in being immersed in the activity... in climbing, not in the goal, the summit. If the dream is to do, then it is really hard to make it too big, but the dream to *have done* then ambition can make it too big.
(06.07.11 @ 12:01 PM)
Karen McKinnon :
Oh Pete, this totally uplifts me... so well put
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If you follow me on facebook you know it has been a funny week. It is amazing how putting in a new computer system can mess with things. At one point yesterday I looked over at Christine and her head was laying on her desk. Of course, we are managing to add much laughter to our week - so the frustration is balanced out by a good dose of inappropriate office humour.
As well, on a personal note, I am struggling with a little something. (warning.... over share ahead.)
For two years I have struggled with what they think is Psioriosis. It is a skin condition that basically looks ucky and feels about the same. It is on the edges of my face. Most of the time it looks like dry skin, and some of the time it isn't apparent at all. I typically can manage it with diet, no wheat, easy on the sugar. However, recently it has gone rogue, and my efforts seem futile. Yes, I have seen the skin doctor, I work with a naturopath, I have tired every skin cream I can get my hands on - heavens, I have even made my own. When my skin is bad I notice that I don't feel as good - a bit flu like, ughhh.
This week it hit a new level of frustration for me. You see, I am hearty Eastern European stock, I rarely get sick, have never been allergic to anything, I sleep well, I exercise, I eat healthy - so really.. what is this all about!! Enough I say! (how's that for drama)
So today I am off to see the doctor again for another referral. In order to ensure my skin was bad - I ate everything I shouldn't yesterday, and guess what? My skin looks better.
Good times! Perhaps there are more croissants in my future.
So this morning I approached my day with a zen like attitude. I keep listening to One Voice by the Wailing Jenny's and I edited this beautiful session. Now, I feel re-set.
Honestly, one of the great gifts of my work is that when I am feeling funky, I just come back to the images - taking them, looking them - and connecting with my amazing clients. I am thankful to have this in my life.
Meet 12 day old Meirah, her parents Michelle and Greg (see their maternity session here) have been valued clients of mine for many years. Their daughter Meirah arrived into a family and community that was so excited to meet her. Her name means "light" which is so appropriate given who her parents are and the joy she brings.
She is simply beautiful. I will admit, I cried a bit during this session. Congratulations Michelle and Greg, she is the luckiest of girls to have you.
Michelle & Meirah:
Wow!!!! Thank you, Karen for fitting us in on a day Daddy could join us! You always make us feel so special. Your passion for your work is contagiouus ... we had a great time!! These are awesome... just like you!! Hope your skin stays better... maybe croissants IS the answer?? ;-)
eileen:
Beautiful! Michelle, you will treasure these photos forever. Meirah is so tiny and perfect. Karen, you are amazing!
(05.18.11 @ 08:30 PM)
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here! here! What a great day you had. We do live in a fabulous place.
(06.21.11 @ 09:28 PM)sweet, sweet, sweet. Thanks for sharing the love. :O)
(06.21.11 @ 10:39 PM)Sounds like the most perfect day!! And Camp Selah is a wonderful place!! I'm so glad that Selah enjoyed being down there!! And I wish you many more romantic days this week :)
(06.21.11 @ 11:00 PM)So happy that I could share part of this day with you and Selah - you both always bring love into my life.
(06.22.11 @ 08:07 AM)