It's recital week, which means we are in lock-down around here. Nothing else other than dance, sleep and chilling and we love it!
Once a year my children celebrate their hard work throughout the year with a week of performance nights at The Sid Williams Theatre. The week is all about them.
Well not really - I love it just as much.
I was initially drawn to the school because so many of my fave clients kids went there. Now after three years there, my family really feels part of the Pantuso Community - sometimes the only social life I have is visiting with other parents in the waiting room while our children dance. Every year as something for the Pantuso Community I take some photos of recital. It is something I have really come to enjoy, I get sentimental seeing how much all the kids are growing up and am awed by the talent and fun they are having. Then I blog about it, because it would be cool to see more client as part of the Pantuso crew! For more information on Pantuso Dance, check out the website here.

Because I am adverse to routine, I tend to throw myself curve balls. I know, weird right? Well that's just me. 

Every few weeks I was writing a love list and it seems to have fallen by the wayside, but I am bringin' back the love baby (sorry, couldn't resist.) Technically a list only needs to have two items and because it's a holiday weekend, I think I can get away with one. 

"Never lose sight of even the smallest things that bring you joy."

There is so much I want to write. I feel overcome with swirling thoughts and emotion.

Today is the end of another birthday week. It has been a lovely week. I was definitely intending to blog about it - it was a peaceful week, as desired, full of the many things I love, time with friends, reading, time at the gym, a little rollerderby, many good meals. There were lovely gifts, flowers, sentimental makeup (something only good friends can have between them,) a gorgeous dress from the hubby, a stunning purse, the best hand cream ever.

But, birthday week is about a different type of celebration as well -  It is about seeing ALL the goodness.

Today, I headed to breakfast with some truly wonderful friends, where we laughed and cried a bit as we talked about our friend Jenn, who passed away recently from cancer. Full of warmth, and some sadness, I came back to the office to do some work, because all these meals out, have left me a bit neglectful of my responsibilities.

As I sat here photoshopping I was thinking about about what I was going to blog about birthday week, and not quite feeling it. Then it was placed right in front of me, as often happens.

Moments ago the mail came, in it was a very special package.

In the package was a book, and on the back cover it said:



These are the words that encompass a significant part of who I am, and why every year I slow down and focus extra hard on the details of life during my birthday week. These words and my focus on the details,  help me make sense of our world.

This book has a very special meaning.

About a year ago a photo of mine was selected to be a lead part of a touring national exhibition on the faces of cancer and now it has become a book. It is a photo of John driving Maggie to Children's Hospital for her Leukemia treatment .  

As if there isn't enough magic in the day today, it so happens that John and Maggie are making this trip today, it's a different kind of drive today though, as our Maggie is well and strong now. She is probably sitting in oncology right now, and hopefully seeing her well and strong is giving other parents, who are a different place in their journey, hope.  

Seeing this photo in a book full of bravery and hope has left me shaky and in tears and not yet able to put the emotion into words.

You can see some of the photos of the book on their website.

 
Remember, "Never lose sight of even the smallest things that bring you joy."

It will always help.

Thank you to the founders and organizers of this book, Andrew Stawiki and James Burns, to the many people who photographed and those that shared their stories. I look forward to digesting it all.

I have been holding out on you. I have wanted to share this for weeks and now here it is.

This shoot was created for Toad in A Tree designs out of Campbell River. Entrepreneurial creative cats Amanda and Kim, design and make hats, clothing, diaper bags and carriers that are stylish,  functional and full of love.
This shoot connected with me on so many levels.

1.  I love how their work comes from a place of passion, friendship, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to have meaningful work while balancing raising young children. 

2. When we first met and discussed concept, we connected quickly on an idea I had been brainstorming, but didn't have the resources to actualize, instantly we were on the same page.

3. If you are a regular blog reader you have read about Toad in a Tree and how they have made a signature hat for the Love From Jenn Foundation. I love a business that finds a way to give back. I believe it is about more than giving back, it is about having increased meaning in your work everyday.

4. The shoot itself went smoother than could have imagined. We photographed more than a dozen children, and didn't feel any stress throughout the day. I tell no lies.These kids OWNED their shoots, they brought it. Thank you mom and dad's who brought their little beauties.

5. Kim and Amanda, you two are the good ones, thank you for finishing my sentences and allowing me to finish yours. Thank you for being bold with your thoughts. Thank you for being collaborates. This is how the sweet stuff happens.

Toad in A Tree is working on a new website for now you can visit them here. Their products are available in many stores including Podlings in Courtenay and Kidlets in Campbell River.