I got home last night from being away with my lovely photo assistant, Powell River photographer Jennifer Dodd at a conference in Vancouver.
Although I enjoyed the conference, particularly connecting with new and old photographer friends, what I relished most was the reset and reflection. (Insert something deep and a bit flaky here about how this relates to rainbows.)
It has been a unique time for me. Jenn's death, has been coupled with my dear step-father developing a lung disease. I have lost people before. This time though I am processing it differently.
I am much closer to accpeting it, and finding even some comfort in it. Death is not a four letter word.
As typically happens when you are faced with such things, I am processing and questioning. This could, as it might have before, left me feeling unsettled, however this time around it is very grounding. It feels right, beautiful in a way.
Also as typical when life changes around you, I also checking in with myself and ensuring I am living the life I want, that I am living honesty, and leaving the mark I am meant to leave.
These thoughts are making me smile.
The trip home yesterday.
Although I enjoyed the conference, particularly connecting with new and old photographer friends, what I relished most was the reset and reflection. (Insert something deep and a bit flaky here about how this relates to rainbows.)
It has been a unique time for me. Jenn's death, has been coupled with my dear step-father developing a lung disease. I have lost people before. This time though I am processing it differently.
I am much closer to accpeting it, and finding even some comfort in it. Death is not a four letter word.
As typically happens when you are faced with such things, I am processing and questioning. This could, as it might have before, left me feeling unsettled, however this time around it is very grounding. It feels right, beautiful in a way.
Also as typical when life changes around you, I also checking in with myself and ensuring I am living the life I want, that I am living honesty, and leaving the mark I am meant to leave.
These thoughts are making me smile.
The trip home yesterday.
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Not a fluffy title about a rainbow
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Women, I know how it goes in your family, you take the photos, you are not represented, and if you are, does your hubby or kids really rock out the photos of you?
So, around here, we are obviously pretty passionate about people having photos of themselves, I am reminded often why they are so very important. Around here, we also super appreciate all of you - we really do, Christine and I talk often about how we could so win the "best clients ever" award, and one more thing, around here, we like to give back to the community and raise awareness of the charities that make a huge difference in our community.
A charity that I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of is Comox Valley Hospice, it was a really natural fit to pick them as the benefactors.
We are scooping out some fabulous goodness on this one folks. Seriously!! You end up with a high resolution photo of yourself looking fabulous, and on top of it, our party sponsor, BodyNetix is going to rock you out with a free pass to one of their Hot Yoga Classes, of which we are big fans.
Good deal? I would say so. The only glitch is that it will fill up fast.
So if you are interested please email us your name (email, not facebook messages or calls,) and preferred time slot. You can drop in anytime during that slot. We will shoot you an email back within two days, giving you a bit more information - such as clothing studio, and well, in case you haven't been, where the studio is.
info@mckinnonphotography.com
So, around here, we are obviously pretty passionate about people having photos of themselves, I am reminded often why they are so very important. Around here, we also super appreciate all of you - we really do, Christine and I talk often about how we could so win the "best clients ever" award, and one more thing, around here, we like to give back to the community and raise awareness of the charities that make a huge difference in our community.
A charity that I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of is Comox Valley Hospice, it was a really natural fit to pick them as the benefactors.
We are scooping out some fabulous goodness on this one folks. Seriously!! You end up with a high resolution photo of yourself looking fabulous, and on top of it, our party sponsor, BodyNetix is going to rock you out with a free pass to one of their Hot Yoga Classes, of which we are big fans.
Good deal? I would say so. The only glitch is that it will fill up fast.
So if you are interested please email us your name (email, not facebook messages or calls,) and preferred time slot. You can drop in anytime during that slot. We will shoot you an email back within two days, giving you a bit more information - such as clothing studio, and well, in case you haven't been, where the studio is.
info@mckinnonphotography.com
Edited to add: we are already receiving emails, with no name. We need your name folks yup, your real full name. Also, this is not a family photo session. This is a photo just of YOU! Yes, it is all about you.
kara johnston:
Just interested in the mini session on the 26th. Working nights the day before so prefer latest in the day. Cheers. Kara
(03.15.11 @ 02:08 PM)
Karen M:
Hello Kara, thanks for your interest - they filled up crazy fast, so we are full - but I am thinking this just may have to be an annual event
Karen M:
Hello Kara, thanks for your interest - they filled up crazy fast, so we are full - but I am thinking this just may have to be an annual event
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Back at it. That's how I am going to feel this morning. I intend to have a coffee with my sweetie, and then get back at it for the next few hours. Then it is a meeting at a child's school then hopping in the car for a jaunt to Victoria to teach and then an interview for Helping Hearts (more about that soon.) I currently am in the middle of a portraiture teaching contract at the professional photography school Western Academy of Photography. I head to Vic every few weeks to teach 40 students about the art and business of portrait photography. I really am crazy for taking the contract, but crazy often equals fun and inspiring. Each time I have to juggle to make it work,but it's worth it.
I look at these students, and see their passion and fear - it is a daring move to take the more challenging road that often comes with pursuing your dream, but people are doing it all around me. As my friend Erin would say, they are choosing to be amazing.
Such is the case for Sean.. the juggler. He is pursuing a future in juggling, in circus arts, a future in being happy.
His session in the studio was brilliant, in that he is amazing. At such a young age, he sees to have figured so much of "it" out.
You can imagine how much fun we had.
Mackenzie:
Amazing Karen!! Sean teaches Payt Juggling/Circus at the C.R.A. She is enthralled with him. He's pretty great!! :)
(03.10.11 @ 11:18 AM)
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This morning I am off to Jet FM to talk about my involvement with Y.A.N.A. and the families who it helps. In perticular I will be sharing the introduction I did at the annual auction to Gabe's Day in the Life slideshow.
My new buddy Gabe, was diagnosed with Leukemia in February of this year, and at 11 p.m. in the evening, Gabe and his mom's life changed, when they unexpectedly moved their lives to Vancouver Children's Hospital and subsequently their YANA apartment.
They are still travelling down that road, but everything is heading in the right direction. Despite a long treatment schedule ahead of them, they are doing very well.
The Y.A.N.A apartment, was and is, a big boost to them. As it has been to so many, including our family.
This year alone, at the Y.A.N.A auction in February this community raised $57,000 from the dinner and auction and there were additional donations totalling $35,000. That is flippin' amazing!!
seriously, Comox Valley, I love you.
Here is Gabe's Story. Music compliment of the lovely Helen Austin.
My new buddy Gabe, was diagnosed with Leukemia in February of this year, and at 11 p.m. in the evening, Gabe and his mom's life changed, when they unexpectedly moved their lives to Vancouver Children's Hospital and subsequently their YANA apartment.
They are still travelling down that road, but everything is heading in the right direction. Despite a long treatment schedule ahead of them, they are doing very well.
The Y.A.N.A apartment, was and is, a big boost to them. As it has been to so many, including our family.
This year alone, at the Y.A.N.A auction in February this community raised $57,000 from the dinner and auction and there were additional donations totalling $35,000. That is flippin' amazing!!
seriously, Comox Valley, I love you.
Here is Gabe's Story. Music compliment of the lovely Helen Austin.
Dana Watson:
Wow, you really are amazing K! That brings tears to my eyes, again! The Valley is so blessed to have you here!!!
(03.09.11 @ 09:51 AM)
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I am up early this morning, enjoying the quiet. It used
to be my way, to get up at 5 a.m. and by the time the family was up I
was done two hours of my work and the "must-get-done," edge was off.
Many of you don't realize, most of the time I finish work at 2:30 in
order to be with the kids, so in order to accomplish my work, I have to
be craft about where to squeeze some hours in. Lately though, I have
been a night owl, which really messes with my morning productively, so I
am trying to shift back and hit the sack early.
This morning I woke with high productivity hopes. I made a smoothie, poured my coffee and headed into the office. There is work to be done and I love my work, so it shouldn't be hard.
Truly though. I have been sitting here, for 30 minutes. Just sitting. Feeling sad, and moved. I have received the most beautiful notes in my in-box this week. The sweetest bits of love.
I feel it, and it is beautiful, and I am thankful. Bless you.
I have a document on my desktop full of photos of a beautiful friend which we lost this week. I hate that, and I hate that it is paralysing me.
But it will pass.
This week I will feel sad. Tired. Confused. Chances are you have figured out that I am not one to shield my emotions, tucking them away doesn't seem to work. Although I am sure it can make me look a bit socially awkward at times (sorry to those of you that were in the Bodynetix class I cried through,) it is one thing about myself I never wish to change.
I know many of you are feeling it as well. I say bring it on, rage, cry, laugh, journal. It's the best way - sometimes it's just what we need.
I have many sessions to blog. For those of you waiting. Please just wait.
xoxoxox - K
This morning I woke with high productivity hopes. I made a smoothie, poured my coffee and headed into the office. There is work to be done and I love my work, so it shouldn't be hard.
Truly though. I have been sitting here, for 30 minutes. Just sitting. Feeling sad, and moved. I have received the most beautiful notes in my in-box this week. The sweetest bits of love.
I feel it, and it is beautiful, and I am thankful. Bless you.
I have a document on my desktop full of photos of a beautiful friend which we lost this week. I hate that, and I hate that it is paralysing me.
But it will pass.
This week I will feel sad. Tired. Confused. Chances are you have figured out that I am not one to shield my emotions, tucking them away doesn't seem to work. Although I am sure it can make me look a bit socially awkward at times (sorry to those of you that were in the Bodynetix class I cried through,) it is one thing about myself I never wish to change.
I know many of you are feeling it as well. I say bring it on, rage, cry, laugh, journal. It's the best way - sometimes it's just what we need.
I have many sessions to blog. For those of you waiting. Please just wait.
xoxoxox - K
Keltie:
Karen, I love your honesty and openness about where you are at, your struggles and your highs. Please remember to take your own advise to rage, cry, love, journal, and know that there are so many people right now who are lifting you up and loving you! Big hugs for you.
(03.09.11 @ 08:05 AM)
Darcie Brown:
You're an amazing woman. Keep living in the moment and being real. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs and love to you.
(03.09.11 @ 09:09 AM)
Dana Watson:
You are amazing, and don't change a thing about you! I am thinking about all of you who were close to Jenn and her family! I barely knew Jenn and I am sad and lost with her passing as well! Big hugs to you and take all the time you need
xoxox
bevin:
love you. xo
(03.09.11 @ 03:38 PM)
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Karen, Jenn and I agreed awhile back that everytime I saw a rainbow I would know it was her...no matter what, it was her telling me that she was ok. I believe in this picture, it is Jenn and she's telling you that you are most certainley living the live you are suppossed to live and that you are leaving an incredible mark in the world already. Much love from PEI,
(03.23.11 @ 04:59 PM)Kris
thanks Kris, that is beautiful - she definitely was with me this past weekend.
(03.26.11 @ 07:39 AM)the best rainbows always come out for you!! :)
(03.28.11 @ 08:24 AM):) What a lovely think to say, I am all verklempt! - thanks for reminding me about our shared rainbow and I look forward to chatting soon about summer fun!
(03.28.11 @ 01:39 PM)