There is much goodness happening this weekend.
Today
13 of the most fabulous women are coming into my studio for a Bella Party tonight. Each year at the YANA auction I like to donate something big, the last few years it has been to "own me for a day" this year a group of my gals bid on me for a Bella Party. I am so excited, these women are smart, very witty, kind, real, funny and so much more. I can't wait to show them how beautiful they are. Chrystal from Roots the Salon will be on site doing her make-up magic and the evening is being catered by Brambles Market.
I am excited, and nervous. These woman mean a lot to me. They have all been so supportive, personally and professionally. Even though I often only see them once a month, it is so empowering and meaningful to know that a group of women has each other's back. I plan on growing old, meeting them once a month to talk books, food and everything else.
Tomorrow
Christine and I will be at the Bellies, Birth and Babies fair from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Filberg Centre. We have been incredibly impressed with how well organized this event, hosted by the Comox Valley Doulas, has been, so please tell your friend and come down and say hello.
The event is free, and there will be workshops throughout the day.
Afterwards, I am off to an evening of beer tasting at Surgenor's Brewery with my Roller Derby team. Yes, I am on a Roller Derby team, but that deserves a future post of it's own.
Sunday
Chilling and computer work because......
Monday
Off on holiday for a week to Tofino (Christine will be holding the fort down here if you need anything.)
Looking for a little awesomeness in your morning. Check out one of my favorite blogs (reading the headline is usually all I need to get a little smile - 1000 Awesome Things
http://1000awesomethings.com/
Over the last three years, I have seen her in her element as she taught dance to my children at Pantuso Dance. I have learned that I am just a wee speck in the crowd that adores this woman. She is a dedicated teacher, a true talent and a wonderful friend to many.
Liv's dance company True Colors is putting on their annual show this Saturday, if you don't have plans it is sooooo worth going to - we have always been wowed by the talent and choreography. You can find more info here.
So, you can imagine my intrigue when I found out I was going to meet her other half - Ryan - what would he be like?
He is kind, graceful, warm and funny and he adores both Liv and their new addition Ella.
With their first child:
Meet the stunning Ella, she is absolutely gorgeous, considering the genes she was given, it comes as no surprise.
Holy smokes Karen, I am completely speechless! Not only are the photos AMAZING but your words are so kind. I am so unbelievably grateful for the moments you captured in these photos! I am soo excited for the viewing of the rest. Thank you, Thank you , Thank you!!!
(05.20.10 @ 05:47 PM)Congrats Livea & Ryan on your little Miss Ella, she is beautiful!! such an exciting time enjoy your first summer with her. and well done again Karen, pics are stunning as per usual ;-) love the bikini pic, soo sweet~ and Cheers, Sean McDowell & Sarah Leakey
(05.20.10 @ 08:40 PM)Wow! These are beautiful, Karen! Congrats Livea! What a gorgeous family!
(05.20.10 @ 10:30 PM)Excellent shots. Real keepers. Jen & I really enjoyed the meet and greet. Ella is so beautiful. the future is bright.
(05.21.10 @ 07:22 AM)Oh my goodness! These photos are absolutely stunning! Karen always succeeds in catching the moment as well as the love and passion that lives within it! Beautiful.....
(05.21.10 @ 08:45 AM)Thanks forsharing with me with these wonderful pictures-you have every right to be a proud grandma!!!
(05.21.10 @ 11:31 AM)I'm in tears, karen captured such loving in these shots and spoke so beautifully on behalf of herself towards liv, ry and ella- i couldn't share her feelings more. love you guys. xox
(05.21.10 @ 02:06 PM)Thanks Liv and everyone else! I am just looking at the photo on the bottom right and it makes me happy.
(05.23.10 @ 09:52 AM)The Comox Valley Doulas are hosting this fabulous event. The list of who is going to be there and the events throughout the day are going to be fab! It will be super informative and a fun, very well run event. On top of that it is free! So mark your calendars and pass the info along.
Of course Christine and I will be there and it we would love for you to pop by and say hello. We might even have a little something special we will be offering attendees.
We were honored to be able to provide a photo for the event poster. You might remember Reese and her mom and dad from a blog post last month.
So a quick blog post before I head out and shoot in this stellar photography weather.
A bit more from the Groove 2010 Pantuso Show. They opened up the balcony so there are still some tickets for this evening, which is the last performance.
You don't want to miss this -
Awesome pics Karen - I love the tech picture (last one) very cool feel to it!!
The ladies are gonna love theirs!! Great "Pinball" shots!!
And of course a great shot of the Dads doing their thing...but where's Tina??
didn't want to let the cat out of the bag Jeff, but here are lots of good ones of Tina
(05.07.10 @ 12:40 PM)Where can I see the rest of the pantuso dance photos 2010 ?
(05.07.10 @ 08:06 PM)yeah were can I find other Pantuso pics????
(05.07.10 @ 08:12 PM)Sit tight folks, I do the photos in a "volunteer" capacity and like last year everyone will have them complimentary. However, you need to be a bit patient.
(05.07.10 @ 09:14 PM)first off thank you sooo much for taking the photos of pantuso groove 2010, i realize that you are a volunteer and the photos will take a while to be put up, but once they are , where can i view them ?
(05.15.10 @ 01:57 PM)an email will go out to all Pantuso families, via Lindsay. Let me know if you have other questions. They will be up by next monday at the latest - we have just been extra busy around here these last few weeks.
(05.17.10 @ 12:40 PM)an email will go out to all Pantuso families, via Lindsay. Let me know if you have other questions. They will be up by next monday at the latest - we have just been extra busy around here these last few weeks.
(05.17.10 @ 12:42 PM)I have been very busy shooting and planning, shooting and planning. The kids have been fighting off sickness and John is busy working through his last month of school.
And now it is Dance Week.
And despite the craziness that these few weeks are bringing us, we LOVE it. Really, I am not being sarcastic.
Four of our children take part in Pantuso Dance, and this is recital week. Groove 2010.
It is about my kids experiencing being in something bigger than just them, appreciating the talent of their peers and feeling proud of their personal hard work.
For me, it is about so much more than seeing my family, it is about community. In a small town like this, chances are most of the parents know a bushel of the kids performing and in many cases have watched them grow up. There are tons of children who have been clients participating in the show, and I get such a kick out of seeing all of them bring their own groove and personality to the show.
Pantuso teaches children and adults, so there are levels of experience and comfort with dance and performing. This year, the adult musical theatre class really wowed me - way to go! I am sure some of you are really stepping out of your comfort zone, but you wouldn't know it from your performance and stage presence.
There truly is so much talent happening, on the organizational end of things and within the performers. .
I took a ton of photos which I have yet to go through, but here are few:
There might be a few tickets left for tonight and tomorow's show - totally worth it. If you are thinking of a dance school for your little people, or yourself, I can't say enough good things about the leadership and community of Pantuso Dance.
Great shots Karen - Can't wait to see the rest...You've captured some very cool moments!!
(05.05.10 @ 04:57 PM)Great photos! I really like the top one.
(05.05.10 @ 05:02 PM)I'm in love with the picture of Gig there :)
And being a geek with words more words for epic: monumental, tremendous
Pantuso Dance + Karen McKinnon = fabulous photos:)
(05.05.10 @ 06:06 PM)beautiful! beautiful! beautiful!
(05.05.10 @ 09:01 PM)I love the picture of all the scarves!!!
(05.06.10 @ 12:05 PM)