Saturday, March 26, 2011

a domestic rundown



breakfast on the patio at Granville Island










my favourite place in our house

morning reading time
about 8am outside our living room




A weekend full of goodness and light.  Yes, I do mean the big bright light called the sun.  Wowee was it ever nice out.  We spent a lazy Saturday morning at Granville Island eating breakie outdoors in the sunshine.  Glorious, I tell ya.  We wandered aimlessly and ate bagels, soaked up some vitamin D and came home for a super family nap.  The sun still beckoned us so we went out for a walk, then bbq'd burgers and did some hula hooping in the backyard.  After dinner A decided to practice bike riding minus the training wheels.  What courage our little sprite has!

Now I am editing photos and listening to CBC 2.  Duke Ellington just provided a little ditty and now Stan Getz is up.

Adieu.

Friday, March 25, 2011

the wobbles


This is how I'm feeling these days. A smooth ride that that becomes a little wobbly when I least expect it.  It's like I know where I'm supposed to be going, but then all of a sudden I lose faith, the will, courage, energy; all of those and more and then I feel lost and doubtful about my direction.

I've signed up for another Photography Class.  I have about 35 photo books on hold at the library and about 17 in my home right now.  I am so hungry to learn more and feel frustrated when I let the 'noise' in my head get to me.  One day at a time.  One shot at a time.  I'm enjoying the journey and that's the most important part. 

I am inspired by others work on a daily basis.  I comb the web and visit my favs for inspiration. My muses as of late:


getting in this lovely Habit
loving the contributions at The Creative Mama
can't get enough tips and trick at Photography Concentrate (and they are Canadian, to boot!)
awe inspiring Tara Whitney
my daily source of laughter, smiles and inspiration over at Kelly Hampton

and loads more!

I got a few new lens' that I hope to try out this weekend.  I am hopeful for some sun and family laughs.  Maybe a bike ride, maybe an offer on our house??

A girl can dream...

Sunday, March 20, 2011

camp for grown ups

Yay!  I'm going to Shutter Sisters camp in October!


Wooohooo!  I'm so excited  - can  you tell?!!  More exclamation points!!! Gratuitous exclamation points!!!
I'm have to say that I'm quite pleased with myself for jumping in with all my might.  It's scary when you tell yourself you want turn the tables over and reach for the stars.  These days all my spare moments are spent taking photos, reading photog books, scouring online resources and connecting to the greater community of people of love to take pretty pics.   I'm very excited to learn, learn and LEARN.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

cardio and carbs

image
Well, technically it was carbs, then cardio.  But the real zinger is that there was actually some cardio in my life.  Not the kind where I run around after two little lunatics in the park who shriek "more, stay, more park Momma!!"  I mean the kind where I consciously choose exercise for myself.  It may have only been a short jog, but it's been a while since my blood has been pumping and the sweat a rollin'.  It was time.  They key is whether I can get my sorry ass out there again...and again and again and again...

Before mustering up the courage to hit the pavement with my sneakers this afternoon came easy part - the carbs.  Oh my were they delicious.  Dim Sum shared with old work mates and oh do we ever know how to do Dim Sum. It was a tradition in our office to head up the road for a Dim Sum feast on regular occasions.  It was lovely to gather and catch up on everyone's lives.  These truly were the best people I ever had the opportunity to work with.  I am happy that everyone has found their way into new journeys and life adventures...me included!

image

a new life


Here is my lovely pal Jenna.  She is due to have her second bambino anytime now.  She looks so beautifully ripe and ready to go.  This woman is a marvel.  She is constantly taking care of everyone.  I have learned so much from her.  Many emergency cooking phone calls have been made and she only laughs at me periodically.

Good luck Jenna!  May your next birth journey be as uneventful as possible.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

cinderella in the woods


I just finished reading this book and thought it was very provoking.  CBC did a series on children and nature and interviewed the author.  I wonder who is going to initiative to save our planet if kids are too busy texting and playing computer games?  I always encourage my girls to get outside and get dirty.  In fact, I'm intrigued with the idea of outdoor pre-school.  Wasn't that what it used to be when we were growing up?  Preschool was just being introduced when I was a kid.  Before that all children did was play outdoors.  Even in the cold prairie winters, I would bundle up and head out.  Weather never really stops kids from having fun outdoors.  As long as they are dressed for it, more rain means more puddles and more snow means loads of FUN!

Next on my reading list is:

Sunday, March 13, 2011

a precipice


We went up to the Sunshine Coast this weekend.  We wanted to escape our house, well cleaning our house of the two Open Houses we were having this weekend.  A good excuse to head out of town, right?  I LOVE going on the ferry.  It means we are going somewhere away from the everyday and usually includes a big hit of nature. This weekend was full of family, laughs, good food, celebration, walks in the rain, naps, dancing, board games, solo time, photos, beautiful views, quiet night and my fav...star gazing in the big night sky.

There is something that happens to me when I leave the city.  I am happy...free.  I can't ignore this.  I felt it when we were on Bowen Island and I felt it this weekend.  Vancouver, as much as I will always love it, lately has been more of a slightly obnoxious, self-centered, elitist, consumer hungry big sister that won't let 'just anyone' in her clique anymore.  The "country" feels like the humble, inclusive, morally-grounded Aunt, who is full of creative fun and gives you a big warm hug when you need it the most.


When I saw this self portrait of me I was immediately shocked at my crows feet around my eyes.  Then I reminded myself, that each line represents something I earned.  I've earned a lot in my 35 years and yet I feel as if I'm just on the verge of something new.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

creative buzz (kill?)

organic symmetry
so long, farewell Kitsilano

I started my new photography class here.  It's a 10 week class and the first class was great.  I really like the instructor.  Her style of teaching is right up my alley.  She's off the cuff, not 'by the book' and tends to digress with good stories.  I think we'll get along.  I also appreciate the fact that she comes with a steep background in portrait photography.  I have a lot to learn and I'm hopeful this class will be a good foundation.  Despite the fact that I tote my camera around pretty much everywhere these days, my subject always tends to include my two little appendages.  I do love to photograph my girls, however, I would love some child-free time to explore other subjects.

Speaking of child-free time, I feel very overdue.  It's been a month since I've had a stretch of child-free time.  I'm feeling stretched and need some time away.  I'm always a better mom and wife when I've had some 'time out'.  I'm working on getting our old nanny to come once a week for a few hours.  She was supposed to start this week and had to cancel.  So close and yet another miss. The hub has been way to busy lately (even on weekends) to provide much help in this department.  Sigh.

We're struck in a big dark rain cloud for the next week.  No forecast of sun.  This isn't great for our collective moods in this house, especially since we've been trapped in cycle of sickness for the past 2 weeks.  Ugh.  I'm SO ready for Spring.  Bring on the cherry blossoms and the end of cold and flu season!

I'm saving my pennies for this!

Friday, March 4, 2011

what's a girl to do...

No milk for coffee this morning.  I am not a fan of black coffee.  I remembered a little trick we used to do in University when the milk ran out...


This hit the spot.  Better than starting with Bailey's, right?

Thursday, March 3, 2011

a random thursday

UBC Botanical Gardens
It was a fairly crappy day overall.  2 sick kids and not a lot of sleep.  I'll aim for a better one tomorrow.
This cute face makes it all a little lighter.  She's absolutely delectable and never stops talking these days.  I want to put it all on pause and suck up all the sweetness.  These photos sure help.
xox