Amber Black Creative

A Love Like No Other ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-11-03T17:00:00.001-08:00

A special thank you goes out to my sister for passing on her love of horses to my family. At Easter she gave my daughter Black Beauty to read. We both really enjoyed our nightly chapters together. It was also my first time reading this beautiful story. We learned so much about horses and my daughter was really moved by the story that I decided to treat her to a lesson for her birthday. She was so taken by her experience that she started to cry when we had to leave and didn't want to go home.

For her birthday and early Christmas present this year my sister decided to treat my daughter to some more lessons this fall. This is our third trip the day after Halloween. I managed to get a couple with the costume she picked out for this year. These two were a match made in heaven ;).

We stumbled upon Lake House Stables in Ashburn through a web search and were really pleased with this barn. It is clean and the people I have met through our experience are very kind and knowledgeable. My daughters teacher was so good and patient with her and the horses were gentle and easy for her to manage with her being a first time rider. I am so amazed at the amount of confidence she has gained already in such a short amount of time. She seems so much happier in her every day life now too. I have a feeling we will be back here again very soon.

I have always felt that horses are poetry in motion. They possess beauty and elegance. When I look into their eyes I can feel their soul looking back at me and there is so much beauty and depth.

And Breathe ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-10-26T06:34:00.002-07:00

I just completed my second YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) weekend at Glow Yoga Studio in Whitby. I am truly amazed by how much of an impact this course has already had on my life. Not only am I learning breathing techniques and the art and practice of Yoga, I am also learning to encounter things in life with a whole new perspective and to release myself of the past that seems to always want to hold on and pull me down. The teachers and fellow students are amazing! I feel blessed to be a part of this journey. It is so wonderful to share these moments that are overflowing with possibilities. I feel as though I just stepped out of a bad dream and into a really good one full of light, hope and happiness.

Glow Yoga Studios is a hidden gem that I am blessed to live so close to. It is tucked quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and is surrounded by the beauty of nature near Heber Downs Conservation area. I am so grateful to have stumbled across this place so many months ago when I made this giant leap of faith into the great unknown. It is just what I needed to begin a new chapter in my life. I managed to bring my camera with me yesterday to capture some of the scenery that has breathed new joy into my world.

I awoke this morning to my daughter screaming over a misplaced item. It is hard to awake on such an unfriendly note. I find being a parent it is extremely challenging, especially after diffusing tantrums such as these and not start the rest of our day without feeling the negative effects. I managed to help her calm down and breath and let go. After she left for school I took what I learned this weekend and set it into practice as soon as I had my own space and quiet back. Just 20 minutes into my practice I felt better already. I can get used to this :).

Yoga Photo Session ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-09-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago I had the honor of photographing this lovely human being that has helped me on my own journey over the past 7 months in healing and in embracing changes that I needed in my own life. Sarah is a Yoga instructor at Balanced Life Yoga and a Chiropractic doctor at the Whitby Chiropractic Centre where I work part time as a receptionist in downtown Whitby, Ontario. This session was timed perfectly with my own journey in yoga teacher training that began this past weekend. I will have to write about it in another post later this week. I am still processing my first life altering experience. Here is a sneak peek from our yoga photo session together. Namaste :).

When we saw this tree we both agreed that it would be the perfect one to attempt the tree pose. Although she isn't the subject in focus in this photograph -for some reason my lens wouldn't let her in any I took in auto focus mode- I actually really love the affect! It appears as though she has become one with the tree.

Thank you Sarah for letting me practice on you and for helping give me the courage to embark on my own journey in yoga.

Summer Family Session ~Durham Region Photographer

2015-07-04T18:58:00.003-07:00

Here is a sneak peek from last nights family session. I am so thankful the weather cooperated for us. It was a pleasure meeting this lovely family. I was so impressed at how well behaved their children were. Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!

Good Luck Charms ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-07-04T09:34:00.002-07:00

Ever since I was little I have been over taken by the romantic notion of symbols that represent luck, love, guidance, etc. I have looked for signs that might help direct me towards the right path I am supposed to take in life to set me toward doing and being the best possible person in this life time. Finding four leaf clovers, stumbling upon random feathers, shiny rocks that catch my eye, lucky pennies, shapes in clouds, etc. The past couple of weeks I have stumbled upon four leaf clovers every day. Last week I found 7 and today I found 9 in the bouquet you see below. This gives me great happiness and comfort. I like to believe it is my spirits guiding me towards a more positive outlook on my present situation. I feel blessed and although I am not always living in the present, I find this helps ground me and snap me out of negative thinking. Both my girls are finding their own joy in it as well. My youngest daughter has a knack for finding pennies and feathers with great delight and my oldest has been picking bouquets of 4 leaf clovers by my side. I love seeing their smiles!

Summer Promo ~ Greater Toronto Area Photographer

2015-06-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

Hurray! It's finally flip flop season!

Why not celebrate the summer season by treating yourself to an outdoor portrait session! There are so many wonderful locations to take advantage of this time of year.It is my favorite time of the year for photography. I love taking it outside and love natural settings for portraits. Children seem more at ease and so do adults. Just breathing in the fresh air puts people in a better mood overall and helps everyone to relax and feel at ease in front of the camera.

I have decided to kick off the start of summer early with a special summer promotion.

PS This is a great gift for all the dads out there too, and for moms who stand in the place of dads :).

Contact me to book your session today.

Raising Self-Esteem With Photography ~ Durham Region Family Photographer

2015-06-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know that hanging photos of your children and family up on your walls can help raise your child's and your own self esteem?

Displaying photos of people in your family tree also helps children and adults alike feel a connection to something larger then their individual selves. It helps create a feeling of belonging, having a purpose, pride in accomplishments and a sense of being a part of something bigger. It is one way of making sense of life in a chaotic world and time where one can feel helpless against all that is happening beyond our control.

I have come across many articles on this topic when I decided to write this post. Many studies have been done in the past and the results all suggest this to be true. For a child, seeing their image, specifically their image of a happy moment, being spontaneous and natural reminds them they are loved and safe. Seeing these images in a room where they tend to spend a lot of time in often gets forever planted into their subconscious and helps them feel the safe harbor of home and your love embracing them.

When I worked as a manager at a busy department store studio before deciding to run my own photography business, I witnessed a lot of stress during family portraits. Given the short amount of time allowed in that environment and the pressure to make the perfect portraits left little room for families to relax and get that perfect family portrait. I often witnessed parents bribing their kids, doing cartwheels behind me if their children didn't smile as easily and sadly, sometimes threatening their children for those perfect, more often then not forced smiles. The experience was less then perfect for the family and photographer alike.

The stress often started at home while getting the family ready and I could sense a stressed out family before even turning to see that they were coming. It was in their footsteps. The hair would raise on my arms and neck when this would happen and I would try to go forward with the session without letting the stress rub off on me so I could get the best photographs possible. I feel great empathy for parents during these moments and can relate more now that I have my own family. I now know first hand how stress can be a huge factor when doing anything out of the ordinary with children, especially if it involves hair, clothing and following instructions. It was often worse during the busy season as the studio was booked solid and the pressure was on for both the family and the photographer to get the perfect shot. The resulting images were often lovely, however they were usually stiff and forced somehow. Yes, they were wall worthy but I always wonder if the children and families look so fondly on that time if it was a stressful experience.

I vowed that in my own photography business I would approach my sessions differently, giving the time and care to ensure each experience is as stress free as possible and hopefully fun for everyone involved. I strive to capture candid moments, genuine, smiles or pensive expressions and interactions that families, couples and individuals will cherish and want to look at each day. It is definitely not a take out, fast food type of experience where the images are ready the next day and I also do not strive for those straight forward portraits that you get from picture day at school. Special attention is given to each photograph both during and after the session to bring them to the next level. Something that can't be done in a cookie cutter program at the click of a button.

These days it seems everyone wants digital images to share online. It has a pleasantness to it that can't be denied. Being able to share with friends and family at the click of a button is wonderful but it is not lasting after everyone has moved on to the next photo posting on social media or you have changed your desktop photo to a new one and the image sits in a file on the computer or on a disc.

I strongly encourage people to get prints made of your favorite photos and memories to hang on your walls and to place in an album for you and your children to cherish and be reminded of that moment in time. Technology is not lasting and the wrong button can be clicked and photos deleted forever very easily. Believe me, I know because it has happened to me. There are 6 months of my girls memories gone about three years ago when our new computer at the time was set up very differently to what I was used to. I thought I was deleting a copy of the files I had transferred over to another drive. It turned out the drives were one and the same. Backing up is so important. Sadly, I learned the hard way. I was always in the habit of taking care of my clients pictures first and neglected my own.

Have fun printing and hanging your favorite photos and memories! Enjoy the happiness and comfort it brings to you and your family. If you want to update and freshen up your family photos with a professional photography session and have a fun outing at the same time feel free to contact me and we can arrange a photo session that is stress free, creative and fun. Click here to see my summer season promo!

Happy Birthday Sophie! ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-05-12T10:40:00.002-07:00

A very Happy Birthday goes out to our golden girl today!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sophie!!!

We love you!

I can't believe a year has flown by already! This year has been so full of life, love and happiness in our family. There were admittedly a few moments of frustration getting over some puppy day hurdles. Many toys, shoes, socks and waffles forever lost, eaten or destroyed. Some "owies" from sharp and painful puppy teeth and nails. The tears and screams that followed were enough to drive one to insanity at times. Sophie has come a long way since those days, weeks and months and has grown into such a sweet and tender, loving little soul that has blessed our family for the better.

Sophie even got kisses from her best bud this morning :).

This toy didn't last very long.

Sweet Dreams ~ Durham Region Baby Photographer

2015-05-05T10:17:00.003-07:00

Dream BIG little One!

Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes...

This little man was a dream to photograph.

Thank you for letting me spend some time enjoying him!

News Letter of Adventures ~ Durham Region Photographer

2015-04-02T14:54:00.002-07:00

What's new this spring with Amber Black Creative?

I am excited to share with the world that I am about to embark on an exciting new journey this fall. I am still pinching myself to see if I am dreaming. Before I begin to share my news, a little background to what stirred this on. Bare with me while I digress ;).

After my second daughter was born I was so inspired by the nurses at the hospital that I felt a calling to go back to school and study nursing and hopefully work in the Maternity / Newborn ward. That dream started to inflate a little each day as I tended to my 2 year old and newborn daughter's needs. Between sleep deprivation and the cost of schooling and time involved it just did not seem practical and when I looked into their sweet faces, I couldn't dream of leaving them for longer then a couple of hours at a time. The further I got from that stage in my life the more thankful I am that I did not pursue that dream. Although I do miss the idea of being surrounded by such precious new miracles every day, I was also faced with the reality that I seem to absorb other peoples strong emotions and upsets as my own very easily and that would have been part and parcel with that line of work. Empathy is a trait I possess a lot of, sometimes too much for my own well being at times. I want to take a moment to give praise and thanks to all the nurses out there. You mean so much to your patients and were amazing with me and my family whenever we have needed you.

Over the years of photographing and working with families I really enjoy getting to know a lot of my clients. Some of them have held such an impression on me that they have opened me up to new ideas I wouldn't have considered had I not met them. I am very greatful! Thank you! I am sure you all know who you are :).

So about my new adventure that I can hardly wait to begin. I am going through yoga training to become a yoga instructor! I know right?! This is something completely different then anything I have pursued in life and the seed only recently got planted by my husband of all people. I have been practicing yoga for the past 4 years and fell in love with how I feel after each session both in mind, body and spirit. I hope to pass this knowledge on through instructing and hopefully healing others in the same way I feel yoga has worked for me. I am a much calmer, relaxed and optimistic person then I was before being introduced to yoga. It has also helped open me up to a whole other amazing world of healthy eating and lifestyle changes that I hope to embrace for years to come. The classes are great to work around my schedule as they are spread apart to allow for work and family demands. Wish me luck for the months to come! I may have to start another blog to dedicate towards my upcoming adventures ;). I will keep you all informed.

Spring is here and outdoor photo sessions are about to begin. I am booking now for spring and summer sessions!

If you are interested in booking a newborn session, make sure to book in advance to ensure I can fit you into my schedule within the first two week time period to capture your new bundle of joy in all his or her newborn glory. If you have any question please feel free to contact me.

Friendship, Hope and Love ~ Durham Region Artist

2015-02-26T06:35:00.002-08:00

I have been slow in the blogging department this year. I have devoted some time lately to develop my skills in painting with acrylics and oils. I have a long way to go but feel I am on the right track creatively speaking. It feels right, like a missing puzzle piece in my life has been found and placed in the right spot. I feel as though I have returned home after years of traveling abroad and am becoming familiar again with old friends, family and places. I am on a mission to keep this feeling alive and have since taken on another project and have been looking around me at life with "the creative eye". Don't be alarmed when I raise my camera phone to take a random picture of ordinary objects to work on later, much to my friends dismay this past weekend while eating lunch in Port Perry where we celebrated our birthday month together. The colour of her shirt made for an excellent backdrop of a cup of Joe which may become my next painting project.

Here is one of my works in progress from the past month. I am almost satisfied to call it complete but have some detail work to do. Inspired by my little sisters photo, thanks for letting me use it as reference Colleen :). I was loving this project on the coldest days in January and February afternoons. My luxury time to paint is on my lunch break an hour before the kids come home. A calm before the storm so to speak. Not that I don't love my kids but it puts me in a zen state to handle whatever moods come off the bus.

"Hope for Spring" ~ Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

The past couple of weeks I have been dabbling in oils. I haven't really touched oil paints since I lived in Montreal 15 years ago. I can't believe it has been that long!! I am attempting a picture of my girls when they were younger. Faces are really tricky. It will be very interesting to see how it turns out and if I want to admit that the painting came from me, lol. I am learning from the process though and will continue to develop the skills when I can. I may or may not post that one at a later date.

Baby Girl ~ Durham Region Family Photographer

2014-11-28T05:12:00.001-08:00

I really enjoyed meeting and spending time with our newest member of our family in the studio this week! She looks so much like her little sister did when she was a baby only she has a full head of hair.

Congratulations to the happy family on the safe arrival of your new baby girl!!

Tiny blessings are one of the best gifts life has to offer.

On the day you were born...

The angels clapped

their hands

and the moon

danced

with the stars

Hazy Lazy Days of Summer ~ Durham Region Photographer

2014-07-22T12:16:00.002-07:00

The weeks of summer seem to be flying by, especially with this soft little bundle of joy keeping us all on our toes. She is growing fast and learning the ropes of living in a world where her pack members are human. She is still teething and getting the hang of things but is eager to learn. She is now 10 weeks old.

Who could resist those sweet puppy dog eyes. They are full of mischief!

It looks like we may have a digger. She loves getting right into the gardens. Filling holes with not so nice smelling stuff seems to be working in her favorite spots though. I waited awhile before bringing out our girls little sandbox this year. I broke down and filled it up yesterday and look who loves it more, perhaps, then Madison. They will be fighting each other for a chance to play.

Hope ~ Durham Region Photographer

2014-07-10T10:22:00.004-07:00

If I can stop one Heart from breaking

I shall not live in vain

If I can ease one Life the aching

Or cool one Pain

Or help one fainting Robin

Unto his Nest again

I shall not live in Vain

Emily Dickinson

Look who took shelter in our backyard yesterday. He or she wasn't shy and I assumed that this little one was a baby just spreading its wings for the first time. It let me take a few photos before hopping away to a nearby bush. I think this may be my next painting project when the girls go back school in the fall.

Hope is the thing with feathers~

That perches in the soul~

And sings the tune without the words~

And never stops ~ at all ~

Emily Dickinson

Puppy Love ~ Durham Region Pet Photographer

2014-06-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of the expression "Never work with kids or animals." I apparently did not listen to a thing "they" say. I love working with both! I beat to my own drum most times ;). I always wanted to be a vet when I was younger or a teacher, so photographing animals and children comes naturally. I will be getting plenty of practice with our newest family member. She is so adorable! She makes my heart melt every time I see her. Funny, I don't mind waking up in the middle of the night if she whines to go out. Having raised two newborn babies since our first puppy, this seems a breeze in comparison.

Now booking portrait sessions for this summer!

Take advantage of my June back-to-business-relaunch promotion. $150 1 hour portrait sessions. Session is good for a family of 5 and under.* You will receive a high resolution CD of 10-20 enhanced images from your session. Newborn sessions are $250 as they require more time during and after the session.

HURRY!! SPACES ARE LIMITED!

*Add $25 for each additional family member. Sessions take place at an agreed upon location within the GTA. A travel fee may apply. Newborn sessions are typically done in studio, however, during the summer season there is a possibility of outdoor sessions, weather permitting.

Welcome Sophie! ~ Durham Region Pet Photographer

2014-06-17T11:24:00.002-07:00

I would like to introduce our newest family member!!

It took awhile before we all settled on naming her Sophie and have since fallen in love with it and her. We met her a few weeks ago with all her brothers, sisters, mom and dad. She had just opened her eyes for the first time a couple of days before and couldn't walk yet. The girls are over the moon in puppy love and can't wait to spend more time with her this summer. She can walk now and is giving lots of kisses. I can't wait for all the puppy antics to come in a couple of weeks, sharp teeth, potty training, sleepless nights and all! Matt isn't so thrilled about the training and lack of sleep part but judging by how happy he looks holding her, I think he will come around.

Here she is with one of her sisters.

Her poor mommy must be exhausted with all those mouths to feed. A litter of 10!

More pics to follow soon!

Fun Family Session ~ Durham Region Family Photographer

2014-06-02T11:06:00.002-07:00

I am getting my feet wet in family photos again and loving it! Here is a wonderful family featured on my blog with a real sweet Italian princess that has an infectious laugh and smile. Her mom and I go way back to over 25 years of friendship. Bring on SUMMER with some backyard fun! xo

First Birthday Cake Smash ~ Durham Region Baby Photographer

2014-06-02T10:40:00.002-07:00

I got to hang out with a lovely family a few weeks ago to help celebrate their adorable sons 1st birthday. It has been awhile since I photographed a cake smash and it was lots of fun. Here are a few photos from his session. Happy 1st Birthday to the handsome little man!

Spring Projects in the Works ~ Durham Region Photographer

2014-05-21T11:43:00.002-07:00

I feel like a great big giant sigh of relief these past few weeks. Now that spring has bloomed and the warmer weather is here I can finally get motivated to do some of the many creative projects I have been hoping to do all winter. My Pinterest addiction was over the top by February as I drooled over pictures of green gardens, waterfalls, flowers and fun craft ideas for the girls. This past week I got to tackle one of the projects for our backyard that I have been hoping to do while Matt opened the pool. We have two maple trees in our backyard that are very difficult to grow grass under. I tried new sod last year and it didn't take, even after careful watering. I decided to put mulch down and make a faux riverbed pathway. I am really enjoying how it turned out so far. We are hoping that the grass fills in around the new garden area and have fenced it off in hopes that the grass seed takes. Fingers crossed.

Last night I let the girls pick out some feeder gold fish to put in their water feature to keep the mosquito population from increasing. They were over joyed and have been checking in on them every chance they can get. We just need a small pump to keep the water circulating and the backyard will be the perfect setting for those long and hazy summer days ahead of us. I can't wait!! My girls are in heaven with all the fresh air after school. Abby finally got up the courage this spring to ride her bike without training wheels and asks us every night after school if she can ride her bike out front. We are hoping to get Madison on her bike too but she hasn't shown much of an interest in it yet.

One of our many backyard bunnies seems to love our new landscaping and even let me creep up to it to take a picture before it hopped slowly off. Our neighborhood is hopping with bunnies these days. I am happy to see that they survived the winter.

Another artistic project from Pinterest is on the go for the backyard and I can hardly wait to add it to the riverbed pathway for something fun that the girls can look at. I will have to share the outcome when it is finished. Painting on slate is surprisingly easy and fun!

A Great Big Hello!

2014-03-27T14:36:00.003-07:00

Psssssst! I'm back.....It's been awhile since I shared my world online. I am still alive and well in this beautiful world we live in. We have a lot to celebrate over here. The arrival of spring after a long and grueling winter for starters. Also, our family moved to a new neighborhood in a lovely new home. I keep pinching myself, I love it so much. Unfortunately I lost a lot of content on my blog with the loss of my old email address because of the move. If you had a session with me in the past and can no longer see your preview on my blog, I am slowly but surely re-posting past sessions and haven't forgotten your support in my photography journey.

In other news, I revamped my old website recently and am excited to share it with you! I changed my business name to Amber Black Creative, Photography and Fine Art . Here is a the new website link www.amberblackcreative.com . During my time off I rediscovered my love of painting and drawing and hope to share with you some of my latest projects among my photography. Although it is a balancing act being a parent, I take a few stolen minutes here and there to work on my art in lieu of watching TV or being on the computer. I am taking artist workshops to learn new techniques and hope to find my own voice and style over time. I am happy to meet so many talented locals in my area that help inspire me to keep at it too. I am also close to finishing up my French Certificate through Durham College. Mais oui! Je peux parler en français svp. I am not sure where it will take me. Perhaps only to aid my children or help me to avoid Alzeimers one day. I love the challenge and it helps me feel connected to my family heritage.

As some of my readers know I have taken a break from photography to focus on my children, in particular my youngest daughter. While trying to get the dust to settle and everything in order after the move she went in for emergency surgery to have her appendix removed last year. I have to say that it was a pretty scary time for me and for her and I have been watching her like a hawk ever since. I was astonished at how brave she was in her ordeal. Both girls have grown rapidly before my eyes. My oldest daughter has matured into a bright young girl with so much compassion and empathy. She is level minded and so smart, I am continually amazed and proud of her progress.

Please share my news with your friends and family. I am currently booking photography sessions for the spring and summer months. I can't wait to get out there and start shooting again!

À bientôt!

The Importance of Time ~ Durham Region Photographer

2013-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

I am taking a well deserved break from the business of photography. I have struggled with this idea for the past year and a half and have come to terms with it this year. The weight has been lifted and I feel I can finally live my day to day existence with clairity and lightness. Running a business from home is wonderful and empowering but somewhere along the way, my young family grew and became busier then I could have ever imagined and the demands of the business were overwhelming to put a healthy balance between the two. They need me more then the time I could give them trying to run the business, even on a part time basis. I don't want this time to look back on to be full of regrets.

The reality is part time equates to full time in this industry if I wanted to even get a small amount of business to just keep afloat at this stage in my business, with all the cost of product and equipment, training and time. Despite what many think about this business, it is more then just a push of the shutter button and burning a disc and fun times. Although it is a labour of love, the time spent on email and phone correspondence, continual learning, cost of equipment for cameras, lenses, computers and computer programs, advertising, website, processing orders, mailing, time, etc...it all ads up. I will miss it but for the time being am thoroughly enjoying my role as a mom and wife to a preschooler and kindegartener. I am also exploring my options this year and just might find myself going down a new and uncharted path in my life altogether. I am a firm believer in life having many wonderful chapters and avenues to explore and that once one door closes, another window or door of opportunity will open. Photography will always be there for me but for the moment, it will be for me and my family and a very limited amount of sessions over the next year. I will hopefully stop by this blog from time to time and post random and beautiful moments I have captured to keep up with my love of photography, which is a constant in my life anyway. I want to thank everyone who was a part of my photography experience over the past two years. It was great to meet new families and their little ones. This part I will really miss.

Next year promises more time for me and I may revisit and re-evaluate the overall business to suit my availability. With more time for me to cope with the obstacles and stresses that probably wouldn't be there in the first place if I had uninterrupted time. My photography business was started, afterall, to be able to stay at home with my girls while they were young, not make money to send them away from me at a daycare. I am not sure I am ready for my little ones to be in school full time yet :(. Such a conflicted feeling just thinking of it even though it is not for another year. There are so many days or moments where I fight with the idea of wanting some more time to myself to be able to see this business bloom, but then relish in the fact that this stage of my family is so fleeting and I will miss it very much.

Living without You

2012-04-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Through the ebb and flow of life your memory still exists. Forever etched behind my eyes like short, cloudy movie clips, tarnished and dated. These moments are a little hazy, some clearer then others but they still remain a part of my life. The gap is starting to close away as the dust settles but I have not been left untouched. I have gained a different perspective through this experience. I took the weight of the world on overnight and tried to be brave while being strong for my own children. I tried to be supermom and everything to everyone in my life while carrying a heavy heart that felt tainted somehow. Tainted from the hardship of dealing with emotions from the past and present that came on so powerfully strong when you died. Your life ended without a lot of warning and at such a young age. I feel ashamed for not being a better daughter but conflicted for not having a mother most of my life. A mother that would stand by me and love me and be there for me when I most needed her. I did not have that and try to justify not being there more over the years. I am a pillar that has had to stand strong since the first memories I can conjure up in my mind. They say children are resilient and they are. I am living proof of that. I am afraid to let people in, even more so after this. I want to try.

Mom, I love you and see you each day in all I do. I feel your presence help guide me and know that things were beyond your control or mine when you were here. You tried you best with what life dealt for you as I am trying myself.

This song has washed over me the past few days and embraced me and my heart with warmth and comfort. "Oceans" By Zion

Baby Girl ~ Whitby Newborn Photographer

2011-12-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind on blogging lately but wanted to post one last post before 2011 is over. This photo was from my last session of the year that was taken before the holidays were in full swing. It was such a pleasure to spend time with this sweet Italian princess. Congratulations go out to the happy family and all the best for the New Year! May you be blessed with many years of fulfillment and happiness as your family embark on this great new journey of parenthood together with your lovely new daughter. All my best to you. xo

I love everything about the last day of the year. The promise of what a new year has in store for everyone, the celebration of life and hope that is celebrated throughout most of the world we live in. Every year since I can remember I have written out a list of resolutions down for what I hope to accomplish in the upcoming New Year and what I did accomplish the year I left behind. All the lessons I have learned, mistakes I have made, happiness and joy that I have been blessed with, accomplishments, setbacks, etc.

I think that this past year was pretty good to me and my family. It was a year of restoration for me. I signed up for a gym membership last year and have been fumbling my way towards a healthier new lifestyle. For the first part of the year I was struggling with getting into routine and the past 4 months I have managed to frequent the gym 50 times! It is so amazing to see that number on the sign in screen accumulate and all the new found energy I have is so worth it! I also learned to knit after years of attempting it and giving up. Taking a class did help me and so far I have made 3 hats, 2 scarves, 5 pairs of mittens and 2 pairs of fingerless gloves. Yes, I have been busy :). Knitting is very similar to yoga. It helps keep me focused and my thoughts calm and positive while minding my children. Creating something that is useful, pretty and will keep my family warm this winter brings me happiness.

Miles Away From Home ~ Durham Region Photographer

2011-08-26T06:37:00.001-07:00

My husband and I had the opportunity of a getaway together in San Fransisco last weekend for our anniversary. I have to say, I am in love with that city (and my husband)!! Despite not packing for the cooler temperatures and having to buy jackets, it was 30 C heat we were leaving behind in the Greater Toronto Area after all, we had a great time! All the history, sites, sounds and tastes the city had to offer were wonderful. We will definitely be going back there again one day. We will also be doing more tours of places we have yet to discover. The amount we learned on the city tours there (not one, but two!), was amazing and with both, we learned different things that we wouldn't have learned had we not taken the second.

Our first evening there began with a walk around the city and dinner at The Stinking Rose. If you are a lover of garlic, this restaurant is for you. It had atmosphere and a variety of garlic dishes, even garlic flavored ice cream. We were seated in a cozy little mezzanine that made for a very romantic setting with a fountain bubbling away in the corner, patio lanterns and candles to add to the ambiance. I was still battling a lingering summer cold so it was just what I needed to help boost my immunity, however stinky we may have been the next day ;). At least no vampires would cross the two of us while we were there.

On our first full day there, on our anniversary, we started with a bite to eat on Nobb Hill and then a tour of the city followed by lunch at the infamous Boudin, on FisherMan's Warf. We had to try out their carved out sour dough bowl of clam chowder. Yum! After that we had an early evening tour of Alcatraz. I was a bit exhausted by the time we made it back to the hotel from the tours and a bit of jet lag. Tears poured out when we were greeted with a special treat from the hotel for our anniversary. Chocolate, fruit and a yummy dessert! We rarely get a chance to be together alone these days. I am sure many new families struggle with the same thing. It is so worth it but this was a real nice break for the two of us to enjoy just each other for a change.

My wonderful and crazy husband has this thing for this pose wherever we go. It is part of his charm ;). That and standing on a ledge that backs onto a 10 ft drop to a steep hillside. Didn't someone just fall over Niagra Fall's last week?!!

Currant Berrilicious ~ Durham Region Photographer

2011-08-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joys of summer time. We are already into the groove this week and have our summer skin on. The girls both slept in until 7:30am today and were very relaxed and easy as a pumpkin pie to be around. Not quite how they usually act during the week while Abby is in school. We have accomplished some gardening, currant berry picking, a walk, grocery shopping, a nap for one and a little google education on Kaola's. We bought a tasty little treat from Australia that got us onto the topic. I love kaola's! They have got to be the cutest creatures ever! I would love to live the life of a kaola one day and sleep for 22 hours ;). That would make up for all that lost sleep during the newborn stages of both my girls, LOL. This week we are going to make currant berry jam. I think it will be an annual tradition since we have a currant tree in our backyard.