So here is my first attempt at an actual shoot. Felt really [...]]]> Kate Inglis wasn’t kidding about how much you can learn about portrait photography by attempting to make a self-portrait! Nor was she kidding about how freaking hard it is to make one! I’m glad I wasn’t trying to jump into a hammock!

So here is my first attempt at an actual shoot. Felt really strange to do, but I’m relatively happy with the results.

Here I am trying to capture my reflection on motherhood and what it means to me. I think I started getting the process of [...]]]> Yesterday’s workshop at Chester Art Centre with Kate Inglis gave me lots of food for thought regarding self-portraiture as a means of meditating on particular emotions, and on photography & storytelling.

Here I am trying to capture my reflection on motherhood and what it means to me. I think I started getting the process of making a self-portrait, but am still really working on how to get to the depth of emotions.

Raggedy Ann has been with me since birth, or at the very least my first few days of life. Looking at her stitched up neckline, her ratty clothing and her floppy arms reminds me of how much love my mother shared with me. Her expressions of love in the little things (and big things) she did for us, including rescuing my raggedy doll from a heartless purge attempt by someone after a move.

I have a small collection of things that remind me of mom & Nanny that I keep handy for when I need their comforting maternal love. Placed on a shelf next to my reading chair. Sometimes I need only glance in that direction, while others I cling to that little bear trying to breathe in the essence of those two amazing women.

Mothers breathe life into their children, mold them and guide them, nurturing their very being. Only mothers seem able to see right into the soul and really know who their children are. There is an ability from early on to distinguish bits of personality that may be nurtured but never stamped out. Through a mother’s love children become people in the wholest sense of the word.

Photos by Kate Inglis

Thanks to everyone who helped us reach our minimum goal! We are still fundraising and would appreciate your support!

Once again I have joined Team Diabetes, a team of people from across Canada who will be crossing the finish line together and who have raised funds to support the more than 9 million [...]]]>

Thanks to everyone who helped us reach our minimum goal! We are still fundraising and would appreciate your support!

Once again I have joined Team Diabetes, a team of people from across Canada who will be crossing the finish line together and who have raised funds to support the more than 9 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. I will be on the course of the 2012 Blue Nose Marathon (Local). This is not a travel event, so administrative costs are very low, allowing more of the fundraising dollars to go to research and support.

This year, not only did my oldest daughter (who will be eleven on the race course this year) decide to run again, but her 8 year old sister has decided to join in as well! They are both dedicated to supporting the cause of diabetes research and support because of their Auntie Dana who was diagnosed Type 1 five years ago at the age of 30. Please help us to support people like my sister who suffer numerous health complications due to Diabetes. You can read my sister’s story here: Why I Run for Team Diabetes.

You can read about my 2010 Bluenose 10K here; and mine & Breanna’s 2011 5K here.

It takes dedication to be part of Team Diabetes, but we are committed to making a big difference in our lives, and in the fight against type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

One of the greatest contributions of the Canadian Diabetes Association is toward outstanding Canadian research. But that is not all the Association does – it runs camps for young people with diabetes and provides education and special services to people affected by diabetes in communities across Canada.

As we participate in this event, you will be with us in spirit and your support will help us be strong all the way to the finish line. A donation for each kilometre is suggested, but whatever you can contribute matters – it all adds up!

Our goal is to raise a minimum of $350 each ($1050 total) by mid-March and continue to raise additional funds until race day!

If you want to support our mission, please click the following link(s):

Pledge Trish

Pledge Breanna

Pledge Payten

Thank you so much for your generosity!

Trish, Breanna & Payten

I have been following her photography and writing online for some time now. It’s really thrilling when you have an opportunity to learn from someone whose work you admire. Sunday I learned a few pointers and was reminded of a lot [...]]]> Sunday was day 1 of Photography Workshop with Kate Inglas / @sweetsalty

I have been following her photography and writing online for some time now. It’s really thrilling when you have an opportunity to learn from someone whose work you admire. Sunday I learned a few pointers and was reminded of a lot of technical stuff that I’d just stopped being fully aware of. It takes practise to make these things second nature and I have homework for the second half of this course. If anyone in my neighborhood is willing I’m looking for subjects!

I’m really happy with the bit of progress I already made:

This month my challenge will be to unplug by 9pm everyday.

My hubby will be very happy to hear this one.

Hopefully it will help me get my sleep [...]]]> I practised mindfulness for April, somewhat unsuccessfully.  It seems I didn’t even manage to make a blog post indicating that was my challenge for the month.

This month my challenge will be to unplug by 9pm everyday.

My hubby will be very happy to hear this one.

Hopefully it will help me get my sleep cycle back on track too.

The hardest part about that will be that girlies’ bedtimes on week nights are 8pm & 8:30pm respectively. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for last minute checkins, etc. The second hardest part will be reading – I have three books on the go that are all ebooks. Not that I don’t have plenty of hard copy books to pick up after unplugging.
*The only exception will be for a couple of work meetings that I have no choice but to do after 10pm because all of my counterparts live in earlier timezones than I.

Today I am feeling good. I am feeling [...]]]> Sometimes you just have to take the time to acknowledge how good your life really is. Forget all the crappy, stressful stuff that has piled up in the back of your mind and focus. Focus on everything good. Or focus on one good thing. Whatever works.

Today I am feeling good. I am feeling awesome actually. I believe I am experiencing the least amount of pain that I have in years. I don’t mean in general, and I know it may be different by the end of the day. But right now, in this moment. I feel really, really good. Fantastic actually.

And this moment is all we truly have isn’t it? We don’t know what is coming, and everything in the past, is well – in the past. So take a moment to embrace how good your life is RIGHT NOW. Find the thing that you know makes your life awesome and live it. Experience it. BE it.