Calming Effect | Week 6

This post might not be to everyone's taste!   I guess if you're not a cat lover, I suggest you google holiday destinations right now :-)  Well even if you are a cat lover, googling holiday destinations seems like a great idea!

I have always loved animals.  Right from a little kid.  When I used to dress our Silky Terrier dog, Scamp, in dolls clothes, put her in the pram and push her around the block.  Now we have larger dogs...remember my earlier post on Deja.  And we also have a labrador, Mocha.

And cats.   I find them calming.  Meeko (pictured) is the cat I always wanted.  But never wanted to pay for!  So when our tabby looking cat had kittens and this fluffy, white, blue eyed kitten was one of the litter  I was determined to keep him.  Despite resistance from the husband.  So Meeko has been dragged up.  Thanks to my daughter...who shares my love of animals.

Stay In Touch | Week 5

Well a good friend has brought it to my attention that I am behind in my blogging!!  Nice to know someone is eagerly (?) awaiting my posts ;-)

I am h.u.g.e.l.y grateful for technology....even though some days my kids will probably cringe at my slowly declining saaviness!!   Today's mantra - 'I shall try to not publicly embarrass my childen'!  At least in regards to technology!!

The world of communication in two, or even one, device. 

Once upon a time I could not see the value of an iPhone (nor can I, right now, of an iPad - but I'm sure it will one day be revealed!)...but my phone is slowly becoming another appendage!!  Phone calls, text messages, facebook, games, entertainment for the kids!  And 12 months after getting it I finally set up emails.  Now another reason to be addicted.

Then there is my laptop.  Which has meant no more late nights downstairs on the desktop.  It has meant late nights lying in bed, connecting with my virtual world.  Bliss.

But what I love about these communication devices is spending time with those I love.  Like even.   Staying close.  Drawing thousands of kilometres of distance into my hands.  Everyone is a phone call, a message, an email, a fb status away.  Reminiscing with old school friends.  Giving vitrual hugs to my closest friends.  Connecting with like minded people.  Parents.  Photographers.  Caring for those who are hurting.  Reminding myself that I'm not alone....that there are others who have gone through things that I'm learning, feeling, creating, suffering, questioning.

Just being in contact. 
Keeping in touch.
Learning. 
Googling!

The Odd One | Week 4

Just a bit of light hearted gratefulness this week!  Odd socks.  As you can imagine in a household with 5 kids (6 if you count the one I married!), odd sock piles are very prevalent.

But I'm grateful for them all - because it means we're normal.  Either that or I forgot to buy the optional extra for the washing machine that stops the machine devouring just one of each pair. 

I'm quite sure the week I decide to just throw the odd ones out, the very next week the pair turns up.  So starts the vicious cycle of more odd socks!!

If only they had magnets in them.  Hmmmm, there could be a patent in that ;-)

The Doors | Week 3

Things I'm grateful for?  A door?  Really?

Yes really!

These are the doors that represent that we have a roof over our head.  A door.  A roof.  Four walls.  And lots of creature comforts.  They all make a home.  Our home.

I'm a bit of a homebody.  I love my days at home.  With how crazy, busy life seems to have become, I am always glad to spend the day at home.  Even if it does mean crossing jobs off the to-do list...where sometimes even cleaning the toilet seems more exciting than thinking of what to cook for the next meal!!

About that home...over the years I've discussed a point that seems to come up regularly - and it was again highlighted by a friend on FB today in relation to herself.  Luck!  How often we've been told we're 'lucky' to have the home we live in, the things we can afford. 

I guess when you haven't seen the constant stress, the long, sleepless nights, the countless times groceries have had to be returned because of not enough money - you would think it's luck.  But I am grateful for a husband who is intelligent, pragmatic and ethical.  Who listens to my advice (occasionally!) to pull back a little.  And who works hard to provide for us.  So that we can have a great home.  With gorgeous doors!

I love these quotes!
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.“ – Thomas Jefferson
“When I work fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, I get lucky.“ – Dr. Armand Hammer

The Luckiest | Brendan & Pippa

Time to blog about the second wedding I've ever shot!  

Pippa contacted me after I did a family shoot for one of her good friends, Abby.  She had already booked a photographer but wanted to cancel if I was available.  At this stage I still hadn't even photographed my first wedding...and after clarifying this with Pippa, she still wanted to go ahead!!  What a privilege (and responsibility!!).

With the wedding looming there was no time for an engagement shoot...but I met Pippa at the location for her wedding.  W.O.W.  The Cape Hillsborough Teahouse is exquisite...and I was excited at it's quaintness - and the wonderful photographic opportunities!  I could visualise the beautiful, outdoor reception, with fairy lights strung overhead, flickering candles, garden ceremony, dancing on the grass.

Then came the rain.  And it rained.  And it rained.  And it rained.  But with some sort of luck, the rain eased (mostly) on their wedding day!  

With my mum to assist me on the day, we arrived where the girls were getting ready.  I must admit, in all honesty, I drove in with trepidation.  As the only accommodation to fit a bridal party (and guests) near to the wedding location, it was a rather boring caravan park with pokey little cabins!  The thought crossed my mind (followed by the words coming out of my mouth!), 'If I can take great photos here, I'm a real photographer'!!  

But I knew the teahouse was coming.  And perfect it was.  Right down to the finest detail.

Brendan, Pippa.  Thank you.  Thank you for being such a wonderful couple - perfectly suited to each other.  Thank you for being so relaxed in front of the camera.  Thank you for  allowing me to share your day and entrusting me with your memories.