I just returned from an amazing birth today! A wee bit ahead of schedule, but such a lovely entrance into the world for this little one. He chose a beautiful day to be born. Kiran and Sandeep were an amazing team bringing their family into being together. Kiran – you were amazing!!! I’ll post more later, but couldn’t resist a few images from today. Congrats you two… now three!
“The shackles are undone, the bullets quit the gun
The heat that’s in the sun will keep us when there’s none.
The rule has been disproved, the stone it has been moved
The grave is now a groove, all debts are removed
Oh can’t you see what love has done? Oh can’t you see what love has done?
Oh can’t you see what love has done?What it’s done to me?…Love left a window in the skies”
A day early, but couldn’t resist posting my favourite muppet rendition of Oh Danny Boy for St. Patrick’s day. Beaker’s song always cracks me up! So, raise a Guinness my friends and enjoy. Slainte!
Just discovered soulpancake - perfect for this Pancake Tuesday!! I like their tag: “Our brain batter of art, culture, science, philosophy, spirituality and humoris designed to open your mind, challenge your friends, and feel damn good.” Here’s a video that will give you a little lift for the day…enjoy!
It’s funny that a week ago the groundhog predicted an early spring…and now we are digging out from the biggest snowfall we’ve seen in years! It was a bit crazy out there, but today we have a beautiful winter scene, just in time for the Beasley Winterfest. Looking forward to a little skating! I like the beauty of the icicles that form on my house, but don’t love how then melt into my dining room. I snapped a few pics before smashing them up and trying to thaw the downspout. So far, so good.
I love books. Whether I’m delving in and reading new ideas, or re-discovering old, well worn paths, there is nothing quite as calming as curling up with a tumbler of whiskey, a warm blanket and a good book. I just started reading Jean Vanier’s Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus, through the Gospel of John. It is brilliant. It’s a well written, poetry-filled trek through John, full of Vanier’s thoughts and admonitions.
I’m looking to add some titles to my must read! list. Any recommendations? What is saving you? What is inspiring you? What are you reading right now?
Birth Photographers are creating quite a stir and engaging in conversation around birth, photography, art and sharing. I submitted a photo from a water birth to a contest that the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers is holding right now. This is the first time I’ve ever submitted a photo of mine to any kind of competition, it feels great just to participate and have an image that I took displayed alongside so many talented people. I’m a newbie when it comes to birth photography, and seeing so many beautiful, powerful images is inspiring. There has been a lot of debate about the nature of the photos, and a lot of sharing too! Apparently, there has been so much attention, the site has crashed. So, if you’re trying to see the images and vote, be patient…it’s worth it! I have to say that all of the photos submitted are gorgeous and are helping to share what birth can be.
International Association of Birth Photographer’s Contest
Some random thankfulness for some of my warming favourites during this cold snap.
1) On these cold, wintery mornings it is such a treat to enjoy my new favourite tea from David’s called “mother’s little helper.” Aside from having an awesome name, it actually does have calming properties with peppermint, lemon grass, valerian root, hibiscus and camomile. It tastes delicious and is a soothing cup of warmth. AND you can use this handy contraption which is just plain fun.
2) Fingerless gloves! Perfect for photo excursions so that you can still operate the camera and keep those digits warm. I received a few pairs from my Aunt and cousin and they are amazing!!
3) Hot Bath. C’mon now. Who doesn’t like a hot bath? Especially with lavender salts from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. They rock. Put out some candles and grab a good book! Now we’re talking.
4) Fun, Stripey robe. A Christmas gift I received that is practical and decadent. Bright teal colours of fuzzy fleece brighten those winter mornings when it is so cccold and you don’t want to get out of bed.
5) Warm winter wear. Nothing beats being able to throw on a soft, pom pommed hat with ear flaps and furry boots when it feels like it’s -20 out. Add a few hand/foot warming heat packs and you are good to go for those outdoor photo shoots.
What warm-ups do you like? How are you fighting the cold this week?
Such a cold, blustery day for one that was so ripe with possibilities. I find myself in a unique place with hope-filled paths with choices to be made. Soon, I will have to decide. For now though, I am simply basking in the dreaminess of possibility. Soon, I will be able to share all of the exciting details. Until that day, I will enjoy the tension of this hope-filled space. I needed to celebrate a victory today. Not for winning the entire race, but celebrating a step that could lead to more. So, I grabbed my gift card and 2 can dine for -$14.99 coupon and dined out on delicious chicken- toasting to possibilities. I like a good coupon, so my middle-aged self was happy to augment the cheer with some good value. Cheers to the sweet space of possibility! What are you celebrating?
This weekend was amazing! As one who is greatly affected by the weather, it was wonderful to be able to get outside and enjoy the thaw. I was even able to go biking around Cootes Paradise. In January! I was also challenged by a friend to hunt down some photos for some fun. It was so beautiful outside, I couldn’t help but wander around and take advantage of the beautiful weather by engaging on a photographic excursion around the neighbourhood. I received a list of some bizarre words to spark my imagination and off I set to capture images based on the random words. The first photo here is a bit of a cheat though… I found it on my memory card, but I think it captures the essence of a fuzzy dizzle-winkle, don’t you?
The other words were: crack, former festive, thaw, water, up, communication, out of place, unexpected colour, and St. Francis’ place of prayer…there’s a whole list yet to explore, but it sure was nice to go photogging for fun this past weekend!
Unexpected colour:
Out of Place:
Water:
St. Francis’ Place of Prayer:
Communication:
Thaw:
Crack:
(another) Crack:
Former Festive:
