Still Snowing.....

It is Christmas Eve, and Campbell River is beautifully covered with snow.

I can't help but think how fortunate I am, to have a warm house, a wonderful fella, a healthy little puppy..a beautiful family and friends that melt my heart. I am so grateful to be blessed with such amazing good fortune. Not a day goes by when I don't feel gratitude, but even more so at Christmas, when there are people still struggling.

May you appreciate the beauty of your world, your life, and if you are reading this now... I'd be tempted to say that you are one of the fortunate ones as well. Soak in all of the magic moments this holiday season, and although I'm sure you already do... give whatever you can, as often as you can. May you be warm, cozy and full of all things marvelous over the holidays. Above all, may you be showered with magic.

Here are a few images of our winter wonderland and little Frank in the snow.

Super Cuteness

You may recall my original Boys and Dogs post a while back, of my brother and his dog Digsy. These images of Bryce and our little buddy Frank reminded me of that post, and I couldn't help but share this short series of images of my amazing fellas. Puppy update: The little one is absolutely heart melting, until he is hanging off my pant leg, chewing my feet, and leaping over every barrier we've made for him. The sun is shining outside, and I believe its time to get out in it!

For all mothers....

O.K. First of all. Puppy training has quickly become my morning noon and night.

Bryce has named the little fella Frank or Frankie, and what a character. He certainly loves to please! He'll walk right up to you and sit. Just sit down and tilt his little head and look at you. What a little charmer!

In the 3 days he's been with us, one thing has become clear. I have no idea how mothers of real people do it. No clue. I have never had to take care of anything other than myself (although I do run a business and often hang out with friends children). So this will be a giant learning curve, or series of.

I wish to take this opportunity to just let all of you mothers out there know, that you truly are amazing. The amount of courage, patience, love, creativity, energy and pure strength it must take, to wake up daily and know that you are raising a human being... someone you hope to be a positive influence in the world. Someone who will hopefully be kind, caring and loving. Someone who not intentionally hurt people, donate money to charity, and think beyond themselves. Every single day must have an underlying current that the good values, morals and lessons you've taught your children stick and translate into wonderful people.

You mothers out there, amaze me. Heather, with your 3 children, Great Dane, 2 cats and fish... honestly... HOW DO YOU MANAGE?! Maritte with your 2 year old, newborn and dog!! Suzanne, with your 2 kids... Sarah with TWINS! What kind of humans are you? Super humans. It's decided.

In any case, I get it... in some small way, I officially get it. (I'm sure one day, I'll get it even more) But for now, Bryce and I are trying to raise a good, happy, healthy pup. Wish me luck... Thanks for stopping by... more people photos soon I promise.

What happens in Mexico.....

A week of sunshine, beautiful beaches, free drinks.... I believe I turned many Canadians onto a popular mexican beverage... the CHELADA (basically salt, lime and beer... MMM) In any case, for the most part... I was sprawled out on my beach lounger, book in hand, with a gorgeous man by my side (who was suspiciously always handing me a few chelada's). All in all, a very relaxing, and necessary week. But really, who was I kidding... ONE WEEK... I needed five. Five weeks would have done it. Now one, and I'm back to the gloomy fog, rain and damp chilling air of our own little Vancouver Island Paradise.

The sunshine and the R&R were a welcome and wonderful break from it all... and much to my delight, I was there to photograph Darcy and Christina's beautiful Mayan Riviera wedding. Those photos will follow... but for now a few of the small pleasures life can bring us in the form of tropical weather, constant blue skies and good company.

What I love about palm trees the most, is their shadows... I love me some flat out doing nothing time.. In fact NOT behind the camera for a moment. And finally my fella and I with a little help from the ol' self timer setting...

A little background info....

I was always a bit of a different breed...

I had barbies, dolls and other toys that I rarely played with.

My favorite, my most treasured childhood playmate.... was a wooden Buddha doll. I named him "Buddha Darlin". I brushed his teeth (with real toothpaste), combed his non existent hair and even fed him a bottle. I took care of him. We had good times.

While partaking in the Wallis family pumpkin carving extravaganza last night, I came across this image of Buddha Darlin and I, and I just thought I would share it with you. Happy Monday everyone.

More images to come.