Showing posts with label 365. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 365. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Saturday August 4, 2012.
In Their Element - 
134/365

Sunday August 5, 2012.
Cousins -
Finding a new brother means that he and I are beginning to build a relationship.  But it's not just our relationship that needs to be established.  I would love for his son and daughter, and my children to build a relationship as well.
135/365

Monday August 6, 2012.
Grace -
She's not the graceful swan, nor is she the familiar goose.  She doesn't have flock in which she can blend into.  I don't know who or what she is, and yet, even without fitting into the mold, she still is able to fly.
136/365

Tuesday August 7, 2012.
Rewards -
My Little Man and I went on a mommy son date to Baskin Robbins.  I splurged, and let him pick the chocolate dipped cone and extra toppings.  He felt special and let me snap away with my camera phone as a reward.
137/365

Wednesday August 8, 2012.
Pieces of the Whole -
I have decided to make a quilt.  As I cut the fabric and stack the squares into neat piles, I am thinking about how each piece will fit back into the whole.  I am also thinking of my Grandmother.  She was a quilter, and the inspiration for my desire to make a quilt.  She quilted, for each one of her children and grandchildren, a matrimonial quilt.  As I worked, I wondered if Grandma ever thought about the pieces that make up the whole her quilt and maybe even compared them mentally to the individuals that made up her family as she hovered over the table in her living room and created our treasured heirlooms.
138/365

Thursday August 9, 2012.
Ice Eggs -
I'm bored.  He hasn't said these words yet, but I know he is.  He misses his friends and the routine of school.  This summer it has been hard to get Charlie hooked up with friends to play with.  I haven't had much luck coordinating our schedule and his friends schedules.  To keep his spirits up, I've tried to find fun activities for us to do.  One of these activities was Ice Eggs.  I froze trinkets in a water balloon for the Little Man to melt away.  The idea was that he would put his Ice Egg out in the sun to reveal his prizes, but of course, it rained that day.  So, instead, I let him excavate (smash and dig) into the ice with tools.  I think he liked destroying the egg better anyway.
139/365

Friday August 10, 2012.
There goes another -
Get ready for the cute toothless stage, followed by the awkward nub of new growth, and finally, the equally awkward Chicklet stage.
140/365

Saturday August 11, 2012.
Traditions -
Every family has them, traditions that ties us to our past.  Growing up, Uncle Murry always held a annual corn roast on his farm.  Sadly, both Uncle Murry and the farm are gone, but a few years ago, my Mom renewed his tradition.  Mom's corn roast is not in a rural location; there are no tractor rides or visits down to the pumpkin patch.  Over the years, time has moved on: faces have changed, hair has become grey or fallen out, children have grown into adults who now have their own families, and yet, as different as Mom's corn roast is to Uncle Murry's corn roast they are remarkably similar.  At both you'll find children playing, excited to learn that their new friend is also their cousin.  You'll find the awkward teens who are at the edge of the group, not quite wanting to play children games, and not yet feeling grown up enough to talk with the adults, and adults of all ages will tell stories that start with, "Remember when?"  It is through seeing our children interact as we once did, sharing stories of the past and honouring traditions that strengthen the ties of our family's bond.
141/365
Sunday August 12, 2012.
Cloud porn -
142/365

Monday August 13, 2012.
Anxious -
I have a new job.  A few weeks ago I interviewed for a part time retail position and was offered management.  I took a big breath, talked it over with my family and decided to take the plunge.  Because the management position involves out of town training, my family will be on their own to take care of each other.  I know that they are capable of this, but I wanted to leave them with ideas and things to do together while I was gone.  The boys were anxious to do the craft I bought them and made it before I even left the house.  
143/365


Sunday, July 29, 2012


Saturday July 21, 2012.
Too Long -  
As much as we love these two, we only ever seem to manage a couple visits a year.  We ended the evening the same way we do every time: With the promise to not let so much time pass before the next visit. 
120/365

120/365
second shot

Sunday July 22, 2012.
Rain - 
Normally, it would be considered bad luck to have rain on a weekend, but this hasn't been a normal year.  We've had hardly any rain to speak of this summer.  So as odd as it sounds, the rain that brought with it  promises of freshness and renewal made me giddy with happiness.
121/365

Monday July 23, 2012.
I'm Under No Illusions -
I know who my kid is.  Usually he is sweet, kind and agreeable but sometimes - sometimes he is a little monkey.  
122/365

Tuesday July 24, 2012.
Summer Snacking -
Either radishes have changed radically since I was a child, or my taste buds have.
123/365

Wednesday July 25, 2012.
Good Fortune -
I spent the day thrifting with my mom.  We hunted and  hoped for good fortune while we looked about  for old treasures.  After, we went out for lunch.  The treasure was in the company.
124/365

Thursday July 26, 2012.
Dog Days -
I think we have officially reached the dog days of summer.  My kids are far enough away from both the last and the first day of school that it feels to them as if the lazy days of summer will last forever.  I know this midway point - this time where they need direction to keep their days busy.  But, on Thursday, after they shot down a bunch of my 'fun' ideas, I felt exasperated and deflated.  I left them on their own to amuse themselves while had my own fun.  I took the brushes, paint and the canvas I bought at the dollar store to the back deck for some quiet creating time.  Just as I  began, my boys appeared.  I quickly got them their own canvases and the three of us sat down to paint.
125/365

Friday July 27, 2012.
Elevate the Everyday - 
...its about found moments.
126/365

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Monday April 2, 2012. 
Dozin' -  I see squirrels around my neighbourhood all the time.  They amuse me the way in which they frantically busy themselves, like they have a to do list that is a mile long.  You've probably seen them, digging in your garden, chasing one another up a tree or darting out in front of your car, but have you ever seen a squirrel relaxing?  I mean just doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing?  When I came across this squirrel sunning himself on my back deck, I had to stop and wonder.  Was he hurt?  Why is he doing nothing?  How could he have possibly finished his to do list, and just relax for the day?  Doesn't he know the other squirrels will talk?  But, then I thought, maybe, just maybe this guy had the right idea - maybe his chores for the day weren't done, but he decided to give himself just a few minutes of breathing space, to rejuvenate before he tackled them.  Maybe, just maybe I was a little jealous. 
10/365

Tuesday April 3, 2012. 
Awakening -  I am coming out of my winter hibernation, welcoming the signs of new life and grieving the lives who slipped away.  My brother's (adopted) mother passed away today.  Rest in peace. I wish I could have met you to thank-you for raising an awesome son.
11/365

Wednesday April 4, 2012. 
There'll be Days Like this My Momma Said - Charlie and I found this girl on the way home from school.  "Take a picture Mom!"  So I did. 
12/365

Thursday April 5, 2012.
Date Night, Times Five - We went out for dinner, the five of us on a date.  We exchanged stories over appetizers and asked for five spoons so we could share an order of  dessert.  It was everything a date night should be, times five. 
13/365

Friday April 6, 2012. 
Business Man - I met my brother-in-law Jamie when he was four years old.  He sat at his little wooden table, set up in the living room playing - The table was set up to be his office: he had a calculator, a binder and neatly stacked paperwork.  You see, Jamie's favourite game to play was business.  They say that your profession should be what you dreamed of doing when you were a child.  I've watched Jamie grow into a man, and I couldn't be prouder of him.  He is doing exactly what he should be doing.  He has followed the dreams of his child heart owns two businesses. 
14/365

Saturday April 7, 2012. 
Old Girls -  I am the younger sister.  I don't say that just to point out that Jennifer is older (although obviously she is.)  I point it out because where we sit in the family hierarchy is just the beginning of our differences.  Early on, whether consciously or subconsciously we decided that it was easier to be different than compete for the same recognition.  She was a tom-boy; I was girly.  She was the outgoing one; I was quiet.  She was smart; I struggled.  She was easy-going; I had wicked temper.  She had posters of heart throbs and heavy metal bands wallpapering her walls; I had a Ziggy poster and a plaque of Jesus (not kidding.)  In striving to carve out our own identities, we have become two very different women.  I wonder what choices I would have made, who I would have become without Jennifer.  I know that I am the person I am because of her.  Happy Birthday Jen, congratulations on your Cougar Status. 
15/365

Sunday April 8, 2012. 
The Loot - Charlie would like you to know that the Easter Egg hunt was fun and exciting - and that he got the most.  Sugar high to start in seconds.
16/365

Monday April, 9, 2012.
Sad Pansy - I planted some spring pansies in my garden over the weekend.  There has been so little rain, that the soil has turned bone dry.  This pansy sadly hung his head, waiting for the promise of April showers. 
17/365

Tuesday April 10, 2012.
Blue -  It seems I was on a flower streak.  Here is the second of three not so exciting flower shots.  Enjoy.
18/365

Wednesday April 11, 2012.
Just Dandy - Third and final flower shot of the week. 
19/365

Thursday April 12, 2012.
Leaning - I'm trying my best to balance school, home and family.  For my photography assignment, I multi tasked and actually handed in a series of pictures with me doing the dishes.  Inspirational really.  I haven't gotten my grade back yet, but I'm thinking I deserve an A.  You can check it out if you want, I write my assignments as blog posts here at Elevating Exposures.
20/365

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Friday March 16, 2012
Run! -  I can't believe how fast March break went by.  Charlie and I rode our bikes to the park to meet some friends on Friday.  He missed his buddies.
360/365
Saturday March 17, 2012.
Get Back - It's probably hard for my kids to believe this, but I am always on their side: even when they are grounded.  It will be even harder for them to believe that when they are grounded, I am their biggest ally.  I ground them because I want what is best for them.  I ground them to help them get back to their best selves.
361/365
Sunday March 18, 2012.
Little Sister - John and I had a great visit with Donna and my big brother.  Seriously, I love saying that.  Big Brother. 
362/365
Monday March 19, 2012.
New Tricks-  The Little Man has been out bike riding with his dad.  Which is probably a good thing.  Because he would never have attempted (I would never have encouraged) his new trick -
a POP-A-FREAKIN-WHEELIE. 
363/365
Tuesday March 20, 2012.
In My Footsteps -
"I haven't taken a picture yet today." I said to Kenzie.
"We can go to Kerncliff." she answered with a smile.
Because she looks to me, because she walks in my footsteps, because I see myself in her, I strive to be a better person. 
364/365
Wednesday March 21, 2012.
I Can Almost Taste It - Longer days, playing outside after dinner.  Warmer temperatures, it feels more like May than March.  I can almost taste it, Summer. 
365/365

Thursday March 22, 2012.
Courage - I am anxious girl.  If I were a Muppet, I would be Telly monster, constantly running around on the verge of a panic attack.  Or maybe I would be Bert, so desperately trying to control everything.  From where I stand: I am afraid  of heights (actually it's more the fear of falling), of driving (crashing).  I struggle to find the faith that if I leap the net will appear.
366/365
Friday March 23, 2012.
Joy full - Saturday is my birthday.  Last year, I started a my 365, and today I get to reap the rewards of my work.  It fills my heart with such absolute joy to see my completed project.  I had planned to take a break from the 365, but have changed my mind.  Regardless of how much I have on my plate, I can't imagine my life without a daily picture to go with it.  365.3 - Bring it.
367/365

Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012

Tuesday February 28, 2012.
Together - It's the ordinary, everyday moments that make my heart skip a beat.  John was checking out some old cars online when Charlie sat down beside him, and started asking his Dad questions about muscle cars.  I love it when I am able to capture a glimpse of the love in my family.
343/365
Wednesday February 29, 2012.
Leap! - An extra day.  How did you spend yours?  It was rainy and cold here all day.  Not much fun at all.  I think the most fun I had was photographing Charlie jumping on his bed.  Why isn't leap day in July?
344/365
Thursday March 1, 2012.
Tooting My Own Horn - I'm feeling overwhelmed with school.  It's a lot more work than I had anticipated. BUT on the bright side I'm doing awesome.  So far, I have earned A's on all of my assignments.  A couple with 100% and one with a 95%.  Toot Toot!
345/365
Friday March 2, 2012.
Sassy Selfie - It's Friday, the sun is out and I'm feeling sassy. Bring on the weekend!
346/365
Saturday March 3, 2012.
Steak and um, Mushroom Pie for Dinner Tonight -  John and I stopped by the butcher's shop to pick up meat pies for dinner.  We laughed when we saw the "mushroom" that was stamped on top of the pie.  Oh dear.
347/365
Sunday March 4, 2012.
Thirty Eight Trips around the Sun -  Happy Birthday to my best friend. 
348/365
Monday March 5, 2012.
Coming Down From the Weekend -
349/365
Tuesday March 6, 2012.
Walk the Line - Sometimes life feels like a balancing act.  One step in the wrong direction and everything will all come tumbling down.  That's kind of my life right now.  Trying my best to keep my balance.
350-a/365

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Saturday February 18, 2012.
Snowy Sunrise - I looked out my bedroom window.  The sun was just rising and I saw that it had snowed. I didn't even bother to get dressed into my day time clothes: I slipped my coat and boots over my pajamas and went to capture some of the majestic morning.
333/365

Sunday February 19, 2012.
Choices -  "You are the sum total of the choices you have made."  Some days this notion excites me.  I mean, it doesn't matter what other crap is going on, I get to choose how to live my life. 
Other days the prospect that I have to choose, is completely overwhelming and terrifying. 
334/365

Monday February 20, 2012.
Family Day - My family and I headed to Valens Conservation Area for family day.  It was such a relaxing warm sunny day, I almost felt as though we were camping.  We shared lots of laughs, and just simply connected again.  We brought the barbecue and had a winter picnic.  None of us felt the cold until we sat down to dinner.  By the time dinner was over all of us were freezing.  We packed up quick, and grabbed a self portrait.  I placed the camera on the hood of John's truck and used the remote.  Click.  Click.  Click.  Portrait done, lets go!  After when I looked at the pictures I noticed they all were out of focus, oops should have turned the truck off before I set the camera on it. 
335/365

What a beautiful sunset, I said as we drove home.  John pulled the truck off to the shoulder so I could take a picture.  This has NEVER happened.  It was so sweet of him.  A great way to end our day. 
335b/365
Tuesday February 21, 2012.
Breakfast For Dinner - Pancake Day!  For the first time ever, I made pancakes from scratch.  I had no idea they were so easy to make, and they were so much better than Aunt Jamima's.  Not quite as good as Papa's, but then he fries his in a pound of lard, making them crisp and tasty.  But the boys assured me mine were a close second.
336/365

Thursday February 23, 2012.
Strike! - We all went out bowling to celebrate a special man's birthday. Papa turned the big six-oh!  Ray is the kids papa, he is John's stepfather, he is the only "parent" that John has living.  But Ray is so much more than a father figure: he has become a friend.  Ray is always there for us either to lend a helping hand or to offer support.  Appy birday Papa, our favourite story teller, camping buddy and friend.
338/365
Friday February 24, 2012.
Petal - 
339/365

Saturday February 25, 2012.
Ready -  Another white Saturday morning, only this time I wasn't struck by its beauty, and I was happy to see the snow melt by mid afternoon.  I am so ready for spring; I'm ready to put away the heavy layers. I'm ready for tulips and daffodils.  I'm ready for new beginnings and fresh starts.  I'm ready for the winter to melt away.
340/365

Sunday February 26, 2012.
The View - Perched up in the maple tree this guy stayed just long enough for me to run back in the house, grab my camera and get his picture.  When I looked down at my camera, to adjust my settings, he made a silent escape and I was left wondering if it all really happened.
341/365
Monday February 27, 2012.
Down Time - It was a crazy busy day.  Sadly I was looking forward to my dentist appointment for some much needed down time. 
342/365