I first heard of Eva through a friend of mine that directed me toward her blog. Eva documented her battle with cystic fibrosis with such heart and such grace that the world fell in love with her. Eva touched so many people and brought such energy and determination to the fight against CF that support has proliferated since her courageous battle came to an end last March. I attended a benefit concert on Feb.13th that was in honour of Eva. Many of the bands that performed had a personal connection with Eva which made the event extra moving.
When I arrived, Steph Macpherson was taking the stage. She is a very clever songwriter. One of my favorite feelings is when an emotion or sentiment that I have been unable to express through words or images is packaged up in an eloquent and poetic gift by a musician. I have felt this a couple times while listening to Steph.
Rococode took the stage next. As their website explains, “Rococode is an unfamiliar band made up of familiar faces”. I always love seeing Laura Smith live so it was a treat to watch the latest collaboration. They totally rocked the house. Live performances do not always guarantee that the bands will “put on a show”. Some bands just stand on stage and play their music, not really justifying the fact that people payed to WATCH them as well as listen. Well, Rococode are true performers. Their love for their art was very evident. Rococode is a must see when they come to your town. I adore shooting bands that give ‘er.
I caught a little bit of Sunday Buckets just as I was leaving. They certainly had the crowd going. Tons of energy and a super fun way to end the evening.
I was in Vancouver on Tuesday and thought I’d stop by the track to say hi to a friend and to get some shots of the horses as training begins. Some of the horses were pretty wild getting back out there! I can’t wait to go back in April when the races start. So much fun! I really miss working with horses. It was nice to be around them again, even if it was watching them from afar ;)
Thought everyone could do with a little bit of cuteness this morning. This family is close to my heart and it was such a joy to photograph them with their latest addition. The Daddy/Daughter photos always make my heart melt. Another thing I love? Baby leg pudge ;)
I had contacted Alice at the Base Lounge to see if I could rent their gorgeous space for a photo shoot. We worked out the details and Alice asked if I would photograph her family when I was done with the first shoot. Alice is lovely and radiates health and well-being. I was excited about the opportunity to meet and photograph her family. On the day, the natural light poured in and the family magic began ;)
In 2010 Gene and I bought a share in a grain co-op that was being hosted by Makaria Farms just outside Duncan. We learned how to plant, grow and harvest grain. At the end of the season we were rewarded with harvests of organic Red Fife, Spring Wheat, and Rye. True Grain Bread, the fabulous organic bakery in Cowichan Bay was kind enough to let us use their gorgeous stone grain mill to grind our grain into flour. If you have never been to the bakery, drop what you are doing, go there and bliss out on their luscious organic bread. Then go next door to Hilary’s Cheese and get some of their homemade St.Clair Brie.
Below are some pictures from one of the farm workshops as well as some from milling day. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of harvest day.
If you would like information on growing grain locally, Island Grains is a wonderful resource.
Tutus have never been part of my repertoire. Growing up, I was a horse girl through and through. Which meant that I was usually mucky and smelly. Quite far removed from the delicate loveliness of dance recitals and ballet shoes. So I have never related to the tutu and thus it never occurred to me to put a tutu on a munchkin. But then this little darling showed up wearing one and my heart melted into a little puddle of tutu adoration. Isn’t she scrumptious?
Just after we bought our big old creaky heritage house, I was walking down the sidewalk behind two boys of about 7 and I heard one say to the other “there’s the haunted house” in reference to our dear old home. Every year since, I have wanted to REALLY hauntify it for Halloween but my hours were somehow always filled with other adventures. Well, this year that glorious dream was finally realized ;)
We decked it out from porch to roof with red lights, cobwebs, dismembered doll parts, vultures and dry ice in a witch’s cauldron. Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year we invited our friend’s over on Saturday to help celebrate Devil’s Night. The costumes this year were fabulous so I set up a photobooth to capture everyone’s awesomeness. Photobooths are a great extra for parties as people love having something interactive and entertaining to do. Ask for details if you’d like a photobooth at your next party. Check out the fun below (scroll down for play-it may take a bit to load).
