Five Happy Thoughts:

1. Enjoying a quick moment of relaxation with my sister - Starbucks ran out of ice, but we found another option on the menu to enjoy instead of a frappacino











2. Waiting for dinner at Montana's to celebrate my new part time job to supplement my income to save for my Wedding day and pay off my car included some drawings

3. Just finished reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, so stoked to see the movie

4. A visit to the dentist is helping me recover my smile and start the process of healing an infected molar that needed to be pulled

5. Enjoying that my blackberry phone has camera options that help me to snap theses little photos when the moment strikes me

Until next time :)

o/` August i'll see you soon, under yellow moons...

Five Happy Thoughts:

1. Enjoyed a leisurely day with great friends who I have known a long time at their 2nd annual family bbq

2. Cupcakes - I really shouldn't eat them, but sharing them once in awhile from the Candy Store in Westboro is just too much temptation... Cupcakes are a featured item on Saturdays, the menu is posted monthly and they are just so delicious... July 31st's flavours were Ginger Lemon or Cherry, we shared one of each and they were just so delicious

3. Free wifi at Starbucks makes it easier to enjoy a little me time on the go. I love the atmosphere and enjoy a good cold mocha frappuccino on these hot summer days we've been having.

4. Thunderstorms - as long as I am safe and out of the storm's way, I love to watch the dark clouds move angriliy about, see the lightening light up the sky and then almost jump every time the thunder claps... I could listen to the rain fall for hours. Of course when I went out again the rain hadn't stopped, I could barely see past the window of the car as the windshield wipers worked quickly to whisk the rain away.

5. Small Town service with a smile - My wisdom tooth broke and was causing me so much pain that I just couldn't bare it anymore, I have a pretty high pain tolerance but I just couldn't take it knowing I could only see the dentist the next day... Since the wait in the Ottawa area is anywhere between 4 to 10 hours or more sometimes; I met my mom at the Kemptville hospital to get an antibiotic to start the healing process before the tooth is pulled... The nurses were friendly, kind and understanding; and even though it was a busy night for their emergency room we only waited an hour and a half to be seen by the doctor... I wouldn't do this often as I hate to go to the hospital no matter what, but sometimes you don't have a choice... so I am glad I was able to use their services as my mom lives in the area.

I'm leaving to take the bus to the dentist in about an hour as I don't think I should be driving with tylenol 3 in my system... I am pretty traumatized by the dentist in general due to a long life with bad teeth and a few really bad experiences but my oral surgeon tries to be patient with my fears so I know I will come away feeling less pain; and on the road to recovery...

Until next time :)

Please Don't Go...

Crazy how it feels like Summer is already leaving us...

Cooler evenings brought comforters back out and warm coffee has been chosen over iced frappacinos.

I even pondered putting the heat on in the car last night as I drove my sister home from work...

I didn't put the heat on in the car. 

It was really chilly and I'm pretty sure there were goosebumps, but I didn't turn it on because I am not ready to let go of Summer yet.

It's been a hot one. Full of fun moments and thrilling adventures.

Precious memories I will never forget that involved weddings, road trips and a Circus tent.

Here's hoping August will be just as memorable...

Good bye July 2010...

Sunset from Way Way UP...

July 1st Fireworks

Hanging out on the shores at Bate Island

The View from Bate Island

Visiting the Canadian Geese at Bate Island

My Roaming Gnome visits Bate Island

Until next time :)

Five Happy Thoughts:

This summer is full of Love, Life and Laughter.

1. Beautiful Friendships - I've known these ladies so long. When I moved to Ontario in grade eight, they extended the gift of their friendship to me and my life has never been the same since. They are just as much a part of my family as any relative.

MV's wedding was fun, full of love, friendship and precious moments I will never forget. From start to finish, their celebration of love made me feel so happy that I was able to be a part of their special day. I felt so honored to share in the love that she and her new husband feel for each other and their families.

2. Roadtrips - I love to just get in the car and drive, I don't have to have a destination, sometimes I just wander to take photos, to document the parts of the world that speak to me through the eye of my lens.

I think part of me feels like I'm escaping the day to day routine when I take to the open road, enjoying new experiences and an adventure or two along the way.

This summer has included a weekend roadtrip to Chateau Montebello for M's wedding, the hotel is so beautiful, the grounds are lovely and the Chateau itself is rustic yet so elegant.

A beautiful model showcased the Lodge in the main hall of the Chateau.

My friend's Friday night wedding was followed up with a luxurious brunch the morning after which included another of my favorites.

3. Great coffee - Awesome breakfast options: I love brunch and nothing makes me happier in the morning than a good cup of strong coffee with some sustenance to go with it. The hotel did not disappoint me on this in one bit...

Next up on my Summer tour was a quick overnight trip to Montreal with two of my coworkers to see the Cirque de Soleil perform their masterpiece Totem. Under the big top, the Circus magic lured me in for almost four hours, tempting me to run away and join their troop of performers.

Totem is one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen live.

















Nothing I could have imagined would have lived up to what these artists do with their talents to put together such moving pieces of dance, acrobatics and  the most amazing show. The music was lively, the performers were so colourful, vibrant and full of emotion as they showcased their talents. My favorite was one of the final pieces where two native dancers performed on rollerskates on a round table that was covered in white fur, their costumes were so beautiful and the love their dance conveyed moved me to tears.

My other favorite part of Totem was how the performance ended. Each performer came to the stage but instead of bowing, the group kept growing and everyone from the first to the last act was involved in a group dance that bid good night to the crowd. The musical ending created such a positive vibe to finish such an amazing show.

4. Family - Enjoyed a short visit with my Mom at the Karrs Dog Show.

It may have rained while we were there, but it was nice to spend some time with her at her home away from home. As a surprise, I also brought my niece with me for the day. As soon as Ms. K knew she was going, she got to work creating a card for both Nana and Opa.

5. Baseball - For the Love of the Game.
  















I may not go to as many games as I used to, but my Summer is not complete without at least a few nights of cheering on the Ottawa Coyotes as they play recreational baseball.














As well as seeing some fun laid back baseball; I also enjoy getting to see wives and girlfriends of players as well as the little ones that come out to watch their dads play on a warm, summer night.

These five happy thoughts are just a few of the things I've enjoyed this summer... I hope to update with some Travelocity Gnome photos next as I take some snapshots with the Gnome on some touristy Ottawa adventures.





















Until next time :)

Yay, my own lilttle Travelocity Gnome!

So as part of a Facebook contest I recently won my very own version of the Travelocity Gnome.

He's being shipped to me as I type this. Such a small little thing to be happy about but I think he's cute. I also think it will be fun to add a new little bit of inspiration to my reason for photographing a million things.

And that was part of how I won the little gnome - I had to explain where I would take him so I could take his photo and add to his travel tales.

My plan was to take him on my own little Amazing Race of Ottawa, Ontario and show him all the touristy places people should visit when they tour the city.

First stop: Andrew Hayden Park to snap him with the Canadian Geese
Second stop: Parliament Hill at the Peace Tower or the Flame
Third stop: Next a stroll through the Byward Market
Fourth stop: A photo op in front of the Spider at the National Art Gallery
Fifth stop: What's next but a little drink - a pint at an Ottawa Pub

And from there who knows where the adventure would take us next!

I wish I would receive him before Canada Day because it would be great to take another photo of him in front of a backdrop of Fireworks...

Ahh the possibilities are endless...

Until next time :)

All you need is love:

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends - Richard Bach

Friday, June 18th, 2010 will be one of those days that I will never forget.

My dear friend Mirka was married to Dragoslav, the love of her life.

The weather offered a blessing with beautiful sunshine and a soft summer breeze for their four o'clock outdoor ceremony at Chateau Montebello.

I was so nervous as Mirka had asked me to read a passage she and her fiance had chosen to include during their beautiful ceremony.

When Mirka asked both myself and another longtime friend of ours to read at the ceremony, I was pleasantly surprised. Her wedding party was small and intimate so I was so very touched and happy to be a part of her special day.

Yet in that same moment, I was terrified... I am not the best public speaker, I always go red when I must speak in front of any crowd.

Good thing though, she quickly let us know that her fiance would make sure we had cards to read off of so then my panic subsided a little.

I didn't think we would be included in the wedding party, so it touched me deeply when she and Dragi decided to include us in this special way.

The passage was "The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson. It was beautiful and I could definitely relate to the words and the meaning behind them.

And when it came time to read it, I felt good because I was sharing in my friend's special day. And with just one look at her as she walked down the aisle, I could see how happy she is with this man who loves her so deeply.

I can only hope that when that day comes, I will look and feel as radiant and loved as she did, as that is all anyone can ever hope to be: happy and well loved.

So even though I was nervous, speaking in front of a crowd was easy as we all felt the love that the couple shared with each other and with their family & friends.

The ceremony was so special, the officiant was really on the ball and kept things moving along until the moment we were all waiting for - asking the groom to kiss his bride before introducing the happy couple to the crowd.

The warm summer evening was magical - dinner and dancing along with many wishes for health, love & happiness.

I cannot explain how much love I felt in sharing with my friends on their special day.

I hadn't expected to enjoy myself quite as much as I did as I worry about the way I look or what others might think of me; but this time, I just focussed on the love I felt for my friend of many years and celebrating their marriage with her and the man who loves her.

And I think it was the best wedding I've ever been to - relaxed, fun and definitely a memory I will cherish forever.

Wishing love & happiness as the bride & groom enjoy their honeymoon cruising through Europe for the next twelve days.

Stay posted for photos coming soon.

Until next time :)

Hot Summer Nights...

Outside my window...
The stars are shining brightly on an early summer night.

I am thinking... that time is passing so quickly!

I am thankful for... a friend who trusted me to speak on her special day.

From the kitchen... yummy tomato & cheese sandwich with mayo for a late night snack as I missed dinner and it was pretty hot outside today.

I am wearing... a dark grey tank top, a red printed blouse, a black jersey skirt and my white flip flops.

I am creating... memories to last a lifetime.

I am going... to put away the banana bread as it's cooling right now.

I am reading... Anne Rice's Memnoch the Devil

I am hoping... the sun will shine for M & D's wedding Friday afternoon.

I am hearing... the television still on as it's too warm to sleep.

Around the house... Dishes done, banana bread cooling, lunch to make for work tomorrow, and a warm bed I want to climb into... soon.

One of my favorite things... inushtuk sculptures!

Until next time :)

Reflections

Kingston, Ontario - May 22nd, 2010 - Road trip with my sister & niece.

It's about time: Reflecting, Re-evaluating and Rebuilding

I have realized that I need to make things more simple.

I want to feel inspired and excited about blogging, about writing again...

Instead I've taken so much time to think I need to perfect the space I blog in, that I've lost sight of what I wanted in the first place:

A blog that reflects who I am & lets me share the photos I love

I love the thought of a blog of my photos. I strive to update with more content and then fall by the wayside because real life keeps me busier than I'd like to be in order to update more.

And then I also think that my blog has to be so much more perfect than just what inspires little old me.

So in an effort not to try to be so stubborn, I will stop worrying about what anyone else thinks or does and just keep it simple: my passion - photos that only need a few words to tell the story of the life I love so much.

Until next time :)

Toronto Birthday Weekend

So April and May were really busy months for me, I'm hoping June will be a bit less hectic so that I may have some time to reflect and enjoy the better weather that should be on it's way soon.

I still have not been able to make my goal of posting weekly, with two jobs, staying on top of eating properly and just getting the everyday things done; I fall behind on a regular basis.

I don't know how to fix this, except to perhaps begin creating lists to keep me on track - as I also have a bit of a horrible memory and honestly forget things sometimes... it's so frustrating, so I am hoping a list might help me focus.

I am always really inspired by Andrea's hulaseventy blog, she's such a great photographer and she has a great outlook on life, so I thought after seeing that she is keeping 52 weeks of lists, this might be an option that could work for me in remembering all the stuff I want to get done; as well as the priority of what needs to get done... so let's see if that will help me make some new things part of my routine.

I went away for my birthday in April; I can hardly believe I am 35, it still seems so surreal to me.

I remember when I was a little girl and hearing that a relative was 35 or older and thinking they must be soooo old, yet at 35, I don't feel old nor do I fear my imminent death of decrepit old age coming on anytime soon.

My first list is an update of photos I took on my 35th birthday weekend in April. I took some time off for a road trip to Toronto to spend time with a dear friend and to see my aunt's family:

1. Snacks for the road trip






















2. Driving along the 401 Highway:





















3. Getting close to the big city - Port Hope:























4. Downtown Toronto - One of my favorite buildings besides the CN Tower:






















5. Friday Night Blue Jays game - Blue Jays may have lost but it was a great game!












Until next time :)

5 Happy Thoughts:

1. Thinking about lists to make for my 35th year

2. Enjoying sunshiney moments after work

3. Tim Horton's Iced Cappaucino - sugar & caffeine extravaganza!

4. First pedicure of the spring / summer season

5. Hearing my nephew call me his aunty cawowyn, so much love.

Winding Down After A Long Weekend...

Yesterday was a really good day...

Spent time with my family, enjoyed some good weather & great company during a busy long weekend.

Saw the Easter Bunny - never too old to believe in holiday magic:






















After a busy day visiting with family, I spent some time winding down in a beautiful place - Andrew Hayden Park.






















I like to go here because it is always busy with people enjoying the weather, the water or the birds...















The sunset was so beautiful, I was lucky to catch it before it set. The air was crisp with a little wind as the warm weather left with the sunshine.






















In spending some time there taking some photos, I realized it is probably time that I took another photo of myself.






















I was standing on a ledge of rocks behind the tree and was over as far as I could be without falling off the ledge. Except for the wind making my hair a little crazy, I was relaxed & feeling good about the day, so I decided to ask someone to snap a photo for me and I am pretty happy with how it came out.






















Until next time :)

Much Needed Inspiration

I am human. I have flaws. Really, I do...

One of those flaws that I am willing to admit is that I am not so good on the follow through... meaning I have a habit of starting things and not always finishing them.

So after realizing that I don't tend to update my blog on a regular basis - in fact it is almost like I forget it exists at times - I thought I'd like to challenge myself and try to write more.

My goal is to write and update once a week.

I feel I can do this at the very least, however, in trying to keep my list of 101 things on track, I was not so successful in even updating as minimal as once per week. I realize as much as I think I can be successful at more, I will start with this small plan to update weekly and see how I do.

I am hopeful in taking this small step in following through with something that I enjoy but never can seem to find the time to do.

When I get home in the evening, I either fall asleep due to a long day at my full time job, or am in a rush to get ready so I am not late for my part time job where I work about 25 hours a week. So by the time I get the little things done that require my attention, I don't have a lot of time for myself.

I love taking photos, I love documenting life; so hopefully I will make a new start yet again and continue documenting the precious momments that are my life.













Until next time :)

Cutest Boy in the World...

Well maybe I'm a little biased...

After all I think my nephew is the most adorable little boy :)

Mr. Z turned 3 on January 9th, 2010.

He loves to make people laugh. He will do all sorts of things just to get a laugh.

And he must tell you everytime we pass an OC Transpo bus on the street in the car that we've passed a "Mus" Auntie Carolyn! He gets so excited to see them all over the city...

He usually has a car in his hand everywhere he goes, loves pop pops (lollipops) and his big sister Kay :)

We are all so blessed to have him in our lives.


















love you baby boy...

Until next time :)

A Change Is Gonna Come...

CHANGE is my one little word for 2010

My word for 2009 was Believe.

I strove to believe in myself more, to believe in the world around me more and to try to be a more positive person in the grand scheme of things. I believe my life transformed in many ways in 2009 because I believed in myself and the people around me who love me for me.

So for 2010, I wanted a word that would push me to grow more as a person. For me, there is no other word that brings to mind action like the word CHANGE.

And since life changes so much in every moment, why not celebrate life and embrace the changes that make life interesting, and sometimes, make a full life even richer.

I am still working on changing my lifestyle to become a more healthy person, it is forever a work in progress. I want to change my image of my self and who I am now that I see myself more than a year out from my weight loss surgery journey. I know I am still learning to eat properly, include more healthier foods. To nourish my soul as well as my body, with vitamins, positive encouragement, and little rewards to keep inspiring me to be a better me.

I believe I am worth all the work that goes into the CHANGE I still want to see in my life.

As the journey continues every day in every moment, I strive to become the person I hope to be.

Happy 2010!













Until next time :)