Mama Quiet Time

Today was a quiet day. I went to my appointment with Dr. Sukhi in the morning, then came home to have lunch before meeting an old friend who I haven't seen for a while to chat about a side business I'm considering. However, she had to stay home with her dad who was not feeling well. So we just had a short chat over the phone instead and had the rest of my afternoon free.

Maddi needed to nap, and usually, I can't just lay her down. She loves to be held. So she usually naps in the carseat or stroller while I'm out and about or I carry her in the Moby wrap. However, when I laid her down on the couch to put the Moby on, she just stayed sleeping. Jackpot! Mama gets to have her own quiet time... with some English tea, French cookies, chocolate, classical music in the background and a book - The Artist Way.

Serendipity

Today, I got a visit from Sue and baby Ethan for a few hours. After they left, I walked to Urban Fare to pick something up. On my way there, I felt compelled to walk into saf & benjamin, the new-ish baby store that opened up. Sommer, the wonderful woman that owns it happens to be tending the store. I don't even remember how the conversation started, but somehow we got talking about me wanting to start my photography business while I'm on maternity leave. She didn't cheap out on the support, encouragement and resource/advice for me to go for it... and even welcomed me to stop in anytime to say hello or if I had any questions.

Yesterday, I met with Ashleigh Wells, today I have this encounter with Sommer. I am super impressed with how these women are so generous and how willing they are to encourage and help another woman who is venturing to start her own business. They're not the only ones, either and it's not just women. I've been very blessed to meet a few good people that have blown me away with just how willing they are to help.

After the slew of replays on the media of Steve Job's speeches, plus this serendipitous connection today... I was compelled to do something. So, I went online and submitted a name approval request. When I get the approval in a few days, I'll register the business and get a GST/HST number. I realize I don't need to register until I'm making $30K a year, but registering just makes it more real in my head. It makes everything more professional, more legitimate and therefore requires more commitment on my part - no more one foot out. As my brother said, I need to go all out and give it my best shot.

I'm excited, and I'm so proud of myself for acting while inspired to be courageous and follow my heart... when it's so easy to simply wish and hope.

Run, Terry, Run!

 

Tonight, hubby and I went for a walk. Seems like it was a while ago since the last time we went on one. A few minutes out of our door, we come across this new memorial in front of GM Place.

I attended university at SFU, so although I didn't grow up here, I have heard of Terry Fox and his accomplishment. Such a great reminder of not being afraid to dream for a miracle, and not giving up on going after one's dreams! What an inspiration!

However, I must be honest. Someone "ordinary" like me can either hold him up on a pedestal, view him as special and make excuses for why I can't do great things like he did. Or, he can really be an inspiration... if I view him as disadvantaged compared to myself, yet he accomplished what he did. How much more capable am I to be able to accomplish my dreams?

Exploration

Today, hubby, father-in-law and Colleen came with me to Shawnigan Lake School to drop me off at a week long photography workshop with Image Explorations. I've been looking forward to this week for a long time; I was part excited but part nervous.

I am taking Scott Robert Lim's class for the next 4 days... and learning from him to become a master of light. His images are amazing, and I want to learn how to create images like that. However, more than just learning the technical aspect of photography... I am here to gain confidence as a photographer, to find more fuel for my passion, and inspiration to encourage me to take my photography more seriously and go further with it. I've already met my roommate and our neighbour from the next dorm room who we will be sharing the bathroom with. I've already made a handful of new friends on the first day, I can't wait to play and meet more people throughout the week.

I've heard this workshop has been life changing for people, I am looking forward to not only exploring images, but also myself as a photographer.

Ripples

Today, as I was getting ready to take a break from studying and head out for a stroll to hunt for my photo of the day... a freak wind/rain storm came through. I decided to wait. It only lasted 10 minutes, then the sun came out - reminds me of tropical rains. So I went out and as I looked for what to photograph, I asked the universe what its message is for me today.

I came to a gazebo by the seawall near the marina and saw rainwater that has collected on the roof of the gazebo trickling down into the water... creating ripples - I knew this was my message.

As mentioned in a previous post, some days it is challenging to keep up with this blog. Recently, however, I have been fortunate enough to receive much appreciated feedback from those that have been following me on this journey.

I post the daily photos in an album on my personal page as well as daily links to this blog on the Alchemy Photographic Arts page on Facebook. With close to 700 friends, plus their friends who can view these photos on FB, I really have no idea who I'm touching. I'm glad to have been able to inspire or encourage in some way, although I embarked on this project mainly for myself. Knowing this puts into perspective the importance of the "work" we do in this world... whatever it may be.

No matter how small you think what you're doing is... it affects others and therefore affects the world. If someone does something to better your world, telling them they've helped you will return the favour and help them.

I dedicate today's photo to those that have come along to keep me company on this journey. To those that have taken the time and heart to encourage me on this project - THANK YOU!

ALONE TIME

It's been a bit of a challenge keeping up with my photo blog the past few days. It's been too cold, I mostly hesitate to go out; we've been too busy at work, we haven't been out on our usual walks lately; and I've been too tired, it can really be a challenge trying to find something "good, happy or beautiful" when all I want to do is curl up under the covers on my bed. However, I know I made this commitment to myself, so I had to do whatever it takes to keep up with what I've promised. So, despite being tired and despite that it's cold outside... I took a short walk to do some banking at the nearby TD Bank, then walked along the seawall on my way home.

As I was taking photos of the bridge, I spotted this rower. Such an inspiration - out by him/herself in the cold, paddling. I was reminded of how important alone time is. Every once in a while, we need to pay attention to our self, and meet our own needs.

Get Out There And Do Your Thing!

Coming out of a three year hiatus from skating, this young woman was out in the Robson Square Ice Rink just doing her thing. What a breath of fresh air to watch, what an inspiration! She caught my attention (and everybody else', for that matter), so I asked for permission to photograph her.

Don't let your talent go unnoticed... get out there and let it shine!

A Call To Inspire

I got home from school less than an hour ago, and as I emptied my jacket pockets... I pulled out this token, which was a gift from the workshop I attended on the weekend. It was fitting that I start my 365 Days of Alchemy with a picture of this "call to inspire."