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Our goodbyes


Losing something close and dear is heart wrenching, emotional, surreal.  The disbelief and grief that something so amazing is no longer a phone call or visit away.  Watching someone important to you living the grief deeper than yourself is difficult.  However seeing the strength and love that this amazing person instilled in an arm load of great people is a beautiful thing.  He may not be with us today but his spirit, heart, grace and utter determination lives within his 3 amazing boys, his 8 amazing grandchildren, and his awe inspiring wife. FarFar, we miss you, we love you, you taught us that and more. My promise to you..... that your granddaughters will forever understand the importance of love, fighting for the people that need fighting for and always, always being close to dark green.

Our trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CANADA to say goodbye to our wonderful FarFar and to be part of his cunning plan (family together)

Featured


Sometimes our universes combine and whether it be a person reaching out to say hi or an accidental meeting some random day. Occasionally you have an instant connection with that person and know that somehow you will always be friends.  I felt that way about the amazing Kate Holland.  She emailed me a few years ago and I just felt this incredible bond and fascination with this truly amazing HUMBLE, BEAUTIFUL person.  Not only is Kate a great friend she is also the brain child and dedicated creator of Magnolia Rouge.  She, I believe has offered a product to NZ brides that no-one had tried.  Her eye for details and gorgeousness (is that a word) taste in all things fabulous has put her in the highly acclaimed category worldwide of one of the best wedding bloggers in the WORLD.  Her audience is spread wide and her posse of photographers that share their beautiful weddings reaches from one continent to the next.  Kate has also created the highly acclaimed online magazine Magnolia Rouge Magazine.  This publication has featured some of the worlds best wedding photographers on the covers and is packed with information, beautiful details and STUNNING real weddings.  It's a perfect publication for inspiration and directory to some of the best vendors.

I felt very lucky to be one of those candidates that was featured in the last 'episode'.

Kate you heart is big, your smile is HUGE and your ability to find beauty amongst everything is inspiring..  Thank you for not only being a great friend but also for your insane talent that makes me swoon every time.

Lots of love.

Every day has a lesson


Today I did things that helped me see a bigger picture.  Paths cross and lessons are learnt continuously.  I forget at times, however am reminded of the importance of an open mind and to be aware of the lesson that can be invaluable each and every day.   As corny as it may sound I am a big believer in the glass half full and how even the most frustrating thing can lead to an awareness and moment of clarity. I spent time with a very dear friend this afternoon and although we don't spend nearly enough time solving the problems of the world, I ALWAYS walk away from our conversations just that little bit better.  You see she and her beautiful family make the world a better place, not by creating cures for cancer or feeding the hungry (however if they had the opportunity they would) but because they care, and it starts from home.  They teach their children the importance of respect, love, manners and caring for their fellow man.... they start from home...

The lesson she taught me today.... " we want our children to respect us because of their love for us, not from their fear of us"

Amanda thank you xxxx

This is one of the beautiful people I got to take pictures of today, all for a bigger purpose.

India you are truly blessed xx

This doesn't happen enough, and I feel a great sense of guilt.  Another end of year resolution before the madness sets in.... TAKE MORE PHOTOS OF MY KIDS!!! So lets start with these two.

My rock star child.  The one who at 40 will still need her hugs from me.  The one who dearly wishes she could shave one side of her head and dye the other half purple.  The one who prefers the Eagle tattoos from the gum packet.  The one who makes me smile in wonder at her quiet sensitivity but her mad crazy questions.   The one who never lets me take a photo. The one I adore.

My baby.  The one who can drive me completely up the wall with her determined nature.  The one who changes her clothes at least 5 times a day.  The one who prefers the unicorns and flowers from the packet of gum.  The one I want to hold so dearly and never let her go, my last born, my special boo.

My heart races with mad love for my children, they hold every piece of my soul.

 

Just a couple

I don't think I'm much of a teacher... but I definitely love what I do and could talk for many, many hours on the subject of art... namely photography.  Technically I struggle (resolution for next year is to improve that aspect) however I could go for days discussing the emotional connection and contentment I get when shooting. Anyway I taught... rather I talked to some budding photographers about what I do, why I do it and somewhat how I do it.  It was a honor to be asked, and even more of an honor to hang with 3 pretty incredible people.  Will I do it again???  Most definitely!!

A couple of shots from the day.

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