Some of you are aware that I was spending my time over a couple of weeks in August photographing the Canada Summer Games here in Niagara. It was one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences I have had as … Continue reading
It was so much fun exploring Ball’s Falls Conservation Area with Amanda & Cory and their amazing Coordinator/Bridesmaid, Michelle! It was a cloudy, crisp, early morning. Perfect for snuggles. And it was pretty obvious how much these two love each … Continue reading
Most wedding stories start with “it was a warm, summer day …” but Kristy’s and Dave’s wedding day was HOT … a really HOT…. lovely, summer day. And we had a few last minute changes. Thankfully, though, everyone involved kept … Continue reading
I love my back yard. It’s lush and green with bits of colour sprinkled all around it. Spring is a great time to just inhale the fresh, fragrant air and let it wash those winter cobwebs away. It’s been a … Continue reading
Spring has sprung, as they say. And with it the garden is coming back to life.
And we’re all finding ourselves in a new way of living lately. The usual routines are put on hold. Some are worried we will lose some of what we have become attached to. I hope it helps us to slow down and see what is in front of us. To stop all the rushing and stand still for a bit. Listen to the birds sing and watch the butterflies. Catch sight of a dragonfly hovering over a puddle.
Maybe you will get to know your neighbour. Open your eyes and see the people around you. Check on them and make sure they are ok. And make sure you are ok too. Do something to keep you ok. Read a good book. Try some new recipes. Whatever good this season offers you, take it with open hands and be grateful for small gifts.
And let’s be real. There will be some hard stuff. Remember … you’re not alone in this. Ask for help if you need it.
I hope what I found in my garden today makes you smile a little and gives you a bit of hope.
Enjoy!
It finally happened!! Barbara and Jeff got married! Barb is the bearded guy’s sister and so is mine as well. As a family we’ve been waiting for a while to see these two become husband and wife. Distance and circumstance … Continue reading
It was that time of year again. Memorial Day. And it wouldn’t be Memorial Day without a weekend in Coudersport on the bike.
This year the weather gods smiled on us and granted us sunshine and warmth. The bearded guy even managed to get off early (thanks boss!) and we were able to drive in daylight. A few of our group arrived early and set out on an afternoon ride. Unfortunately, there was an incident which sent a couple of our merry band home before the weekend even really began. That took the wind out of our sails for a bit the next morning, but after a few corners we got our mojo back and the ride on Saturday was one of the best ever.
The ride through the national forests and parks is so beautiful and tranquil. Winding through the tree-lined roads, past streams and look-outs. On this particular day, as we meandered … ok, more like careened … we were showered with delicate, yellow butterflies that fluttered down on us like confetti. Aaaaaand …. sometimes splattered all over our visors. In spite of the carnage those bright, sunny creatures made me smile.
A late lunch and we headed back to the Laurelwood for some socializing and sipping. After a delicious dinner Paul was kind enough to gather the band and together we sang a few songs, struggled through one or two, and just had a blast.
Thanks, again, everybody, for a great time with fantastic people! Here are a few pics from the “back seat”
Enjoy!
Aaaand … we’re off!
Lunch break
The remnants of the carnage ….
The band
No helmet … and SHORTS!
Packin’ up
Remember the haunted house from 2 years ago? Well, apparently the ghosts have been evicted. Can’t wait to see it all done.
Home again.
Alissa & Johnny are the sweetest! Johnny is shy and quiet. Alissa is bubbly and chatty. Together they just make you smile.
I’ve known Alissa since she was a little girl getting into mischief with my daughter, Jodi. I still remember the summer Alissa, Jodi and our son painted the inside of my in-law’s shed pink. And how proud they were of the finished product. Good thing dad has a sense of humour.
Alissa is sweet and bright. She likes to dance and can always make you smile. She’s dealt with a lot in her life and still stays positive through it all.
I met Johnny when I photographed his sister’s wedding (Courtney & Ryan). Alissa brought me in for that wedding and when she introduced me to Johnny it was very obvious that they were in love. Though Johnny is quiet, I’ve learned that he is caring, intelligent and friendly. He’s the kind of guy every mother wants to see her daughter with and wants her son to be.
We met at the beautiful Maple Meadows Farm where we were greeted by Lori and the family dog. What a gorgeous spot! The flowers were blooming, the sun shone and the horses were friendly. Such a tranquil, lovely place to spend a day. I can’t wait to see it all set up for the wedding.
Finally, we cooled off with a little soft-serve from the Dairy Queen up the road.
Here are a few pics from our day.
Enjoy!
I, again, had the privilege of photographing the Leaders’ Prayer Breakfast. This event inspires me every year. The messages each of the speakers share with us are amazing, uplifting, heartbreaking, heartwarming and true. We heard about how early we are affected by our environment and the impact that can have on our mental health. We were brought to tears by a young woman who’s story went from the darkness of suicidal thoughts to a bright future because of the help she received and a faith she clung to. We heard a police officer’s experiences working with people on the street dealing with mental health issues. We heard about the Westview ministry to women in the sex trade. And we heard from our Mayor, Walter Sendzik, and the partnership he is seeking between the city and the church to reach out to all people in need.
There is so much need in our city. Many churches are helping. Many are not. Not because they don’t care or are not good people. They simply just don’t know how.
There are 330 churches, synagogues and temples listed in the Yellowpages located in St.Catharines. Imagine if all of them were doing something to help our city address the needy in our city. As of 2016 the population of St.Catharines was 133,113 with 15.6% of that population suffering from a mental illness. If the average church has 150 attendees and all of us agreed to help address the needs of the mentally ill in our city, there would be 3 helpers for each person in need!
As you enjoy these pictures from the event, I challenge you to think of just 1 way you could help someone in need today.
Well, we’re back at the Laurelwood Inn in beautiful Coudersport, PA. This time, as you can see, we trailered the bike down to avoid getting wet and cold on the way down. Paul and Christine were there to welcome all … Continue reading
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