Friday, November 25, 2011
I tend to get a little uncomfortable around this time of year. You've probably felt it too - the rising anxiety of a community itching to get their hot little hands on this and that (and also this) before the big man in red gets in his sleigh.
Labels: ché , i like taking photos , simplicity , we live near the beach
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Labels: i like taking photos , natural birth , pregnancy , yoga for pregnancy
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
In between the days of reprieve where rain and cool temperatures are oh so welcome, the summer heat continues to bear down. Let's just say that I feel ten times more pregnant in the thick of the humidity. While I am practically inconsolable in the midst of the heat, I look at these photos and am reminded of the joy of warm weather and beach play. The tide was low and the reflections spectacular. After strawberry smoothies we walked down to the water to cool our feet, chase the seagulls and extend into Padottasana A. One of us, anyway. I preferred to sit quietly in stillness. It's becoming a favourite pastime; seeking the quiet and the stillness. And being 'here, now' in this moment. With my body, my breath, my baby.
Labels: i like taking photos , we live near the beach
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A red balloon, a smiley face and a piece of ribbon. It's the simple things that create the most joy in children. It's good to be reminded of that every so often. Che played with this balloon for a good few hours while we had afternoon tea at a cafe and wandered along the sea wall. It was so good to watch him. I've been looking at all of his toys lately with the critical eye of a nesting Muma seeking space. We have always been so careful with the toys that have entered our home and have embraced the wooden, handmade, muma-made kind. But with a Christmas and a birthday each year, regular op-shop visits and special treats from loved ones, the pile has grown/is growing. Does he play with all of them? No, he doesn't. When I put toys away he doesn't miss them and when I reintroduce them a few months later it's like they're new again. I'm planning a clean out soon. I'll do it when I'm home alone.
Labels: corners of my home , food for the soul , i like taking photos
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Engagement Shoot from Daniel Grey on Vimeo.
Anna posted her favourite shots from our engagement shoot a few days ago and now I'm going to overload you with more (feel free not to watch). I do have an ulterior motive though. You see, Daniel and I just can't decide what photo we should frame and hang on the wall. There are a few that we love but framing a few may create the impression of a shrine and we don't really want to do that. I love the shots in the freesias - I think they're romantic and reminiscent of the sixties. Daniel likes the shots where he's holding the sign, just 'cause they're a bit different. So please, if you feel so kind, tell me which ones are your favourites and it might help us narrow it down.
Moving on to a foodie frugavore topic...I am so inspired by how many of you have the desire to shop, cook and eat with awareness. I've managed to track down a local organic butcher who sells wholesale to the public so I'm planning on making a once-a-month trip and stocking up. I'm excited to chat to him about cheap cuts for my slow cooker come autumn/winter too. This week I've made a few soups to ward off a nasty cold and I roasted a chicken, made a curry with the leftovers and slow cooked the bones and a few vegies overnight to make stock. Tonight we're eating form the pantry so who knows what we'll end up devouring.
As for the winner of a signed copy of frugavore...congratulations Tania from Myrtle & Eunice. A quick-witted, savvy woman who felt sick at the sight of hot cross buns and Easter eggs at the supermarket in JANUARY. I feel your pain. Considering Easter is not till the end of April I think it's fair to say the religious holiday has well and truly become a marketing scam and is contributing to the waistlines of the chocoholics and sweet tooths among us.
I, personally, won't be buying those indulgent eggs till mid April. Because me and my baby don't need any sugar and most definitely don't want the reflux that accompanies it.
Labels: engaged , giveaway , i like taking photos
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Labels: growing a baby , i like taking photos
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Yesterday was typically Australian in every way. It was hot, hot, hot, we sat around a BBQ for dinner and we celebrated with beer and cheesecake (no beer for me). It was also my dad's birthday and rather ironically, he's an Englishman who celebrates the day of his birth on Australia Day. Apparently it was a good enough excuse to move Down Under.
Labels: celebrations , i like taking photos , new camera
Friday, October 08, 2010
Yes, I do take all of the photos that I post here. Daniel bought me a compact camera a few years back and although it's a relatively cheap, non-flashy little thing it does have manual setting which means I can adjust the Iso, apature, timing, focus etc. It's been a gem and I've learnt a lot! It also helps to having a partner with a pretty extensive knowledge of cameras and how they work. In saying that, Daniel has only given advice when I've asked for it...and sometimes his constructive critisicm, which I detest at first, has been an enormous help.
I usually take about 20 photos before I capture what I'm after. Che has grown up with a camera stuck to his Muma's face and so he's pretty used to being photographed. However, apparently it's just not cool for a three-year-old to be photographed by his Mum so occassionally he will put his hand up in front of his face. I then tell him that I'm actually taking photos of the flowers behind him. Small white lie, guilty I know, but imagine the regret if he didn't have photos of himself age 3. Just imagine.
Daniel and I are looking at buying the Panasonic GH1 - he's done the research and it's fabulous at stills and HD video - I take the stills, he takes makes the movies. I look forward to the day when that arrives.
Ultimately, what I love about taking photos is the appreciation for finer details. You become more aware of the world around you when you carry a camera in your bag. Everywhere-you-go. It's also incredibly rewarding to take a photo that you're happy with. And to have on film the day your little boy climbed a tree at the park. Get snapping, I say.
Labels: i like taking photos
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
more children
a dinner bell
tea and cake
piles of books
incense burning
a hammock
a home to build, add to, settle in and love.
One day.
ps. it's for sale (the field)
Labels: family , i like taking photos , play , we dream
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I always tell my pre-natal students that pregnancy and motherhood is about surrender. You surrender when you conceive, you surrender to the journey of pregnancy and when your baby is ready to be born you 'let go' to birth.
Motherhood is about letting go too. It's about holding back sometimes to allow your little one to explore. Watching with eyes half-closed to see if the exploring will end in triumph or a fall. Last week I learned the subtle art of standing back and observing as Che crawled around the garage while D worked on the bike.
And I realised that a camera can be so wonderful a shield. Through the lens I saw screwdrivers, sharp metal objects, danger and blood. In photos I captured exploration, concentration, fine motor skills, delight, wonder, deep thought and connection. I let go (for a few small moments) of my maternal and instinctual need to constantly protect and I watched Che learn. It's just the beginning of his adventure. And mine.
Labels: adventures , i like taking photos , parenting , play
Saturday, January 10, 2009
We went to the movies. For the first time in ages. We ate too much popcorn, ate all of the maltesers in the (large) bag and sipped lemonade. And it was great. And it reminded me how great a little time with him can be. By ourselves. Me and my love. It still feels new. Us. There's still that newness. I love that. And him. Love him. And how sweet it was that when the movie was finished we were both so looking forward to coming home to see our little guy. Who launched into our arms when he saw us. Family love. 3.
And that photo...above. That's me, all ready for our date. And he, he took the photo. With my new camera. A gorgeous little digital that I can use to capture us, days, little things. So I can improve my photos using the manual settings. So that one day...soon, we can buy the 50d. And me oh my that will be nice.
And the camera. It was a surprise. A few nights ago, the little one all tucked up in bed. Me on my computer about to make tea. And he says: "I bought you something today". And I thought that it was a sweet treat...because he often surprises me with bakery treats. But no, to my delight, my new little camera. In its box, all wrapped up. Sigh. Sigh, sigh.
Labels: i like taking photos , me and him
