The people I meet...

Stairway...

in the middle of the road.

I pass it everyday. I smile everyday at the thought of it.

What in the world is it doing there, in the middle of the road? In the middle of nowhere? What was the person thinking when they put it there?

The stairway in the middle of nowhere.

But I'm thinking....and I"m thinking it's really in the middle of somewhere, 'cause we're all just in the middle of somewhere.

And it's all so good.

Have a great day my friends.

xxxxx

PS. Orval would have been 71 today. And I know he would have had something funny to say about that staircase:)  He would have wanted his picture taken while standing on it.

Happy Birthday my dear Dad.

M*A*S*H*

and I'm not talking the Monster Mash either.

I'm talking Hawkeye, Hunnicut and Klinger....or at least that's what I saw this Halloween 2009. can't you just hear the theme song? Classic.

I have to say that I'm alittle disappointed in my child. I thought I had taught him better lessons in life; I thought it was a given, that when you get home from trick or treating, you dump your loot, and then sort. Of course it is sorted by category, and then it is sorted by how much you like each treat.

Is this not how the world works???????? Where did I go wrong as a mother? I will just have to sit and wait for his rejects....he's not a big fan of the chips so I automatically get those......it could be awhile though, his loot bag is pretty full.

Have a great week everyone:)

Wisdom......teeth......fairies and dragons.

Halloween 1999.

Jacob was a dragon dressed in pyjamas and Hannah was a tooth fairy. Complete with wooden teeth carved by moi. Thank goodness a neighbor took this picture because I was so busy getting the costume ready that I didn't snap a single shot. Teeth carving is a time consuming job you know!

It's fitting as today, 10 years later, Hannah had her wisdom teeth removed. Not nice, especially the day before Halloween.

I'm thinking she's wishing she had that magic wand right about now.....and she could magically make the pain and swelling disappear. But today, she'll just have to settle for me and my motherly wisdom.

Happy and safe Halloween everyone:)

Life.

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

 

— Maya Angelou

Thanks to Anna Kuperberg  for this reminder today:)

Have a great day everyone.

The sound of beauty....

and the sound of pure loveliness.

I know what that sounds like.

It's Catherine MacLellan.

photo by Patrick Nicols

Pure and lovely. And live. Her performance, with Murray McLauchlan, Nathan Rogers and Barney Bentall was magical. The goosebumps and tears in the eyes kind of magical.

Go to Catherine's website and see for yourself.

This is the second time I have seen Catherine in a live performance. How lucky am I? And I get to start off my week with her newest album, Water in the Ground.

Have a great week everyone:)

Two friends....

from Winnipeg, contacted me tonight with the following important newsflash:

 

I really don't know why on earth they would want little ole me to know this ;)

But thanks Chris, thanks Jill:)

Watch Dog.

whadda ya think? Do you think anyone has a chance?

With those chicken legs? With that ferocious underbite? With those fierce eyes? And then there's his big bad bark......oh no.......

I don't think so.

My life, part 2.

Self explanatory really.

I'm all about the huddles....and the helmets....

when taking football photos that is.  But right now I'm trying to warm up....I"m not sure what is worse- sitting in a cold rink watching hockey or sitting in a windy stand watching football? I did both this weekend.

So right now, I'm all about having a hot bath......:)

I've got alot of people waiting for alot of pictures, so there's  no time to be cold.

And besides, I'm from Manitoba....we went to school, uphill both ways, in -85 degree temps to a one room school house with no heat......

Happy Sunday night:)

Today I am thankful...

for the invention of the mechanical dishwasher. The human ones in this house seem to be broken:)

 

After a full day of making pie crusts, stuffing, gravy, veggies and of course the big bird......it was a welcome sight.

And of course I am thankful for the two people who mean the most to me in this world....who thank me after every meal, and then disappear!

They think I make the best turkey and gravy. And I do have to admit, my gravy does rock. And this year, so did my pie.

So here's to the dishwasher, who ( I say who as I think of it as a person) makes my life easier, and gives me more time to spend with Hannah and Jacob. As my dishwasher is named LG....Life is Good.

And thanks to Mike, our dinner guest, who had three helpings...he was either hungry or he enjoyed the dinner! I think it was abit of both.

Have a great week everyone:)

BIG BAD BOB.....

this one's for you....

This summer, when I was in Winnipeg, my reunion friends and I had a little reunion sans Bob, our fourth partner in crime. At our 25th year reunion we managed to stay up all night long. Of course I was ridiculed for trying to order decaf coffee at Tim Horton's at 5am....but that's a whole other story;)

Bob, not only did you miss our fanTAStic company, you missed thee best burgers, salad and of course, Old Dutch potato chips.

And a tour of the beachside neighborhood.....

The beautiful Manitoba sky.

A great outhouse.

A little pink house that I wanted to buy.

And your three buddies, trying to get a good shot.

Sorry Bob, you missed a fun time. But don't worry, we did talk about you:)

Just hanging out in the alley....

 Fun fun fun on a Friday afternoon:)

Sometimes the universe sends you a gift.

And the gift to me, today, was Susan. Beautiful Susan.

Here's Susan and her son Rob. CHECK out those baby blues....UNBELIEVABLE. I cannot wait to shoot them again...when we have more time.

I have NEVER had so much fun or laughed so much going through the McDonald's drive thru! 

Next time, however, I"ll make sure the camera remains in my hands at all times.....as someone felt the need to take my photo, and we photographers DO NOT like our photos being made. 

 

Just saying....

Could my head be any bigger?!!!!!!!! Well, that's something Oprah and I have in common. When we get together we're going to measure our heads to see whose is really the biggest! And, I will ask her one burning question.....how do you spell Stedman's name? Is it Stedman or Steadman? Enquiring minds NEED to know:)

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend everyone.

I spy with my little eye...

a little something new.....

No...it's not the carpet......no it's not the dog and no it's not the electrical outlet....

Is that what I think it is?

Is that a PEZ collection?

My word, I think it is.

And there is a new member of the family. The first person who can guess what it is, gets a fanTAStic prize. Yes I said it, fanTAStic.

Over and out on a wet chilly Sunday night, where the best place to be is in a cozy basement.

Have a great week everyone:)

UPDATE: To Tina and Chris-WHERE are your submissions?????? And to Gayle and Jennifer....I know I confess my deepest, darkest, most important secrets to you, but do you have to air them on public internet???? Honestly you two. And furthermore, how do you know I didn't purchase, or win a new PEZ since my latest purchase? That might have been a decoy...I THOUGHT you two would know me better:)

While we are here...let's just up the ante.....what is one PEZ I really want? Separate prize;)

Anne....you mean I want to be Elastigirl and I am Cookie Monster???? Good guesses but not quite.....

Chris you're getting closer....if I was Wonder Woman (and who's to say I'm not!) but if I was Wonder Woman, who would I want to marry?

Anne...you are assuming WonderWoman would marry a superhero.....maybe not?......

Last night, I was moved to tears....

I was moved by laughter, I was moved by misbelief, I was moved by anger.

All because of the words, the humor and the humanity of Stephen Lewis.

Mount Allison University brought him in to speak to a full house at Convocation Hall. It was packed with people of all ages. It was remarkable.

Remarkable. Moving. Funny, Serious. 

Stephenlewisfoundation.org

If you EVER EVER get the chance to see him speak, I urge you to do it. You won't be disappointed. He is so inspiring and so passionate. 

He spoke about AIDS of course, but he also spoke about violence against women, about inequality of the sexes. Despite the horrors that he has seen in his soon to be 72 years, he smiled. Alot.

I started taking notes but soon realized he was saying too much...too much that I wanted to take in at that moment.

He made me think about the world, and the staggering percentages of poverty; of the children, of the orphans.

Thankyou Mount Allison University, for bringing Stephen Lewis to speak to us. 

What a gift.

And that's a thumbs up....

to the newest Mr.and Mrs..

That's Chuck and Mary just after becoming husband and wife, walking down the aisle.

It was a beautiful evening ceremony....for a beautiful couple.

So 'Thumbs up' you two.....here's to a wonderful life:)

Going to the chapel....

      and they're, gonna get married.. 

This summer Chuck and Mary indulged me with an engagement, faux wedding session.I got to practise some fun shots....like jumping into the ocean shots....it was a great afternoon. We laughed, we talked, we got wet....and I got to know what a great couple they are.

Soon they'll say 'I do'.

The forecast is for a beautiful day, so I'm thinking we're gonna stay dry this time.....and apparently, as I've been told by the bride's mom.... that Mary is wearing a beautiful WHITE dress. I guess this means the Swan Pond is out! Just kidding Heather...I promise I will keep her clean.

You never mentioned Chuck though.........

Happy Birthday Anton.

Unicycler on the right (post below!)

Unicycler, hockey player, footballer, tree fort builder, golfer, all round great guy.....but please oh please Anton, please STOP RIGHT NOW, thankyou very much......STOP trying to talk Jacob into joining football. I know I proclaimed my love for the sport but I don't love it that much.

Now, if you could get Tom Brady to make an appearance, I would certainly change my tune:)

Have a great birthday anyways, you teenager you!

I love these two....

Period.

Football 101

or football according to me.

I don't know one single thing about football except that I love it. I love the crowds. I love the spirit. I love that there's no fighting.I love that fans dress up in their team colors.

I went to the Homecoming game of our Mount Allison Mountie Football team.

This is what I learned .....

Football needs a few things to be successful.

1.football players. I know I know.....it's a gift:)

2. fans.

3.huddles.

4. a good ball boy and a referee....

5. a great band.

and 6. some prayer....

It's gonna be a great season. I mean, they've got all the components (according to Kim) covered, so why wouldn't it be?!

Go Mounties Go!

Sorry wrong number....

"hello?"

"hi, is Don there please?"

"Sorry you have the wrong number."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You have a great day."

"no problem, have a great day too."

That's the conversation I had this morning when I answered my beloved vintage Manitoba Telephone System phone on my desk. I love love LOVE my phone with it's beautiful LOUD original ring. It was a gift from my friend Chuck. Chuck worked for MTS for 30 dedicated years. I don't think he had any idea of the joy it would bring me when he gave it to me. It not only looks good, and sounds good; it feels good. It's heavy and solid. 

And it makes me feel like I"m British when I answer it:)

So as my wrong number told me this morning.....Have a great day.

And if you're in the neighborhood of Sackville today, get out and enjoy our annual Fall Fair. It is a fantastic event, with something for everyone. 

Everyone including wrong numbers.

and they call it Puppy Love.....

how could I forget this sweetie....sister of yesterday's post.....

AND, there's gonna be a wedding in the family very soon. Stay tuned.

Who's a good boy?

and a very funny boy too:)

Here's to a good week everyone:)

STOP the car, STOP the car...

One never knows what one is going to find on a Sunday drive.....

yes, it is what you think.....it's a mailbox.

a mailbox made out of an old gas can.

Love it. 

I want to meet the person who made this one...brilliant.

Someone told me that it was Thursday today....is that possible? Where has the week gone?

Hope you have a great one, what's left of it:)

2am, Etch a sketch and LIFE

It's 2am, I'm looking at the Etch a Sketch that I have sitting on my desk. Every now and then, I come into my office and I find that someone, someone not me:) has left me a message.

As I sit here at 2am, I am thinking about 2 people in our town who at ages 47,and 51, Susan and Monique, lost their lives this past week.

 

I'm thinking about this etch a sketch in front of me, staring me in the face. I'm thinking of all the cliches. I'm thinking of the families and friends of these two people. And I'm thinking of my own. I'm thinking about what a great day I had today. I'm thinking about how lucky I am.

I'm thinking of the little person who left this message for me. I don't think he realized how powerful it would be for me.

Especially at 2am.

2am, Etch a sketch and LIFE.

xxxxx

ROAD CLOSED-DETOUR

Saturday Mornings only.

A perfect spot for a cinnamon bun from the Cinnabunny and a latte, made especially for me.....

and listen to the music of my friend, amazing photographer,artist (and flower waterer:)) Corey Isenor.

Saturday mornings at the market....best kind of DETOUR ever.

Happy Long Weekend everyone.

September 29, 1997

QUICK....get a time machine and get me back to that beautiful day.

The day when Jacob, the future hockey goalie, was channeling his inner Julia Child/Olivia Newton John.

 The day when Hannah dressed herself and was not afraid to express herself in her own unique way.

The day when the biggest decision was 'what are we going to play today?'

I am very lucky that I had quite a few years of September 9,1997s.

When I get sad that time is going by too quickly, I think of those days, those beautiful days. 

I realize that those days spent in pjs, those days spent with paint or playdough, jumping in puddles, skating down the driveway or making tents in the living room; those days have shaped part of who they are today.

I wonder what I'll be thinking of September 29, 2009.....I hope I'll be thinking that it too, was a beautiful day.

xxxxx

I wish I had met Richard Avedon.

He was an incredible photographer and human being.

One of his bodies of work is documented in the book, In the American West.

He photographed 752 people for this project,over a period of 6 years.

He used 17,000 sheets of film.

123 portraits were chosen for the exhibition. Out of 17,000 sheets of film.

I think of that when I'm shooting away. I think of that as I question myself and my work. And I think that if I'm not shooting 17,000 sheets of film, I'm not really learning. I'm getting lazy. I'm forgetting why I'm shooting.

I think about the 17,000 connections. The 17,000 opportunities.

I wish I'd met Richard Avedon.

I would really like to talk to him right about now.

I'm not exactly an animal lover.

Now, don't get me wrong. I do own a dog and a cat. I love them but I didn't purchase them. I inherited them. I've never brought home a stray. Once my animals are gone, I will never own another animal again. They are alot of work, alot of mess and alot of noise.

Jacob on the other hand, is an animal lover. Thus the reason why we have owned a dog, a cat, a mouse, a snake, a gecko and now a chinchilla. Fortunately the chinchilla, Oscar, lives with his dad. Whew.

But he recently came to visit....well, I was somehow nominated to babysit him for a couple of weeks.

This is what I learned about chinchillas-they are soft. So soft that they need a volcanic dust bath to roll around in. They are nocturnal-which means he is up ALL NIGHT LONG running in his wheel. VERY NOISY. He poops ALOT. He is very skiddish and is not easily caught. 

So the other night I was going to bed and I realized it was mysteriously quiet. 

Oh yeah, you've guessed it right-the door to Oscar's cage was WIDE OPEN and he was not in it. And Jacob's floor was covered in a million lego pieces and a million chinchilla poops.

I spent the next hour talking in a baby voice trying to coax him into my hands. 1am and I was channeling my inner chinchilla whisperer. After an hour I gave up.

Guess where I found my new friend in the morning? Asleep in his cage:)

I'm not exactly an animal lover, but when I saw him in his cage, safe and sound, I was in love....

These are days....

according to the 10,000 Maniacs.

And that's what song I have blasting right now as it seems so so appropriate.

"These...........are.............days..............you'll remember.

You'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky.

Hear the signs and know they're speaking to you, to you."- Buck/Merchant

These are days.....for making tree forts, for being with friends, for loving the last days of summer.

The sight of these boys building this fort just fills me up with such emotion. And just in case you were at all wondering about the sturdy quality of the construction.....let me leave you with a shot of the ladder rung......

These.......are............days, we'll remember:)