Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Fifty-Four

A few simple, meaningful words came to mind with the closing of 2012. 

One word is ...Thankful.  I'm very thankful that I could capture your memories and your milestones this past year. It's because of you that I can continue doing what I love doing for my passion. Another year as a photographer is another year living the dream.  For this, I am thankful. 

The second word is...Content.  I define it as my state of mind when I look back on the last year.  I was never bored and I always content. 

The third word is... Appreciate. I appreciate all the wonderful photogenic sights around me, the freedom to travel and to be loved by Shawn, Kristen & Evan.  I appreaciate everyone & everything around me.

Today I took my lens and (as best as I could) tried to capture the inside of a children's kaleidoscope. Later...these words came to mind. 

"Life is like a kaleidoscope. 
It goes around and around. 
Where it stops... no one knows.  
The best part is it keeps turning and turning. 
Nothing is the same.
It will always be colorful and bright."

Whether you're out on the town tonight or in the comfort of your own couch... Enjoy it well.  Happy New Year! xoxoxoxox

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Fifty-Three

Just another lazy Sunday.... with my holiday hairdo.

Lovin' the new iphone...of course I love the camera option.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Fifty-Two

I used my 60 mm today....something I love using to zero in on the big picture.

100 @F3 ISO 800

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Fifty-One

I guess I can start counting down the days left in this project??!?

Seems like only yesterday I started what I thought would be an easy task. Carrying a heavy camera around has been anything but easy... but now I feel absolutely naked without a camera by my side.  I guess there are worse things in life right. lol

These trees have been anything but naked over the winter months.  Its like they have been covered with a fuzzy white blanket made of pure cotton.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Fifty

I've been thinking about the New Year... and what resolutions I should make or if I should even make any.  I think about the obvious... start exercising, eat better etc etc.   Then I thought about the perfect resolution:  Keep going up and rise above all the little things.

Quote:
"Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities." - Michael Josephson

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Nine

A lovely sweet gift from a lovely sweet man. Love you honey!  You made Christmas truly special and I'm so thankful to spend the holidays with you.  xoxox

ps... My dream job?  Photographing perfume bottles. Love it!

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Eight

Merry Christmas everyone. Stay warm!

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Seven

I wish you all a Merry Christmas Eve...  and I hope all your dreams come true! 

Don't forget to leave the cookies and milk out. It's a cold one out there for Santa tonight. ...wink. 

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Six

If this tree could talk.  It would be able to share at least 40 years of Christmas stories.

It's a shame to ever replace it... In fact, I hope to use it for the next 40 years. :-)

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Five

It was one of those moments.... I was leaving the grocery store with a mound of groceries in hand and I looked up only to witness the most beautiful skyline.

There are reasons why I always have my camera handy.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Four

Jam honestly brings me so much satisfaction.  Not so much eating it... but actually making it and preserving it... and giving it as a gift.  This year I decided to make straight up blueberry jam.  Its perfect with peanut butter, amazing on pancakes and I'm sure it would be satisfying on vanilla ice cream.  lol

... And it makes the perfect gift for the holidays.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Three

It's the frosty stuff you try and scrape off your windshield so you can be on your merry way.  But if you look close.... really close....  You might find some art right in front of your very eyes.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-Two

Whatever you do... don't be a grinch this Christmas!

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty-One

I do find the Christmas season very joyous.  Exhibit A... The amazing poinsettia's at The Mendle.  You should check them out and enjoy the smells that they bring inside the solarium.

Today I wanted to share a few quotes about the season of giving. :-)

1) "If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give" -George MacDonald

2) "A hug is a great gift - one size fits all and it's easy to exchange" -Author Unknown

3) "What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God" - Eleanor Powell

4) "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving" - Author Unknown

5) "The manner of giving is worth more than the gift" - Pierre Corneille

When I look for a gift, I think to myself.... Can I see this person using it? Do they need it?  Do they deserve it?  Would they love love love it? Could they find it useful?

I like to look for the perfect gift... even if its not on their wish list, even if they might not buy it for themselves.... even if they don't expect it. ;-)

The countdown is on friends.  If you still have the heart of a child... I'm sure you're excited as I am about Christmas Day.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Forty

Need a last minute gift idea?  Honey, have I got the right thing for you!

I promise its the best tasting pure organic honey you will ever come across.  

Happy Cheesiness!

The booth as been super fun this year....  There is still time to get in on the cheesiness!  Message me for details! 306-717-0399 or email lisa@shutterbugphoto.ca

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Nine

Snow isn't my favorite thing in the whole wide world.... but I sure love it in photographs.  Seems we have a love-hate relationship.

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Eight

Every little girl needs a pretty blue velvet dress!

Adorable!

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Seven

If I was a bird in the winter and had to eat my own "weight" per day to survive. I think I'd be one happy bird.

Cold and all... I still think it would be cool to be a bird for the simple fact that you get to fly.  And if you're lucky, people buy cool houses to nest in. :-)

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Six

The photo booth has been a riot this week!!!

I love this family. :-)

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Five

Its amazing the things you can make & do with the most underrated (in my opinion)... resource of all time. Beeswax.

Did you know if you burn a pure beeswax candle beside your bed for at least a 1/2 hour... you'll sleep better throughout the night?  (Dollarama candles do not count my friends!)  Since reading up on beeswax candles... may I never burn a cheap candle again.

If anyone is interested in pure beeswax candles for gifts this holiday season...just get in touch with me! I have a good connection!! (wink wink to my honey man Shawn)

The Cheesy Xmas Photo Booth

A few openings left on the 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th for the cheesiness! 

Call 306-717-0399 or email lisa@shutterbugphoto.ca ...for info and availability! 

Project 365> Day Three Hundred & Thirty-Four

No two pears are the same... much like people.

Using a window as a light source is probably one of the greatest tools to achieve a deep... natural contrast.  Not much photoshopping required in this image.  Just pure pears.

ISO 640 100 @ F1.8

Table For Five

A session in your home??  Love that idea! The home is where your heart is... so why not take pictures where you are most comfortable.

I was so happy to visit this family again!

Table For Three

Have you ever met a family before...where you just get the feeling like they are the nicest people on the face of the planet?

Well... I meet people like that all the time.

Its awesome.

Table For Five

Familiar faces!  These three boys know exactly what happens when I show up at their doorstep. lol

What perfect little posers!

This wintery backdrop is as real as ever... nothing fake about it.