Slower pace

Part of being in a smaller town and the part that I am truly looking forward to is taking things just a bit slower. It is sometimes joked about as being "Island Time" but really- it's just a reduced stress level and taking things as they come. How much more to you really accomplish by tackling 4 tasks at once?

Things I am working on this week in an effort to slow down my own frenzied pace:
1. scheduling one night a week for something truly my own after the kids have gone to bed
2. speaking in a calmer voice whenever possible (it gets really loud here some days to be heard over two 3 year olds!)

I'll sign off with this; nothing quiets the mind like pulling weeds in an overgrown garden.

H.O.M.E.

I am finally, without a doubt, home.

This has been three years in the making and happened so quickly. After all that planning- we did not move where we had intended. Careful consideration was given to each and every neighborhood of Nanaimo. We knew what schools we wanted to live near and where we wanted to shop. We knew what lake we wanted to spend our spare time at. We planned it all out.

Then we moved to Parksville.

We found a house, fell in love and took it- sight unseen. An adventure. Well worth the risk. We love our new home. The smaller town life. The slower pace.

It's bliss.

I'll share more and photos on flickr to match over the coming weeks.

Today...

Today was a really great day. I feel like I actually accomplished something. I feel like it was a well rounded day.

I have been spinning my wheels for quite some time, since probably before the holidays. Being sick for so long just took my spirit away. I got a little... lost. I still don't feel 100% and really need some inspiration to look after myself better. Today was that inspiration. To be able to see the things I can accomplish when I have that energy, that drive- can give me that push in the backside I so desperately needed.

So what started out as a pretty hum-drum Monday, ended up being a brand new day for me. And I think the self portrait session (can find on my Flickr) was the outward evaluation of what was sitting just below the surface and ready to come out. A little corny- but authentic. Trust me.

Some cuteness here too

This is posted on the blog about my kiddos but I wanted to post it here as well. Mostly to show off my cuties but also to show off my new skills! I have been dying to learn how to do these photo groupings!

My husband is great with Photoshop but it frustrates me. So in turn, any time I have the program open... it frustrates him too! LOL!

Thanks for teaching me some new tricks, Honey!

Where is my subject?

I have been really starting to pay attention to the photographs I like and dislike. I'm trying to find some aim in my still point and shoot attitude towards photography. I have a million or more photos of my little darlings which are great for what they are but they are not the direction I want my skills to take. At least not more than half let's say for arguments sake. I want to document these fleeting times with my young kids but I also wanted to take up photography as a hobby because I needed an outlet.

So far my subjects have bored me. Both in real life and in photos. I have to admit that winter has not been offering me very many opportunities or good subjects!

So I am up for a few challenges, should you extend them. I know to look at an old item a new way- but our house is so small and so taken over toys that it makes it very hard to take a picture of anything without showing my mess too! There are a few signs of life in the gardens around our home and I am hoping they offer me some new perspectives but until it warms up outside I am not inspired! LOL!

I need to figure out what it is that I like to photograph. What and where is my favorite subject?

What does he know anyways?

Don't get me wrong, I love the groundhog! Todd and I celebrated (me sick from the couch) our seven year dating anniversary on Groundhog's Day this year! But what does that little vermin know about spring? First off, he's on the east coast. We play the seasons a little differently here. Secondly, I highly doubt he's a team player in the little charade!
I say, spring has sprung! (and not a moment too soon!) We have crocuses and daffodils coming up and average about 10 degrees in the afternoons. It's been a sunny, blissful week here on the west coast.
The twins and I have begun gardening. They are quite the little helpers! We cleaned up quite a bit yesterday and they were right into it. I can see already that my summer blooms will often lose their heads! Owen pitched a fit when I brought them in from the patio. The sport of bubble blowing has come back too! I've posted some photos on flickr for all to enjoy!

Wicked cup

Mmmmmm. Todd made a great pot of coffee this morning. Komodo Dragon blend. His favorite, not mine but wow- what a cup! I think I am recovered and not a moment too soon. 4 weeks is a long time to be down. It's time for some fresh new ideas here and I even picked up the camera today for the first time in weeks!