head in the clouds ...

Goodbye old Head in the Clouds ...

2008-11-04T15:29:00.002+10:30

So, I've been saying there were changes on their way ... and now they are finally ready for the world to see! ....

Check out our brand new blog!

I will not be updating this blog anymore, so make sure you bookmark our new blog and keep up with all the news from up here in the Clouds!

Great changes are a-com'n!

2008-10-23T10:19:00.002+10:30

As of today, I will not be taking any more bookings under my current pricing structure.

Great changes are a-com'n my friends! ... but I must resist ... announcement coming soon ... I promise! ...

All clients who have booked AND paid their deposit are guaranteed the pricing that was current when they booked, so don't fear! ...

If you are interested in making a booking, please give me a buzz or an email and I will give you an idea of the new pricing structure and exciting new products that Head in the Clouds Photography are going to be providing!

So stay tuned ... not long now ....

sneak peek

2008-10-16T14:27:00.008+10:30

Such a gorgeous family on Sunday last weekend ... Master M was full of beans, as small boys are, but was pleased as punch to welcome his new little brother ... Mr A ...

of course the peapod got another work out ... totally cute ...

and this one, I think, is going down as one of my all time favs ... Master M lay down on the beanbag, and little brother (who was so tired by this stage he was going to sleep through anything) was laid on his chest ... well ... we all know that there is nothing nicer than the feel of a newborn baby on bare skin, and this big brother loooooved it! It was so gorgeous to watch, he was perfectly happy laying there looking at this brother's fingers and having a wonderful snuggle ... sooooo cute ...

Thanks for a lovely shoot .... your gallery is coming soon :)

sneak peek ...

2008-10-13T16:44:00.007+10:30

a quick peek, for a gorgeous family I met on the weekend.

what a beautiful setting ... fields that go on for miles, a warm spring morning determined to be a BRIGHT day, run down old cottages and dusty tractors ... and a small boy full of energy :) ...

me n my man ...

2008-10-03T08:56:00.003+09:30

3rd October 1998. at the ripe age of 20, i walked down a garden path, and said I do.

i felt like i knew everything. that i knew exactly what I wanted in life and how to get it. no one could tell me anything. i knew it all already.

how things have changed. how is it that the older we get, the less answers we have? ... and why is it that i'm ok with that? ...

nothing has stayed the same. we have experienced so much and achieved so much in the last 10 years, it feels like a whole lifetime has been lived.

the only thing that has remained consistant is us. friends have come and gone. homes have been moved into and out of. ideals and dreams have ebbed and flowed, some realised, others died.

we've seen life come and we've seen it go.

but always, we have looked out on the world together, in the same direction. as one.

i love you.

Little happy dance ...

2008-10-01T20:02:00.003+09:30

I am very proud to announce that I am now a member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) ... I'm an emerging member ... and have a wonderful little badge thing and a funky new AIPP lanyard to proove it ..... :) ....

*kate does little happy dance around the kitchen*

and because a post isn't a post without a photo:

quick quiz:

Question: what would you do if you the light in your house was being faaanntastic, but none of your children wanted to play 'photo shoot'? ...

Answer:

Sneak peek ...

2008-09-29T09:35:00.009+09:30

A sneak peek for the most gorgeous newborn baby boy, who was sooooooo good to me ... I have so many favorites from this session ... but here are just a few for mum and dad and big brother ...

Could you get any cuter? ...

This little man will be growing up in the most beautiful home ...

And lastly ... the little pea ... yes, that is supposed to be a peapod ... if it doesn't look like a peapod, you're not using your imagination enough ... :)

Thank you so much, D, M, T & Little M ... I had such a lovely time ... I hope you enjoy your images ... your gallery is coming soon ...

Kx

hang on ... I also just had to add this one :) ... oh ... just totally cute ..

blog neglect

2008-09-27T08:06:00.002+09:30

Yes, I know, it has been a looooong time since my last post. But I have an excuse ...! I have been busy!!!

'Doing what' you say? well .... I'm undergoing a mini makeover. Well, not ME, but my business, so it really may as well be me I guess! Plus lots of shoots - sneak peeks to be blogged soon I promise!

So I'm sorry ... I feel like I'm neglecting a part of me ... but I will be back on track ... with bigger and better things, I promise :) ...

.

Changes ...

2008-09-12T16:15:00.004+09:30

I'm making some changes to my blog. Over the coming months Head in the Clouds is going to undergo a bit of a transformation .. so stay tuned ..

Until then, enjoy the bigger images and the simplified blog ... and sorry for any inconvience :) ...

Sneak Peek ...

2008-09-09T11:41:00.010+09:30

For Alison, Ben and Tara ... (and little HB)

This was such a fun maternity session, I worked Alison very hard, but she looks absolutely GORGEOUS! ... and is just glowing ... I'm sure you'll agree :)

and one for fun ...

ready ... steady ... GO!

2008-09-02T09:52:00.006+09:30

running races in Kuipto Forest on the weekend ... it was FREEZING ... but the kids didn't seem to care ;)

And of course, Max found something to climb ..

SPRING IS HERE!!!

2008-08-27T08:56:00.003+09:30

I feel like this winter has been going on for a millenium ... this year we had sleet and puddles out the back froze over ... it has been COOOOLD! ... So these last few days of 15+ degrees (yes, that's warm for the Adelaide Hills in August!) has seen the most beautiful blossoms emerge ... I just love seeing all the energy burst out in colour ... the pinks and whites and vibrant fresh green ... all starting again and welcoming the warmth ...

So I was inspired to do some canvas prints for the girls' room ... as they love pink, and don't really have anything 'nice' on their walls yet ... so here is what I've ordered ... 3 12x18" prints for their wall ... I really love them, they are so 'girly' ...

I will post a pic once they arrive ...

(brief funny story: I picked Morgan up from Kindy and said that we had to find some nice pink blossom for me to photograph so we could put on her wall ... so we found a suitable tree, I snapped away, and took a small sprig for her to look at in the car on the way home. She went and got some blu-tac and stuck the sprig to the wall ... just like I said ... "find some pink blossom to put on her wall" ... it all made perfect sence in the mind of a 4 year old! .... )

Newborn & Maternity Special ...

2008-08-23T14:51:00.004+09:30

Hi all ...

I have recovered from the shock of turning 30 ... and you know what we did on the night of my 30th? ... went to the kindy quiz night! lol! .... oh man. We know how to party don't we!? ...

Thanks so much to all the beautiful families who have booked for the newborn and/or maternity sessions ... it was lovely to have such a great response. I really look forward to sharing some of the pictures with you all ...

And I also wanted to say a huge thankyou to *you* ... it is so lovely to receive emails and phone calls from past and future clients saying how much they enjoy looking at pics here ... I even bumped into someone who visits my blog regularly at a 1st birthday party the otherday whom I had never met before ... it was lovely to have a chat :) ...

And what's an entry without a pic ha? ... here's our baby girl ... taken over 14 months ago ... gosh they grow up so quickly ...

Saying goodbye to my 20's ...

2008-08-15T10:38:00.002+09:30

The last photograph of me taken as a 29 year old. scary isn't it? ...

Just in the last 3 years I've found wrinkles and grey hair and spots I didn't know I had. My hands are looking like my mothers and I care less and less about what people think of me.

10 years ago I certainly didn't think I would be posting a picture of myself, in my pajamas, no make up and unshowered on the internet. Gosh, was there even an internet 10 years ago? ...

What is it about being 30? I feel like it gives me some cred. Like I've finally earnt my stripes. Probably to a 40 year old that sounds ridiculous ... more so to a 60 year old ... but for once in my life I feel like my age reflects my accomplishments ... does that make sence? In the last 10 years I've gotten married, bought my first and 2nd homes, bought and sold cars, invested wisely, studied, began and ended a career (!), started a small business and had three babies ... and that's just the major stuff ... I'm proud of how much I've done and what I've achieved and I'm excited by what is to come.

So today I look back on the last 29 years and smile (even though the smile now gives me wrinkles!) I smile because I have spent 29 years surrounded by people who love me, I have found my lover, soul mate, life partner and best friend all in the one person, I have three devine children, all sublimely beautiful, my gorgeous mum and wonderful dad are just a phone call away ... today ... today I have everything I could/would/will. ever. want.

Sneak Peak ...

2008-08-11T11:26:00.010+09:30

Here is a quick sneak peak for M, W, O, G & Little A!

Just a couple of my favorites ... simply angelic! :)

phew ..

2008-08-06T14:58:00.007+09:30

It's all done :) Now the exhibition can just hang quietly on the walls and look lovely for a few months!

The opening was fantastic, with lots of the artwork selling on the night (three for me! plus orders! yippee!) ... It really is quite an emotional exhibition and the generall feedback was about how scarey the images (both mine and fellow artists') were in their depiction of the devistation that is happening to the Lower Murray Lakes and Wetland AS WE SPEAK! ...

Only yesterday mum rang and said that they have started on the infrastructure for the weir at Wellington, and once that is complete they are saying the next step will be to flood the lower lakes with sea water ... this just breaks my heart .. and NO it wasn't EVER like that, because there was ALWAYS some sort of inflow from the Murray to keep the waters in the Lower Lakes 'brackish' not pure sea water ... it will destroy the ecosystem down there to such an extent that it will NEVER be the same again ...

And Rudd thinks he's solved all the problems by supplying water to the irrigators via a pipe line from Mannum! Are you kidding me?? Yeah, that will solve it - take MORE water out of the already starving waterway!! VIC and NSW irrigators are back to 30% of their allocation ... STOP TAKING WATER FROM THE MURRAY WHEN THERE IS NO WATER TO TAKE!!!!!!!

Surely - if there is not enough water for the environment, then there is not enough water for the irrigators either!!!

There is a river support rally being held at Goolwa this weekend on Sunday 10th August at 10.30 am to march across the bridge. Please, if you haven't seen how different this environment looks from only 12 months ago, come down and see for yourself .. spend some money in these towns that are dying because nobody is holidaying down there any more ... and help us tell our Government that is JUST ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH!!!!

________________________________________________________________

Stepping down from the soap box now ...

We had some fun today with some new 'special' outfits ... my darling SIL Merryn purchased some new lights and we were having a play with them as well ... my girls certainly know how to strike a pose ... and all this with Max jumping around like a loony yelling "look at meeeee!" ...

SALA

2008-07-30T21:55:00.004+09:30

It's done. I've done it. It's finished. Finito. Done. Dusted.

The exhibition is hung, all the artworks fit (phew), the champagne has been ordered, the food is being selected, the invites are printed and delivered ... I would have liked a new outfit, but there just aren't enough hours in the day ...

I've opened a 'SALA' gallery on my site here (go to site> galleries>sala) for those who can't make it all the way down to Clayton (but that's really not the point - get down there! - Sails @ Clayton Bay, Island View Drive - see it! my fellow artists' work is fan-freaking-tastic! have a drink at the restuarant and a wander on the new 'beaches' ... hell, you might even find yourself a dead tortoise!)

So now I just wait until Sunday when I can feel totally out of place being in a (shared) spotlight for a few hours ... (eek) ... wish me luck ...

51% happy 49% sad

2008-07-28T21:06:00.009+09:30

Our baby took her first steps today. Uncoordinated. Stumbling. Laughing. Damn cute.

She's so proud of herself. She can even stand up from sitting, and looks like the cat that got the cream! ...

But it is the beginning of the end of having a baby in the house. Soon there will be noone crawling, and there will be noone to take her place underfoot. Our last baby. Threes enough for us, but gosh, today, just a little bit of me dearly wishes there was another one on the way ...

So today, I swing from feeling a sad "I don't have a crawler anymore" to a happy "I don't have a crawler anymore!" ... I guess that will happen a lot as all our babies grow up. It is so lovely watching them grow and experiencing new things as a family as they get older ... like all of them sharing hot chips in the back of the car ... but their baby days will be missed. Their present is enjoyed. Their future is looked foward to. It has/is/will be a ride.

(at the beach today)

and Max, scrubbing out his name in the sand ...

and finding a very interesting rock ...

Sneak peek ...

2008-07-26T21:34:00.008+09:30

It has been a little while since my last post - sorry - a husband home all week with the flu does not mix well with getting any work done!

I have had the honour of photographing this gorgeous family since Miss L (lj!)was just a bump in mum's tum ... again a pleasure guys ... your pics are on their way ... enjoy ...

Niamh makes headlines! ACOCP shoot ...

2008-07-20T20:36:00.006+09:30

I can't actually remember whether I blogged about Niamh when I took her photographs back in February ... but sitting reading today's paper and what do I stumble across? A wonderful article in today's Sunday Mail ... This family is truly incredible, as is little Niamh (pronouced Neve) .. she was born at 23 weeks ... YES ... TWENTY THREE WEEKS! ... unreal ...

I was lucky enough to be called into Womens & Children's Hospital as part of the ACOCP ... she was just 2 weeks old here ...

Her amazing mum, Siobhan, has also kept up a daily blog since she was born. Have a read. Truly inspiring ! Not only because of Niamh, but because Sibohan managed to pretty much make a blog post EVERY DAY! ;) ...

Her Sunday Mail article and video can be found here ...

Congratulations Niamh ... You're a little trooper!

____________________________________________________________________

On a not-so-positive note, I heard recently that little Dale, who I photographed at the beginning of June, is back in hospital with an infection ... we wish little Dale all the very best for a speedy recovery. Dale was born at 27 weeks and was doing well when I photographed him at 10 weeks old ...

Maternity & Newborn drought ...

2008-07-17T20:58:00.005+09:30

So it's been a while. I currently know NO ONE who is pregnant or has just had a baby .. and all my bookings seem to be older bubs (not that there's anything wrong with that!) but I'm craving a few maternity and newborn shoots to update my portfolio and have some fun ... so if you are heading towards 34 weeks pregnant or more, or have a brandnew bubba (under 4 weeks - but preferably under 2 weeks) then I would love to hear from you!

I will be doing session fees at $100 off (so only $150, and with still $100 towards prints) PLUS I will give you 5 full res digital files for FREE. (gosh, what am I thinking lol!) ..

This offer is only open for bookings made in the next 3 weeks, so hurry!

To book a session either email me at headintheclouds@internode.on.net or give me a buzz on 0419 809 570 :)

It's raining exhibitions ...

2008-07-17T20:03:00.009+09:30

Almost literally! SALA is on it's way!

Our little blurb is here. My little pic was also in the SALA guide distributed in the Advertiser last Saturday too ... So I have been looking at my images for way too long, umming and ahhing over this one, and that one ... printing invitations ... taking the odd urgent trip down to Clayton to shoot something that suddently becomes extremely important ... so to have a little fun and do something different, Morgan and I did a mini shoot ...

My ever willing photographic assistant! - one of these days I'll convince Max to actually look at the camera and stay still for more than a millisecond ... but until then, Morgan is doing a damn fine job of 'workin it baby' ...

Sneak peek ...

2008-07-09T13:40:00.007+09:30

I hope you like them K and Little Miss J! It was so lovely to meet you guys and I had a heap of fun! - I hope you guys did too !

Kevin Rudd, A dead fish, and some CIA dudes ...

2008-07-07T10:30:00.009+09:30

as luck would have it, PM Rudd was heading down to the lower lakes to check out the devisatation that the drought has caused to the lakes ... we had to get up at sparrows fart, and drag the kids out into the freeeeezing cold (the things we do!) but it was fun ... Milang had never seen so much action ... even a helicopter few in ... there were news crews and over dressed female reporters ... and after waiting around for an hour a whisper went through the crowd that he wasn't actually arriving in Milang central, but further out ... so everyone jumped back in their cars and headed a few kms down the road! It was quite funny ...

This is what part of the fuss is about. Irrigation. The farmers/grape growers who have taken their water from the Murray are now a little peeved that it is too saline to use on their crops.

The little swarm of media and interested people when for a wander to the waters edge (now receeded over 50 mtrs or more) ... so we stood back and watched ...

and what do you do when you can't get close to the PM, but want to take some piccies? Photograph his little CIA dudes!

These guys were so cool. He's holding his little microphone in his hand and has the little curly wire thing going into his ear ... and then there was the bulge in the back pocket too ...

And you'll just have to believe me when I say this is Kevin Rudd stepping over a dead carp ...

and what does a girl do when she's sneaked into the media only press conferency thingo and she's too short to get a good shot of the PM and his side kick? Get down low and shoot through the tripod legs! ... A nice 'up the nose' shot of our Mr Kevin Rudd and Penny Wong ...

So that was it. They did a little press gathering, patted each other on the back, the CIA dudes packed him up and off he went. All the frozen spectators went home to defrost and debate the pros and cons of the independant body managing Australia's biggest water source and because Mr Rudd took his sweet time getting there in the first place, we missed the get-together to clean the coral growths off the turtles before they die ...

Here's hoping my children will be able to see the Lake, river and Coorong retored to it's former glory. I'm not holding my breath.

Kids & Kite flying!

2008-07-07T09:30:00.006+09:30

Being the cruel, cruel mother that I am, I purchased the kids some kites ages ago and hung them on their walls ... they were just cheapy plastic ones, but they brightened up their rooms .... much to the kids' disgust, they have not yet had a chance to play with them ...

So on Friday we headed down to Clayton and played with them on the oval ... lots of trantrums about the lack of wind, but we still had fun!

I caught this momontary lack of sibling rivalry ...

I'm live

2008-07-03T14:08:00.002+09:30

finally ... a big sigh of relief, a wipe of the brow and I'm done.

check it out: headinthecloudsphotography.com.au

Let me know what you think :) Still a little bit of fine tuning to go and a few more images to upload, but at least it is 'out there' now ...

Big eyes and little toes

2008-06-30T09:59:00.011+09:30

I had a call for an ACOCP shoot on the weekend. It was so lovely to meet this beautiful family. Little Master C was born with a fatal heart defect 7 weeks ago. This gorgeous little guy unfortunately won't see his 1st birthday, so every day he has with his family is a gift. Master C has two older brothers and one older sister who obviously love him to bits ... I wanted to give mum and dad a sneek peek as soon as possible ...

And how stunning is this little girl? Those eyes ... wow.

Thank you S & E for allowing me to photograph your precious family.

Tagged ...

2008-06-30T08:00:00.004+09:30

I have been tagged by sweet chilli philly ... sorry it's taken me so long to tag-back!

The rules are:

- Link the person who tagged you
- Mention the rules on your blog
- Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
- Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
- Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they have been tagged.

1) When I was 15 I wrapped my fingers in sticky tape at my dad's work (I was bored) and then tried to cut the tape off with a scapel. I ended up stabbing my hand, cutting through a tendon and requiring microsurgery to repair the damage. I now have a 'harry potter' type scar in the middle of my left palm.

2) One of my pupils is bigger than the other.

3) I started dating my husband when I was 13! We dated for 7 years before getting married, and we are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this year! (goor that's scary)

4) Whenever I smell a particular scent of toilet duck toilet freshener it makes me vomit. A left over symptom of morning sickness ...

5) I loooove the sound of rain on the roof. To the extent that we only recently changed our roof from tile to tin in order to hear the rain better (oh, and the roof was stuffed as well ...)

6) I'm dyslexic. No, seriously. I ma.

Consider yourselves tagged:

so close ...

2008-06-18T15:43:00.006+09:30

Oh my ... so close to going live with my new website.

I have learnt that web designers and any type of computer technician EARN THEIR MONEY!!

Anyway ... I just wanted to share some images from a very fun shoot we did today ... testing out my new white backdrop ... hmmm .... looooove it !

yelling at the kids [and a reality check]

2008-06-13T18:26:00.002+09:30

Every parent must feel like this on occasions. I'm not the only one with three young kids. I'm sure I'm not the first to feel frustrated. angry. grumpy. busy.

Today I can't keep up with the mess. My back aches from bending over to pick things up. The same things I picked up half an hour ago. I can't see the floor, although I vacuumed and mopped this morning. The washing machine is on for the fourth time today, but there is still another 4 loads to go .... It's Friday night, and today we celebrated my youngest child's first birthday.

Today my throat hurts from yelling.

Today I checked out Sheye's site. I do every couple of weeks. If you haven't seen her site - do. It's beautiful. Raw. Authentic. A hugely talented QLD photographer who lost her 3 year old daughter in a tragic accident. An accident which happened to occur on the day my family and I were celebrating my first daughter's 2nd birthday.

Today I realised how much I have {sometimes I need reminding, ya know?} Today I realised I have mess. A small house. Too many toys. Boisterous kids. Loud kids. Too much to do. A backache.

Today I realised that I have ALL my kids. Here. Now. I can cuddle them whenever I want to. And I should do it more often. Today I realised how beautiful, simple and fragile my reality is.

Tonight my house is a pig sty. Tonight we will have takeaway. Tonight (and always), I would not swap my reality for anything.

Thank you Ava. Thank you Sheye.

packaging and MOO cards ...

2008-06-13T17:59:00.005+09:30

These funky little cards are called 'MOO' cards ... beautifully printed full colour mini-cards ... I'm going to be using them for everything from packaging to business cards (some of them have my details on the back) ... I just love them!

And my updated packaging ... this is an example of an ACOCP shoot package, a gorgeous little box holds the 6x4 album, a beautiful chiffon bag holds the CD of full res images, all packaged up with tissue paper and ribbon ... simple but elegant ...

busy, busy, busy ...

2008-06-12T18:02:00.010+09:30

But in this day and age ... who isn't!? ... Don't ask me what I achieve in a day that I would call 'busy' because it generally doesn't amount to much, but between kindy drop offs/pick ups, shoots, appointments, printing and organising an exhibition ... not to mention a very important 1st birthday party! .... there doesn't seem to be much time in between ... ...

I was called to an ACOCP shoot on the weekend, for little Dale, born at 27 weeks, now 10 weeks old and doing pretty well ... when I met him and his beeeauuutiful family (his big sister was stunning!) he had just had his gastric tube removed and was in an open cot and looking like going home in about 2-3 weeks ... good luck Dale and family! your photos are on their way ...

Aint nothin sweet about me ...

2008-06-06T16:00:00.003+09:30

yeah ...

Foggy Crafers

2008-06-05T21:51:00.001+09:30

Today was very weird. The fog, which is normal in the morning, hung around until about 1.30 ... it was stunningly beautiful and whilst doing the kindy drop off I was thinking I must get out and grab some pics ... of course as soon as I was in the car with camera and tripod, the fog lifted!!! ... but by 4.30ish it was settling back in so I went for another quick cruize ... snapped this one just down the road ...

BRIZVEGAS!

2008-06-05T20:23:00.009+09:30

Oh my gosh. I've been neglecting my blog. I know. I'm sorry ...

But I have good reason!!! ... last weekend Merryn and I played the intrepid travellers and spent three days in Brisbane, mainly for the ACOCP AGM, but also to coincide with PMA.

We had the best time! We met some of the wonderful people who also donate their time and talent to the ACOCP, went through some workshops including a brief on the realities of photographing stillborns. It was intense, and emotional, but unbeliebably inspirational ... I came away from it with renewed passion, and ever more determined to keep hounding the hospitals who believe we are just a bunch of money hungry photographers wanting to make a buck from bereaved parents (how many times do I have to say IT IS COMPLETELY FREEEEEE!) ... I'll step off my soap box now ...

We also visited the PMA and came away with bags of brochures for products we could spend our hand earned money on. Photobooks (books professionally bound and published with your images in them) swamped the trade show. Some were great, others pretty crappy actually! ... But we sorted through the good and the bad and chose ones for our businesses that had a good balance between quality and price ...

We also had a few days to wander the streets of Brisbane (and yes, we went to the Casino and I lost a whole 5 bucks! doh!) ... the weather was shocking (we left Adelaide a sunny 21 and got to Brisbane for showers and 18!) ....

thought I would share some of our shots ....

We braved the big city at night ... Brisbane City from South Bank ...

A Mill, in the middle of the City, just near the Roma Street Gardens

I absolutely loved the change in climate (wouldn't want to live there though!) all the ferns and palms were stunning ...

All up we had a great time (especially Saturday night when we thought it would be a great idea to swim in the Southbank Pools at 1 am!) ... came home absolutely exhausted!

INTRODUCING BAYBEE COCOONS ...

2008-06-02T19:49:00.006+09:30

Ok, in the interests of keeping my blog (s!) in order, I am transferring all my baby cocoon information and ordering information to BAYBEE COCOON (http://www.baybeecocoons.blogspot.com/)

There has just been so much interest that I felt I needed to keep it all off my photoblog and on to one of its own ... it is still in its infancy, so be patient. Over the next few days it should be full of all the material selections and a few more nice piccies ... stay tuned! :)

My baby girl's growing up ...

2008-05-29T20:40:00.004+09:30

Wow. Today I completed my last ever 1st birthday invitation. I can't believe my little, tiny weeny, baby girl is going to be 1 in less than 2 weeks.

Was it really a year ago that my belly was that huge? Was it really a year ago that I had the most amazing life changing experience? Was it really a year ago that I laboured long and hard at home in my lounge, my birth pool, my kitchen, my bathroom? Was it really a year ago that I, finally, after years and years of preparation, knowledge seeking, reading, talking, dreaming ... gave birth to my daughter after two previous ceasareans? ...

I feel bad that it was a bit of a rushed job, but I got them out finally.

My gosh have I been busy lately ... and today has been one of 'those' days ... you know, the ones where if something is going to go wrong, it will. Nothing huge, but lots of little things, and all together they drive me nuts, put me in a foul mood, and give me the biggest headache known to man ...

Anyway, enough of feeling sorry for myself. And I should be in a GREAT mood! Tommorrow I fly up to Brisbane for the PMA and the ACOCP AGM. Three days and two nights of completely child free ... busy-ness ... but at least it is child free. I will miss them madly but am determined to enjoy some kid free time. I will SLEEEEEPPPPP ALLLLLL NIIIIIIGGGGHT! ohhhh man. Can't wait. Wish my husband luck with three kids for 3 days and nights ... he'll probably need a valium by Sunday night ...

Angel Wings ...

2008-05-27T18:25:00.008+09:30

We finally got our new angel wings all the way from the U. S. of A. ! They are gorgous little ones designed especially for little bodies ... they measure only 21 cms across ... and are simply beeaauutiful!

I love this dimply bum ...

Cocoon wool ...

2008-05-27T14:07:00.014+09:30

hi there!

all the baby cocoon info has been transfered here

I'm in PRINT!

2008-05-23T14:38:00.005+09:30

Well ... a few months ago a publisher contacted me out of the blue and asked me to take some shots at a childcare centre for their publication called ABC Small Wonders, produced by Hardie Grant Publishers for the ABC childcare centres ... anyway, I got my copy today ... and I'm a little excited!

Hmm ... interesting spelling here ...

Newborn Cocoons ... (imagination required!)

2008-05-22T15:57:00.008+09:30

CLICK HERE for more info on BAYBEE COCOONS ...

Ok, so you might need to use your imagination a little bit! ... but I've just completed my first (of many!) baby cocoon ... they are the cutest damn things for newborn photography ...

So use your imagination and replace the teddy for a cute sleepy ultra-newborn and hay presto ... pretty cute ha!? ... now I just need to get my hands on a brandspanking-new-one ... hmm ...

And if there are any photographers out there that don't have time or skills to make their own, I'm a tad addicted to it and will be making quite a lot more, with matching hats, in various colours, happy to take orders - cocoon and matching hat for $40.

Vintage ...

2008-05-21T13:45:00.005+09:30

Today, we are trapped inside, it is FREEEEZING outside, not to mention wet. The kids are going nutty, as am I. Must get out of house. Going mad. I've been searching the internet for pictures of warm places ...

Possibly, working on pictures such as these, hasn't helped ... !

Little Billy ...

2008-05-19T12:44:00.007+09:30

On Friday I had the privilige of taking a young gentleman's portait ... Of course Friday would have to be 12 degrees, foggy and hailing, and yes, it was a shoot up here in the Hills ... but despite all odds, we got a few good ones ... oh, and the poor little guy had a cephalhaematoma too ...

Introducing 12 day old Billy ...

Rain cleared ..

2008-05-19T10:28:00.005+09:30

And we managed to get out of the house.

I absolutely love where we live. These pics were taken at the park on our street and on the path we call the Fairy Forest ...

Rain

2008-05-17T13:05:00.003+09:30

Quite a lot of it ...

Jazz had to show me what puddles are really for ...

Reflections ...

2008-05-14T14:50:00.010+09:30

See I told you I wouldn't be able to stay away ... it is an addiction ...

Been playing with reflections today ... I think they are quite effective ...

Photo THIRTY

2008-05-13T17:14:00.007+09:30

Max having fun with the autumn leaves ...

I cannot believe I am at the end of my challenge! I'm a little sad ... NOT! lol! No, truely it has been lots and lots of fun and I have learnt so much.

I will still be posting regularly, so keep checking back here ... and why not leave me a comment!? ... then I won't feel like I'm just posting for thin air! And I know you're out there ... my hit counter doesn't lie! ...

I feel that for the last 30 days my 'thankful for' thing has been on such a micro level that I need to acknowledge the 'big picture', so excuse me while I indulge, for the last time, I promise ...

THANKFUL FOR

Gorgeous husband. I kid you not, I love this man with every inch of who I am. He is my life blood, my oxygen, my everything. Without him ... well ... I can't even fathom. Thankyou babe, for being a brilliant father, a beautiful individual, and the ultimate life partner. I look forward to growing old with you.

Beautiful children. Oh wow. Where do I start? I'm so lucky to be involved in the ACOCP. Every time I do a shoot, or have a referral for a shoot, I thank my lucky stars that I have three wonderfully healthy children ... It puts a bad day into perspective very quickly. It does make me want to wrap them in cotton wool, but in the eternal words of the great 'Dory' from Finding Nemo "well, you can't not let anything happen to him ... then nothing would ever happen to him!" ... I hope it makes me a better person, mother, wife, daughter. They are who I am. I. love. them. so. much.

Healthy me. It is without a doubt that I acknowledge that without my health, I am useless. I would not be able to enjoy the simple things, or enjoy my children or family. Every day, I am so, so thankful that I am healthy. I turn 30 in about 2 months time, and am determined to be healthier on the day I turn 30, than I have ever been. For without my health, my dreams for the future, are for nought.

Lastly, my Mum and Dad. I have no idea what I would do without them. I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful relationship with them. They are truly great friends. I love you guys more than I can put in words. xxxooo

Photo TWENTY NINE

2008-05-12T16:43:00.007+09:30

I can't believe I'm posting this. But here goes ...

I didn't dare put it in my rules for my challenge, but I was really wanting to do at least one self portrait before my 30 days were up. So here it is. You wouldn't think that it was taken in the last 5 mintues before a kindy pic up, on the bed because that's where the best light is, and with a very curious baby crawling over my legs would you?

THANKFUL FOR

Photoshop. If I had the courage I would post the image that came straight out of the camera ... but a woman's got to keep her dignity!

One day to go. This challenge has been great, but ... phew ... I'm glad it's nearly over.

Early morning coffee meets with friends. What a way to start the week. Thanks girls! :)

PS: I'm daring Merryn to post a self portrait at least once during her challenge ... you'd better do it girl!

Edited to add: Thanks for the compliment Philly - you can consider yourself 'tagged' by the way! I wanna see a self portrait! ... carn .... !

Photo TWENTY EIGHT

2008-05-11T20:49:00.005+09:30

Whether you are one, know one, or helped create one ... Happy Mothers Day everyone!

THANKFUL FOR

Jimmies Pizza. Best pizza in the Hills and tonight's takeaway choice. 1/2 Turkish Lamb and 1/2 garlic prawn. A good night in.

Getting jobs done. Despite being a little hung over yesterday, today was quite productive, despite spending 1 1/2 hours walking around the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens looking for my husband's family ... long story ... don't ask ...

A close shave. Tim damn near killed himself today with the angle grinder. He's fixing up an old combustion heater and was grinding off the old rust with a funny looking disk thing on the angle grinder, when it suddenly caught and disintigrated and threw half of itself across the tennis court. I turned around to see Tim jumping away from it, a missile whizzing down the yard and the angle grinder, still going, jumping around all over the ground like a cut snake. Adrenilin was a tad high for a few minutes. Could have been aweful. Thankfully all the kids were inside and the piece of disk decided to fly away from him rather than towards him.

He completed the job with a wire brush.

Photo TWENTY SEVEN

2008-05-10T20:22:00.005+09:30

Well, so much for the list of stuff we had to do today. Out the window thanks to the good friends and good wine (well ... actually the wine wasn't that great ...) So we went for a drive down to Clayton so the kids could get their 'grandnan fix' ... we drove around to Point Sturt to check out the drought from yet another angle ...

We risked life and limb to get this shot ...

THANKFUL FOR

Rainbow paddlepops. Kids' delight.

The Parent's Rule book. Explanation required = We have a rule in our house that the television goes OFF at dinner time. Morgan was not impressed by this tonight as Shrek was on and it is a particular fav. So in true Morgan style the whole neighbourhood heard about it. The conversation went something like this ...

me: "Morgan, you see this book here?" (grabbing a parenting book off the bookshelf)

Morgan: "yeah ... "

me: "well, it's the Parent's Rule Book. And you see here? Rule number 375 says 'the television must be turned OFF at dinner time' ... so you see? We have to turn it off, because The Rule Book says so".

Morgan: silence. then "what about if we give the rule book to the kids at Kindy?"

me: (trying not to make eye contact with Tim for fear of cracking up) "But all the children's parents got their own rule book. They have their own rules that they have to follow".

Morgan: "Oh."

And that was IT!. We ate our dinner without any further arguments.

I will have to keep that little trick up my sleve for next time. I'm still patting myself on the back for my sheer parenting genius!

Mouse traps. Self explanatory.

Photo TWENTY SIX

2008-05-10T09:02:00.007+09:30

Oh dear, Friday night was long. Involved too much beverage. I'm feeling quite sorry for myself. If I actually get out of my jarmies today, I might take a photograph ... I'm not feeling confident though.

THANKFUL FOR

Fridays. To relax. Unwind. Drink too much. Be merry.

Saturdays. To recover. Stay in jarmies half the day. Have panadol.

Sundays. To remind us how good Fridays are.

Photo TWENTYFIVE

2008-05-08T15:08:00.004+09:30

Got some cute rabbit ears from the op shop today ... Morgan is very impressed ...

THANKFUL FOR

Digital. It was the whole reason I changed from film to digital. Saving a fortune on film, and can manipulate the bejeebus out of an image if you feel like it. Plus I can snap away and easily shoot more than a hundred images and not even need to think about the cost. Simply awesome.

Grandnan. She knits like a machine and my kids love to wear her creations. The latest jumper looks like a rainbow paddlepop, and Morgan loves it (as does Max, but don't tell anyone!)

The miracle of life. At kindy they have a little incubator with some chicken eggs in it. The kids are waiting for the chicks to hatch and last night one hatched! Apparently right in the middle of the comittee meeting! There was a little crack in one of the others today, but it didn't hatch during Morgan's morning session. It is just amazing that something so fluffy and so damn cute just pops out of an egg and starts "cheeping" ... forget about the kids, the parents think it's awesome!

Photo TWENTYFOUR

2008-05-07T13:44:00.004+09:30

THANKFUL FOR

Sunny autumn days. The sun beams through our front window and heats the whole house. The joys of a house facing North.

Larger blog pics. Would you believe it has taken me many hours googling and posting questions on forums to work out that I just needed to check "large" when uploading my photos!? ... such an idiot ...

Friends who know about computers. Saves me squillions I'm sure. I'm such a dud when it comes to computers (see above!). Thank god for Mr Jones.

Photo TWENTY THREE

2008-05-06T18:34:00.008+09:30

I swap baby sitting with a good friend and neighbour every Tuesday. Oliver and Max are only about 3 months apart and get on like a house on fire. No, they really do! Considering they are both two, they fight very little and whenever they see each other, they run up and give each other a huge hug. Tis' damn cute.

One of our little rituals is having popcorn for morning tea in a brown paper bag. Very exciting, I know! It always amazes me how far they can spread the stuff all over the lounge room ...

edited to add: Something strange has happened to the colour on this .. it is supposed to be a nice 'vintage' look ... failed dismally on upload ... if I get a chance I will try to replace it with something a bit nicer. bummer.

Here's a little pic of Oliver. He's the sweetest little boy with a heart of gold.

THANKFUL FOR

Yoga. Helps me focus. Keeps me sane. Slows me down.

White wine. Fruity Gordo is my wine of choice at present. Classy I know. It even comes in a cask! Gordo is a good friend.

My four year old's ability to put me in my place. I dared 'recycle' one of her kindy paintings. I will never, ever be forgiven. I am forever the worst mother on the planet. Apparently it was her "absolute favorite" ... Will someone please build me another room to my house in order to store all the creations that come home from kindy??? ...

Photo TWENTY TWO

2008-05-05T20:59:00.003+09:30

Taken yesterday, played with today.

THANKFUL FOR

Clean children. Love the smell. The cuddles on the couch with freshly washed hair. The giggles that happened in the bath ... the fact that our little bath now holds three ... yes three ... adorable little human beings in it ... It is still unimaginable, that I, Kate Ellis, am a mother of three. It blows my mind.

'duppa tea'. white with one.

New babies. Even hearing that a friend's husband's sister had a baby, whom I'll probably never meet, still makes me smile stupidly. I just love babies.

Photo TWENTYONE

2008-05-05T20:32:00.004+09:30

At least Sunday was a little more succesful photographically ... a little anyway ...

You would think in such a beautiful environment that I would be able to take a millon interesting photographs ... but alas, I think my creative streak left me, and I was back shooting what I love ... kids!

THANKFUL FOR

Home. Such a nice place to come back to.

Fish n chips. Shared with mum n dad aka Nanish and Papa. Life is sweet.

Inner spring mattress. Sleeping on an airmattress reminds me why I love my real bed so much.

Photo TWENTY

2008-05-05T20:05:00.002+09:30

Ok, I have some catching up to do ...

Saturday was a really 'nothing' kind of day, and I'm embarrased to say, this is the best I got ... thank gosh for photoshop, as it really is quite a boring photograph! ..

THANKFUL FOR

Blackwolf. Our tent is awesome. I love it almost as much as the people it shelters. ;)

Our dishwasher. I appreciate it even more, having spent 3 days without one.

Good weather while camping. Although it rained on the Friday night and my darling husband had to cook our dinner in the rain, we did very well this weekend weather wise, considering it is May!

Photo NINETEEN

2008-05-04T20:29:00.009+09:30

Sorry folks. We went away for Friday and Saturday night. Our new fav spot? Port Elliot Caravan Park. Right on Horseshoe Bay, one of our favorite spots in all the world.

Our first walk on Friday afternoon was sensational. It was a bit rainy, but just in showers. We thought we had missed the last of them, until about 10 minutes into our walk, we looked over our shoulders and this was coming:

We could tell it wouldn't last long, so I tucked the camera under my jumper and we kept walking down towards the beach. The kids were loving the rain which wasn't overly heavy. The sun started to shine through, so I dared get the camera slightly damp and capured this: (yes, that's rain)

Then ... oh my god ... the most amazing thing. We looked up and the most beautiful rainbow was forming. It started over on the right and soon became a half arch. So I'm snapping away thinking this is all we are going to get ... and it becomes complete! Oh the joys of a rain shower and the sun directly behind us! ... Then it gets sharper, and brighter and then ... (by now I'm nearly wetting myself) it becomes double ... !

I'm snapping away, in a slight panic knowing that this wouldn't last long and that I'm shooting raw with only a 1 gig card and ... oh and what lens is going to be best? ... oh crap! my 10-22 would rock this in! so I quickly change ... this is when I get rain on the mirror. oh crap. sooo not good. So all I can think is, "it's ok, I can photoshop, and I'll worry about the mirror later, keep shooting" ... (so annoyed that I chopped the top of the second bow... grrrr)

So I got the double, yay, I think. Then the rainbow is not showing any signs of disappearing as quickly as I thought .... so I get my gorgeous hubby and oldest two kids to go and stand on the rock wwayyy over there ...

And I got a picture of my pot of gold ...

Thank god by now the little drop of water on the mirror has evaporated and isn't causing too much mischief with the image ... phew I think. Now to go and teach myself how to clean the insides of my camera!

I just love it when photography gives me that kind of thrill. When nature puts on such an awesome display that my heart leaps around and I can't stop myself from repeating "holy crap, holy crap" but then have to shut up because I'm fogging up the view finder ... it was awesome.

And not because of the images I shot (I am so self critical that I think they could be a LOT better) but because my family and I had front row seats to a nature spectacular, I was one very happy camper.

Photo EIGHTEEN

2008-05-01T15:11:00.007+09:30

Well, I'm sorry, but this has got to be the cutest hat E V E R ...

THANKFUL FOR

Combustion heaters. Foul for the environment, but I love them. The heat they produce, the beautiful smell in the winter air ...

Good night sleep. Can't remember the last time I had one. But when I do, I will be grateful for it.

1TB. Hard drive. Pure, black, big. Mmmm. That's right. One thousand Giga bites. Can you imagine!? Now I can shoot in RAW to my hearts content and my computer will stop saying "low disk space" as though it is about to implode if I dare upload another photograph!

Photo SEVENTEEN

2008-04-30T16:58:00.003+09:30

Having fun with white backgrounds ...

THANKFUL FOR

Hairdressers that come to your home. My gosh. I can't believe I didn't know about them before! My awesome hairdresser does home visits! Doesn't cost any more than at the salon and she cuts the kids hair while my greys are being covered up! ... no more having to have three kids baby sat just to go to get my hair cut! ...

A quick plug for her: Catriona Smart of Smart's Mobile Scissors. 0413 677 737. Adelaide Hills. She also works at Fat Afro Hair Design in Stirling.

Camping holidays. We are reving up to go camping again this weekend. We've bought a few new gadgets and are looking forward to trying them out. Hopefully it doesn't piss with rain the entire time though!

Lazy days. My son is still in his jarmies and it's 5pm! I've had a steady flow of visitors since 9am all just wanting a chat and a cuppa. Gotta love lazy days.

Photo SIXTEEN

2008-04-29T16:30:00.005+09:30

Can you tell it is autumn in the Adelaide Hills? This would have to be my most favourite time of year up here. Every day there are more and more colours. I'm despirate to get up to the botanic gardens and take some shots of the kids playing in the leaves ... they just need to be dry!

THANKFUL FOR

Kids' sence of humor. Morgan and her good friend Jack have just discovered the humour in "brush your teeth with bubblegum!" and "wash your face with orange juice!". They think it's hilarious!

Toilet paper. Well ... for obvious reasons, but what made me think of it today was having to fish an entire roll out of the toilet after my darling son decided to experiement with it's flush-ability.

Someone who comes home. Every night. Knowing that at around the same time each evening, the love of my life and gorgeous father to my children, will walk through the door. Sometimes quiety (to sneek up on the kids). Sometimes like James Bond (throwing the door open and then just standing there). Sometimes just exhausted. Either way. He comes home.

I sometimes take that for granted. I shouldn't. I won't. I don't. I love you.

New Stuff!

2008-04-28T17:38:00.004+09:30

So, you've probably noticed the change? What do you think?

It's taken a while to come up with a new logo. Which seems crazy as it is so simple!

I have to thank my gorgeous daughter for the idea. I hope it conveys that I am a baby/child/family photographer, and that it is all about having fun, and that I don't take myself too seriously.

If you visit my website you'll see my little catch phrase too "bellies, babies and beyond" which pretty much sums up exactly what I am doing.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or flick me an email. I would love to hear (negative or positive!)

I'm searching high and low for a website design that I like too so stay tuned. No more using "I've got three kids" as an excuse for not getting on with the job!

Photo FIFTEEN

2008-04-28T16:09:00.003+09:30

Is it just me, or has winter snuck up and bit us? I'm freeezzzing! I can't get my hands and feet and bum to defrost properly. I want to spend my days in front of the fire and drink only hot chocolates and eat stew and crusty bread for tea ...

THANKFUL FOR

Kindy. School holidays finished today. I miss my princess when she is there, but she loves it and is no longer bored out of her brains at home with me. Doing the washing and making the beds really isn't all that thrilling for a four year old.

Clothes dryer. Couldn't live without it at the moment.

Little rituals. My babies know when I say "guess what?" that I'm going to say "I love you", so they get in first and say "yeah, mum, I know - you love us ...". Always makes me smile!

Photo FOURTEEN

2008-04-27T12:33:00.004+09:30

I went to stay at mum and dad's over the weekend, while the boys did boy stuff. We went for a walk at dusk, and it was just stunning. Despite the drought, and such low water levels, this part of the world is still wonderful, and put on a lovely display.

The light was this mauve/pink/purple colour only for about 15 minutes until it was too dark to shoot. The birds coming in to roost for the night.

THANKFUL FOR

Individuality. It makes the world an amazing place. We are all so different, yet so simular.

A clean house. Even if I know it won't last long.

Passion. Whether it is for a lover, hobby, ideal or anything. Passion gives us something or someone, to live for.

Photo THIRTEEN

2008-04-27T10:50:00.007+09:30

Can't believe I'm up to photo thirteen already!

On Friday my gorgeous sister-in-law moved out of her little caravan and into a little dairy which has been converted into a cottage. Cutest darn thing I've seen in ages. I got quite obsessed with the front door, which is the most beautiful colour ...

THANKFUL FOR

Adelaide Hills in autumn. The colours are getting better and better every day. Rich. Vibrant. Yum.

Blustery weather. Means you have to stay inside and eat and drink and talk. And be warm.

A son. And two daughters. Means the boys can do boy stuff. And the girls can do girl stuff.

Photo TWELVE

2008-04-27T09:14:00.006+09:30

I finally convinced Morgan to do a photo shoot with me. Cost me a fortune in a new outfit, but she did brilliantly!

As you can probably tell, I am loving black and white!

A few more:

But there is always a place for colour ...

THANKFUL FOR

Long weekends. Need I say more?

New Rain. The smell. The sound.

Full rainwater tank. Means we can have rain water showers for longer!

Photo ELEVEN

2008-04-24T19:51:00.003+09:30

I'm really loving black and white photography at the moment ...

THANKFUL FOR

Flex days. The public servant's best friend. I really, really love having Tim home during the week.

Sympathetic Dentist. One that understands that I really, really, REALLY don't like the scrunching, munching, ripping, tearing sound of having a tooth removed, and gave me nearly enough anaesthetic to kill a horse.

Children's curiosity. They think the tooth is fantastic! And keep asking to see the hole in my mouth!

PS: I won't be able to post over the next few days as I'm not going to be near a computer. But will definately keep up my challenge while we are out and about over the long weekend. Have a safe ANZAC.

Photo TEN

2008-04-23T16:07:00.002+09:30

This is my gorgeous nephew Charlee. He is six weeks older than my son, and it is so sweet to see them together. They get up to mischief. Fight. Scream. Hit. But they have fun. Lots. The curly blonde hair is to die for!

THANKFUL FOR

Anaesthetic. I'm having my wisdom tooth pulled tonight. Should be great fun.

Tutus and girly stuff. My daugther has discovered the joy of pink dresses and boots and bling. Finally, I have a girl! (doesn't stop her playing in the dirt, however)

Playschool. It is the two half hours everyday when I am guaranteed to get a snippet of peice and quiet, while the kids 'do the dino dance' or guess which window it will be today. Gotta love that.

Photo NINE

2008-04-22T17:39:00.003+09:30

Happy Earth Day!

Mum came around today and we did arty stuff together. Good for the soul. Mum made a basket and I cut stuff out of tin. Not all that successfully I might add, but it was fun. Of course I also took some photos!

THANKFUL FOR

Having my mum to myself. Sounds really selfish I know, but I realised the other day that my mum is mine. only. all mine. I don't have to share her with anyone else. And it's lovely. I. love. my. mum.

Salvos op shop. Aldgate. I went in there looking for a wedding veil, and would you know it! they had one! I had missed my chance at getting one I had seen at the CFS Op Shop in Bridgewater, and was really annoyed that I hadn't bought it when I found it. But all is saved as I now have one! "why?" do you ask? Weeeellll ... have you heard of "Trash the Dress"? if not check out the site ... more on this in a later post!

Canvas prints. You know, those big, juicy, canvas prints that are 'in' at the moment? ... My wonderful photo bloke Kevin (where I get all my printing done) has just introduced them at his shop (as well as a whole heap of other wonderful nick-nacks). I know they're not anything new and astounding, but I'm so glad he is now doing them.

I was always too worried about spending such huge amounts on printing and not being guaranteed a good job. Now I feel confident, I am going to get at least one of my wedding photographs blown up for my wall. Believe it or not, my gorgeous husband and I have been married for 10 years in October. Scary! So I thought it would be a fitting time to actually get some printing done ... I'm not one to rush into these things!!

Lastly: Mernen. Great friend. Wonderful auntie. Fabulous 'sister'. Super talented photographer. And she's doing my challenge too!!!

The Cowrie

2008-04-21T16:22:00.003+09:30

By Jane Hylton (my mum)

When I was a child my mother used to say that finding a cowrie shell on the beach was like finding a jewel. When I returned to the holiday shack from the beach my pockets would be laden with treasures – fragments of glass worn and rounded by the movement of the ocean, or bits of seaweed whose colours faded as they dried out – she would examine with genuine delight every fascinating object I had found. But her excitement really grew when I had found a cowrie, a tiny grey one, or a slightly larger one, delicately spotted with white and brown. She told me that you could never find a cowrie if you actually looked for one, and that was what made them so magical. I knew it to be absolutely true. So often I deliberately searched for one without success. As soon as I had forgotten my quest, there it was in my hand, retrieved as if by accident from among the shells dumped by the latest storm.

Today, in my fifties, my mother long dead, I wander on the beach with my friend. I am utterly absorbed by this paradise of sand, shells, seaweed, sea urchins (on this day the flattish ones prevail) tiny, delicate bones, feathers and pieces of driftwood, just as I was when I was a child. My friend is equally transfixed. We both meander, eyes down, with the sound of the sea and the call of the birds as a heavenly accompaniment to our meditative, companionable search for nothing in particular. Every now and then one of us stoops and fossicks through the piles of shells, picks up an object of interest and shows it to the other. We squeeze oozy bits of sponge, are fascinated by the endless forms that spirals can produce, look for sea anemones in rock pools and marvel at dried out sharks’ eggs.

I sit down on the beach in the middle of a mass of all kinds of shells. The tiny red ones have delicate spotted patterns, larger ones have subtle colours that seem to encapsulate the beach itself. Shells shaped like fans hold every colour of the sunset. And there it is, the cowrie, indistinct amongst the others until it is lifted into isolation, examined and tucked into my pocket. I remember my mother and smile.

Photo EIGHT

2008-04-21T15:27:00.008+09:30

Sunday afternoon we went for a huge family drive down to one of our most favorite spots on this gorgeous planet ... Port Elliot and Middleton. There is one particular beach just on the outskirts of Middleton that seems to be the oceans dumping ground and is always covered with beautiful shells ... miles of them ... the kids (young and old) love fossicing through the mounds in search of an illusive cowrie ... (which reminds me I must post a little story that my mum wrote about beach combing .. I'll post it separately, because I think it warrants it's own entry)

In the mean time, I made my gorgeous husband promise me that when we are mulit millonaires he will buy me this house:

Photo Eight -

Yes, it is the most run down house on the foreshore, but it is just gorgeous and has nothing but a walking path between its front porch and the shell beach. It's probably full of rot or white ants or both, and probably by the time we are millonaires (ha!) it will be long gone for some huge two story concrete palace ... but for now ... I will dream ...

GRATEFUL FOR

Friends. Good friends. I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is nothing nicer than getting an email or a phone call, out of the blue, that just says 'hi' and 'how you going'. And one that says 'I love your blog' is just icing on the cake! You made my day ...

Window shopping. And even better is when you brave Marion shopping centre with three kids in tow and it is actually really enjoyable! I'm teaching my daughter the art of clothes shopping, and I think ... I think ... she is starting to like the idea! In one particular shop I couldn't see her for a few seconds and found her next to the 'bling' with hair clips, a headband, two neclaces and every since braclet she could find on!

SALA. That's SA Living Artists week that is coming up in August. I'm really, really looking forward to our little exhibition this year. I've just got to get all these ideas and images out of my head and into frames!

And lastly, we were honored with a subtle, yet stunning, moon rise. (Which we topped off with two hamburgers with the lot and minimum chips). Couldn't ask for better.

Photo SEVEN

2008-04-20T10:06:00.004+09:30

I have got to the end of a full week! Only three weeks to go! (eek!) ...

I'm changing my challenge rules in that I can post a photograph of whatever and whoever I like. So prepare yourself for a lot of photos of my own children!

This morning I went into Ili's room and for the first time she is standing up in her cot. Oh how times flies. Our baby is growing up so fast.

THANKFUL FOR

Coffee. A mother's best friend.

Gorgeous husband. Who is happy to mow the lawn and wipper snip while I indulge myself with photographs and a cup of tea! (well ... at least I think he is!)

Weekends. If only they were longer.

Photo SIX

2008-04-19T15:33:00.003+09:30

Just playing around with new PS actions here. I like the look.

I know I am technically breaking my rule of the challenge, as I now have four pictures that include my kids, but, quite frankly I don't care. I made the rules! I can break them! And besides, being a weekend, I don't have time to photograph anything except my kids! And my husband already thinks I need help with my computer addiction ... so ... that's how I'm justifying it today!

THANKFUL FOR:

Lazy Saturday mornings. Glorious 25 degrees. Leisurely walk into Stirling library with the kids. just wonderful ...

Roast chook. Hmmm ... I can taste it now ... can you tell what we are having for tea!?

My mum. Even when she only drops in for a few seconds. A quick hello is all I need. Love you.

Photo FIVE

2008-04-18T12:00:00.001+09:30

Ok, so maybe the actual photo wasn't taken today, BUT ... the effect was put on it today! Pretty cool ha? This is looking towards Victor from Port Elliot.

THANKFUL FOR

Friday afternoons. What could possibly be bad on a Friday!?

Mortgage brokers. If it wasn't for mortgage brokers, who would we possibly have to get cranky with? (ok, perhaps a touch of sarcasim there ...)

Toyota Carollas. Could we possibly get a more reliable car? It never misses a beat, is cheap to run, fix and service, and fits all FIVE of us in. Highlighted strongly this week when my mum's MG blew its head. $3,500 to fix, thanks very much. Ouch.

Photo FOUR

2008-04-17T11:20:00.002+09:30

today's effort. subjected our youngest to a mini shoot. It has been a while since I took some decent images of her.

THANKFUL FOR

Adelaide. 23 degrees. Fine. Sunny. Could we ask for a better day!?

Internet. Where did parent's find inspiration for children's activities before the invention of the net?!

Television news. Makes me realise just how simple and uncomplicated my life is!

Photo THREE

2008-04-16T16:54:00.005+09:30

Someday

Someday I'll jump through puddles,
Take a stroll or run a race.
Someday I'll walk across the street,
Or maybe walk in space,
Someday I'll scale a mountain,
Or I'll join a ballet corps.
Someday I'll walk a tightrope,
Or explore the ocean floor.
Someday these feet will do some things,
That only heaven knows,
But for today they're happy
Just to wiggle all their toes.

THANKFUL FOR

Karma. Our delightful neighbour, who previously placed a lovely note in our letter box advising us of her dislike of our dogs' occassional barking, has got a new puppy. And it barks. And whines. And cries. Constantly. hahahhahaaaaaa {insert evil laugh here}

Until it annoys me, I'll continue to find it extremely funny!

The joy of being naked. My two eldest were laughing so much they must have been up to no good. A quick look out the back door reveals two, semi naked children, laughing hysterically while jumping on the trampoline.

me: "where are your pants?"
them: "there" (pointing to the pants on the steps to the trampoline - der!)
me: "why don't you have them on?"
them: "because we like having no pants"

Can't argue with that.

Hide and seek. What a fabulous game. The fact that two year olds just giggle and give themselves away, and four year olds hide in the same place each time just enhances the gaming experience!

Photo TWO

2008-04-15T10:57:00.003+09:30

I'm actually quite happy with this one.

Went for a walk this morning, out and about a few minutes after 6. A beautiful crisp foggy morning in the Adelaide Hills. I spied a persimmon. Striking orange, red, green foliage and frosty orange fruit. Embracing autum. I love persimmon trees. They look amazing in late autumn and into winter, holding their fruit on bare branches ...

I took a sample and placed it with a basket I made a few months ago, recently filled with carefully collected pinoak acorns. 'Treasures' from the garden, the kids called them.

So here it is. Image two. Day two. Still life with persimmon and pinoak acorns ...

THANKFUL FOR ...

Foggy mornings. Beautiful. Crisp. Cold. Mixed with the turn of Autumn.

Good friends. No explanation needed.

The little things. Like waking to feed our 10 month old at 3 am last night. Our girls sleep in the same room. As I creep back to our bed to snuggle up for a feed, I hear a sleepy "I love you, mummy" from the other bed. Warms my heart. I love you too.

Photo ONE

2008-04-14T13:58:00.006+09:30

I'm not sure how well I've started ... but here it is. Day one. Max and the close inspection of a lady bug.

We went to check out what might be interesting to shoot in the vegie patch (snow peas are growing well I'm sure you'll be pleased to know) .. the pumpkin vine is determined to do something again after its dismal production of only 4 pumpkins which taste like orange cardboard ... it is now covered with flowers and there seems to be a mass orgy of the ladybug kind occuring under every leaf! ...

THANKFUL FOR:

Living in 2008. The mod-cons are wonderful. Case in point: Washing Machines. What a wonderful invention. One can be multitasking without even trying ... right now I am washing clothes and bed sheets (the 3rd load for the day!) and on the computer (I'm also cooking pasta too, gosh I AM super mum!) ..

My wonderful new mantle peice.

We have been dreaming of the new mantle for quite a while now. Purchased from Recollections what seems like months ago. Measured up zinc backing plate. Painted it black over several days. We thought it would take maybe 30 mins to put it up. It just needed to be hung on the chimney, right? WRONG! Oh so, so wrong. 4 hours later we have been to Mitre 10 3 times (no exaggeration), drilled holes too big, planed off half of one leg, and nearly divorced. But it is done. Lovely isn't she? ...

Healthy Children. Had a call from WCH on Friday. A baby was born still there on Thursday night and the nurse wanted to know if it was ok if they passed the details of the ACOCP to the parents. I haven't heard from the parents so I'm assuming they chose not to go ahead with a shoot. But during the weekend and today my mind has been wandering back to that call. Acknowledging that somewhere there is a family in pain. A childless mother and father. Such pain is unimaginable. "There, but for the grace of God, go I".

So, today, above all else, and forever, I am grateful for Healthy Children.

Photo a day for 30 days ...

2008-04-14T11:45:00.002+09:30

Today I set myself a challenge.

It's something I've been wanting to do for ages, but never felt that I had the time. I'm not sure what has changed in my thinking, as I still don't feel like I have the time, but what the hell. I'm doing it anyway.

So my challenge is to post at least one photograph EVERY day. Doesn't sound like much does it? ... which makes me wonder why I think I can't do it ... time will tell I guess.

Rules. Hmm. Only ONE photograph of each of my children each week. So that gives me four days where I have to shoot something OTHER than my children. For me, that will be hard! lol!

Other rules ... I can photoshop to my hearts content. ... and ... that's pretty much it.

So, every day, from now until the 14th May, I MUST pick up my camera and be creative. It will MAKE me stop and think about what I am shooting. Look closely at things. Be creative. Have fun. Most importantly, make me do something for ME every, single, day! I can't wait ! ...

Oh ... and you know what ... seeing as posting just one image might be a tad boooooring, I'm also going to do the 'what I'm grateful' for list. Three things, every day, for which I am grateful. I'm not allowed any sarcasim either, so this will be a challenge also! No rules here, can be anything or everything, but I need to explain myself and my reasons ... a photograph in addition to it may or may not be used! ...

So there you have it. A little personal challenge, totally and utterly irrelevant to anyone but me!, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Smiles ...

2008-04-12T20:58:00.005+09:30

I first photographed this little bloke when he was about 5 weeks old, now over 7 months later ... what a little stunner he has become! ... those blue eyes are just hypnotic! I hope his wonderful mum and dad enjoy these shots ... thanks for a great day B&C!

a rainy day and an annoying brother

2008-04-11T13:31:00.009+09:30

In stark contrast to my previous post, it has been raining all day here. And in the true spirit of avoiding housework, I decided it was time to indulge my daughter's nagging and do a little shooting ...

Morgan despiratley wanted me to make her look like a fairy princess so off she went and found her "tee-ar-ee-ar" and got to work looking "pretty" ... but I don't think she was counting on the 'max-factor'! ...

Max had a fabulous time pushing Morgan's buttons ... Ili just sat back and watched the action!
eventually, the best I could come up with was 'the grumpy princess' ... she seemed to be happy with it!

and just one last one of my beautiful blue-eyed girl ...

Shooting the drought ...

2008-03-31T21:35:00.013+10:30

Well, with SALA fast approaching, and an exhibitation yet to be shot (eek) I took the drive down to mum and dad's and started shooting. Our exhibition is the same combo of artists from two years ago, myself (photos obviously) and another three artists (other media) Our theme is "High & Dry" and we are 'celebrating' the drought, and highlighting the plight of the lower Murray Lakes and Wetlands (well ... not so wet anymore really ...)

Usually, a good few hours of child free shooting makes my soul soar ... there is NOTHING that recharges my batteries more than going shooting (or 'hunting and shooting' as I call it!) But this time, although I had a lovely time, my soul is saddened by the devistation that this drought is having on this beautiful environment.

The waters upon which I learnt to sail, are now sand ... the view from my parents deck, usually a beautiful lagoon covered in waterbirds, is a muddy swamp with a few ducks and seagulls ...
This is 'ducks hospital' ... not a duck in sight.

There used to be boat races through this part of the lagoon. Now you'ld be lucky to get a canoe through.

Miles of crusted mud, sometimes soft and sinky, mostly hard and fragile. The receeding waters revealing the logs and snags which trapped the fishing lines.

Piles and piles of freshwater mussles, now dead because the water is so salty. The reeds dead and dying ... foot prints of the odd remaining bird searching for non-existant food ...

High and dry ... the Margaret Rose won't be going anywhere in a hurry ...

I'll add some more images when I get time ...

______________________________________

as promised ... another few images ...

We walked for about 100 metres below the cliffs at Clayton and found 3 dead turtles. They have a coral growing on their shells, usually only found in salt water, but because of the high salinity in the lakes the coral is growing on their shells, eventually killing them. Apparently there are hundreds coming out of the river and lakes and dieing on the shore. The Milang Primary School students are scraping the coral off the survivers that they find and putting them back in the water, but it is hopeless unless the salinity is reduced. I fear we are seeing the last of these freshwater turtles in these parts of the Murray. I can't imagine what it is doing to the water rats and other animals which rely on the fresh water ...

found my self back in NICU ...

2008-03-20T20:51:00.012+10:30

Well, I found myself back up at NICU last Sunday, to photograph a gorgeous little premmie called Ethan. From what I understand we has born at 26 weeks, now 4 weeks old, and going pretty well. Is breathing on his own and ... if I don't mistake it ... I believe I caught a 'smile' ...

These little babies are just so amazing ... doing the 'ring test' ... three fingers fitting easily inside dad's wedding band ...

After my NICU shoot, I headed down to Rose Ward and met a wonderful little family. These guys are truely amazing. This is the true meaning of family ... Little Kyetrel has been in hospital since his birth 8 1/2 months ago. This family was beautiful to photograph in everyway ... I can't begin to imagine how much life has changed since Kyetrel's arrival ....

Big sister adores her little brother ...

How sweet is this? I was shooting on the other side of the room and turned around and she has just snuggled up in a pool of sunlight ... just gorgeous ...

Jess - thank you so much. You are truely inspirational.

Niamh ...

2008-02-23T10:14:00.008+10:30

Through my work with the Australian Charity of Child Photographers I have met many wonderful families. This week I was afforded the most amazing opportunity to photograph a little girl who was born at 23 weeks .... Her name is Niamh (said 'neeve'), and she is the most precious, delicate jewel I have ever seen. She is defying the odds and is doing really well for her age (she is now 2 weeks old). Her mother, Siobhan is a beautiful woman with such strength and humor. This little family has been on such a scarey ride, I can't even begin to imagine.

Niamh has a long road ahead of her, but i really wanted to share with you this amazing child, so fragile, yet so robust ....

A friend of the family knitted Niamh a gorgous little beanie with matching booties!

In mum's loving hands ...

Striking a pose for the camera! She's a born model!

You can really tell how tiny she is when she graps mums finger ...

Thank you so much for giving me this wonderful opportunity to capture some special memories ...

McGeachie/Schofield wedding ...

2008-02-14T08:32:00.005+10:30

In the Adelaide Botanic Gardens on 10th February 2008 ...

The weather was sensational!

The bride was gorgeous ... and I don't think there was a dry eye when the couple said their own written vows ...

a truely sensational day!

Oh, so cute!

2008-02-10T15:01:00.000+10:30

Such a lovely family, and isn't this little man the cutest!!

some bubbles and a fairy ..

2008-02-10T14:36:00.000+10:30

makes a great combination!

i did a shoot for some friends a few weekends back ... I've had the pleasure of photograhing this family from maternity shots to 1st and 2nd birthdays!

Here's a few pics from the day ...

a quick shoot ...

2008-01-14T21:51:00.000+10:30

Well, my beautiful baby girl is turning 4 on the 5th of Feb, and she wants to have a little party ... so of course I insisted on her having a photoshoot in order to do a nice invitation for her party! ... Luckily it didn't take much to convince her ... Iliana woke up half way through, so she joined in too ... it was a beautiful warm day, and the shade of our ash tree was perfect ...

It never ceases to amaze Tim and I how we managed to get two girls who look so simular yet one has blue eyes and the other brown ...

Getting a little bored of things here ...

And finally, the shot that was to become the invitation ... she's actually pointing at the sun through the dappled light falling through the tree ..

And 'wah-la' ... the invite ...

So ... what lives in your tank?

2008-01-09T16:58:00.000+10:30

We took the top off our rainwater tank this morning, so that we can get it all fixed up and use the 22,000 ltrs that is just sitting there going to waste at the moment! ... the tank is brimming with life - in the sunshine there were dragonflies, butterflies, bees, wasps, lizards and HEAPS of frogs ... I counted at least 15 ... all fairly small, probably about the size of a 50 cent peice I guess ... they were just beautiful.

They would dart down to the bottom of the tank whenever I moved too quickly, but if I stayed still for long enough they would let themselves float to the top and bob about ... some sitting on the wall, others in the middle just enjoying the sunshine I guess ...

Some of them had the most gorgeous black spotted legs ...

And, I've just come to an even greater appreciation of those glorious macro dragonfly shots taken by wildlife photographers ... they are damn hard little critters to capture, and they NEVER stay still!

smiles ...

2008-01-05T21:04:00.000+10:30

Just a quick brag about my beautiful family ... :)

Tickles with dad ...

And is there any wonder why this boy gets away with murder!!?? ...

We teach them young in our house! ... "smile mum...!" .. They all have their daddy's eyes ...

She's not so little anymore ...

ACOCP and The Courier

2007-11-01T10:26:00.001+10:30

This morning Joan Clayton from The Courier (the Adelaide Hills newspaper) came and did a brief interview about the ACOCP (Australian Charity of Child Photographers - www.acocp.org.au).

It is great to have the backing of some media coverage to help get the Charity known to the people who may need it - families.

So keep your eye out in next weeks Courier, in either the News or Life Style section!

Puddy Muddles ...

2007-10-29T15:23:00.000+10:30

The best thing about mum and dad digging up the back yard ... ? PUDDLES!

And of course, mum with a camera!

Fairy Floss, Jumpy Castles, Kites and Drumming Monkeys!

2007-10-24T13:44:00.000+09:30

This weekend we went to the Meadows Country Fair with Merryn and Jonathon and Charlee. It was a wonderfully typical country fair, with sac races, cows, clowns, fairies, rides and fairy floss!

First of all we went and saw the Amazing Drumming Monkeys ...

They are great! Soooo funny ... they drum and sing and try to get a little toy frog to jump into a pond of water ... they tried about 5 times, and finally got him in the pond! ...

Meanwhile, Max's obsession with his belly button continued ..

Did I mention how hot it was? It was about 35 degrees, and sitting in front of the Monkeys was HOT! Crazy weather, especially seeing as it is still October!

Then pester power won out and it was straight to the jumpy castle! ...

The bloke running the jumpy castle said the thing cost about $80,000, and has paid for itself 10 times over! He commented that on an average day at the Adelaide Royal Show, the castle clears $1,000 an hour! ... at $5 per child for about 7 minutes, that's a LOT of jumps!

He also said that he thought that it was currently too windy to legally have the castle open (!!!), but assured me that he had tied it down really well, even tying it to his truck ... it didn't really make me feel much better ...

Next door to the jumpy castle was a circus with performing dogs, and what they called a "comedy act" ... well ... the kids found it interesting ...

Here Max and Charlee watch the plate spinning ...

After the "comedy act", Morgan had the choice of either face painting or the craft stall. She chose the craft stall (which saved us about $5!) She chose to make a kite ("just like Charlee did"). She flew it around the fair for the rest of the day, putting many innosent fair-goers in peril with that stick!

The one thing Tim really wanted to do was buy Morgan her first Fairy Floss! It was great! At first she wouldn't have a bar of it! (What IS this - pillow stuffing!?) ... she wouldn't taste it, and looked at us like we were nuts! (Max got the hang of it pretty quickly though, and managed to polish of half the floss before Morgan summonded the courage to try some herself!)

It didn't take long until her looks of disgust, turned to delight as she entered the magical world of PURE SUGAR!

Off to sea Grandpop ...

2007-10-24T11:14:00.000+09:30

We went down to see grandpop on the weekend (grandnan was off having a girls shopping weekend in Melbourne! half her luck!)

Grandnan and Grandpop's boat is moared at Goolwa due to the lack of water in the river, which is down by nearly a metre. Very sad.

It was an absolutely beautiful afternoon ... calm and warm ...

We got grandpop to take our first complete family picture!

We had hamburgers on the boat, and the kids had fish and chips ... got their jarmies on and headed home to bed ... it was lovely ...

Three little monkeys ...

2007-09-28T15:44:00.000+09:30

..... jumping on the bed!

(thankfully they didn't fall down and bump their heads ... !)

And finally ... pictures of all three of my beautiful bubs ...

Merryn's Birthday & Father's Day!

2007-09-11T15:14:00.000+09:30

I love these photos! Merryn is going to kill me! ...

We all went down to Clayton to Tim's folks place for a webber lunch ... it was great fun. The boys (Charlee & Max) had a wonderful time running the toy trikes into each other and then cracking up laughing! There was also much fun to be had in a large cardboard box ...

Much fun had playing "ride uncle Alan" ....

until ...

Good catch Uncle Alan!!!

i'm late, i'm late .. for a very important date!

2007-09-11T14:53:00.000+09:30

hi all!

I have to appologise to the Fox's, Copeland's and Williams' for how late I have been in providing them with their photos!

I'm currently arguing with some photo-editing software, and the software seems to be winning! All I want to do it make a nice little dvd slide show, but alas ... some serious operator error happening!

I promise to have them in the post to you by the end of the week!