Photo THIRTEEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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.