Monthly Archives: June 2012

Beasley BBQ

Jun
30
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

I ventured out today under this hot, hot sun to snap some pics over at the annual Beasley BBQ fun day.  I love it!  The tradition of music, skateboarding, hotdogs, face painting and neighbours having fun together in the downtown park continues!  It did my heart good to see the summer light shine out over of all of the kids and adults there.  It was great to see so many volunteers serving up the food, taking surveys and generally making all the kids happy with cotton candy and face painting.  Hamilton really is such a great community.  And now, to rehydrate!!

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Posted in Events

Human Nature

Jun
30
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

How cool is this?  Submerged sculptures become living reefs!  The photo exhibit of the underwater pieces is called Human Nature and opens today in New York.  If I were there I would definitely go see it!  The way that the artist has patiently waited for nature to run its course and adapt his sculptures is simply beautiful.  The blend of the human intentional element mixed with the raw natural path of ocean life is gorgeous. These images speak to me about how the crafted things we make can sink to the bottom of the ocean hidden from view- but even there, there is growth and beauty.  You can check out some of the images here at Colossal’s website.

Posted in nature

Home Visit!

Jun
28
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

In just a few short weeks (or maybe sooner?) I will have the privilege of attending the birth of Kaelyn and Adrian’s first child.  To say I am excited is an understatement!  In preparation for the big day, I tagged along to the home visit with midwife Diane.  Instead of a clinic or office, Diane came to their home where the birth will be happening.  Completely at ease, we all had a relaxed time as we talked about the intentions for the birth and Diane checked on Kaelyn and baby’s health.  Diane’s son was along for the ride and gave Adrian some practice kid-wrangling while mom and Kaelyn were busy.  So cute!  Snagged some fun pics of the visit for your viewing enjoyment.  I have to say – I am a HUGE fan of midwives!  More on that later…

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Posted in Birth

The Path

Jun
24
2012
by Jennifer | 1 Comment

As we stand at the beginning to the Labyrinth, we are asked to take a deep breath and let stress fall away as we lower our tense shoulders that were hunched against the day’s pains and fears.  We allow a question to come into our minds, as we embark on a winding path into the centre and back out again.  The focus is on the moment.  This.  Footstep.  The temptation to race ahead and rush through is immense.  We wonder if people think we’re crazy to walk this path.  But we do walk it.    O n e   s l o w    footstep at a time, as we bring to mind: Authenticity, Truth, Community, Justice, Hope, Peace and Beauty.

As a part of The Commons, we created a labyrinth for Open Streets today to encourage us to take a moment and remind ourselves of the greater journey that we are on.  We may be strong or wavering.  We may be stubbornly courageous or have lost hope. We may be experiencing all of those things– at the same time.  But journey we will, through this labyrinth of life. One moment at a time.  Breathe.  It’s not always straight, but the path is there.

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Posted in faith

~ Kaelyn & Adrian ~

Jun
20
2012
by Jennifer | 2 Comments

My good friends Kaelyn and Adrian are having a baby!  We went to the park last week to take photographs and spent some time laughing, being silly and, of course, having some Moose Tracks ice cream.  You two are amazing!  So sweet and fun, yet we were able to capture some truly tender moments as well.  I can’t wait to photograph the birth!  I am overjoyed and honoured that you chose me to be present and help document all those first moments.  The way that you have opened your lives up to me is a gift.  Stay tuned for more pics of a hypno-birthing class and home visit from their mid-wife Diane…

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Posted in Birth

Bikes, Planes and Pizza

Jun
17
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

I love my dad.  Yesterday we went for a motorcycle ride out in Haldimand County on his shiny red Boulevard bike.  It was great!  The sun was beating down on us as we wove our windy way through the back roads towards the airport.  You see, as kids we used to go to the airshow all the time.  I recall it as being bright, hot, thirsty and amazing to see these giant machines zip all over the sky. I bet us 3 kids were delightful, as only darty children in a large crowd can be.

We stopped on Glancaster overpass and couldn’t have had better seats to watch the entire airshow – for free!  We made friends with Eric who lives near the airport and is a huge airshow fan.  We saw the snowbirds with their crazy stunts as well as the F-18 and the Lancaster and the other ‘old heavies’ (no idea what that actually means, but I nodded like I did.)  Sadly, I didn’t have my camera there, what with being on the back of a motorcycle and all, but couldn’t resist trying to snap a few pics with my cell from our amazing vantage point.  In some ways I’m glad I didn’t have it with me.  I think I might have been too focused on the shot and missed out on some of the actual experience.  It was wonderful to just spend time with my dad.  Later that evening we were reminiscing about the difficult, emotional teen years – the slamming of doors, the constant pushing to be away from my folks and do things on my own.  Sigh. We’re all so happy those days are behind us, though at the time it seemed like it would be that way forever.  And now we hang out, watch with wonder the old planes in the sky and pick up pizza on a motorcycle (a very careful balancing act.)  Thanks for a great day yesterday dad! Happy Father’s Day.

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Posted in family

Encouragement

Jun
09
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

Lately I’ve felt like I’ve been in a photographic slump.  I’ve spent a lot of time working at a desk in the past month and have felt a little “blocked” when it comes to my ability to view the world around me with a heart wide open.  “Vulnerability is the birth place of creativity” according to Brene Brown – and I think she’s right.  So last night, exhausted after a long and weary day, I schlepped my photographs to the Art Crawl on James St. N.  While tired and thirsty, I did what I did not feel like doing. I put myself out there.  Striking up conversations with people, sharing the stories behind the art, risking all that exposure of a thousand people seeing what you’ve created.  And you know what?  Things began to change.  The tired turned into energy as I spoke with a woman who loves taking photos too and we talked about how it makes us see things differently.  The thirsty turned into a spring of ideas about a new series to work on in Hamilton as I spoke with a young woman who bought 2 framed pieces and a print. Out of that tired and dusty place in my spirit came sweet revitalization thanks to the good people of Hamilton.   Below are some pics from a random harbour that had some sweet light and loads of boats.  Water photos in honour of the thirst quencher that was Art Crawl last night.

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Posted in art crawl

Wooden Hearts

Jun
06
2012
by Jennifer | Comments Off

Tonight I get to partake in what I believe will be a profound musical experience.  Listener is coming to Hamilton!  Raw, intense, beautiful, hope-filled poetry blended with music – right in my neighbourhood at the Pearl Company.  Now, I know it’s not for everyone, but I just love his passionate expression through the lyrics.  I missed Listener last year when he played at Doors pub, so am very excited to redeem my mistake of missing him previously.  Here’s a little sample for you…

 

Posted in music