Surviving November 2026 | 6

As November began, so did the darkness into the night. Its a time Ive realized I need to become more conscious of the darkness, as well as my mental health. The darkness can feel exhausting for me. Also fulfilling. I enjoy my home time. However I do know daylight, makes a huge difference for me. Less time outside, as it gets colder and more damp, which also means – typically for me, less photography. An opportunity to share more of what I photographed throughout the spring, summer and fall – I know I haven’t blogged even a 1/3 of what I shot. A reminder for myself to be easy on my heart, when I want to be creating – I can create in different ways.

What my winter IS filled with is hockey. Leading up to the fall, we were fully prepared to be finished with minor hockey, until our girl got asked to join the U22A team – we now have hockey for a few more years! My hockey photography is something that hits my soul. Not only for my daughter, but all the kids – through all the years. Many I didn’t/don’t know, that wont stop me from taking the shot and sharing!

As I was going through photos from their game on Sunday, Nov 1st – I came across this one and was hit with a memory. As disappointed as I was that this image is focused on the net, its a reality of hockey photography, the hit and miss, sometimes the shot is pristine – with no glass and no net and others we have to work around the obstacles and do the best with what we have to work with.

Like life

I was at my daughters hockey game the last time I spoke with my brother. My phone rang, I almost didn’t answer because the arena we were in had horrible signal that was in and out, even in the parking lot.

I answered. We talked. He was happy to hear about her game.

It was our last conversation. On his last day.

Unknown to all of us.

So this year, as I consciously heal – allowing myself to notice what needs noticing, understanding that there could still be ‘firsts’ we are hit with, and we will get through it.

Its also okay to be sad. To miss him beyond belief and wish he was still here.

Its okay to be happy, and sad that he is missing so much. The duality of life. My part of Surviving November, sadly goes beyond the weather and deep into my soul.