This weeks WordPress Challenge theme for Lens-Artists is “Quiet moment”. I knew I had a recent one, on my phone that would also be deserving of its own…
Everything about it… I just adore!
Capturing Quiet Moments in Photography | Sunday Cell Pic
Lens-Artists Challenge #364 | Quiet Moment
This weeks theme is the perfect timing. Ritva announced the challenge with her own beautiful post.
“Where is your serene sanctuary? Is it the warm comfort of sipping your morning coffee as the world gently comes to life around you? Perhaps it’s the peaceful moments spent doing yoga by yourself. This week’s challenge is “story-driven” adventure, encouraging you to explore and connect with your own experiences and emotions – “quiet moment”. ” An excerpt from her post.
A well loved family member has not been well, someone who has been a prominent person in my, our lives for many years.
Friday when we got the news that it wasn’t looking well, I honestly wanted to just allow myself time to cry… we had plans to golf and the sensitive emotional person that I am I couldn’t think beyond what looked like an impending loss. I wanted to cancel and just be home. My husband knew better and said unless it was raining, we weren’t cancelling. I called the course and was told its clear.
Golfing with my husband, when it wasn’t busy was exactly what I needed. This shot with my cell phone, also for Cell Pic Sunday 😉
It was a crisp, cool evening, warmer in the sun. My golf shots were not great at all, well I had the odd great one, my mind was consumed and I have a hard time separating myself from heart ache. As I could feel myself getting frustrated at the first hole, I took a very deep breath and said, you’re out here for exercise, walk, move, hit the ball and whatever happens, happens. Its incredible what that little pep talk did for me, even though I was still very much conscious of reality, I was able to get myself to a relaxation level that I needed. I wasn’t even half way through my drink and I looked at my husband puzzled, I suddenly felt, how can I describe, like the best happiest buzz ever, and yet I still had half my can left, of my first drink. Im grateful he didn’t let me quit on the game, or myself.
As part of my own conscious healing, one thing is being present WITH the things or modalities or people or silence that I KNOW helps me. With various emotional traumas Ive been hit with over the years, I can now see how I would completely self sabotage on myself. Keep moving forward, thats what we are supposed to do, don’t dwell in that feeling, just keep moving. Our parents and grandparents generations many very much of the mind that you don’t do anything and goodness you do not talk about it, just keep moving forward.
I can see how I was put here, why perhaps, because it ends with me. Ive finally allowed myself permission to BE that sensitive soul that I am. After talking with my dad on Friday at a job site, and as many days go, talking work and family, I was upset hearing what he was saying about a loved one, I left the site and went back to my vehicle in tears. As I was sitting there, trying to compose myself to drive, I looked over and a vehicle a few away from me had 444 on the license plate. When we arrived at Pike Lake, my husband pulled into the parking lot and there at the other end was what looked like the same van my brother drove for the refrigeration company he worked for, a van I had only ever seen when he began working for them. When we left the course, the van was still there. It felt like a sign to me, my brother was making his presence known. At the same time I was feeling all the emotions about our family member.
Yesterday afternoon, we had eaten and were getting ready for friends to join us later. I looked out the front window and saw a wee bee flying around. I no longer put myself on the side burner, my feelings matter, how I feel matters, even as mom I need to allow myself that permission to take the breaks… and grab my camera.
When I grab my camera, the quiet moment is instant. I am in MY own world.
To just BE…
This morning began early with beautiful soft warm light, that called to me to get out with my camera. I am grateful I did, as its been raining off and on since. Also, fitting.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please click here.
Lens-Artists Challenge #363 | Virtual Scavenger Hunt
This week Anne shared with us to find specific images. I felt more challenged with this one at first, and then as I allowed myself to open up to it, I had a vision! Check out her suggestions…
- Something with Wavy Lines
- Something with a Camera
- Something with a Wheel
- Something with a Cool Shadow
- Something with a Smooth Texture
- Zig Zag Lines
- Something with Green Eyes
- Some Cool Jewelry
- Something Rectangular
- Something with a Design
- Something with a Pattern
- Something with a Bumpy Texture
- Something with a Soft Texture
- Something with Water in it
- A set of Keys
- Something Glass
- A Zipper
- Shoelaces
- Art Supplies
Truthfully, I glanced over this on the weekend and then well I was off line most of the weekend, which I loved. I was very present. Didn’t have my watch or phone with me at all times which felt so freeing! I also felt like I possibly ‘missed the opportunity’ to get the shots over the weekend.
This evening hubby and I took a drive and I knew exactly where to grab some of these shots… all taken with my cell phone! I felt my creativity open up and come alive!
A cool shadow – me and the structure!
Something with a bumpy texture. Old concrete mixer, well weathered.
Something with wavy lines. Oh my look at that, even the sun rays are wavy! I was enjoying the pattern of the pipe and how the lines wrap around. Nature is so cool!
Something with a smooth texture and rectangle! The concrete joints are rough, and in between is smooth!
Something with a pattern. I can feel the texture of these bricks too. Looks like there are bricks for days!
If you would like to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge on WordPress check out more information here!
Macro Photography: A Nature Reset for Your Soul
This past weekend was my birthday. My heart was so filled with joy with our long weekend. The golf course, home, beach, macro back road tour.
I took a lot of photos of family, which I love, it reminds me of the photos I cherish of our kids growing up. The pure innocence of children is like a breath of fresh air. The toddler negotiations, when those happen, ah takes me right back 😉 But I don’t share those publicly, I did snap this one which I love. The geese are gathering at the point and someone enjoys the sunshine on the sand down the beach.
It was a beautiful fall weekend, cool evenings and warm days.
This afternoon I had mentioned to my husband that I would like to go on a photo tour. Sometimes I just need that little bit of a reset and that does the creative boost just right.
With each “thing” we celebrate or embrace, its one of those firsts, reminders of what will never be. Previous communication, meaning everything and especially the here and now. Capturing, the moments, for one day they will be memories.
I said it to him, and then didn’t act on it. Continued to sit on the couch on the deck. My legs were beginning to feel restless, got up and walked around, didn’t calm them. Finally I grabbed my camera and said lets go.
Just when I was beginning to feel frustrated that the beautiful roadside wild flowers were gone, we opened up to this.
“Spiritually, bees symbolize hard work, community, fertility, and prosperity, representing wisdom and a connection to the divine or universal spirit. They are often seen as messengers between worlds and serve as a reminder to embrace change, focus on collective well-being, and harness one’s inner strengths for personal growth and transformation.” Google
When we were golfing the other night, a beautiful fox ran up the course beside us and through to the next hole. I had thought to bring my camera, and unfortunately ignored that desire, so I have the joy of a mental memory of its beauty.
“A fox crossing your path spiritually signifies the importance of wisdom, resourcefulness, and adapting to change. It serves as a guide to trust your instincts and intuition when facing decisions or complex projects, encouraging clever thinking and a new perspective on your current circumstances. The appearance of a fox can also be a warning to be aware of deceptive people or situations, or an invitation to embrace your playful, wild nature and find harmony between work and play.” Google
Exploring the Essence of Freedom
A beautiful freedom Friday post. Free like these two birds on a rock in the water.
What is freedom to you… Its different for all of us, to be embraced how it feels to align.
- Freedom is knowing in your gut your truth and honoring that without wavering.
- Freedom is honoring your voice and feeling confident to use it.
- Freedom is having a deep relationship with yourself, before anyone else.
- Freedom is exploring the world, your way and loving the journey.
- Freedom is enjoying good foods, drinks and company with like minded, trusting people.
- Freedom is finding your soul truth and the expansion that comes with.
- Freedom is being self sufficient in life with gratitude.
- Freedom is releasing what is no longer meant for you with thanks.
- Freedom is understanding challenges are opportunities to grow.
- Freedom is living Your Life As Art and embracing all aspects!
How Blogging Enhances Creativity and Well-Being
I have noticed, when I am creative in the morning, my mental health gets an incredible boost and the day flows magnificently!
Within an 8 week course I have been doing, she has challenged us to do something creative, that we haven’t done before that will also stretch us. I of course gravitated to photography, thats my wheelhouse, my home, my comfort, but that’s not enough. I then grabbed my sketch book and thought ok Ive had the odd urge to get back to this. No, its not this.
This morning, after I posted my Lens-Artists Photo Challenge blog for this week, I felt that flow and I knew what my creative project would be.
Start my day blogging, whether its just writing, images or whatever. Allow my creativity to flow. Truthfully, I am hoping this will also help dissipate some deep anger and frustration – creativity and artistic abilities is much more free flowing than the resistance and roughness of anger and frustration. Here is the reality, no amount of bitching or complaining about the current “free” system will change anything. Making the choice to step into an even more empowered stance, that yes will have an energetic and monetary exchange for this to happen, feels much more aligned with my soul.
I began writing this blog a couple days ago, at lunch on Wednesday as I was sitting in my back yard with my dog, we were both in our own little world for a bit and things shifted in such a big way. Blogging has helped me immensely, it takes me back to when my passion for photography really blossomed, my true authentic soul feel. I began writing, in a form I hadn’t in awhile. I even could feel my ego beginning to step in, I had to say stop outloud, when I re-read what I wrote yesterday at lunch, after work, the words hit my soul. A true connection that also wrapped around and immersed within our creative challenge to share next week. This was just the beginning. I have one more step before I complete it. What I do know is when you choose to step into your full truth, everything around you IS forced to either shift with you, or away. Especially choosing to step into it, with confidence regardless of who else is involved and regardless of their status. Never be afraid to speak up, even with someone who appears to have a higher education.
Lens-Artists Challenge #362 | Sports, Sporting Events + Fun Games
This week Beth shared this fun challenge with us to share photographs of Sports, Sporting Events and Fun Games. Check out her inspirational post here!
As soon as I saw this theme, my heart took me to my kids in hockey. Our daughter about to enter her final year of minor hockey! Wild where the time has gone. I enjoy taking photos of anything and all that our kids are into or do.
Our family was also involved with the local Jr C team for years, our kids were quite young when we began and what is truly heart warming, is our son naturally gravitated to the same team helping with equipment and training etc – very cool! If you can find the smallest in this photo, thats our boy back in 2012.
To this last fall, taken with my cell phone. I just realized also under our family company sign, hits the heart even more!
This was the biggest part for us, the family being involved.
The kids helping Cherie. If we were at the arena, our kids were typically with us!
About 10 years later… through the nets and glass! Above mentioned son, also at the glass.
My absolute favourite to watch is my kids. Our son played hockey all his childhood, and finished a year ago. Our daughter did for a year then back to figure skating and then took a leap and went back to hockey at the beginning of U18! We were so proud of her!
Our son’s final year, was our daughters first year of being back in hockey, so many weekends were split if there were over lapping games. It was always so heart filling to me to get to any and all of our kids games. Especially knowing it doesn’t last long, while you are IN it, it feels like an eternity, now that we are on the other side, holy crap where did the time go!!!
This game below, was our daughters first game after we experienced a big loss in our family, my brother, her uncle passed. Within the first 3 min of the game, she scored! Over the couple years it was incredible watching her growth.
Our boy was given the C – Captain, for his final year of Minor Hockey. It truly was heart warming, he took that C to heart and was a true honor. He was also one of the tallest on the team, so he literally ‘watched over’ them.
Going through this challenge was a good reminder for me to get more of the kids sports up on Flickr into albums!
Fishing, our kids fav thing to do at a family cottage!
The annual egg toss… and then the explosion!
Loons fishing
Cell Pic Sunday | Cottage Adventure
I saw a quote the other day,
“Their world is only as big as you show them…” Unknown
I instantly thought of a dogs life.
This weekend we took him on an adventure – he loved it!
Truthfully, our boy didn’t get the socialization he should have, I had a hard time myself socializing and after falling once spring graced us, it was challenging walking with sand or rocks. I am grateful I overcame that fear so we can bring him on more adventures and socialize him as we desired to!
He did amazing! Since he was little we have always traveled with a harness and seat belt buckle, so this was no different. I am so happy how comfortable it was! I was leery and worried, however after the test run, I felt confident, amazingly comfortably confident that it would work. It did. Of course.
We stopped half way to the cottage.
The sun streaming through the trees, it was incredible!
Trust on your adventure, you are on the right path.
Do What You Love
I was promptly reminded yesterday, ‘Do what you love’ after being hit with what felt like another double whammy from modern medicine.
After 3 months of waiting for 2 referrals, I called to find out where they were at to then find out… nothing… nothing in 3 months had been done. No referrals had been sent. I honestly froze when I heard those words, which was after the initial laugh from the person on the other end ‘that’s a normal time to wait’… When I questioned why nothing, in 3 months had been done. There was no answer. Nothing. No reason. Sadly hitting issues with the medical system has been our norm since 2020. My husband, my son, earlier this year my daughter and now… the one who took care of them all, now me. As people who rarely use the medical system, its extremely upsetting when you have a legitimate issue that needs modern medicine to help you figure out whats going on and you are literally just a number and get lost in the system. This has been something that has been bothering me in such a deep way, being extremely stressful, which it feels like has been almost all of the 2020’s with our modern medicine being screwed around with in such deep and dark ways.
As soon as I hung up the phone, the tears hit. Given all we have faced, I know when I need to cry, I just need to allow myself the permission regardless of where I am to cry. Crying for me is very cleansing, after many years of just bottling that up.
When something is completely out of my control, as much as I wanted to scream, hit something very hard, or wrap my hands around… I came home at lunch and grabbed my camera – the safest and most satisfying option. As I arrived home, I looked outside and could see the bee’s happily flying around our two trees at the front door.
The first group of images were blown, I was not even thinking straight and my settings were messed up. Once I realized I recomposed myself again. But it honestly pissed me off more.
I thought I had lost all the good shots… I was beating myself up about not even being able to do that right. See your not worth it. That voice of judgment can feel so damn real at times! Its not by the way…
I was also shown some love by the plant… Sometimes the littlest thing can have such a profound shift! I noticed this wee heart in the leaf and couldn’t help but stop and admire!
I kept hearing just shoot, its ok. So I did… Over 180 photos that I narrowed down to approx 50. I would normally delete ALL the blown ones, those are not my style and to be reminded of a screw up kinda sucks. However something pulled me to hang on to them. Like life, it doesn’t always go our way or flow how we feel it should. Taking a moment to recompose, find your true north, align your heart and soul and magic happens.
And then I saw this one above… The connection. Meet… THE MAGIC!
This image could never be planned. A reminder to trust. As I was shooting, I could feel the heaviness lifting, trust Pam, you will get the shots you desire – Trust!
Sometimes when you do lean on trust and honor your word, not being afraid to speak up, things come into alignment. Without fear.
The variety of bee’s of all kinds over these two trees was incredible and the fact that both my dog and I were around them and didn’t land on either of us once. I do talk to whatever I am photographing, may seem silly to some, however Ive never been bit by an animal, bird or insect when photographing them – for that I am grateful!
Taking the photos didn’t help my medical issue, however emotionally it was a HUGE shift. I was able to then take the time to write a letter and submit it with confidence asking for answers – and this time not just for me, validation of how patients are treated, no one deserves to live in discomfort and be gaslit or ignored by the medical system. Especially when someone calls and are met with a voicemail that indicates they are not answering the phones to ‘get caught up on work’.
You are the patient, YOU are allowed to push for answers and demand to be treated with respect.
Of course, being the spiritual person I am I had to look this up. Check out the meanings… of course they were all over my trees when I got home (they weren’t in the evening!).
The symbolism of the bee
The bee’s symbolism has many facets and many collective, individual, physical, and spiritual meanings:
- Efficient communication and interaction
- Endurance and tenacity
- The capacity to imagine and build
- The capacity to observe and gain a thorough understanding
- The sweetness of life
- Love and sharing
- Authenticity
- The urge to look within
- Affinity with light, with the divine
- Harmony with the rhythm of nature and life
- Healing or increased vitality
- Fertility and productivity
- Support and encouragement
The symbolism of the bee is a powerful reflection of their lives and the numerous myths this insect has inspired throughout history. According to ancient mythological tales, bees purify and strengthen the soul. They elevate us to the rank of civilization-building heroes, nurturing harmony amongst men with their knowledge and the powerful acts they accomplish despite their small demeanor. Source: Spirit Animal
Starting Out | RF Photography Lenses
Even though I just blogged about this last year, I feel I should do an update! Although I still have, and love my EF L lenses, I have begun to branch out with my RF lenses and as Ive been loving them, I am happy to share!
- Canon RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM – I bought this one used (and on sale) from Henry’s – my reason for trying this lens, is that its 28-70 f2.8 – so a perfect lens for indoor use as I can open up with natural light to f2.8. This is also a great light all purpose lens as it can go from 28mm to 70mm. You can see some test shots with this lens here. Within the same post is also some test images of the 15-30.
- Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM – I bought this one used (and on sale) from Henry’s as I wanted a wide RF lens for wide angle landscape shots. I plan to use this one similar to the next one, when shooting landscape my minimal aperture will be 6.3 if zoomed in and truthfully if its landscape I want as much details as possible so even though at 15mm I could shoot at 4.5 – I will for sure stop down so that more of the photo is in focus. The images within this post were taken with this lens.
- Canon RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM – I bought this lens new from Henry’s before our trip to Halifax last year. Although hesitant, as my EF L lenses are all fixed aperture of f2.8 or f4 etc I am so happy I took the leap. This is a fantastic travel lens. When out and about I simply set my aperture to 6.3 and then I am free to shoot and trust the images will work out. I LOVE that it goes from 24-240 – the image results are breathtaking as well! I primarily used this lens on our tip. Check out the images here.
- Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM – My first RF lens! I bought this one with my Canon RP, what I love about it is the macro capabilities and the aperture can be wide open at f1.8 – amazing for low light and indoors. This lens is very affordable and produces beautiful images. There is a couple examples of the 35mm in this post too.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 IS STM Macro – My newest lens, if you know me you know I LOVE a good macro, adore it actually, it makes me melt the images are soooo delicious! This lens, highly recommend! I love the extra reach from the 35mm and the creamy background is just beautiful! Check out images taken with this lens here.
- Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit – I just actually sold this lens, this came with my R6MII and although it is a very sharp fantastic lens, as I purchased the 24-240 last year and the 28-70 for lower light, it was a redundant lens. I am truly SO excited for the new owner of this lens. A couple girls who are hobbyist photographers like me, and are beginning to photograph some friends weddings. My heart was so full watching them look it over and test it out! The excitement of new to you camera gear is so fulfilling, even to watch someone else get so excited!
The image below is a great example of the capabilities of the RF 35mm f1.8!
You can see more in my portfolio here!
As a hobbyist photographer artist, as much as I adore the L lenses, I went with the more budget friendly lenses, this took me time to decide as I am used to the quality of the L lenses. If you are thinking of upgrading from your DSRL. Consider taking a gentle step, speaking from experience my mirrorless camera came with an adapter so I could use my EF lenses, this is awesome because it gives you time to decide what you really need, want and desire. Although a lot of my lenses do over lap, I specifically wanted to test these lenses for weight and quality – when traveling I need and desire something lighter and produces the quality images with it. I am extremely happy to say, these lenses do it!
With the RF lenses that I have, what is exciting is that with the size and weight of the cameras and lenses, I can carry all of them in my one big bag – which for travel is perfect!!!
What is missing? Not much as when I am at home, I have my EF L lenses with the adapter to use – which include my bigger zoom lenses – 70-200 f2.8L (used for hockey games) and my 100-500 f4-6.3. I honestly would like to eventually get the 100-400mm zoom at some point. I was considering the 100-500 and 200-800 however the cost, is a huge deterrent – even used for the 100-500 its still almost $2900 cdn. When I was shooting with my DSLR all the time, there was a drastic quality improvement of the L lenses from the “kit” lenses. The kit lenses offer a wonderful starting point to learn and figure out what photography is for you and how you may want to grow in the future!
Curious about all the RF lenses offered by Canon, check out this comprehensive list HERE!
