Thoughtful Thursday Photo & Words #3

This past weekend was a reminder for me, as we were packing to head away for at least 2 days of hockey, I was reminded how easy it can be to self sabotage.

Up until recently I was never a big self care girl with various washes, lotions etc. I enjoy being simple and basic ;) I have found a set that I bought last fall and this year am committing to using daily on my face because I like how my face feels. Or my supplements, again because I enjoy how my body feels when I take them. Its quite easy to “make space” for them as well, to feel good and put them out so you see them and use them. As a visual person Ive learned this is key for me when out of routine – in this case staying at a hotel for 3 days.

As I sit and type this early in the morning with my Turmeric and Tulsi tea, after enjoying an english muffin with almond butter. Feeding my creativity first thing before joining the world, Ive learned is key for me and my energy. Starting the day in warmth in and out of my body. Listening to morning affirmations.

Knowing that my own morning and evening routine, is merely crafted for me and that’s who it needs to make sense to and envelope. Leaning in to my souls needs, being away all weekend has also reminded me of my own need for the reset within. We had down time on the weekend, which I was so grateful for in between games, as an empath and someone who is sensitive to energy, the dinner that my husband and I were to go to tonight, being cancelled due to weather – the day before – was a true blessing that I am even more grateful for!

For anyone else who is an empath and highly sensitive, its ok to need downtime, its ok to want to hide from the world after being around alot of people for days in a row. Its ok to look at your calendar and feel absolute joy in blank space. Its also ok to admit that cancelled plans make your week ;) To have some downtime before another weekend of hockey – however I also remind myself, you will soon miss this. Its her last season of hockey.

Cleansing and Rest: Embracing Winter’s Lessons

The snow, that just keeps falling! Its incredible the amount we have and continue to get. I am grateful for a plowed driveway, for having the energy to partially clear the sidewalk! My husband was able to get it down more than a foot than I had so we are clear again! This was after he cleared it!

I personally do not mind the snow, I have one winter sport I enjoy doing – as long as its not too cold ;) I also truly enjoy a winter ‘hibernation’. Enjoying more down time, more time within our indoor space. A slower pace of life. Truthfully we were to be at our daughters hockey game tonight, however due to closed roads in the town we were to travel to, the game was cancelled. I did not mind at all. After a weekend away, I admit I need time in my space to re-calibrate and reset my energy.

And a reset, the energy felt blocked – especially my own. Open the path ways to our home and my heart.

Moss – Adaptability and ‘The Return’… this does feel like a return to me, return to my core ethics and values. I feel there was chunk of time there, where ethics and values were really challenged and it was either stand by or fall. We are at that time of divide, not in a negative way at all, those who are ready to rise will, into that next time line, into our higher selves. There comes a point when the only person you should truly focus on daily – is yourself! Its a time to come back to that. For all to love themselves first. That is the great divide. Which can be conquered so beautifully!

When life can begin to feel heavy, its almost too easy to lean into the fall, when cleansing would help so much more ~ The daily calendar from Yasmin Boland is incredible at helping learn the planets, moon cycles and the energy within our lives. I have her 2026 Moon Diary as well that is also very cool!

Winter is a reminder for me to honor the rest and downtime that my soul craves.

The Flower Hour #14 | Sunflowers

There is something about this image, the colour perhaps that instantly uplifts me.

This is one from my archives, 2012. I love how Ive organized my images, so much easier to find my art! I just love the depth of the sunflowers, with the dark sky and towers in the background. 2012 feels like a lifetime ago, 14 years, goodness has life shifted, at this point in my life I had 2 young kids, now two beautiful young adults I am so proud of and who each have their own appreciation for moms photography.

This is to participate in Terri’s Flower Hour – Be sure to check out the details to participate in this challenge – essentially, be you and share the flower photography you enjoy taking~

Monochrome Madness | Macro Monday

I feel like I have fallen in love with Monochrome black and white processing lately! Its reminding me of when my kids were babies and after they went to bed, this is what I did, I played with my photos!

A busy bee flying among the blossoms in the warm spring sunshine.

Lens-Artists Challenge #381 | Black & White Minimalism

Ritva leads this weeks challenge, “This week, I encourage you to embrace this artistic fusion and challenge yourself to capture images that marry minimalism and black and white, naturally you can also use you archives. Please limit your submissions to a maximum of ten images, a thoughtful reflection of your artistic vision and perspective.” Please be sure to check out her examples within her post, HERE.

As I was thinking about this weeks challenge Friday, I hoped it would be something I could artistically include in our weekend… of hockey! Our daughters hockey team is in a tournament this weekend and I was thinking it would be cool to incorporate the weekends shots with the theme!

Black and White Minimalism – even more timeless when on the ice and although many of my shots are close up, some have expansive feelings of space.

This image I took during their game Friday night, although the entire team is within the photo, they are huddled around the bench, providing alot of white space on the ice. I love the contrast. I processed this image last night and hoped I could use it – I even processed in B&W! Also minimalism on the bench, as they all left to gather for the coaches talk!

Angel numbers are my thing, as I looked up and saw this time! 111 I snagged a pic.
While out for dinner, I asked my daughter, what time is it, she looked up and said 555…

14 on the ice, 4 in the picture.

Game 4 – Lets go girls!!!

This arena, that 3 of their games have been, had the centre over the benches wide open clear of netting – a photographers dream truly! Shooting through glass and netting can be done, but its not ideal at all! I loved that we could be behind the bench too, to capture some different images than I normally am able to get!

In between period bench pep talks.

With the theme in mind, during last nights game I hoped for this opportunity. Shoot the puck into open ice. I love that the focus nailed this!

Our wonderful goalie and one of her defence.

It was the first for this tournament, an empty net, our goalie was pulled. Well into the 2nd period, our girls were doing well, it was still 0-0 when the other team shot at the net, hit the outside post and the puck flew across the ice – the one ref called it a goal, the momentum instantly dropped. Both teams were confused, the other ref admitted he didn’t see it, suddenly 1 up and it wasn’t even a goal.
Either way, the girls play for Gold this Sunday morning!

And, I know this picture takes me over the 10 limit, however given my girls number is 10 and today is their Gold medal game, for lucky 11 here is my girl in the expansiveness of the ice rink!

If you are curious about the Lens-Artists Challenge please check out the link above in my Photography drop down menu! Egidio leads the challenge next Saturday, I am excited to see what he brings forward! Thank you Ritva for this inspiring challenge, these are images Ive thought of capturing in the past and once in game mode have forgotten, much appreciation! As this is our daughters final year of hockey. If you are participating in the Lens-Artists Challenge be sure to circle back to Ritva’s blog to comment on her art as well as share the link to your own post on your wordpress blog!

Happy Sunday – Lets Go GOLD Girls!!!

Friday Freedom | Raccoon

As I reflect on ways my own life is shifting, that also allows freedom to clear past energy, clear past traumas and cleanse to move forward feeling like a beautiful breath of fresh air – freedom!

The may long weekend of 2021. The two weeks leading up to this. Were lift shifting for me. As I walked in this park, I had dropped my husband off at the hospital in the city for surgery. His 2nd surgery. His 2nd surgery that his wife was banned from seeing him before and after – for days.

Walking in this park, the tears flowed like water. As I was standing in this beautiful area surrounded by peace and serenity I could hear this faint noise.

If you get quiet enough and listen… was the lesson and look what arrives.

This little dude was one of many wee baby raccoons up in the tree. They had so much fun flipping around the tree and peeking down at me.

“The raccoon spirit animal is a problem solver. A clever totem, the raccoon offers lessons about the importance of adaptability in any situation and taking the time to look at the entire picture, not just what one wants to see.

The most recognizable, physical trait of the raccoon is its mask. The spirit animal’s classification as a shape shifter originates with this symbol of transformation.

It is important to remember no one is exactly as he or she seems. This power animal’s mask is symbolic of humans’ ability to adapt or shape shift in different situations. Masks have been used for centuries by every society to achieve altered states. The art of mask making has been has existed the world around and has been used for celebration, ceremonies and magic rituals. Once behind a mask, a person can become someone or something else. The mask helps us change who and what we are to who and what we want to be.

Having the raccoon as your totem is a helpful in revealing all the facades of your personality. The raccoon spirit animal’s presence in your life may be helping you to transform into something or someone new.” Source

Looking this up now, wow, I had a lot going through my mind that morning, my heart and soul were feeling wounded and I knew I had to dig deep to find my confidence to trust again, find my voice, and also adapt… here’s to adaptability in the best ways possible for 2026!

The Tree Line | 2222

As I opened my computer the other day to compose this blog post, I was reminded of angel numbers. Within the wordpress site, all posts 2221. This would be all posts 2222.

The tree line… I really enjoy this field, its not far from our house and with the evergreens beautifully blanketed in snow and the dense yet more sparse trees in the back ground. The open space of the field, so expansive.

Winter truly has a way of transforming!

Angel Number 2222

Encourages you to take a balanced, harmonious and peaceful stance in all areas of your life, no matter what the circumstances. Trust that everything will turn out for the highest good of all in the long-term, so do not put your energies into negatives such as fear or worry, but rather, be aware that all is being working out by spirit for the highest good of all involved. With positive affirmations, visualizations and a firm belief in yourself, you will manifest the best of outcomes in all areas of your life. Maintain your connection to the angels and the Universal Energies, and listen to your intuition and angelic guidance. Source Angel Numbers App

Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Artist & Intuitive | Pamela Zmija

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