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.
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 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
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!
This evening as it was raining I had the urge to get out and take some photos. A great opportunity to get out my Canon 5DMIII + 180mm f3.5L lens, its a big and beautiful combo. Perhaps a little nudge, little reminder of the benefits of strength training! I haven’t had the urge yet and if I have learned anything about life, when I am in resistance, thats ok, its more than ok actually, its the time to be patient, to not push and to trust. Until I am ready to go back to my heavy lenses, I am quite happy with the RF collection I now have!
When the wind and rain truly work for you… check this out!
When I first read the challenge theme yesterday I was initially disappointed. The previous challenges I have been a part of over the past month, have been images I already had within my collection.
Ease, we all need a bit more ease in our life.
I could feel the frustration, doors!? What doors would I take photos of?
Then it hit me…
Our town is full of churches, I asked my husband if he wanted to go for a drive, he was in! He drove me, while I jumped out and in taking photos of the doors of the local churches. Then I rememered a couple more doors in town that I, from my own childhood, will always remember. Plus… I could test out my new 15-30mm lens!
The old town hall and the library. As well as a couple close by older buildings.
This week, Sofia leads and takes us back to Challenge #20. You can see her post here. The doors, lines, patterns are so unique and beautifully artistic.
In the next one, you can’t actually see the doors, however you can see the door step, with the older building, so timeless, peaceful.
My most favourite door <3 ours!
We completely updated our home, including the front door. It was previously a single door with two side lights. I love how the simple shift in changing the door and colour, is such a dramatic change! We also added the peak as I like textures and depth.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please click here.
Testing out the Canon RF Macro 85mm f2.0 STM lens and I am extremely impressed at the macro capabilities, sharpness and creamy background.
This image taken at f5
Image below and above both shot at f4
All photos taken with the Canon R6MII + RF 85mm f2.0 Macro STM lens. As a mom, who is a passionate hobbyist photographer I highly recommend this lens. This lens has a real quality feel to it, there is a some weight to it, close to the EF L version, however still less than the EF 100mm f2.8L. If you currently have the EF L version of the macro lens – it IS a fantastic lens. This is a lighter version to use, especially for travel as I do not need to use the EF to RF adapter, which adds extra length and weight. See the comparison between the EF 100L and RF 85 f2.0 Here! If you are curious the difference between the RF 100mm f2.8L and the RF 85mm f2.0 STM, check that out here. I personally opted for the 85 STM because I have the 100L in the EF version and, given that, I couldn’t justify the more than double the cost for the RF L version, especially with results like this above! The weight is also 1.5 times as heavy as the 85.
My husband and I have decided to explore Ontario more and Canada as a whole, weight for a travel kit is key and I am feeling incredibly confident in the RF lenses and even more grateful to have my adapter and EF lenses that also still work with my R6MII and my RP as well as my 5DMIII!
If you are looking to add a macro lens to your Canon mirrorless set up, I highly recommend the Canon RF 85mm f2.0 STM in combination with the Canon RF 35mm f1.8.
With an upcoming trip to Eastern Canada, I had my eye on the Canon RF 15-30mm lens. I even found it used through Henrys, yet something was holding me back. I kept hearing wait. I was truthfully becoming more anxious as once a used lens is gone, its gone.
Sunday evening, as we were getting ready for bed, before I knew what I was doing, I had grabbed my phone, opened Henrys webpage to the used Canon RF search and there it was… the sale!
The used lens that I had been eyeing up, on sale! I was elated, I added it to my cart. As I was about to check out, directly below this one, was the other one I had my eye on and was going to wait until next year to buy. Also used, and on sale.
Of course.
When we listen to our intuition we are never led astray!
This is a few examples of the 15-30mm
These are some of the 28-70mm f2.8 STM lens.
This one was taken in my den, where the lighting on this shelf is not ideal at all, that side of the room is darker and its behind the door, I put the ISO to auto and most times I would have lowered the shutter speed, I was doing tests so it was at 250.
I am LOVING this lens as well! Check out the sharpness of the image below! Incredible!!!
The 2 images – one above and one below – were both shot on my Canon RP + 28-70mm f2.8 STM
And then, because I love macro and saw some dew drops on the grass… love it! Shot with the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 lens.
I also have the RF 24-105 “kit lens” that is variable aperture as well so I thought lets get some test shots on it.
Its a variable aperture lens 4-7.1 and this is shot at f7.1
Needless to say, I am VERY impressed with the RF Lens line for Canon mirrorless camera’s. Having all EF L lenses, it was a mind warp wrapping my head around the new lens format and trusting the quality. As a passionate hobbyist photographer, dropping literally multiple thousands into new RF L lenses just isn’t reasonable or something I want or need to do at this time of my life. These lenses in a short time have demonstrated their capability and I am excited to explore the world with them more.
You may notice that I do have the EF 16-35mm f2.8L lens already and be questioning why I would want a “double”, fact of the matter is, as I showed my husband last night, the EF L lens with the adapter is twice the size of the RF 15-30 and much heavier, so from a traveling perspective, which we plan to do more, the RF set up is ideal!!!
For the August long weekend we were off line away at a family cottage. It was exactly the reset I needed, in such a deep way. To re-align with my heart and soul on the journey that we are on.
Being, in the moment. Whatever that moment was.
To choose to just be, and enjoy the beautiful silence or company around us.
To appreciate nature and all its glory.
To know that when my body feels’ this immense peace, its growth beyond measure.
This was a shift, I honestly had been trying to do for a while, to come home to me, truly, regardless of anyone else, to detach from societal pressures or the illusion that social media provides and come home to my truth.
Empty relationships powered by social media, is very much in my past. My soul strength has pulled me back to my blog with a vindication of, but Pam WHO are you? What fills up and fulfills your heart. Where do you feel most supported outside of the noise, as an introvert, who is also a projector (in human design) “the noise” of the world is something that can shift a person into someone who they are not. When we take that away, and you are allowed the permission to just be, who you are, in your space. Its beautiful, so truly beautiful.
Even more beautiful is listening to my soul, learning more about me and the importance that my energy has over my soul. Its all one. When my energy is at peace, my soul is at peace, when my soul and energy are at peace, my entire being is at peace.
If you have ventured over to my blog from one of my social media channels, welcome. This is my home and where you will find me and my creativity <3
If you enjoy nature, I highly recommend getting yourself out INTO the forest to truly experience the magic of Forest Bathing!
“Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature, particularly forests, to enhance well-being through sensory engagement. It’s not just about physical exercise; it’s a mindful experience where you immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere using your senses.”
Is there such thing as crop bathing… its nature still ;) Following the path through the field was a very cool experience, especially as a photographer!
When we went out I had my Canon R6MII and my Canon RF 24-240mm zoom lens. Weight is a key factor when I know I will be half hanging out the window taking photos – the camera and my arm that is, while holding onto it firmly in my hand with my other hand tightly around the neck strap. As I am transitioning with EF L and RF lenses, I am continually blown away at the quality of the RF lenses in comparison to my EF L lenses. If you are considering entering the mirrorless photography world, I highly recommend this lens as an “all in one”, you have wider + incredible zoom capabilities.
It is a very fun experience to visually see what I want to photograph, or pass by something and have that instant feeling of regret that I didn’t have my camera out, and then, be reminded that when I listen to my intuition, she speaks so clear to me.
What is meant for us, will always be, we do not need to rush or push. <3
Ann-Christine from Leya is our host this week! Check our her post here Found at the Fair or Market!
This took be back to when our kids were young, back then when they were 4-8 I took a lot of photos within our community and provided the photos to the township and county for promotional pieces. The coolest moment was my aunt calling me from the GO Station in Toronto where she saw my kids faces on the pamphlets for our local festivals! Having my children truly brought my passion for photography to the forefront, I could be engaged with them and snapping pictures as we went. My camera truly became a natural extension of my arm.
The first I am sharing is photos of the promotional materials my babies were in!
When we were in Nashville in April 2024 we came across this great market… Beautiful leather belts, my husband bought one and loves it! We had breakfast at Biscuit Love in Franklin, Tennessee and then walked the Main Street Festival – the colours, people and merchandise were awesome!
Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is more than just pumpkins they have a car show and rides too!
More from back in the day with my little’s at the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival!
Mascot race many years ago at the Fireworks Festival!
Their faces… this truly is what my photography is ALL about! Capturing the moment to create a memory forever tangible in a photograph!
Teaching them young to volunteer!
Doors Open, in 2014 I took photos for an event that included a variety of stops. See the album of those shots here.
If you feel compelled or drawn to take a photo of something, a deep desire that is bubbling within, take it, go where you feel drawn to and experience and capture the memory. This challenge has not only introduced me to some other fantastic photographers, it also has me remembering some awesome shots and great times!
If you are also interested in joining in this weekly challenge, check out this post for more information!
