When I was able to lean in and trust my intuition, this is when the emotional use of essential oils began to show me an entirely new side of life.
Learning to separate the ego from my soul, the soul knows what is in alignment, the ego questions and goes into a fight or flight mode.
Our body’s energy is so close to plant energy. When used in combination with our intuition they can be that much more powerful.
Set the intention, to clear your energy and be open to receive messages. One thing I do like to specify is messages from my spirit guides and angles of my highest truth and compassion, to ensure all messages that comes through are genuine and good energy!
Today’s intuitive blend
💖 Pamela Zmija – Healing Artist Your Life As Art Essentials
Photographic Art ~ Essential Oils ~ Energy Work
I help spiritually awakened mom’s to see their blocks and capabilities so they can feel empowered, confident and creative in their ability to live a more balanced and aligned energetic life! ✨️
Today I had the opportunity to get out and test out my new to me, 100-400 f4.5-5.6L lens outdoors on some birds. I am extremely happy with this addition to my kit!
This lens is a push – pull style, first that Ive owned personally. Once I figured out how to use it, it really is simple and smooth to use. The lens is sharp and reaches 100-400 mm! A great reach within one lens.
I personally highly recommend Henry’s for new or used equipment, I have had outstanding luck with their used equipment, this lens when it arrived it looked brand new! I do however always recommend insuring your equipment for replacement value to ensure that if anything happened you are covered, as we may not be able to find the same quality in the future. As I had desired this lens for a while – debated between the version I and version II lens with a significant price difference, almost twice. Researched and even tried out an off brand zoom lens first. I decided to step into full trust, if this isn’t right thats ok. However, I knew deep down, that I wasn’t honouring my desire when I went for the off brand. As I did not feel anywhere near the excitement that I did when I ordered this lens with grace and ease!
Our desires on our heart are there for us. The more we trust our intuition, trust our desires and trust the process the more we will live and be in ease and flow. This lens came on sale and I felt a very strong desire to jump – they offer a 90 day warranty on the used equipment as well! Ample time to test out.
Why this lens?
I have the 70-200mm f2.8L zoom and it is beautiful, I also have the 2X converter – I did however desire more reach – and more reach without needing the converter (as it does slow the lens down slightly) and also offer the option of using the 2x with BOTH lenses. I love the L quality lenses – this is something that for me is my splurge on the quality glass. I love my 70-200 as my hockey arena lens and its served me for SO many years – truthfully since our kids were young. Wow eh, Ive had this lens probably for 10 yrs! And yup its also the version I lens.
This new lens I have, the Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L will be my spring, summer and fall zoom lens for all the things! PLUS I do have the opportunity – more so in the summer in bright lighting – to add on my 2X extender – this will instantly double the aperture, however for example the sunny 16 setting of 200-200-f16 will work quite well.
Here is my biggest life lesson from this… lean into your desires.
When I stated I wanted this lens, I hit my own internal resistance, as I have a beautiful zoom lens, how dare I want more, who am I to “need” another zoom lens. Throw all of those statements and self judgment poison in the trash! Step into confidence – whatever that might be for YOU. What lights you up, what stops time, what feels like a total reset on your nervous system? I tried the off brand and was not happy with the results, I then tried to find a used version II and couldn’t find it. I then found both this lens and the 180 Macro – which truthfully Ive been drooling over both for a while… that I could get for the same price as the version II zoom and just a little bit more than the off brand. As soon as I leaned in, well they both arrived BEFORE they were supposed to and… well you saw the results!
For me… its grabbing my camera and getting near nature and water and immersing myself!
Pam with her Canon R6MII and Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L zoom Lens
💖 Pamela Zmija – Healing Artist Your Life As Art Essentials
Photographic Art ~ Essential Oils ~ Energy Work
I help spiritually awakened mom’s to see their blocks and capabilities so they can feel empowered, confident and creative in their ability to live a more balanced and aligned energetic life! ✨️
Glass will always be one of your best investments by far! The quality truly does make a difference.
If you are just starting out, brand new to photography and not sure what you will be doing or what you need, I will always suggest starting out with a camera and kit lens – to then find your groove!
Expanding beyond the kit lens, gets to be FUN!
My Lens Recommendations:
Zoom – You will want a lens with zoom capabilities there are various models and speeds. This is where you will want to have an idea of what you want or like shooting to help you decide what to get and the budget to go with. Purchasing lenses can be very cost affordable when you buy used through a store like Henry’s.
Prime – Prime lenses are great because when just getting started they are very cost effective and many can be used in lower light settings. A great example of this is the “nifty fifty” camera lens that almost all big brands have, the 50mm f1.8!
I will share the lenses I have and why…
Canon 50mm f1.2L – Ive had this for over 10 years, its a beautiful lens with breathtaking brokeh. This lens can be used in low light and is very sharp even at 1.2! I highly recommend trying the ‘nifty fifty’ first before investing in this L prime lens.
Canon 24-105f4L – Ah this lens is not only versatile, it’s incredibly sharp! Can zoom from 24-105mm, so it’s an incredible walk around lens for outdoor use. The aperture is fixed at f4 so if you zoom from 24 to 105 it will stay at f4 as the widest it can open. To use inside need to boost ISO for proper lighting.
Canon 70-200 f2.8L – my winter workhorse! This is my go to arena lens! Incredibly sharp, and can be used in lower light as it opens to f2.8 aperture. This is a beautiful range of zoom and focuses beautifully.
Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L – one of my newest to me lens! This one is the version 1 push, pull style. I was able to snag one for an awesome deal used and it arrived in pretty much brand new condition! My purpose for wanting this lens is for the Spring, Summer and Fall whether it’s wild life or on the beach. It has an awesome reach of 100-400 with the ability to use with my 2x converter. The variable aperture is ok as I will be using this zoom primarily outside 95% of the time. I set aperture to 5.6 and am good to go. Remember in the summer many times aperture on sunny days is ‘sunny 16’ with iso 200 and shutter speed at 200 also.
Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro – a powerful macro lens that is also a prime lens. Awesome for closer macro shots such as flowers, blossoms, leaves etc.
Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro – my newer to me macro to my collection for the added reach. I love capturing nature at its best and sometimes that means giving nature its space to be and capturing from a distance.
Canon 16-35 f2.8L – my “inside” and landscape lens, wide and able to open to f2.8 this lens I bought new to me with the purpose of indoor events and wide landscape. A few years ago my 24-70 f2.8L lens fell off my camera (yes devastating, also yes insured) I initially replaced with the 24-105 as I missed the lens I sold when I got the 24-70. However at f4 it’s not an ideal inside lens and I really had no purpose needing the 24-70 again when it over laps with the 24-105, so this lens was added to my collectionlate last fall with thee Christmas season in mind. It’s a beautiful lens and I am grateful I found it!
Canon EF 2X Extender – able to use on my zoom lens to double the reach. Also note it also doubles the f stop. So the 70-200 f2.8 would be a max open f stop of f5.6. Versus my 100-400 which would have an f stop of at least f11.2
Canon RF 35mm f1.8 – I bought this lens with the Canon RP mirrorless when I got it as a trial, I wasn’t sure about the mirrorless world and much like the dslr nifty fifty this is a great option also for indoor use as the aperture opens to f1.8!
Canon RF 24-105 f4-7.1 (kids kit) – A back up zoom lens that if I needed or wanted to hand a camera to someone and say just take pictures of what’s going on, it would be with this lens and the RP. For someone not used to holding my big camera and an L lens, it’s heavy. It’s an arm workout. What’s inspiring me to get my upper body strength aligned with my actions!
I hope this has helped you on your own photographic journey! Remember to focus on what YOU enjoy, what YOUR desires are and support your passion in your own aligned beautiful way.
Questions… well if it relates to Photographic Art ~ Essential Oils ~ Energy Work my soul will light up and be happy to help!
💖 Pamela Zmija – Healing Artist
Photographic Art ~ Essential Oils ~ Energy Work
I help spiritually awakened mom’s to see their blocks and capabilities so they can feel empowered, confident and creative in their ability to live a more balanced and aligned energetic life! ✨️
Essential oils have surged in popularity in recent years, touted for their myriad of benefits ranging from relaxation to immune support. But for beginners, the world of essential oils can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of essential oils, how to use them effectively, and some popular oils to get you started on your journey to unlocking their power.
Understanding Essential Oils: Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants, capturing their aromatic compounds. These oils are often used in aromatherapy, which is the practice of using scents to promote physical and emotional well-being. Each essential oil has its own unique scent and properties, making them versatile tools for various purposes.
Methods of Use: There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine:
1. Diffusion: Using an essential oil diffuser is one of the most popular methods. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil to water in the diffuser, and the device will disperse the oil into the air, filling your space with its fragrance and therapeutic benefits.
2. Topical Application: Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but it’s important to dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil to prevent irritation. Apply the diluted mixture to pulse points or areas of concern for targeted relief.
3. Inhalation: You can inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water for a steam inhalation. This method is great for respiratory issues or to promote mental clarity and focus.
Popular Essential Oils: Here are a few essential oils to kickstart your collection:
1. Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender oil is excellent for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality as well as supportive to the body for headaches, cold and cough relief, digestive discomfort, joint and muscle pain, sprains, strains and arthritis. As well Lavender NHP can be used in cooking.
2. Peppermint: Peppermint oil is invigorating and can help alleviate tension, nausea and digestive discomfort, and improve focus and concentration. Peppermint NHP also supports colds and coughs, joint and muscle sprain, strains and arthritis and can also be used in cooking.
3. Tea Tree: This is a gentle and yet powerful oil for colds and cough, our skin and nails and has cleansing properties beneficial when used in the diffuser and topically on the skin or hard surfaces (cleaning).
4. Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil is commonly used as a soothing agent on your skin topically or in the diffuser. This oil is typically used at spas and for massages for the cooling, calming and cleansing purposes to the skin and body.
Safety Precautions: While essential oils offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to use them safely:
– Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. – Perform a patch test before using a new oil to check for any allergic reactions. – Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. – Consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions.
Unlocking the power of essential oils can be a rewarding journey, offering natural solutions for various health and wellness concerns. By understanding the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely and effectively, and exploring popular oils, beginners can embark on this aromatic adventure with confidence. So, grab your favorite oils and start experiencing the transformative benefits they have to offer.
Interested in oils? Awesome 🤗 Check out the link below to get started!
Oils discussed within my blog and website are doTERRA CPTG quality essential oils and my recommendations are based solely on the quality of these essential oils that I know and trust, for 10 years!
💖 Pamela Zmija – Healing Artist
Photographic Art ~ Essential Oils ~ Energy Work
I help spiritually awakened mom’s to see their blocks and capabilities so they can feel empowered, confident and creative in their ability to live a more balanced and aligned energetic life! ✨️
Excellent question, and the answer is just as simple. Follow your own lead. This is key! We all lead different lives, I support other women and their families, in the same way I navigate my own life and health – by doing research myself, by finding answers myself, by taking reviews with a grain of salt and embracing my own experiences.
I am the type of person who appreciates my own personal space and time, one of the biggest reasons I rely on my blog for communication as to not over fill email in boxes. I appreciate quality and great value for my dollar – so thats how I support!
This week… Ive got an AWESOME deal for you for both my NEW and EXISTING customers.
Both existing and new customers will all receive a FREE Malama Restorative Hand Cream and free shipping with the purchase of the BOGO Bundle by using the links below (not if purchased separately).
EXISTING CUSTOMERS
US -> https://doterra.me/utkRgs US BOGO Bundle – Helichrysum Touch, Frankincense Touch, Osmanthus, Magnolia, Air X, Citrus Bloom, Melissa, Blue Tansy, Tightening Serum, doTERRA Sun Face
Canada -> https://doterra.me/RvMZtO Air X, Purify, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Deep Blue Oil, Deep Blue & Copaiba Stick, Balance Touch, Serenity Touch, Vetiver Touch, Cedarwood 15ml
NEW CUSTOMERS New customers will also receive a free membership (25% off for a year) and choose 1 of 3 free gifts!
doTERRA has so many incredible resources, that I would be copying much of it and thats not cool! So as a part of my site I do have resources and direct links to the oils and the benefits. I enjoy sharing MY real life, my favourite way of using these oils is intuitively, especially for the emotional use and the various negative emotions they help to support and positive properties of using the oil. I love sharing at BOGO time especially because its a big refresh for my brain to recall the emotional uses for ones I don’t use as often, but then remember I maybe should 😉 Source Essential Emotions Ap – I highly recommend!
Cedarwood – Community – Inability to Form Social Bonds, Lonely, Feeling Separate from the Human Family, Antisocial, Emotionally Connected, Belonging, Supported, Social Bonds, Sociable, Community Oriented.
Any questions – let me know I am here to help guide you!
I love talking camera’s, I love when people get their camera’s out and capture the precious moments of everyday life!
I also love when people take that leap into learning the camera they have! My brain just loves figuring out settings etc!
If you are just starting out and wanting to get a “good” camera – better than just a $200 point and shoot – YAY!
What would I recommend…
Pick up and hold cameras – Personally I prefer a bigger camera in my hands. I started shooting with a Canon Rebel, its a great entry level series, I then upgraded to the 40D which is slightly bigger and then went to the 5D, which is bigger than the 40D. I now shoot with a Canon R6MII, which is the same size as my 5DMIII. I do have a Canon RP as a back up and for my kids to use.
Ask friends and family what they shoot with and why!
Read reviews and do your research – take the reviews with a grain of salt, your preference might not be someone elses however they are good guidelines.
Glass should be a priority! Good lens are worth every dollar – here is where you can capitalize on the good glass at great prices… Check out reputable camera shops used inventory. They do not give great value for your used cameras or lenses, however when you are buying, this is a fabulous option to get really good glass at a much lesser cost! For example, someone starting out, I would never recommend a top of the line camera with just a kit lens – I do have an RF kit lens – however my purpose for that is to use with the RP if my kids want to play around with it. Truthfully its one that Im on the fence about, but for the cost its worth having for now.
What do you like to shoot? Are you doing this for fun? Do you want to do this for a business? Are you a pro hobbyist (like me lol)? Do you like landscape, action/sports, flowers/macro, lifestyle etc
Do you want interchangeable lenses or do you prefer a fixed lens?
Review specs – this is one thing depending on your shooting style, you will want to ensure the camera you choose will do what you want it to do. For example my RP vs my R6MII there are similarities but also some big differences – like the toggle on the back!
So what would I recommend…
Scenario 1 – Moving up from a point and shoot. I would recommend the Canon Rebel series. They are fabulous entry level cameras that as a beginner they are cost effective and can give you a taste of the options available! Cost would be under or approx $1,000 Cdn
Scenario 2 – Moving up from a “beginner” or you know you want to take a big bigger leap into the photography world. I would recommend the Canon RP or R10 Mirrorless Camera. Mirrorless cameras are the *new* thing and although I was hesitant to make the leap, I am grateful I did! Cost would be under or approx $2,000
Scenario 3 – You know you want more, you know you need a bigger body and you will be using this camera all.the.time. I LOVE my Canon R6MII its considered one of their intermediate/advanced models. Its the upgrade to my 5DMIII. Cost would be over $2,500-$4,000 depending on the model you choose.
With photography, one thing to consider and remember, you are buying for quality and longevity. Yes technology changes a lot, however do we really need the next best thing every year, no. I confidently say that knowing that I bought my first brand new full frame in March 2012. I bought the smaller full frame RP in November 2021 – to give myself a taste for the mirrorless world – knowing the 5DMV wouldn’t be coming. In November 2023 I snagged the R6MII on an awesome black Friday deal! Fully knowing this would most likely also get me 10+ years!
When making the leap into photography, please ensure depending on the equipment you buy, that you are covered. Even as a pro hobbyist you want to ensure you have coverage as lenses can fall and the tears will also fall if you aren’t covered. Reach out to your insurance company about an estimate to get your equipment covered and you can shoot and breathe easy. Trust me when I say this, as I did have a lens fall off a camera and because it was an older lens, not by much either, it was not repairable.
“If you don’t focus on time, time is always in your favour” ~ Pam Zmija ~
I like to set an intention when I am heading home from work, whatever time it may be, to immerse myself within MY time and my life.
The intuitive diffuser blend…
Thyme – Oil of Releasing and Forgiving
Rosemary – Oil of Knowledge and Transition
Breathe – Oil of Breath
Time stands still when you are IN something that lights you up, or brings you pure joy, feels passionate or when you feel incredibly productive in a natural organic way. I think of when I am most productive at work, or when I get home and fit in a 52 min work out and feel like I still have all evening… sometimes its the littlest things – NOT the big things that truly make life memorable, when we can fully immerse in our life. Beautifully powerful.
Personally, I know for myself, the more I focus on time, the less I have because I end up setting a spike in anxiety, which then makes it more challenging to do anything.
This evenings intuitive blend, to me makes beautiful sense, especially when the card, I am Free fell out of the deck! As I stood in front of the oil wall rack, I clearly heard Thyme.
Releasing and Forgiving, well that would certainly help set one free ❤ This blend not only smells incredible, its very supportive to the emotions in a big and beautiful way! Releasing and forgiving, isn’t always about others, sometimes its about the very person who picked up the oil, who needs to release, to free themselves, sometimes from their own mind!
I love the levels I naturally rise up to, the less I focus on time!
“If you don’t focus on time, time is always in your favour” ~ Pam Zmija ~
LOL in all seriousness, essential oils are incredibly powerful and the type of power that isn’t instant, its one that compounds and builds over time, strengthening even more the resilience of our heart, soul, mind and body.
Can an Oil really shift our mind and emotional health, 100% it can!
Take a moment and think of a smell, and who you were reminded of.
There is one oil that I smell, and the faint scent of it reminds me of one of my grandfathers. When I smell it – not going to the bottle and opening it – I take that as a beautiful sign that he is near and I am always protected.
Scent can also remind us of traumatic events, giving us the opportunity to shift what might be a painful, sad, horrific, etc experience and be able to properly process to clear and transmute the emotional experience.
I am currently using a high vibe oil to help me move some bigger emotions related to some significant shifts within my physical body. Energy is powerful and I am excited to fully experience this shift!
As a visually powerful person, I feel the deep appreciation of a photo.
When it comes to preserving moments into memories, even with a cell phone is the best option!
Coming from someone who has a beautiful Canon Camera set up 😉
One thing that also helped me surrender to the perfectionist tendencies.
As I expanded on my photography experience and knowledge, I wanted to just use my DSLR camera all the time. As I would soon experience, as a mom with 2 toddlers less than 18mths apart, sometimes the cell phone IS the best option!
Fast forward many years, the DSLR, Mirrorless cameras are that much more affordable to experience and use, expand on knowledge – various options of size, lenses etc. Smart cell phones are also the norm, so everyone also has a camera with them all.the.time.
As a mom watching our kids hockey games, its absolutely heart warming to see the variety of cameras being used to capture the “big” moments! I am so intrigued to learn what other people shoot with, why they chose it, how they like it and seeing their proudest work!
Everyone’s photography is so unique and that is what lights my heart up in the most warming ways. Also a beautiful reminder to stay true to my heart, to my style to what brings out the best in me.
Now, Im curious… what do you shoot with, why and what is your favourite lens set up?
I will start… My absolute favourite set up was my 5DMIII, I have had now for 12 years, now Im shooting with the Canon R6MII – I have to admit I love that toggle on the back of the camera and the larger size. I do love my smaller RP model, however I personally prefer the larger camera in my hand. I snagged a beautiful lens used from Henrys this fall, the 16-35mm f2.8L, it is gorgeous! I wanted a lower light lens to use indoors with my R6MII during the winter for any events, its one I highly recommend! The other indoor set up I highly recommend is the Canon RP and the RF35mm f1.8 – gorgeous combination!
I just actually shared some photos I captured with my cell phone during a snowmobile ride out in Grey County yesterday, capture the moment – always the goal! ❤
These past few years mother nature truly has taught us patience and the importance of going with the flow, loosening any rigidity and flowing like water.
The winters have been interesting, honestly like a cycle. When our son was born, that Christmas my brother and husband were golfing at new years! Last year we had a full weekend – 4 days of snow mobile trails being open. This year so far, our town never officially opened all trails. Today, trails close to us opened… thankful for the no winter maintenance road from our road to get up to and on the trails.
What my soul knew my heart needed…
When there is snow, you go with the flow!
The fresh air, gorgeous colours in the sky, bright clean beautiful snow and the roar of the engine.
My heart and soul soars, I love getting out into nature each season of the year and capturing the varying beauty. Today… it was gorgeous!
Mother Nature truly is teaching us the art of detachment – in so many various ways. In financial ways with regard to nature and various costs to enjoy the seasons, in time spent, in weather availability etc. Detachment and surrender. As well as pure gratitude. Finding the beauty in each and every situation and moment. Truly immersing ourselves in our lives and allowing our passions to flourish.
Even with my cell phone… which is a post for another day ❤
