Today’s message in the Moonology calendar was encouraging to shine bright like a diamond, what is something that to you feels incredible, rich, delicate but also deep. Allow your soul to shine ~ truly!
I was a little taken back this morning, a group message this morning about someones loss, I didn’t know personally, but was in the community I am a part of, brought a lot to the forefront for me. I will admit, I almost felt selfish in this moment. However I quickly reminded myself that I am allowed my feelings, I am allowed my grief, I am allowed to want support. The reality is, that regardless of what we are allowed or want, it may never flow like that and we have to be, OK with it.
My ‘Shine Bright Like a Diamond’ is from the trails yesterday. With only a few of us riding, it was my perfect opportunity to do my photographer thing at the front and back of our pack. Im going to share my set up for riding, as yesterday in -24 C weather, it worked PERFECT – for me and my camera!
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND!!!
This trail is between Mount Forest and Howick. A beautiful ride! I have soooo many more to share!!! It was a glorious day and I had almost 300 photos – many duplicates given I couldn’t see very well and was just shooting ;)
The snow began blowing, I opened the front door to take a couple test shots and get the camera set up for our Saturday ride. I shot this image and I would normally delete it, however something told me download this one and check it out. I love how the lens focused on the hydrangea plant and captured the blowing snow that was just beginning.
This is my Macro Monday, even though its not a macro, I am impressed at the versatile of this lens and for that reason is why I am sharing for macro monday. When traveling, as much as I would love to bring my EF L lenses with me, the weight is challenging. This lens, the RF 24-240mm is one of the best travel lens I have used, shot at f5 and 52mm the clear focus on the plant is awesome! Sometimes traveling, or even out on a walk, its not feasible to carry multiple lenses or my small bag wont accommodate the camera, lens adapter and lens.
So my macro Monday, isn’t with any of my macro lenses, however with gratitude of the capability of this versatile lens as a grab and go with my RP!
Yesterday we enjoyed an awesome snowmobile ride to and from our daughters game, leaving early allowed me to not only enjoy the ride in the sunshine but also capture so many incredible photos!
When we got home, as I was walking in our driveway, my gaze was pulled up, this… was directly in front of our house. I will leave the interpretation open for whatever you may see, however what I see is a big beautiful angle wing in the sky. As we were riding, as I often do, I talk to my brother, I always let him know I am open to your signs and welcome them with open arms…
I felt blessed to see this deer family while on the snowmobile trails this weekend. The best surprise is when I realized there were 4 of them, and not just the 2 I saw standing.
It feels so magical to me, even being a distance from them (this was zoomed in 240mm), their level of trust to not run while 5 loud machines rolled up on the trail. Grateful for this!
I read the theme before we left on a snowmobile ride – “What Astonishes You?”… This could be a fun interpretation for everyone! I felt so intrigued to read the “astonished” theme and yet as we were riding I completely forgot about the word! :) I did remember Beth’s one photo in her blog post of looking up at a large tree. A beautiful big, strong tree with lush greenery on the top. Its an incredible collection! Please be sure to check out Beth’s post and her beautiful examples here!
As we were about to leave, my husband noticed I had my small camera bag with me, he cautioned on how cold it was, and yet, I strongly felt I needed to have it with me – with my larger travel zoom lens. Riding in -20 weather I knew the battery would be limited, however I was open to what I may encounter to photograph. As I rode, I tried to remember what the theme word was, and couldn’t, so rather than look it up, I trusted that when the time was right, I would get the perfect images.
As we were riding, my husband stopped, and signaled to all of us to stop behind him. As we looked to our right, I saw 2 beautiful big deer standing in the field in front of the trees. I knew in that moment, exactly why last night when getting my camera ready I knew I needed the longer zoom reach. Such a cool experience to encounter nature, in its element, when on the trails. Not only encounter, but also a form of trust. When a wild animal doesn’t run, and you can respect each other from a distance, so beautiful!
This was the first image I took of them, I had NO clue there were 4 deer until we were pulling away and I looked over and all 4 of them were standing. I hoped that one of the images would have captured all of them – so astonished that it did!
I love this weeks theme, thank you so much Beth! So many times I am out shooting and its when I get the images onto my computer that I am hit with that astonishment! Jaw dropping even…
SO happy that a closer up image, captured all 4 of them! I had my Canon RP with me, so it was 100% using the screen on the back as a focal point to capture the deer, with gloves on in -20! Worth it!!!
Astonished honestly, as I did not see the two deer laying down!
A very cool experience for us on the trails today. I am grateful I listened to my intuition and grabbed my RF 24-240mm lens rather than just my 28-70mm – the extra reach was astonishing ;)
My fav… a vertical of the 4 deer! Oh how happy I am that this set up worked and was comfortable to wear for an afternoon ride!
And for my spiritual ones, I love all things energy, of course I had to look this up when we got home. Intuition… I captured these photos because I listened to my intuition, to grab the longer lens. Feeling the alignment, to lean in more!
The Deer Spirit Animal Symbolizes~
gentleness, intuition, and grace, representing a powerful yet tender approach to life’s challenges. As a guide, the deer encourages opening one’s heart, embracing vulnerability, and navigating life with inner peace and sensitivity, while also offering protection, quick, and careful action.
Key Aspects of the Deer Spirit Animal:
Gentleness & Compassion: The deer acts as a reminder to act with kindness and compassion rather than force. It represents the power of a gentle heart in overcoming difficulties.
Intuition & Sensitivity: Known for being highly attuned to their environment, the deer guides you to trust your gut instincts and pay attention to subtle energies around you.
Grace & Speed: People with the deer totem navigate life with ease and grace, adapting quickly to new situations.
Vulnerability & Strength: While innocent and sometimes shy, the deer is also highly resilient, embodying a “delicate yet tenacious” nature.
Renewal & Rebirth: Due to the seasonal shedding of antlers and their reemergence in spring, the deer is a powerful symbol of regeneration, growth, and new beginnings.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “chapter.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
This year I consciously chose to shift this chapter in life. The past 5 years proving to be and feel very hard, I knew I had to make a shift.
Shift from wallowing in self sabotage, pissed off at the world for the declining health care, rising costs, untrustworthy government and life that just keeps on going. We hit some really hard times, emotionally within those 5 years, for some of us also physically. The weight of the world is a great way to describe how it felt at times.
As 2026 began approaching, although we are not free of some of the physicality and emotional aspects of 2020-2025 we are choosing to be in the shift of the energy. To trust in the ultimate unknown that all will be alright, eventually and keep moving forward.
This chapter in life has pushed me to be aligned in my souls deepest desires. To make time for what lights me up and what is a true desire or passion. No longer putting myself and my needs last to succumb to what someone else may need of me.
This step can feel daunting and at times even lonely, however deep down – it just feels right. Making time for what my soul craves, surrounding myself with those who see me for me and love me, who want to be near, who care without having to be asked. Leaning into my passions to fill my time, vs leaning on people. The time and shift feels in alignment. A knowing that my heart needs quality over quantity.
Especially when healing.
This chapter, 2026 of Life will be one to remember ~ for ME!
As I opened wordpress and read my dashboard the numbers jumped out at me.
“Angel Number 222 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 forthe highest good of all in the long-term, so do not put your energies into negatives such as fear and worry, but rather, be aware that all is being worked 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 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.” 11:11 AngelNumbers App
Today after work, initially the last thing I wanted to do was be outside, after I got home all of a sudden I could hear a noise, it was the wind and boy did it pick up! Suddenly a whiteout in front of our house. After feeding the dog, I looked out and felt inspired.
I grabbed my Canon RP + the RF 24-240mm lens – a beautiful versatile lens that I had actually got ready on this body for a winter outing tomorrow. Standing in the kitchen, I knew this wasn’t the lens, it was snowing heavily and the wind was blowing. I needed one of my L lenses that is weather sealed. I almost grabbed for my EF 24-105 f4L and then my eyes fell on the EF 16-35mm f2.8L II – I grabbed this lens and my R6MII and headed outside with the dog.
The fun we had in a short amount of time, its exactly what my soul needed to transition into the weekend; starting with someone and something I love and re-ignite my love for this lens!
I went out thinking how it would be great to get winter shots up and down the road, my dog, who lets be honest he has grown up with a camera in his human mom’s hands, posed, so beautifully too!
He loves the snow, this image truly captures his snowy essence!
Its not often I go for this lens, after these photos I am reminded of its capability and beauty. The way it captured his fur, I am in love with! There is something about the L lenses that hold a piece of my heart.
Hope you were able to enjoy the snow today, even if just for a 10 minutes! The benefits of fresh air, as well as the beautiful creative boost of photographing the dog and scenery!
