Next Level Training

My fella is talented (and likely squirming already as he reads this). Bryce and I are polar opposites in one big way. I am a bit of an open book, putting it all out there... my business, our life, our daughter, dog... the works. Bryce is WAY more private. But, it's my blog... so... I win. Don't get mad Bryce, just go with it.

He has been running hockey training camps for Campbell River youth now for a few years and I couldn't be more proud of how he runs his camps and how much effort and heart goes into them. He works so hard behind the scenes to make sure his kids in the power skating and elite hockey camps are getting the very best of his knowledge and experience. His hockey camps are geared towards North Vancouver Island hockey players from Novice to Adults.

When he started his camps and training sessions a few years ago he had just two amazing little guys on the ice with him. Last year, the ice was full of the most amazing Campbell River hockey players. I know how hard it is to put yourself out there. It isn't easy, but it's worth it. If anyone knows what it takes to make a career out of playing a sport you are passionate it is Bryce. He would never want to brag about himself or his hockey resume, but come on... it's impressive!!!! He grew up in Campbell River (we dated in grade 9, that's a big deal right? ha!) and then he went on to play Junior hockey in Nanaimo, BC where he received a 4 year NCAA scholarship to Northern Michigan University. After 4 years of University Bryce spent the next 4 seasons playing professionally in New Jersey, Germany and Illinois, where he won an ECHL Championship in 2005 and a UHL Championship in 2007. He knows good hockey and has a passion for passing on the skills he has. Why not learn from a pro, someone who has been coached by some of the best coaches in the world. (His coach in Trenton, New Jersey Mike Haviland is now the assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, his time in New Jersey resulted in the ECHL Kelly Cup)

If you or anyone you know is hoping to amp up your hockey skills this summer there is still space in his 2012 summer camps, at Strathcona Gardens in Campbell River, BC. If your kids are looking for a way to get them ready for rep try outs, the upcoming hockey season or just looking to get some amazing power skating skills from an amazing line up of local talent... then you may want to follow these links for more information. Next Level Training on Facebook Next Level Training in the NEWS There will also be a registered dietician Tiffany McFadden (who is super excellent) and an amazing lineup of coaches to help him such as former professional players Peter Trumbley and Mike Stutzel. He also has Ken Bueckert who has experience as a head evaluator. You just don't want to miss out!

Everyone who participates in the camps will come away with a seriously great Next Level Training practice jersey as well as all kinds of new hockey skills. (Our awesome logo designed by Shannon Andrews Design) We decided to suit up our best model for a few photos in the jerseys. I think she looks a little on the absolutely adorable side!!

If you are in Campbell River or the North Vancouver Island and are looking for Power Skating and Elite hockey preparation camps... I think you've found the right spot. The camps run end of July 2012 to August 2012.

Email Bryce for a Next Level Training brochure here nextlevelbc@gmail.com

Monday Morning, with love.

I'm doing a project right now and the fella I'm doing it with, (details to come later) asked me to think about "why I do what I do". Oh ya, I thought, no biggie... I spit out about a million ideas, and sentences and stumbled around them for a while. I wrote some things down, and everything pretty much says the same thing.

My girl Shannon took the above photo of me yesterday morning during a really special family photo shoot. A seriously wonderful family. The mom, (hugging me here) has just gone through some major health issues over the past few months. Her three sons and their beautiful families live from Campbell River to Fort McMurray. Everyone got together. To just 'be' together. The gratitude poured out from everyone, but mostly from Bev. Their beautiful mom. It makes me an emotional wreck when I see her burst into tears when I suggested doing a photo of her with the grand babies. So, when the shoot is over and she comes in for the biggest hug ever, you know... that what you are doing, means something. The photo above, pretty much sums up my "why" I do what I do.

I'll share more from this beautiful session soon. But this morning, I've just got to play with my wild two year old who is currently playing (or something like playing) her toy piano with fishing plugs. This girl's got personality. Me on the computer this morning is just NOT going to fly with her.

But, just before I go, I am also INCREDIBLY excited to share that Stacey and Eddie's breathtaking wedding is being featured on Style Me Pretty today. As if that isn't a great way to start a week.

So grateful, so blessed. So honored. Have an amazing week. I'll be back. oxxo

On treasures and gifts.

When I got the following email, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Thoughts like, how can she do that job? and then quickly... I'm so grateful that someone like Kim does this job. Such a huge heart, giant spirit and I hope that every single one of you reading this, never had and never needs to encounter beautiful Kim, doing her job so well. Really put things into perspective for me. Like, in a minute.

Our session was beautiful, graffiti everywhere, broken glass, trash... the works... but the light... ah the glorious light from the sun, and from the people. There is so much that goes into their images. Their light, their magic, their hearts and their love for each other. All highlighted in an hour of our lives. I am so lucky we have found each other. ***Amazing note... the appearance of their family Van "Paris" is extra special. This is the same van that they (over dinner one night years ago) decided to sell their house and drive to Chile in.*** These people are awesome.

Kim wrote:

Hi Erin I'm a Pediatric Palliative care nurse I work with dying children and their families, it's what I do and I love my job. I'm constantly inspired by strength, resilience, perseverance and overwhelming love of the individuals I work with. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to take away the pain, nausea, bleeding or managing of the lines but usually at some point I can't ignore the magnitude of the feelings around me I have to open myself up to them, they just can't be ignored.

I worry that one day I won't remember every single little soul I've said goodbye to and I wonder if their parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles feel the same. If I could give each family a gift I'd give them and hour with YOU and your profound ability to capture true love in your photos so they could stare at their pictures the way I have been at mine for as long as they need to forget the pain, sadness and all the rest of it and see they will always be surrounded with love.

These parents truly know the meaning of priceless and in return make me appreciate the undeniable value of your work. It's worth every penny and a hundred times more.

Sometimes people say "Life is too short to have regrets" and I think yes, yes it is too short but having regrets is just learning from our mistakes. I regret having waited so long before stepping in front of your camera with my family. We surely will not wait so long ever again.

Our photos are unreal, a treasure I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Endless thank yous!

Much love Kimberlee

(Thank you so much to Kimberlee for allowing me to post your email. It means so much to me to have you write such incredibly heartfelt words. I appreciate you. oxox) outdoor maternity photo, maternity photo outside