So that I can feel the rain.

I don't just think about this once and a while. I think about it, every single time it rains. Living in Campbell River, it rains often. I think about this often.

This afternoon I was in town with Maisie. It was pouring rain. We were in raincoats, walking from store to store. Me, enjoying my baby. Her laughing at the rain. Us, happily going about our day. Looking around I didn't see one umbrella, in the pouring rain. Not. One. Umbrella. When we got home and Maisie had been lovingly put down for her afternoon nap, I updated my facebook status to "I absolutely, TOTALLY love that when it POURS RAIN in Campbell River, NOBODY uses an umbrella. Now that's West Coast." Immediately after I heard the song "Gravedigger" echoing in my head.

Every time it rains, I think about this song. A Dave Matthews Band song "Gravedigger"

"Gravedigger, when you dig my grave, could you make it shallow so that I can feel the rain." How amazing are those lyrics. I think about them often. There was no other choice, but to grab my camera and go outside, in the pouring rain.

I think about it when I'm bundling up against the elements to brave a storm outside. I'll be running from the car to the grocery store, and literally stop, turn my face to the sky, and let the rain fall on my smiling face.

There are not many certainties in life. There are so many variables. One thing is absolutely certain. Life is impermanent. I am not going to be here forever. I will not always be able to feel the rain on my face. So, when I get the chance... I best turn my face to the heavens and smile.

Life is beautiful, always.

For sure

There are a few things I know for sure.

The mirror in the above image is dirty from Maisie lovingly kissing herself. I love seeing Maisie looking at herself in the mirror... her kissing herself was one our sweetest moments yet. These images fill me right up, and I am absolutely soaking up every single second with my little girl, and our little family.

I have more to share, but for now. Images of a baby girl and a mommy. To me, they are infused with warmth, love and totally embody what my life right now is all about. The word fortunate, is the only way to describe it. Who needs millions of dollars... my fortune is right here. For sure.

On Self Portraits

An idea that has been dormant for a while with me, is self portraits.

Yesterday, I was inspired. 5 seconds later, no makeup, hair a mess with my baby and her un-matched socks... I was off shooting. The images will not win awards, they are not fancy, styled, or the greatest images of all time... but, they are mine. Ours. Exactly as it was yesterday, in our life, our bedroom, our home... our moments. I'm grateful to have them, and have a sneaking suspicion that this will not be the last self portrait you see this year.

Want to be inspired? Check out what got me rolling yesterday Robyn from Little Bug Photography HERE, and another whole world of self portrait photographers on the ever amazing Sarah Rhoads Photographers HERE and HERE. Absolutely fabulous. What are you waiting for? Grab your camera, photograph you. Your moments. Today. and also, my new favorite photo of Maisie Lu.