Winter Magic

I am utterly in love with film. I love the suspense, the suprise, you never really know what you’re going to get. Until it’s too late, the moments gone, and your photos are printed. 

That’s the beauty, you don’t really know what’s coming, and you don’t really know what you’re going to get, until it’s imprinted on your own life.

WIth the best of planning you watch the world go by your lens, and love whatever comes out, because that’s what a photographer does, they love what they see.

I’m lost in the world of instant, I want to take my time, enjoy the moment and wait to see what comes.

A few weekends ago we went up the Mountains to the Katoomba Winter Magic Festival. It’s amazing, and freezing, always. Sometimes the sky is blue, sometimes it’s grey.

Armed with rolls of  film, an Indian headress, and some op-shop finds I was blissfully happy and chilled to my bones walking the main street of Katoomba.

I bought too many clothes, ate too much food, and prayed for clearer skies so my old film camera could stay out as long as possible.

My love and I missed the parade, ‘someone’ had to get a coffee. He quickly healed my disapointment with chocolate waffles. The way to my heart.

The town stood still yet moved with excitement as the Winter Magic Festival drew out crowds of thousands from their warm homes to join the hum that Katoomba sounded.

I found flowers, and got distracted for a while.

A few cool beverages inside a warm pub later and the fireworks were out. Thousands watched and cheered. I ran out of film mid display, and smiled. Film, you win some, you loose some.

I was desperate to take shots of the proud Mountains the following morning, the weather had different plans. We sat in the car and waited for the sun to rise, with naive positivity in my heart. 

I never did see the mountains that day.

I did take double exposures, and some triple exposures, and without the majestic Mountains to capture I had to find my own creative spin with the view I had.

Once home I finished my film off and waited to re-live it all again a few weeks later, when I held the memories in my hand. 

Print your photos, invest in the old ways, love life and it will show you her secrets. That’s my motto anyway.

Love Phish

Morning Love

Last night's dinner with beautiful friends saw me driving like a maniac at 6am this morning when I realised I had left my camera there, outside, in the bush, over night. Bad combinations for an expensive, and cherished piece of equipment which is more like an extension of my own body.

I was almost there when the lovely Sara phoned me to tell me they had just found my camera and knew without a doubt I would be freaking out. It was fine.

By 7.30am my children and I were now 'all dressed up and no where to go' so to speak, so when they convinced me to take them to the beach I was more than happy to have had my arm twisted.

Early morning, sunlight, the ocean, and very few people around equals one happy girl, me. They swam with their clothes on, they swam with no clothes on, they chased after dogs down the length of the beach, and got their 'hunter gatherer' vibe on when the boys found their sticks and Lemuria found the flowers. It's all too cute really.

No idea why hash tags are on everything, but here are mine: #lovemylife #lovemybabes #lovetheearth ;)


Much Love

A Day To Remember

We couldn't wait for Sunday. Our plan was made concrete weeks ago when we booked in to have a day on Dangar Island. Trains, ferry rides, Lomi Lomi massages, and palm readings. What more could I want?

In typical style, I was running half an hour late, and still I doubled back to get my forgotten camera. 

My dearest soul sister and best friend was waiting for me at the train station, and with the best of intentions, we had already missed the train due to our right brain thinking, ie. We can't read train timetables.

Hot chocolate and scones with jam and cream comforted my sweet tooth as we got on the next train. 

With our now conflicting train and ferry times we lapped up the space between to eat, laugh, talk about our lives, hopes and wishes. 

The ferry ride always brings a smile to my face, and before we knew it we were greeted on Dangar Island by the beautiful couple Joanne and Ian Cameron

We drank hot drinks, talked about ourselves, heard stories of the Island, and felt at home with these talented souls before we even began our awaited day of indulgence.

The Island itself is worthy of a whole blog. This incredible beauty, abundant in rich history, occupied with artistic community, enwreathed by the Hawkesbury River.

No cars, tree lined streets, pineapples growing out of the ground, art work, sculptures, and creations on houses, trees, or pavements. My heaven.

We walked, and got no where fast. I was captivated by every scene my eyes could take in, and I let my lens do the walking. 

I was even roped into having my picture taken too. Bel and I still laughing, as always.

Once at the house, and after a coin toss and some more history we were experiencing an afternoon like no other.

We soaked in the hot rock massage with essential oils and drifted into another world. We sat inside a cave and had our palms and lives read.

The massage left us in another world and the palm reading left us in a state of awe. This talented couple had blown us away with their gifts and their land, and we were floating on air, on an Island, in bliss.

To finish our day a delicious lunch was shared, and I for one had too many helpings on my plate.

A boat ride back to the 'main land' from Ian was the only thing that could make the day better.  I was born for the water, its subtle yet powerful force draws me to her and I feel at home in her arms. 

With a relaxed body, strengthened clarity, fresh inspiration, and a deep happiness in my soul, we rode to shore. 

The wind furiously blew our faces, we laughed from our hearts, we missed another train, we laughed some more, and eventually came home in the moonlight.

A day to remember.

Much Love

To book in for your own day to remember, contact Jo and Ian 0424533584.