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Sometimes, the balance of being a Mum and being a photographer is a fine line. I love telling our story with images, and drag my “big girl camera” on all of our adventures. And it was no different when we had an unexpected opportunity to see the Lion King the Musical at the Capitol Theatre. We caught the train, and arrived at this majestic old theatre just in time to see this amazing show. We were both in awe of this experience, and it was a day that I will cherish forever. The photographer in me wanted to capture every minute, to tell the story of our day into the city. To capture the grand details of the theatre, and the joy on your face. However, the Mum in me wanted to explore with you. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity of spending this precious time with you. The Mum won. I only took 5 shots, and we smiled all the way home.

Visit the Cherish this day blog to see eye candy from this week.

My Project 365 has changed since I started it. I will be honest and say that I don’t snap everyday. I may even go a few days without taking a picture, and then I see an ordinary moment that captures my attention. Something simple that makes me smile, or laugh or shake my head. It is these moments that I want to capture, and I probably should change the name of my project to something like “beauty in the ordinary moments”. I didnt start this project to feel bad for not taking a daily picture. I started it to capture our everyday, and feel gratitude for everything that we do have.
With that said, I was a little reserved about joining a 365 blog circle. I am not following the rules, but I have felt myself lagging in this project. I needed the support from other photographers to keep going, and I know they will encourage me to continue…even if I do cheat a little.

So these are my ordinary moments from this week. This is the beauty that captured my heart.

Smiles over breakfast..

Waiting for ballet..

Big love for stripes on a onsie…and a dash of shyness

Cleaning the windows in your pajamas….yes that is a great idea.

Princess of the front yard

Cats eyes and tiger tattoos…jumping in puddles

A smile that melts my heart…every day.

Now follow the link to see what has captured Melissa’s heart this week.

We celebrated your birthday recently. You knew exactly what you wanted, and how you wanted to spend your day. You reminded me everyday for about three weeks. It became a joke between us as I guessed your requests incorrectly and made up stories. I did listen to you, and I didnt try to second guess you. This smile was on your face all day. You were so grateful for all that you received, and it thanked me more than once. You are a sweetheart, and I am so grateful for the joy and laughter that you fill our home with.

In March, we went for a walk. It was Summer and hot. Now, it is winter and we went for a walk. The same walk, but the tones and the colours are so different.The light was so soft. The sand was cold, and made our toes curl up. The water was freezing and too cold for swimming. But it was so peaceful, and the beach was ours. The sun was warm on our back, and we walked, and walked. You drew in the sand, you jumped the waves, and we shared 30 minutes of precious time.

Take a look at 30 minutes of life with Sharleen N Stuart Photography – South Florida Photographer

I scream
You scream
We all scream
For ice-cream

….even in winter.

Yes, we do not limit our love of ice-cream to the warm months. It is a treat we can eat any time of the year. It is comforting, as well as delicious. We heart ice-cream…big time!

Visit the Cherish this Day to view some delicious eye candy that is lighter on your hips than our favourite treat.

When we moved, your princess dress was packed in a box that ended up being stored in the garage. A box of odds and ends that we were not sure where to put. I dont know why we packed your pretty dress in this box, but it was probably a frantic decision made to get everything packed. When I found it on the weekend, I immediately smiled. I knew it would bring you joy. You wore it all afternoon, even though it was a windy day. You skipped everywhere. You swished and swayed the tulle. You felt happy and “happy girls are the prettiest” {Audrey Hepburn}

Together! All 5 together sharing the beach. Taking steps as individuals but walking as one. As siblings, they navigate the good days and the bad. Their relationship with each other is built on this moments. These ordinary moments. These moments that I need to step back from and admire. To watch and breathe it in. Seriously beautiful.

Winter is a time for wrapping up in blankets, sipping hot chocolate, watching your favourite movies. Well it is unless you promise to take your girls to a farm to pick mandarins. So although I wanted to take the first option, my girls persuaded me that the second option was a far better idea.

We wrapped up in layers, with scarves and jackets, and dragged out the umbrellas. We set out for an adventure, and boy did we got one. The GPS had two options to take, and I took the shortest route. Well that turned out to be a road less travelled. It was a single lane, dirt road that hugged the hills. It winded down through lush forest with big gum trees, and big green ferns on either side of the road. I wish I could say I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t really breathing. I had no idea where this road would end, and I could not turn back. So I pushed forward, and hoped my girls would not notice that I was a little( well a lot) scared.

And then the road came to an end, and we continued to follow the signs to arrive at the Mandarin farm. It was a little oasis, squashed between two hills. I have no idea how or why they started this farm in this location, but the trees were covered in mandarins. And then as I started breathing again, I realised this was the best option. That being outside with my girls was a joy no movie could replace. We picked the ripe mandarins, and enjoyed their sweet taste. It was cold, but we really did not notice. And when we arrived home with our big bag of freshly picked mandarins to share our with the rest of our family, the pride on their faces filled my heart. I know I would take that road less travelled again.

Now follow the circle to one of my favourite photographers,Summer of SummerK Photography – Ohio Documentary Photographer

I have no words for these images. These images that I cried tears when I edited, enough tears to blur my vision. Why did I cry?? I don’t know, but I have felt a strong connection to these images from the very start. I knew I wanted to do a black and white series. I knew I wanted to use a soft light, and play with shadows. We set up in the garage, with a simple background of  black velvet. I left them on the SD card for the longest time. I looked at the them on the back of the camera but I didn’t upload them. Finally, I took the plunge and uploaded these images but then they sat on my computer…just waiting for me. I know this sounds silly because when you love an image you want to share it straight away. With these images, I wanted to enjoy the moment.

I am blessed with three beautiful girls. Three individuals who love and respect each other. They fight, they love. They share secrets, they tell me stories. They are creative, they are intelligent. They are three sisters.

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When visiting a mandarin farm recently, my girls were bursting to pick some mushrooms. My response was practical, “you don’t like mushrooms” and to which they replied ” we will try them again”. Every Mother loves to see their kids eating vegetables, and they played the right card. They are generally good eaters, and not too fussy. However, mushrooms are not a favourite. They will eat them when they are cut up and disguised in a sauce, but not on their own. So, we picked mushrooms.

On our drive home they asked about dinner, and after a busy day out, I was thinking on the simple side. “How about we make an omelette with the mushrooms?” And they replied with a silence that made me smile.

Take the time to visit the Cherish this Day Blog….it will make you smile.