Accessible Wilderness Society

Inspiration leads to dreams, dreams create ideas. Ideas when placed in the right minds, can lead to action. Positive action. Its true nothing is ever achieved without first dreaming about it, having a vision.

It took a while for me to really pay attention to what Dan and Judy were doing with Accessible Wilderness Society. I saw the logo, even heard Judy talk a bit about it. But, I don't think I really heard her. Not for a while. Be it due to my own mind roaring a mile a minute with crazy ideas, a newborn baby... whatever it was. I was not listening. (I'm a woark in progress) Bryce came in one day, and said "did you know what Judy and her husband are doing?!". My mind was blown. The next time I saw Judy, I wanted to hear more, everything. Then, naturally having caught her enthusiasm for a project they were clearly passionate about, I was instantly on board with ideas and visions of my own.

Dan is the founder and president of the Accessible Wilderness Society. Dan was injured in a motor vehicle incident in 1985. It was at that time, during his initial stay in rehabilitation that he decided that one day he wanted to help make the outdoors and wilderness more accessible to people with varying degrees of disability, primarily those with mobility challenges. In Judy's words "Dan had heard a Dad, paralysed from the neck down, telling his two little boys and wife to sell the truck, sell the boat. We won't be doing that anymore. They all were crying, and so was Dan, and it was then he got mad and said, "This is so wrong! There has to be a way for a Dad to take his boys fishing even if he happens to be in a chair!" Then the planning began."

With the help and fierce determination of his wife Judy, they are working tirelessly on getting their dreams to become reality. It truly is inspiring to know... that, not only are they close, they are REALLY CLOSE. They are in the process of obtaining the funds, the land and are in the beginning stages of getting their first resort built right here in Beautiful British Columbia. Their vision is that "All people regardless of their physical challenges should be able to enjoy one of Canada's greatest natural resources, "The Great Outdoors"". They are building a resort. Building a resort that is wheelchair accessible, and is built with people with disabilities in mind.

The A.W.S is building a resort where your opportunities are endless. Where, despite having any physical challenges, you are easily able to spend time with your family in the great outdoors, and take your kids fishing. The entire resort will be built to accommodate wheelchairs or scooters, elderly or really... every and any BODY. They are in the process of building their dream, and it is inspiring how far they've come.

What is the most inspiring about Dan and Judy, is that they are doing all of this for others. They are doing this entire project, so that others will be able to benefit from their hard work. They can't wait for the day that the resort is full of people enjoying the great Canadian wilderness, without barriers.

Dan had a vision in his mind of being in a kayak with his wheelchair behind him. Free. Leaving his chair behind. Something, he is not often able to do. A few weeks ago, at McIvor lake, Judy, Dan and I ventured up to McIvor lake create the images he had thought about for so long.

It is truly an inspiring mission and I am so honored to be a part of their journey, however small a part. These images are special to me, for so many reasons.

Thank you Dan and Judy for all of your hard work, your selfless work and your amazing hearts. If only there were more like you.

For more information on the Accessible Wilderness Society you can see their WEBSITE HERE. or join them on FACEBOOK HERE.

From the outside, in.

I know that photographs are important. They serve as a visual record of what is now, and what will inevitably end up as what once was. There are times, when I get a new take on the importance of photography.

Tonight... I was watching a slideshow of our photographs, our story. Of course, I wound up in tears. It is beyond important. I officially now get it. Seeing that little girl, a newborn baby... a three month old... sitting up... yelling... laughing... waving. It's not just a cute photograph, not to me. It's what a love struck parent looks to after a long day, when their little baby is tucked away in bed for the night. It's what I do late at night, and I've caught Bryce doing the same. We look at photos of our little marvel. Life is busy, fast... at times you are getting through moments, sadly somewhat unconsciously. A photograph causes you to pause. Put the noise on hold. Stop. Look. Feel.

After photographing Sarah and Jode and their gorgeous twin boys, and hearing her reaction... something struck me. In our daily lives, it is hard to see yourself. Hard to see your own family, difficult to remove yourself from your own situation, be a fly on the wall and look in. Nearly impossible really.

I looked in to Sarah's life, through my camera, freezing those moments for Sarah to see for herself. Part of her email read, "Thanks for giving me daily photographic evidence on those hard days that I'm the luckiest mom and wife on earth."

Life truly is a beautiful thing, I'd be willing to bet that yours is too... if you just stand back, get a bigger view, be still and look from the outside in. We have so much to be grateful for.

Twins, and puddles and gumboots?!? Yes please!!! I had so much fun with you guys. I always do. Your family is a treasure. > A pretend sleep? Why not!

A little more time.

One thing is blatantly clear to me tonight, I am definitely NOT in Maui anymore! It's cold on the island friends!!

I'm still here! So hideously behind on blogging, it's barely even funny. I have sooo many beautiful families that have recently been photographed. In fact, I have so many beautiful families and weddings from the summer that haven't even been blogged yet. How, will I catch up? Or will I?? Lately its been so cold outside, and the fire has been going, and my baby won't be a baby for much longer. I just want to keep squeezing her and making her smile. She is almost eight months old. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Some times I think, "I need to blog... right now" and then, Maisie does something cute, and I think... "later" and I loose track of time. At so many points during the day, one phrase keeps ringing in my ears from a wise and beautiful woman this summer.

"Enjoy that time with your lovely baby, it goes by way to quickly. I am sure you will catch that in the eyes of all the parents you photograph. We all wish for a little more time...."

It breaks my heart, daily and I can't tell you how often it echoes in my head. So, although it is cold outside, I'm going to post a few images from the lovely Robin's family photo shoot in July. Her words, so powerful, so sincere have left such a distinct impression on my heart.

Not only in my personal life do I hear your words, but also as I am shooting family sessions, I can't help but think "We all just wish for a little more time". Robin, I can't thank you enough.

A wedding in Maui

When you are in the delivery room with a family, while their new baby boy is being brought into the world. Something profound happens.

When you are pregnant together, go to pre-natal yoga together, obsess about teen burgers and blizzards together, share baby hats, and talk about pregnancy fears and woes, call each other when weird things happen, when the baby isn't sleeping, when your body is broken, when all you can do is cry... something happens. A bond is created.

When you spend weeks waiting for 'the call' to get to the hospital to photograph a friends baby story, you are honored. It was such an honor to be such a huge part in capturing Landon's journey into the world, as it was an honor to capture his mommy and daddy get married in Maui last week.

I must say, I'm a big fan of people who get married with their children watching, or being a part of the ceremony. It just means something. Is just sweet, is beautiful. They've been through some stuff. Some hard stuff. Building and caring for a baby is no small task. Stressful, emotional and new... it can be at times, ever so difficult. But, when you make it through and still look at each other like you just met. Look at each other with eyes full of butterflies. That, is remarkable.

If you want to get a bit of background on Eddie, Stacey and Landon before seeing their wedding photos, you can see their maternity photos HERE Their emotional baby story (grab a tissue) HERE Their newborn photos HERE

It truly was a magnificent Maui wedding. Congratulations Eddie, Stacey and Landon! May life continue to shower you with love.

I'll just have you know that Stacey had "The Dream Team" fabulous Makeup artist Jessica Waite www.makeupmaui.com and Rock Star Hairdresser Dan Sanchez - www.dansanchezsalon.com Personally, I wouldn't get married in Maui without them. Just saying. Beautiful Flowers by Bella Grace Flowers - www.bellagraceflowers.com After scaling the cliff on the road between Lahaina and Kihei, we were back for the babies and the ceremony. Recognize anyone? Oh haaay Maisie! I know, right. Cute. I love this one of Landon watching his mom and dad saying their vows. A sunset first dance, not a dry eye for miles. I am in love with this next photo. And I love that everyone else was feeling the love. Mounds of love friends.