It happens like a storm. Sometimes suddenly, out of nowhere. Sometimes it works itself up for a bit, brewing, bubbling just at the surface... then explodes into the atmosphere. However it starts, however it forms, the outcome is always the same. Two wild women, with boxes and containers full of treasures... laughing. Creating. Carefully placing. Crafting. Free spirits let loose by the sea. It is always the same, and entirely different.
This time it started with a treasure hunt in a backyard garage. Old reels, old telephones, keys, an heirloom teacup, a first box for oil paints... a first camera. Treasures. Possibly junk to some. Definitely treasures to a Runaway Soul.
At times it may seem that everywhere else in the world is the most beautiful place on earth. The different cultures, the amazing traditions of people from anywhere but here. Looking at photos from Venice, you see gondolas, beautiful stonework, a city built on water. You see old people walking along the street arm in arm. You see laundry hanging about the city, you see light pouring in from corners of archways. You see lovers passing over bridges. You see beautifully dressed women seemingly floating around the city. Barcelona, cafes, taxis, fashion, street performers, people reading on benches, or just enjoying a coffee watching people pass by. Marrakech ... different again. Fragrant markets, smells of exotic spices, pastel buildings, blankets hanging from windows, old men sat in their window seat watching the taxis whirl by. Everywhere, distinctly different. However, I wonder... how many of the people of Italy, Spain or Morocco see their home as something that is so hauntingly beautiful and exotic, as it might be to a Canadian. Do they look at their surroundings and truly know that they are living in someone's fantasy. They are in our dreams.
We are living in someone's fantasy also. You are. Do you see that we have culture, and traditions, and are covered in history. Do you see it? It is hard to see it all around us, where we are. But, it is here. We are in it.
Campbell River is a city built on the sea. We grew up fishing, outdoors, we have fishing rods and hockey skates, and wear fashionable gumboots and hand knit touques. We don't use umbrellas but it rains all of the time. We have the Tyee Club right here in our home town, dating as far back as 1896. Some of us grew up hunting for Elk and deer with fathers and uncles, know how to filet a salmon with no bones, and know our way around the woods by logging roads. Our highway is named the "Old Island Highway", we are surrounded by lakes, and rivers and mountains and from most places in Campbell River the sea is only 5 minutes away. We have streets named after fish and a beach named "Miracle Beach". Travelers from all over the world come here, to experience what is every day life for us. We are in a dream. Someone's dream. We may not see ourselves as anything special at times, but I can assure you, having been all over the world. We are different. Unique. We wear rain jackets, and know about tides and storms and the sea. We have beach fires as often as possible, take our dogs for walks in beautifully constructed hiking trails. Wake up at 4:30 in the morning to take kids to hockey, and park at the beach to 'storm watch'. We will pack up our world in a heartbeat to go camping, sometimes only 10 minutes from our homes. We also have an amazing first nation population in Campbell River. With stories, traditions and culture so heartbreakingly beautiful I never tire of hearing about the different masks, dances and songs. Some of us are lucky enough to have been a part of First Nations Potlatches and Feasts. Being witness to ancient stories and songs being sung by the cherished carriers of the traditions.
We are lucky. While treasure hunting we see beauty in the things that may not feel special to some. But to us, they are our stories. Our history. We are so excited to share our Impressions of Home, with you.
I'm only going to share a very sneak peek few right now, as it will eventually be another series of "Runaway Soul" greeting cards and other wild creations.
But for now, here is what we feel, see and know to be home.
We have more to share. Always.
Runaway Soul in action.
It's a grey day here in Campbell River.
Grey, rainy and gloriously West Coastish.
However, I thought I'd send a bit of sunshine out with a few images from an amazing December session with gorgeous little Ava.
Soon little one. We'll meet you soon.
For now, you grow and go easy on your momma.
We'll meet you soon.
An idea that has been dormant for a while with me, is self portraits. 
and also, my new favorite photo of Maisie Lu.
(Images Above... Kate and Sean. Gracefully easing me back into shooting a wedding not even three months after giving birth to Maisie Lu. No one's wedding would have been a more perfect beginning to 2010)
Jeremy and Bridget.
Ultimate confession time!!! Their wedding wasn't blogged. Yes, I know... amazing friends, beautiful wedding... no blog??? Urg! I HAD A NEWBORN BABY!!! Please, go easy on me! I wasn't sleeping!!! There are so many images from their incredible day that I am so in love with. Being the amazing friends that they are, I was hoping they'd understand my trying to balance a baby and a wedding season. They did. I love them for it. But, I am thrilled to now, share a few of my favorites from their day.
Alicia and Mark.
Cape Mudge on Quadra Island was a perfect venue for these truly sweet souls. I loved being a part of your moments, and feeling all of the emotions right along with you all. Such an exquisite day.
Ana and Aaron
A wedding out of my Vancouver Island element, in Stanley Park, Vancouver... proved to be one of the most beautiful steps out of my comfort zone. Thank you both, for trusting and believing in me.
Leah and Mike
A wild crew, a fast tide, and a whole lot of fun. The highlight for me was Leah, without question leading her bridesmaids into the sea for me.
Natalie and Mike
A gorgeous Cortes Island wedding full of favorite images. But, Natalie and Mike's twins were truly the highlight for me. Their spirits light, sweet and brilliant. I am always honored to watch children witness their parents be married.
Jeanine and Bryce
I also didn't get a chance to blog this beautiful wedding at Dolphins Resort in Campbell River this year. The venue stunning, the wedding party perfect and the babies adorable! I loved watching Jeanine's mom and dad (who I've known forever) gaze lovingly and proudly at their baby girl getting married.
Shevaun and Rod
I would never pass up an opportunity to re-visit the Bird residence on Quadra Island. A perfect setting for another love infused day. My favorite part of their day was seeing the connection between them, and seeing them smile all day long.
Crystal and Evan
A rainy Quadra morning was the perfect day for Crystal and Evan to get married. Crystals grandpa might just be the best guy you've ever run across. He and I engaged in a ceremony 'shoot off' was definitely a favorite moment of mine. Full of meaning and thought, and inspiration, this wedding... was a highlight of my entire summer.
Michelle and Jeff
Seeing a new mom and dad with their little baby... heaven. I loved watching the love spiral between this gorgeous bunch.
Cathy and David.
It was just them. It was another highlight for me. Quiet. Serene and oozing with magic, I was honored to be a witness.
Mel and Larry.
So much can be said. I LOVE YOU MEL. As if you aren't the most wild, caring, thoughtful, WILD, awesome gal ever. I showed up to photograph her wedding and she had a gift for my baby... "um... HI.. I'm about to spoil you rotten with wedding photos". Now that's a way to make your photographer step it up a notch! All joking aside, she has contagious enthusiasm and just makes you want to give her anything, and more!
Meg and Troy
My baby cousin and her wonderful fella. The light was perfect, the couple blindingly in love, and everyone there was GORGEOUS. An amazing Victoria wedding. Love you guys.
Heather and Andy
Their Mayan Riviera wedding couldn't have been an ounce more perfect, or more them. It was exactly as they wanted it to be, and I am always honored to share such intimate moments with such important people in my life.
Cherie and Jamie
I always love weddings at The Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, but this one was incredible. I instantly fell in love with Cherie, and her boundless spirit and ability to light up an entire room with her smile and laugh. It was full of awesome (and my sidekick Thelma, and our dogs came for a mini getaway to the resort, always a bonus).
Stacey and Eddie
The perfect ending to an amazing 2010 wedding season. For me, it wasn't just a wedding season though. It was all intertwined with my memories of being a first time momma. All of it was challenging, but all of you, my cherished wedding couples and clients and friends, made it all extraordinary. A perfect end to it all, of course is in Maui, with Stacey my pregnancy buddy, and Eddie.
I can only hope that 2011 will be as amazing.
Thank you all for joining me on the ride.