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.

A baby owl

There will be no hearts on the blog today. No roses, chocolates or anything like that. I will however, wish you a whole year full of love. Full of blessings. Full of awesome. Babies are love. I'll share this beautiful baby Roman, with you today... instead of hearts and flowers. I think he is more precious.

Studio? or the great outdoors?

I've long had arguments with myself over studio or outdoors for maternity sessions.

I will always say "studio is my favorite" after a fabulous studio session... but then say "outdoors is my favorite" after an outdoor session. It's painful really. The truth is, I love them both. What I love about outdoor images is combining the beauty of our world, with the incredible strength, power and grace of a woman growing and carrying human life. Outdoor maternity images are natural, authentic, loving and can have gorgeous natural light, they are full of endless possibilities.

Pregnancy is a very personal time. We all go through a pregnancy on our own. Yes, with help, support etc from friends and partners etc, but really it all ends up with you and that baby growing inside you. Personal, special, surreal. I love that studio images can capture and celebrate the best part about a pregnancy without seeing any of the not so pretty parts. Studio maternity images can be extremely intimate, personal, beautiful and are full of endless possibilities. What it comes down to? Your personal preference really.

Here is gorgeous Glynnis from our session yesterday. We were booked for a studio shoot only, but the light outside had me crazy, and I made her sneak outside for a few. Then back to the studio for more. I love the outdoor light, the glow, her glow... inside, I love the accentuation of her amazing belly and shape. I can't decide what I like more. I love it all.

So, which do you prefer? Glynnis is a fabulous yoga momma and wanted to celebrate her yoga momma journey as well.

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.