Jingle Bells

A couple of magazines have asked me for Christmas stories recently. I guess it is that time of year. One magazine expressed an interest in a story I shot 3 years ago. The Noel kids, above, were part of the story. We shot it at the home of Robin and Chris, owners of a fantastic shop called Stepback. It did get me thinking about the Christmas cards I do every year. Do you have to say Happy Holidays now? I celebrate Christmas, so I'm going with that.

This image was taken on a snowy, sunny November day.

I documented this Christmas tree farm, then popped a deer into the picture (thanks Rob!)

I love food and frocks that fit

I had a food shoot the other day.  Love shooting food, and it's great to get to eat what you shoot. This time around it was for Latitude, in Vancouver.  I've included a few pics.  They'll make you hungry.



On a final weekend note.....I bought my Comrags dress!  Can't wait to receive it.  I actually have shoes that, I think, will go perfectly well with it.  Yes? No? Have fabulous weekend!

My Chinatown

I suppose it's not really mine, but I do feel a close connection to it.  It's been my favourite spot in Vancouver for as long as I can remember. Every big city seems to have one, but this one is one of the prettiest I've seen.  

It's been pouring rain, movie set style, all day.  The sun popped out so I headed out after a long day of photoshop.  I'm working on a project for a client, that involves Chinatown, so I took a few images to get inspired.  

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden

Ginko tree lined street

Buddhas collected from Chinatowns around the world. I'm still waiting for all the luck they're supposed to shower me with. At least a couple of them glow in the dark.

Observations

It's Friday. I'm very happy about that. I thought I'd post some images I've shot over the last few days. Changed my banner as well. The background is a shot of the top of my Enid Collins purse. Merci to Rob for helping me out with the layout.

She has an impossibly perfect face

The bike lane just after dawn - my car was parked beside it. I feel shame.

I've come to realize that these face blotters are very helpful on a hot and humid day. Thanks to Walrus. One of the best shops in Vancouver.

Shot from Crab Park in downtown Vancouver, at dawn.

It's the Aussie Rules Grand Final tonight. TSN2 is showing it live. My husband's team, St. Kilda Saints (yeah) are playing against the Geelong Cats (booooo). Please send your best thoughts to the Saints and me because, if they lose, it will be a rough weekend. His team has not won since 1966. Ouch.

A Perfect Fall Evening

My friend, Sarah Mousseau, is showing her beautiful paintings at the Silk Purse Gallery in West Vancouver.  Last night we went to the opening, and it was a perfect night.  The gallery sits right on the beach so we could walk outside, with our wine, and watch the sunset. 

I've attached the invite and a few of the paintings.  The colours are so soft and soothing.  Not to mention, a number of them are geishas. Love geishas. You can reach Sarah at sam.mousseau@gmail.com. The exhibit runs until October 4th.

Weekend in Vancouver

It's been a happy weekend. Lots of sunshine, lovely design, photography, coffee and Prosecco.

Checked out the IDSwest show. Lots of great design. I've included a couple of images of the Cross Design Media Lounge, House and Home event. Lynda Reeves, the publisher, was there along with Mark Challen, v.p. of communications. I shoot for that magazine often, in fact the November issue will feature Darci's (The Cross) home, festooned with Christmas decor. Looking forward to seeing how it all came together.

I also had a chance to catch up with Janette Ewen, from Cityline, and Danny Sinopoli from Globe and Mail.  I started working with Janette and Danny when they were both with House and Home.  So nice to see them in my town.

  
One last mention... I'm deeply intrigued by the upcoming exhibit at the Vancouver Museum. How could you resist a show called "Ravishing Beasts", the strangely alluring world of taxidermy? I can't. I love the story of "Lucky" the dog (picture below). His owner loved him so much, that he had him stuffed when he died. He couldn't take him to the old age home, so he donated him. Awww.
 
For all of you that live in Vancouver, check out the Museum some time.  It really is a beautiful building too.   

I'll be working on a few more images to put up on Etsy, later this week.  Keep you posted.  

Almost Fall

It's been pretty busy since I returned from my shoot in the Kootneys, now it's the weekend. Looking forward to sleeping in.

The other night, I checked out the Comrags trunk show in Gastown.  Comrags is a Canadian fashion label - beautiful clothes.  I went with my friend Nikki, and we actually behaved ourselves. I've been to these kinds of shows before. On one occasion, I woke up the next morning to find a cute little shopping bag containing a very tiny dress, a few plastic wine glasses, and a pencil with the name of the new shop on it, beside my bed.  My memory was a bit hazy, so I gave the dress a go but I couldn't get it past my shoulders.  Let's just say the refund policy wasn't good.  This episode was the on set of my post purchase doubt syndrome (P.P.D.S.). I never drink at these things now.   I would love the following two frocks though.

Well, as we head into a beautiful weekend, I leave you with a shot of a rusty, vintage bicycle I saw while having a day in the country with my friends Heather and Midge (a.k.a. Lily).

Have a lovely weekend!