She may be the tallest yoga genius I know, BUT

she is also one of the most patient, kind, non-judgmental, encouraging, FLEXIBLE (you have no idea) girl who happens to consistently try to teach me downward facing dog every week without an hint of “shouldn’t you remember this already?” coming off her.

Her name is Erin and her studio is The Eklectica which is nestled nicely on Albert Street -  in Winnipeg’s own gem: the exchange.

In exchange for free yoga (fingers crossed that this arrangement goes on for life) I took some photos of Erin and part of her gang (notice I was not selected to model any of the poses) and am in the process of helping her figure out some marketing garble.  Honestly, I will do my best to expand her business (because lets be honest here, she IS the best instructor and HAS the coolest location)…but if I put down my professional hat for just a moment and give you a glimpse into what I’m really feeling, I’d have to admit that I would rather keep this little (erm, she’s not little) gem all to myself.  I’m all over the small classes, one on one instruction that she gives each of us ALL the time and the mini chats we have beforehand just checking in with each other and our weeks.

Our little yoga family.

BUT.  That’s just my fantasy.  In reality, everyone should be seeing this lady and hiring her services.  She really will change your world – I speak from experience.

The Real Deal

A beautiful Winnipeg jewelry store hired me to photograph their product for a few upcoming events (Winnipeg Wedding Show at the Fort Gary Hotel AND their “Ladies Night” which is scheduled for the end of this month) and all I have to say is “WOW!”.  The product, the model, the stylist, the space…everything worked together to produce some A-MAAA-ZING images.

Now in terms of the product (I have to say, I got wet pits just thinking of the price tag of those diamonds…I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to the real deal, never mind touched them, handled them or photographed them.  It was enough to give me heart palpitations), I could handle owning the gold chain link bracelets…those bad boys NEED to be on my wrists.  In fact, I am certain they were actually made with me in mind.  If anyone is listening, I’d be willing to wear those FOR FREE for as long as you’d like.  Advertising, product endorsement, you name it.

I’m your gal.

A Miracle

It is nothing short of a miracle, this journey of adoption that my friends Lavonne and Don have been on.  Sitting across from her at Dessert Sensations (drinking home made hot chocolate made with REAL chocolate), holding this precious bundle, I could barely keep it together.  Their story is one of perseverance, patience and complete trust – all things that I can take home and learn from.  Thank you Lavonne for sharing this with me – and thank you to you, Don and Teegan for inviting me into your home to capture a few moments of your new family together.

What an absolute treat.

A few more gems to share…

Now these are pure gold.  Getting my hand made Fiorentini & Baker boots soaking wet was TOTALLY worth getting these shots.

(btw, the shoes are totally fine)

Engaged and in Love

Matthew and Jocelyn asked me to photograph their wedding and part of doing that, is capturing their engagement.  Thanksgiving Monday was our shoot day where we managed to experience sunshine, rain, snow and cloud all within the span of 4 hours.  Welcome to Manitoba I guess.

Thanks to you both for spending what I consider to be a VERY fun afternoon together (you guys are hilarious!!).  Here’s a peak of a few favorites, with more to come…

Ulla and Her Ballet Shoes

I met this girl during my brief stint working at Cha Cha Palace (don’t ask) who is fast becoming one of those rare birds that you meet, connect, and then feel as though you’ve known each other forever. Her name is Leanna and not only is she lovely and amazing BUT she lives literally next door AND we are starting our very own book club together.

Bonus, as I like to say.

Anyway, Leanna and her husband have a beautiful little girl whom they have named Ulla (pronounced: “ooooola”).  If her looks don’t nab you right off the bat (and they surely will), then her hil-ar-ious personality sure will.

What a treat that Leanna picked me to photograph her baby girl (because I know they were considering some of the bigger cheeses to do the honors…yet they decided on me!) – and what a lot of fun it was.  Between fits of giggles and calming down strangers who were wondering why there was a little girl prancing around BDI in her ballet flats and a onesy, the afternoon flew by.

Here are just a few of my favs.

Sucking on heart shaped candies.  Good times.

This was Ulla’s first ever lolly.

It was the end of the day and she was fed up with walking back to the car, so she decided to plunk herself down on the sidewalk and lick her lollipop instead.  Gold.

Ewert Family

Here is just a taste of the gorgeous shots we got the other day…thank you to all 4 of you (Greg, was it THAT bad getting your photo taken?) for an incredibly fun day – despite getting my new Holt’s t-shirt completely soaked when I thought that laying down in the path of the sprinkler couldn’t be that wet…

Girl Time

I don’t have the words yet to describe this visit, but i *do* have the images to share with you.  I think they just might speak louder than any words I could come up with.

Thank you Verena, for sharing yourself and your little one with me for a brief time.

Click here for two tear-jerker slideshows:

Good times at the farm

Us girls chill-axing at Maple Grove Tea Room

Soul Feeding Flin Flon

Here’s a taste of paradise (with more to come)

I can’t even begin to explain what being out in the remote area of Northern Manitoba did for me and my outlook on life.  Tucked away in the woods about a 1/2 hour from town, the lovely little Rachul family has made their home.  I can say with all honesty that I have yet to come across a more serene, inspiring, thought provoking and ideal home schooling place, to raise a family.

Thank you for opening your home – Bonnah, Derrick, Finn and Bo – to your friends.  What a treat in an otherwise slightly drab summer (weather wise anyway).

Happy Birthday Gus!

Gus, Homes, G, G-Man,  I can not believe you are now 1.  Parents always say that when it comes to their kids, time just flies by…but is that the same for aunts and uncles?  Likely I am slightly biased, but I think you are just about the most precious, interesting, quirky, lovable little 1 year old boy I know (that may be because I don’t know any other 1 year old boys…BUT, if I did, I am pretty sure you’d still be my #1).

(An aside note not to be missed: I have two very precious, interesting, quirky, lovable boys in my life.  One is Gus and the other is Zac.  Zac is 2 – Zac if you are reading this (because we all know that you are WAY beyond your years in terms of smarts) then know this: you are my #1 two year old!)

Thanks to your mom for baking you a single, tiny little birthday cake that she painstakingly, with all the love and artistic ability that she could muster up (and I have to say, she did an outstanding job – Kris, for real, you should go into business decorating cakes), wrote across the top: “I LOVE AUNTIE P”.

I couldn’t have been more proud.

Here is you enjoying being 1 and enjoying a freedom from table manners that you will only experience once a year – so it’s good you made the most of it.