A WOW! Kind of Day

What a weekend! I can't believe that round two of my photography project has come and gone. It started Friday night with a quick set up and a testing of the lights, and then began Saturday at 8:00am. 15 minute intervals were booked for people, but sometimes people took less time. Jake the horse made an appearance, as did Hedgy, the hedge hog. We also had cats and dogs, trumpets, fresh eggs and snuff. It was an everything goes kind of day.

I'm thankful for parents that sat and helped me all day. My dad was on the computer and my mom was having people fill out model releases. I couldn't have done it without them!

Now comes the task of putting it all together, fixing all the necessary images and arranging to have it all up for a gallery in the early part of September. I'd say tentatively mark your calenders for September 12! Until then, I will slowly leak a few photo's and ask for some honest feedback.

P.S. The scones were a hit - Recipe to come!

The Faces of High River 2

Here we go again High River (and all those who are willing to driving to High River to have your picture taken).

Last year, around this time, I set up a photography studio and for 8 hours took photos of anyone in High River that was willing to stop by, spend 15 minutes and sit in front of a camera. I must admit, that my modest goal of 25 people was surpassed and the turn out was amazing. End of day, 33 people have sat on the stool, 1500+ pictures were taken and 7.35 GB of digital memory were used. Elated doesn't begin to describe my feelings! 

So, a year later, we are doing it again. This time, with a twist. It was suggested by the wonderfully talented Annie that I should use the idea of "2" as a means to a) change things up a bit, and b) add some flavour. So here it is: In order for you to get your photo taken, you must either bring another person (2), an object that you connect with (2) or an outfit or uniform that is you (2). Can you see a pattern? The theme of 2.

I got wind of a slightly insane rumor, but it was proved true last Saturday. I was informed that there was a gentleman who wanted to have his picture taken with his horse. I laughed - how was a horse going to fit into the art gallery where I will be taking photo's? But, no word of a lie, I met the man himself (and I will meet the horse, Jake, next Saturday). If that doesn't set the tone for a great day, I'm not too sure what will?

So, even if you aren't from High River, but want to have a great afternoon drive, some homemade baked goods (I'm trying my hand a croissants, scones and muffins), and your face forever part of The Faces of High River 2, stop by. I'd love to see you.

Have a great Easter. I'm looking forward to drowning in a sea of Cadbury Mini Eggs!

The Motivation of Butter

Yesterday was a bad day. To be more exact it was painful. When the clock stuck 11, I was sure it was close to 4:30, and as the hours tolled away, the pain increased with each passing moment.

10:30 - Hired a new CFO to come dig our company out of 3 weeks worth of paperwork

11:30 - Fire the only man left in the company

11:45 - CEO vows to take legal action against man just fired.

12 - 3:30 - invoicing and shuffling of human hours to make estimates look proper and to keep the bosses wife off my back.

3:30 - Bosses wife emails with a statement that wasn't intended to "point the finger" but when your name is in the "to:" box, it's not hard to see where the finger is pointing.

To put it bluntly, after about 10am, I was ready to start drinking, heavily. The situation was such, that drinking sounded like the only possibly option.

When I got home, I was torn between sitting on the couch, potato chips in hand, feeling sorry for myself or going to stuff my bad day into some retail therapy. Retail therapy won, and I donned my coat on and headed to Costco.

Now Costco is a large place, filled to the brim with clothes, electronics, and other shiny things. I made a quick visit to the book section, took a peruse through the sporting goods, meandered through the women's clothing, but none of these items rested in my cart. Upon final check out, I left with 3 pounds of unsalted butter, Olive Oil, 3 types of cheese, a litre of cream and chips (the healthy kind). These items became my motivation for getting through the week. Having the ingredients on hand to make whatever my heart desired was enough to keep me smiling at work, happy with myself and motivated to keep pressing forward.

Often times, we don't reward ourselves for a job well done or an achievement made. I believe this is a crime - in its worst form. At the end of the day, we have the biggest let down of all - We've let ourselves done. Celebrations should be required every time I push myself to do something, and achieve that something. I think I'm going to institute a new rule: I reward myself every time I achieve something I've set out to achieve. Yesterday, it was merely getting through my day. I did. I wasn't particularly happy yesterday at 4:32pm, when I finally pushed open the doors and inhaled fresh air, but I made it. Time for a reward. Butter to some might seem like a waste of time and money. For me, it was the ultimate incentive.

So, maybe instead of beating ourselves up for everything little thing we do wrong, we should celebrate everything little thing we did right. Wouldn't we be a whole lot further ahead? I'm bound to have more bad work days, but I know that the power of butter will keep me motivated to keep smiling when I am right in the thick of it.