One summer, long time ago, I grew this sunflower. By grew, I mean I planted the seeds, watered and weeded, but mostly just watched as the flower grew and grew. It grew taller than the eavestrough of the house I was living at the time. I did not measure it, but it was huge compared to my 5’3″ self at the time. My camera helped me to see it a bit more closely without knocking it down. My camera has done that many time over the years – helped me to see the world a little differently, helped me to get some perspective, helped me to stop and have a look, and has helped me to see the beauty in every day.

Friends have often suggested that I could mix my poetry and photography (even the paintings) and they are not wrong, but I hesitate to do that because some photos anyway are poetry on their own. How better can I express the meaning of turning myself to the light than to share this photograph? The moment captured in the brilliant yellow petals and soft brown face of the sunflower? I am not sure that I could. So, I will just share this pretty, gentle giant instead.

~ Leigh-Anne

July 2014

Waking Up

I promise I did not wake up this eagle owl, but I was happy for the moment when he opened one eye to check out what the ruckus was about.

It is no secret, I love to wander, especially in the woods. It is even better when I can wander with someone else. Over Easter weekend, I headed out with the kids to Springwater Conservation area to enjoy the warm sunny weather. Being in the woods, even if I only have my phone camera with me and not my Canon, even if I have nothing but myself.. makes me feel better. No matter how challenging life can get, all I need to do is spend some time among the trees.

I discovered a monarch butterfly visiting the front garden of my building. It is the first one I have seen all summer and the first at the bush in the garden. I hope it sticks around for awhile before it starts to get colder.

Back in 2006 I did a series of photos under the title of “expression”. I found some of the images tonight, and this collage as well. Thought I would share.

A friend llama at the Carp Fair in Carp, ON 2008.. I just love the sweet fluffy face!

I was poking around some old photo files and came across this photo of my children at the beach in Port Stanley. I probably took it seven or eight years ago. It is hard to believe so much time has passed. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was sitting in the sand watching them play. Now, both kids have grown up. This fall both will be off to university. I blinked and they became adults. Appreciate every moment that you have with your children. The time you spend together is more precious than having things. We will have many memories together as adults of course, but this time, it will never been the same and there is no going back.

It occurred to me today that I am a little bit obsessed with photographing butterflies, and that it might be a nice idea to put a small gallery together with some of my favorites. As I find more going through my files, I will add to this gallery. For now, here is a little taste of my passion for them.

Leigh-Anne

The rain held off while we took photos in Pinafore Park (thank goodness). Sammy was beautiful in her pale yellow gown. She had fun posing with her friends, and enjoyed a great evening at Senior Prom.

Day 5 “Once in a while you have to take a break and visit yourself.”

Today is the last day of the Black & White challenge. This last photograph I have decided to share is one I took while walking on Rissers beach in Nova Scotia in 2008. It was the most unique snail trail I have ever discovered, and the best thing I could do was to leave it undisturbed. Now I am taking some time off to write a new novel in the month of November

Day 4 “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

This photo is a few years old. My youngest has grown up now and by this time next fall will be in the midst of her first year of university. I love being a mom. My two children have taught me so much over the years. Being a single mother has not been easy, but learning early on that the three of us were a team helped us a lot. Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned with them is that there is always time for laughter, no matter how dark it gets outside.

LA