Welcome to Birthday Month

Because what’s better than a month celebrating how far we’ve come?

November is nearly here and with it some of my favourite things. I’ve been doing a lot of reading {and listening to podcasts and audio books} and I’m feeling inspired as I head into 53.

Reading

52 was the year of reading again. I actively sought out books that were outside of my usual comfort-read. I listened to and read quite a few. I enjoyed Joan Didion, Patti Smith, Tyler Merritt, and Maggie Smith to name a few. I bought some gorgeous books about photography and creating home. I listed to classic children’s books like Anne of Green Gables and The Velveteen Rabbit. There were autobiographies by Sally Mann, Brandi Carlisle, and Prince Harry. And then there was The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Yes, I’m a bit late to the party but it really is living up to the hype. I bought the actual book as I wanted to be able to highlight it but then decided to ALSO get the audiobook as Rick narrates it and it’s the sort of book that the more you listen to it or read it, the more you learn. I feel like I’m getting twice the benefit this way. If you are a creative {and if you are breathing, you are a creative so let that be your bar…} this book will help you see the world differently. You will grow, your mind will expand, and you just may return to the sense of wonder that you had as a child, if you let yourself.

Writing

I love writing. I’ve always enjoyed it, as it seems like a suitable companion to photography. Plus, I always have so many thoughts going round in my mind that it seems a good way to get them out. Last November I decided to take part in NaNoWriMo- National Novel Writing Month. It‘s a month-long event that gives writers a chance to be a part of a large group setting goals and cheering each other on. This will be my second year and I will be adding on to what I began last year. The official goal is to write a novel with 50,000 words. Ambitious and definitely not in my game plan. However, I love the act of writing each day of the month and seeing what I can accomplish. Check out their website and if you decide to try it for yourself let me know. I’d love to find an accountability partner.

Capturing

I’ve spent quite a lot of time with my camera these past few months. I’ve made photos of artists and their work, couples, & seniors- including my own. {grade 12s for non-americans} I’ve also worked on some personal projects that I have had a lot of fun with. Thanks to inspiring books, podcasts and being more intentional about taking in art that inspires my own work I’ve stepped outside of my comfortable creative zone to capture things that have long resided inside my head, wanting to get out. I’m now in seach of those books and podcasts designed to help me FINISH said projects. I am such a great starter but am not quite sure how to pull all the work together and find a way to present it in a way that feels true to what I want it to be. Maybe 53 will be the year that skill finds its way into my toolbox.

I’m also shooting film and have loved being transported back to the first half of my life when that was the only option we had. I’ve pulled out old cameras, purchased one or two new/old beauties, and a few weeks ago was lent one of my darling Grampy’s camera’s. It’s the camera that he used to capture my dad and his sisters during their childhood. I’ve shot a roll and am really looking forward to seeing how it turns out. To think that he carried that camera with him everywhere and made photos of the people he loved makes the experience of using it precious to me. As many of you know he is the reason I began taking photos and it’s one of the many things that connected us. I wish he were here to ask the many questions I have for him.

I’m guessing it’s the camera he used to take this image of Grammy and I.

The Goods

I don’t know about you but I’m finding the world feels so heavy right now. And much of that heaviness is out of my control. In this season I’m learning that I need to focus on staying current with what's happening but also to let myself look for goodness and beauty at the same time. It’s difficult to hold both but I believe it’s imperative for our mental health to find balance in our day-to-day life when we can.

These are a few of the things that have brought me joy lately.

We finally got our building permits for our new island home! Now we can begin focusing on lining things up to start the build this coming spring. I loved what this couple created in their own build.

My FAVOURITE annual holiday fair is coming to Seattle in December and I think I will actually be in town for it. Renegade Craft Fair was something my eldest and I did every year when I lived in the states. Do you live in a city that hosts Renegade?

I LOVE soup season. This recipe by Ina Garten looks fabulous and will be added to our lunch menu regularly.

There are so many Instagram accounts that I find inspiration but there are a few that really capture what I want life to “feel” like moving forward. Do you follow Hilde Mork? I could get lost for days in her work.

Wishing you a wonderful November loves. Be well~

x