Day 332 - Apple Blossoms!

I was heading out, and noticed these apple blossoms on the side of the road... I love apple blossoms and cherry blossoms.  They are so delicate and so breathtaking!

Yes, I know it is tilted, I like that about it.

Day 331 - Happy Mother's Day

A tribute to all the moms out there... thank you for all your love and support even when we don't make the best decisions. We can never repay your for all that you sacrifice for us.... even if we don't say it (which we should) we love you and appreciate you for everything you are.

Day 281 - "Hazy" Happy Heart

I've been wanting to try a technique I saw online with a plastic bag around the lens to create a hazy light leak effect.  I didn't have anyone to be my model, so I had to find something else to photograph. I found these heart paintings on the fence at the local school. This didn't again work the way I wanted, so, I'll have to try again... and maybe with a human subject and with a plastic bag as opposed to coloured cellophane.

Day 264 - Dreaming of adventures

Getting ready for the day, and my eyes keep drifting to this... my passport.  Needless to say, my mind is a million miles away. Not to say, I'm not happy where I am, because I am, but I really believe we all need a little adventure in our lives.

Day 257 - Abandoned

I played around with this shot quite a bit.  This was a random instrument, I can't remember what it was exactly, that looked like it was in desperate need of some TLC.  The photo is unfocused, and although I didn't like it at first, now I love that is is soft. This all just lends to the story of the unloved instrument cast aside because it is past it's prime.

Day 247 - Roses!

Say what you will about Valentine's Day, I LOVE the fact that there are beautiful flowers everywhere!  And, not to speak of how amazing the grocery stores smell! I have to admit, I have an issue with the floral industry, so, I would encourage you to buy potted plants!

Day 220 - Happiness of being with those you love

Taken at a friend's brother's wedding.  I love these girls!  They have been the best of friends for ages, and whenever they are together, you can feel there is something special about their friendship.  I was mourning the fact that I would soon have to return my brother's camera to him, and so they humoured me with taking photos... or allowing me to capture some images at the wedding.

Doesn't this just scream happiness to you?

Day 200 - One of my favourite places in Morocco!

As 2013 comes to an end, I'm a bit reflective. It's been an incredible year, with lots of happy news for my family and friends - numerous weddings and births, celebrating 10 years of MuslimFest, new jobs and new cars, and great adventures in distant lands. Don't get me wrong, there have also been many moments of less than happy experiences that have offered opportunity for reflection and/or development. It's been a busy year and for all of it, I'm thankful!

So, today's picture is a tribute to the one thing that will forever mark this year for me -- my trip to Morocco.  I learned so much about myself and the world around me on this trip.  I made some life long friends (insha'Allah/ God-willing).  I experienced a whole different life.  The funny thing is, of all the fascinating and wonderful places I saw/visited, this was one of my favourite places.  Some of you viewing this might recognize it, because it is part of your home.

Why, you might ask, was this particular place my favourite? This rooftop was my sanctuary, a place to get away and reflect, especially since anywhere I went I had to take someone with me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the company, but sometimes you just need some solitude.  So, this is to where I would steal away when I needed those moments to myself (like at a very loud wedding party), or just wanted to reflect and write. No one ever figured it out, and I'm glad; this place was mine.

Day 192 - Serenity!

I don't know what it is about this shot, I just love it!

Day 189 - Sledding with the family

So, we had our first major snow storm of the season!  Unlike most people, I love snow, so needless to say, I was excited! (What's not to love about snow??) So, I went out that night when it was coming down, and then again the next day to enjoy the serenity that takes hold after a snow fall.  I also took pictures...the world looks so different enveloped by a fresh blanket of snow.  

This is a picture of a family taking the time to enjoy the fresh snow.  The parents were having as much fun as the kids sledding.  Such love!

I played around with this one in Photoshop.  I didn't like it in colour, and tried black and white and it just didn't feel right. This semi sepia won me over. Now if only the tree was not in the way.

Day 187 - Enough already! (Photographing babies)

I was hanging out with a friend and her baby the other night, and as per my usual, I was taking pictures of them.  My friend welcomes it, since she doesn't really have any pictures with her little angel!  Every time I found a place that had either good lighting or a nice background we would stop to take pictures.  The thing with photographing children you just have no idea what they will do... They definitely keep you entertained!

This picture was the last one I took of the night.  I think little one had enough of the camera being in her face!