Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

 

 

What was it that made us joyful and content when we were children and what gave us the feeling deep inside time did not exist?  I have been thinking a lot about this lately purging myself of old unused and outdated items i’ve collected over the years.  So why am i tossing out so much stuff?  There are many reasons why, one is simplifying my living space and practicing letting go of material possessions that no longer hold any meaning.   For myself,  the process of elimination seems to open a door to new ways of seeing and being.

So back to the question, what was it that brought meaning and joy to my life as a child?  Many things come to mind, the art of creating something from nothing is one, and connecting with nature.   Photography was another passion and joy of mine, and still is.  I remember spending many hours as a child going through boxes of black and white photos dreaming up stories and feeling the energy of people i knew and didn’t know.  I loved making pictures with my simple little red camera, even if i didn’t have a clue what it meant to follow the rules of composition.   So, in my purging process, i have decided to still keep photography in my life but only for the joy of it.   As for the marketing, promoting, exhibiting and  financial investment, i have decided i cannot continue on that path. That part i am letting go of since there is no joy in going broke and being burnt out.    That being said i will still exhibit and sell my work online and from my studio only on a much smaller scale.   Next spring i will be selling MANY unframed and framed prints at a discount so please send me a private email if you are interested in anything.  If there’s an interest in purchasing several prints i am willing to set up a payment plan i know you’ll be happy with.   I still have copies of the book  ”Wings to Fly” and will sell at $10.00 a copy.  These books would make great fund raisers for any event, spas or a b&b.  If anyone is wanting  a box ( 42 in a box ) i am willing to sell at a reasonable price.

I have much more to write about regarding purging and childhood passions but enough said for today.  The process is about my shift into a new direction, in time i will continue to update my blog to let everyone know what is happening.  For now, time to relax a little and enjoy the toasty fire i have on with a cuppa herbal tea while listening to beautiful sounds of Kevin Wood.     Kevin Wood ~ Peace Within

So what was it that made your heart sing as a child?

Until next time Love and Light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quotes i used with permission from Oriah Mountain Dreamer.  The images i selected are strands of colour dancing to a gentle breeze in PEI.

Please feel free to pass them on.  With deepest blessings.

 

 

 

 

I can’t believe the 3 months i spent living in Peru has come to an end.  i arrived home last friday exactly one week ago and i am slowly adjusting to being home again.  I’m sorting and editing through some of my images i took while i was in Peru and reflecting on the last few weeks of my time there.  I’ll be writing a lot more in the weeks to come about my experience along with adding fresh images,  for now it’s important to share a few words about someone i recently met during the last two weeks in Peru.

Near the end of my time in Peru, i had the opportunity to meet Sonia Newhouse, owner of Cafe Living Heart, while i was staying in Ollantaytambo.  Ollantaytambo is in the Sacred Valley where one can visit the Inca Terraces and get the train to Machu Picchu.  It’s a friendly little town and with plenty to see all within walking distance. We stayed in Ollantaytambo for a couple of days and ate at  Cafe Living Heart frequently during our stay.  Not only was the food delicious and nutritious but Sonia Newhouse, founder and president of Living Heart Peru personally greeted us and thanked us for our support.  Sonia is such an inspiration and truly passionate about Living Heart, www.livingheartperu.org.  Eating at this wonderful uplifting cafe while we were there  was such a joy knowing we were supporting such a worthy cause.  The Cafe also has items for sale made by local families and they give 100% of the proceeds back to them.   Donations can also be made online.  Please visit the website to read more about Living Heart Peru.  If you are planning a trip to the Sacred Valley, i hope you’ll pop in and order a good feed of pancakes, honestly they are to die for.  Pictures below of Sonia and the cafe.

 

 

 

Yesterday i had the opportunity to photograph handicraft products for an organization called, Mantay, a loving and secure place that helps educate, train young adolescent mothers.  The products that the young mothers make are amazing, and proceeds from the sales will help the organization and the young mothers to raise their children in a comfortable secure environment. I’m so blessed to have helped in some small way.  Tomorrow i will be photographing the young teenage mothers with their children.   I encourage you to read the story of one Mantay mother Esperanza, ( Hope )  here. http://www.mantay.org/english/corazon

 

If anyone is interested in purchasing anything please let me know, i can possibly bring back some items with me.  ( Only in Nova Scotia )    Mantay is in the process of updating their site and will include product list and prices soon for anyone wishing to order directly from them.

Here is a sample of what the young mothers make.  Small, medium change purses, pencil cases, mouse pads, key chains, luggage bag identification tags, larger ladies handbags, and make up bags.  All handicrafts are made of  leather, suede and fabric.  These are all very high quality items and prices range from about $5.  to $40.

 

 

Yeah it was rough but hell i got a taste of what it’s like to be a Peruvian farmer and i gotta say it’s not my cup of tea.  Walking an hour up a mountain to get to a farm is one thing, hauling crops back is a lot harder to manage.  Peruvians are strong earthy people and hard workers.  I would find it difficult to even consider bartering at farmers markets knowing the hard work involved.

Paruro is about a 2 hour drive from Cusco and where our tour guide Alain’s parents have their farm.  He is hoping to buy  the farm for his parents this year.   There was seven of us, we ate together, slept in one room together, and learned about Peruvian ways of farming.   We made a traditional drink called Ajha ( corn beer ) and made homemade bread from scratch, and i do mean from scratch.  Besides learning about all the medicinal plants on our walk up the mountain, the scene once we reached the  top was breathtaking.  Farm stay weekend was an eye opening experience and certainly one i’ll never forget.

 

 

 

 

I just had a late lunch at The Blue Alpaca located on Choquechaca Street No 278 around the corner from SAE in Cusco, Peru in the San Blas area.  Carmen, the owner and her son Chef Danny did a wonderful vegetarian dish called Papa a la huancaina, ( potatoes in spicy sauce ) to die for and tangy peppery Celery Sopa ( raw food ) garnished with avocado and sprinkle of cheese.

The atmosphere at Blue Alpaca is uplifting, clean and friendly.  If you are ever in the Cusco area be sure to look this place up.  Carmen, the owner is very social and speaks good english.  The menu has a great selection of food from traditional Peruvian dishes, Italian and Mexican meat dishes with a lot of fancy juices, cocktails, hot and cold beverages, appetizers and sandwiches.  Not a meat eater… no problem, Carmen and her son, Chef Danny will fix up a delicious vegetarian dish just for you.  Carmen will be changing her menu and will soon be adding new dishes.

Food was so good i was tempted to lick my plate after.  I give it a 5 star.

Hasta luego..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I was invited to join Jhoana and family for a meal and the day together in her town Anta. Jhoana’s mother Isabel prepared a delicious meal of finely chopped fresh fish done in lemon juice with slivered onions on a leaf of lettuce.  Sliced sweet potatoes on lay on the side and rice with vegetables shaped into a perfect mound. Even though i am transitioning to a vegan lifestyle i was not about to be picky or say no but this time i wanted to simply enjoy this wonderful dish that Isabel prepared with love.

Before the meal, Jhoana, her brother Jhunior and i spent time walking through corn fields and rail tracks translating english and spanish words and showing what plants were used for teas to cure colds and flu.  After our walk Jhoana, her sister Iris, mother Isabel and i walked to the market for fresh vegetables and took a three wheel motor taxi back home.   When we returned home i was gestured to sit and have coca tea,  first i tried chewing on a coca leaf, i must admit tea is better.  While sipping my coca tea, I helped little Iris peel the husks from the corn and learned nothing goes to waste.  We tore husks into small pieces and fed them to the guinea pigs the family raises. Iris took the silk part from the cobs into the house to use for tea.

Yesterday was special, from start to end we each shared goodness and joy with one another…isn’t that what being human is all about.  And little Iris certainly made my heart smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really wanted Maca and got something different, whatever it was it’s tasty.  NO NOT THE PIG.  All fruit supper tonight with a slab of avocado on bread.  Taxi cost 3 soles to the market and back, way less than my tiny little bag of dried fruit which cost 10 soles.  Can’t wait for those spanish lessons next week, one lesson will be at the market.

After today maybe i’ll have another vivid dream.

Slowly finding my way around Cusco by map, also the folks at South American Explorers Clubhouse have been very helpful.  Found the ScotiaBank and exchanged some currency showing only my South American Explorers membership card.

Lots of hills and cobblestone streets around here and dog poop everywhere.  Haven’t seen one cat since i’ve been here but the streets are full of dogs running loose.

I’ve decided to take a few private spanish lessons next week, it’s hell trying to read a simple menu and ask questions.

For now.. adios

Arrived in Cusco yesterday afternoon and altitude sickness hit the moment i stepped of the plane.  It felt like i was walking in slow motion for most of the day.  Symptoms were harsh, shortness of breath, slightly blurred vision, weakness, head felt like it would burst. Kept waking up through the night from breathing difficulties. The walking around after arrival may not have been the best thing to do, however i did make some new friends.  I drank loads of coca tea after i returned to Tika Wasi, a bowl of quinoa vegetable soup in the evening and stayed in my room. This morning symptoms subsided, still a slight headache.  I think i might be ready for a walk around the area later.   I check in to South American Explorers today.  Cheers for now..