I’m pleased to be back in the 10/10 circle this month.  After a crazy few weeks of packing, finishing school and work, selling our home, looking for a new home, driving our family of 6 for 14 hours, 1200 kms in 2 cars packed to the roof, we made it!! 

Let the adventure begin! 

Our first few days involved unpacking and making our new house homely and venturing out around our new suburb and surrounds, discovering more and more beautiful places each day. On our first weekend here, we celebrated the big move with our beautiful friends who had been on holidays here for a week.  With a long happy sigh, as we strolled around the local lake and toasted over a delicious meal at the bistro, I knew we had made the right decision.  

And so my collection of photos for this month are a handful of ‘moments’ captured with my phone during these first days in our new digs, Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.  I hope you enjoy them.

Once you've checked out the photos, please visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, and see what the gorgeous Cathy from Peregrination Gourmande has in store for you. Then follow the rest of the links right back to the start.  Have fun.

*10/10 Circle is a monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day/month.

The path to a beautiful little oasis just to the side of the oval across the street. These little hidden treasures are everywhere.

The fam-bam taken by my bestie Jela.

This is us rocking the selfie.

My big girl with her pal, Jela's cool little dude. Don't you just want to squeeze him - he's so cute!

My big boy is one of those people who needs time alone to digest and take it all in. So far he's feeling pretty good about the change.

This week we took to the scooters! My husband had bought us 'grownup' scooters a few months ago and we finally unboxed them. What a hoot!!

Father and daughter... dad with new clean shaved look. He took the sea change quite seriously even shedding the goatie for the occasion.

Another hidden treasure discovery. We couldn't believe our eyes. So beautiful and just a 'scooter' away from our front door.

Sorry, I had to share another one. I'll be heading out with my good camera very soon!!

The big boy looking pretty pleased with himself on this evening's explore of Tallebudgera Creek and Burleigh Beach.

I enjoyed a moment of reflection this evening here in Tallebudgera. I attended camp in this very spot when I lived in Brisbane as a kid. Note my youngest photo bomber tail up - she loves the sand!

Put your arms around each other, I asked. They complied. I love these little people.

No words required.

Yep, I've exceeded the '10' photos quota... couldn't help it.  I hope you enjoyed them.  Stay tuned for more on the blog and of course, more on next month's 10/10.  Now please enjoy Cathy's  photos and keep on scrolling...  xo

The truth is, I've been on a bit of a break. A photography hiatus of sorts. Searching for change. Pausing to look around and think about what matters. At the end of 2015 I found myself drowning in responsibility, overwhelmed by all the things I needed to achieve, getting the kids through school, working, running my part-time photography business, keeping the house in some sort of livable condition, and so it went... My adulting skills had reached their limit and I had no idea how to handle things. Unfortunately I found myself too tired to even want to pick up my camera. So I didn't. I did what needed to be done... I started to say no and trim out all the things that were hanging around my neck, holding me down.

Well I can now happily report that part of this break involved some serious thought and discussion with my husband and family about the future. We spoke about it at length and decided it was time to take the plunge and follow our dream. So we're doing just what the Dr ordered, pretty much, and being now a good 3 years and 8 months into my remission, there's no more excuses. Life is there to be lived and there's no point being too scared to make changes and take on new challenges. Time doesn't wait. It's time to take courage and offer our children a new relaxed lifestyle, in a warmer climate - to make new friends, experience new things and of course, do the sorts of things we did as kids like outside adventures, climbing trees, riding bikes... away from ipads, x-box and TV. For my husband and I it's a new opportunity to remove some of the work pressures, simplify our world and enjoy life with our family.

So as part of our preparation we took the second holiday to Queensland in 6 months to do our research, choose our new stomping ground and plan for the future. Of course, I made peace with my camera and enjoyed some fun behind the lens and now I'm back for this month's 10 on 10 circle to share some of my recent snaps from the north.  Gold Coast here we come!

Once you've checked out the photos, please visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, and see what treats Jo from You had us at hello has in store for you. Then follow the rest of the links right back to the start.  Have fun.

*10/10 Circle is a monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

It's funny how you can live in a place for decades and never really see all that it has to offer.  I recently decided to set aside some time for myself to drive around my home town and visit some places I've never been... 

This month's 10/10 circle is a little scrapbook of images from this adventure. I'm not sure where I've been during the last few years {maybe driving children to and from school, birthday parties and their various sporting activities} but I sure missed some of the cool metro places that have sprung up around town.  There's so much happening in this city and it has really blossomed. Meanwhile, I've been in the burbs, experiencing these things through other people's posts on Facebook and Instagram! So I packed my camera bag and tottled off to see what the fuss was about...

First stop was Westside Acton Park, a fun foodie's delight built from shipping containers. My coffee from Damn Fine Roasters while I looked around more than lived up to it's name - damn fine! I made a note to myself to return on a weekend when the place is packed with people; to check out the foods on offer and browse through the market stalls. 

Next stop was Nishi on New Acton. As it's web site describes:

"Nishi is Australia’s most radically sustainable mixed-use building and apartment complex and represents the third and final stage of the NewActon precinct and responds to our more communal, more cosmopolitan and more world-wise ways of being. Nishi is the new beacon for more responsible, sustainable living in Canberra because it brings together the notions of community and environmental positivism in the one place".

Nishi reminded me a lot of the Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, where symmetry and straight lines are a rarity.  Nishi is many things: hotel, retail, office, apartments and a general meeting space where people can enjoy the full visual experience - from it's interesting external facade to the internal architecture and decor - a wonderful mix of old and new.  Oh, and a pitt stop at Max Brenner for some chocolate delight was a must.

My last stop was Lonsdale Street, Braddon. A place that has seen an amazing transformation in recent years. The place you don't just want to hang out in, enjoy a drink and meal with friends, or shop to your heart's content - you'd wish you could live there! 

Once I was done with my Nikon, I gave my phone camera a bit of a work out in some of the local stores - Christmas gift research! (I love how we can shop and consult by text these days). I've shared some of of the pretty things I saw along the way.

I hope you enjoy my collection this month. As usual, I'm terrible at deciding on which images to discard and which ones to keep, so I've exceeded my quota of 10.  I hope they make you want to visit.

Once you've checked out the photos, please visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, and check out what treats Shannon from my 2 morrows has in store for you. Then follow the rest of the links right back to the start.  Have fun.

*10/10 Circle is a monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

 

This month's 10/10 circle blog post was going to be a collection of photos from our recent QLD road trip. It was our first big family holiday and we had the time of our lives! But being such special memories I thought I might keep them just for us and so I decided instead to print a special photo book of all our memories from the trip. This left me a bit stuck for ideas for this month's selection of 10... until today's little visit to the local Tulip farm (Tulip Tops, just North of Canberra). It's a gorgeous place which I like to visit each year. The photos are taken using a new toy, my every day fun times camera, the Olympus om-d e-m5 mark ii. Our visit was in the middle of the day which is not the best time for photos and I spent some time chasing the kids around. So rather than aim for perfection, these are a bit of a series of quick snaps which I hope, capture the day well. 

Once you've checked out the photos, remember to visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, the lovely Jo from You had us at hello.  Then follow the rest of the links right back to me. I promise you will enjoy the ride. You might like to take a peek at some of their blog pages while you're there.  Have fun.

*10/10 Circle is a monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

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We can achieve anything when we set our minds to it.

A year ago I decided to try something new. I had been following Chantelle Ellem of Fat Mum Slim (FMS) on her blog and various activities in Facebook and her website and was inspired to join the world famous FMS Photo A Day (PAD) challenge. So I took my first photo on 1 September and from that moment, day after day, I excitedly put my mind to work on a photo to represent each word prompt of the day. A little challenge which made me pause from the daily routine and activity and look up at the view around me.

Since then, I proceeded from one month to another, posting up the daily photos on Instagram and the Facebook PAD group. This opened up a beautiful world of new friends with a common purpose from all corners of the world.

At the same time I had signed up to a course run by Chantelle and her pal and talented photographer Rowe Timson: the Clever Cookie School of Blog. I made another amazing group of friends with a common interest – blogging about life (food, family, health and fitness, travel etc) – as well as a shared love of photography. On completion of the course Rowe suggested we might want to set up a 10/10 monthly photography circle, blogging on the 10th of each month, 10 photos of our choice from a snapshot of our lives, adventure or experience during that month. Visit the Diana Photography blog each month to join the circle and view the various monthly posts from each group member. Not being the most prolific blogger, and more focused on the photography side of things, this suited me very well as it ensured that I would put some effort into at least 1 post per month! oops :)

So back to PAD, I continued each day, come hail rain or shine, sick, at work, on holidays or whatever my circumstance may be - posting my photo of the day, browsing and commenting on other’s contributions, sharing compliments and encouragement to budding photography buffs.

I had come so far and seeing that others reached their milestones, I made a pact with myself to continue taking photos each day for 1 year. Now that this new world has been a part of my life for 1 year, I couldn’t possibly stop. It’s too much fun!  But today, I celebrate that I managed to stick with it for 365 days!  I highly encourage anyone who has a phone and loves to take a snap – go on, join in the fun! It’s addictive.

  Snap!  To find out more about Photo a Day and join in the fun, visit the Fat Mum Slim web site. I'd also love to see you on Instagram: follow me @dianaphotographyaustralia and I'll follow you back :) 

Sometimes the best laid plans don't work out, but eventually, things turn out just perfectly! We had planned our first family trip to the snow a few weeks back during school holidays and with all our gear packed and ready we had to cancel as two of the kids had woken up ill. It wasn't surprising as Winter tends to throw these bugs on us when we least need it.

So this week we decided to have a day off school and work and headed for the mountains. It was just a day trip, but with 4 kids I had packed enough clothing and food for a week!

The photos were all taken with my Samsung Note 4 as I was not going to risk taking my good camera gear. Plus I was all ready for some serious snowball fights and tobogganing. So I hope you don't mind the quality isn't as good as I would have liked, but I think the photos tell the story.

I hope you like them. We had a ball. Perfect weather, though overcast, there was no wind and we were warm and dry. 

Once you've checked out the photos, remember to visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, the lovely Jen from Pierced Wonderings.  PS: Oops, I'm afraid that I've snuck in a few extra photos again this month.

Thanks for stopping by.

*10/10 Circle is a fun monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

The journey begins...

First signs of snow and there were cheers all around.

Feeling snow for the first time!  Snow angels!!!

Approval with 2 thumbs up!

Snow man competition! Boys against girls. This one was a Minion/Olaf combination made by the boys. Oh, and a sad face after a brief upset and creative differences during construction.

Getting some kisses from the girls.

Some snowman stomping and we're ready for the SNOWBALL FIGHT!

And the toboggan fun began! I managed to catch all five of my people in the shot. So much fun.

Her face says it all.

First time on his own and the eyes were tightly shut.

Time to head home. Obligatory mirror selfie. Looking out at the beautiful lush snow.

We enjoyed the breathtaking views on the way home.

Good bye Snowys, we'll be back soon.

Today I took the kids on the best adventure I could give them on these school holidays. A ride on the 'Bungendore Express', from Canberra to Bungendore, NSW.

Trains are a special part of our family history. My grandfather was a train driver for much of his adult life in Argentina, before he migrated to Australia. I grew up hearing many stories of his trips in the north of the country, the friends he made along the way and his love of the countryside. Right up until his last days, snippets of his life on the tracks would weave in and out of any conversation.

I told the kids a bit of their Great-Grandfather's story as we watched the hills roll by and enjoyed the scenery, feeling the rhythm of the train on the tracks beneath our feet. They asked me questions about Abuelo and what it was like for him to be driving the trains, day and night. Many questions I couldn't answer, so I 'locked them in my head' (as my younger son would say) for later, when I next catch up with mum. Hopefully, they took it all in and some of his history, some of his soul will live on with the next generations. 

Just quietly, in my heart I felt that he was with us on today's journey, enjoying the ride alongside us, smiling as we enjoyed one of his life's greatest passions. 

Please join the ride and check out the photos below, and remember to visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, from Shannon of My2morrows.  PS: Apologies, 10/10 is supposedly 10 photos, however as it's a bit of a family special, I just couldn't make up my mind which ones to include this time. oops! 

Thanks for stopping by.

*10/10 Circle is a fun monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

This month's 10/10 circle blog is another scrapbook entry of those special one-on-one moments with my children. Audrey is my eldest daughter. The second child of four, she sits firmly in the middle of her siblings and has a big role to play as big sister and pioneer - leading the way for the younger ones. This role is not without benefits! She's my willing partner in crime and adventure. Audrey is great company and I love that she enjoys these moments as much as I do, where we can talk and share our thoughts, dreams, memories and experiences.

On this occasion we headed for Poacher's Pantry, a beautiful country setting north west of Canberra, just a step away from home. I had a maternity family photo session with some friends organised for the following day and wanted to make sure I had all my bearings beforehand. The light at that time of day can be tricky as the Winter sun sits quite low. My aim was to get as close to the 'golden hour' as possible without freezing my subjects! (The temperature drops quickly in this region!)

Audrey got up close and personal with the local sheep (a highlight of her afternoon adventure) and we both enjoyed the fresh air. As we were leaving we stopped to watch a few paragliders sailing through the air off a nearby hill top.

The following day worked out perfectly - an afternoon well-spent with friends, documenting their special time as they await the birth of their newest member of the family in a relaxed setting. 

I hope you enjoy the photos below, my photo scouting adventures with Audrey. Please remember to visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, from Lauren of Life at Number Five.

Thanks for stopping by.

*10/10 Circle is a fun monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

I’ve been pretty quiet for the past few weeks. Somehow I seem to have lost my way. I've been tired, unmotivated and feeling generally grey (and not the 50 shades kind either!)

The camera and all the things that I love to do took a back seat in my life as I focused on the challenges of adulthood – work, the household, bills, routine… 

My 44^th birthday came and went. I busied myself with the kids and their school activities. Living life day by day but not really feeling my usual self.

Then it hit me. What was it that makes me truly appreciate life. First and foremost, having a second chance. Only 2 years ago I thought my 42^nd birthday could well have been my last.

Life has been pretty good, our little family growing and providing endless entertainment and joy. It was time to snap out the fog and remember what really matters.

Sometimes we find ourselves stepping on one of life’s roundabouts and without realising it, we take the wrong turn and lose our way. The trick is to stop and look around, see what we have, what really matters, what makes us happy, and get back on the right track.

This month’s 10/10 circle* is my way back. Today I took my baby girl Bronte out for an adventure. We headed to some local spots in search of the Autumn colours and somehow ended up at my favourite place – the National Arboretum in Canberra. I hope you enjoy the photos below, my pick from the day, and remember to visit the next 10/10 blog in the circle, from Jacinta of Amity Loves Pink.

Thanks for stopping by.

*10/10 Circle is a fun monthly photography project developed by Rowe Timson Photography, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day.

Which leads me to the 10/10 Circle, a concept developed by Rowe, bringing my Cookie friends and lovers of photography together to document and share a piece of our lives one day each month, from our corners of the world. On the 10th of each month we launch our collective blogs, sharing 10 of our favourite photographs from that day. This month I'm starting my 10/10 fun with a post about a date with one of my main men - my eldest son Felix. 

Being a mother of 4, it's not always easy to find special one-on-one time with my little people. They are now getting older and experiencing life away from the nest: school, friendships and the many lessons life has to offer. We have our own family traditions, such as sharing the best and least favourite things from our day during dinner, writing special notes to each other, continued cuddles and love - no matter how old we are.  We share a lot of our thoughts and experiences with each other as a family, but being mum, I want to be available for them, one-on-one, to hear their stories, help solve problems, share secrets...  So for the past year, we've been enjoying a new tradition - dates with mum.

Felix is a gorgeous 9 year old (soon to be 10, of course!) who is gentle, kind and patient with his younger siblings and never shies away from a cuddle. However, like most boys his age, he's no longer keen on posing for his trigger-happy mother to photograph - unless he's out with mum: no interruptions, ipad, games or his brother and sisters. So this month we went out on our 2nd ever photo date with mum. The best of both worlds. Lots of attention and special time to chat, laugh, play and, of course, some photo opportunities for me. (Sneaky!) We took to the streets for a 'kids in the city' session with Felix all dressed up in some new outfits and he showed off his cool dude moves for the camera. We then headed for the shops to choose a couple of his favourite books, browse through the electronic games store and sat down for a special brunch and grown-up chat about movies, friends, music and all things 'awesome' according to 9, sorry, almost 10 year olds!

My ten favourites from our photo date are posted below. I hope you'll find some of his gorgeous personality shining through. To see the other 10/10 blog entries this month, start with Jess from A little part of the world and follow the links from blog to blog to complete the circle. Enjoy the ride!  I'd also love to hear from you. Feel free to tell us about your special family traditions. What ways do you make special time with your children?  Comment below.

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise. (Victor Hugo)

I woke up this morning, smiled at the rising sun. (Bob Marley)

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

I asked followers of my Facebook page recently to share their New Year's resolutions as part of a little thank you competition and to open up discussion about what people thought were important things to change, focus or work on as we cross the symbolic line in the sand with the coming of a new year... closed chapters and new beginnings.

This fun exercise brought some great responses. Most interesting, and perhaps a little sad in my view, was the discovery of one recurring theme in the comments, something that as a mother I can also relate to. So, I'd like to share my thoughts with you and put a little challenge out there... I think we can turn things around! 

Check this!

Firstly, here's a little background to set the scene. Why 'live love life'? The theme behind all the quotes, feel good posts and observations I share through Facebook and the web site, about living the moment and appreciating the little things in our lives. As you may know, like most of my friends and readers, I wear many hats! I'm a married mother of 4 young children. I work part-time in a corporate role. I work at home to maintain a happy environment for my family to grow and experience life, preparing them for adulthood where they will take over all decisions and mark out their own paths. I work in loving partnership with my husband to achieve this as well as to make our life together as happy and satisfying as possible within the confines of our everyday responsibilities. I am 2 years cancer free after surviving Lymphoma and not one day goes by where I don't think about what could have been or what might lie ahead, while at the same time truly appreciating the new chance I got to live life. So Diana Photography - live love life was born from my need to do something creative, something spiritually satisfying, something for me. Photography, another 'hat', helps me to stop and look around. Stop and refocus. A brief moment of stress, a bad day, a run in with a rude person in the car park... most of our daily issues are transitory and when kept in perspective, they can be overcome and left behind. So what does this mean for you? That we are no different. We all have challenges, responsibilities, and high expectations of ourselves. We have a false sense that life has to be perfect, we have to be perfect. A fun competition inadvertently turned into a fact-finding exercise.

and so, here is what I found...

When asked to share a New Year's resolution, answers weren't about new jobs or material acquisitions, holiday plans (although that was one of mine!). Instead, they were largely about being happy, being good people, working on behavioural aspects of our lives to change old patterns and achieve some satisfaction and happiness.

                                          "Make time for myself so I can be a healthier version of who I already am"
"Put aside negative feelings about myself"
                       "Discover me time again and find my new direction while the kids are at school"
"Let my kids be kids and let the small stuff go"          "Stress less and enjoy every moment with the people I love"

"To have more patience for my three year old boisterous son. I worry every day that our special relationship has changed since his little brother was born"
                               "Spend some more individual time with each family member, especially my neglected husband"  

Women, mothers, sisters, daughters ... why are we so hard on ourselves? 

The common thread through most of the answers to the New Year's resolutions question was... to spend more time with our kids, to be more caring, to be more understanding, to make more time for ourselves. Mums out there, if there's one thing we all share its MOTHER'S GUILT! It's time to stop! We are human and we are just as important as everyone else in the world. What message are we sending out to our children if we continue to question all our decisions, actions, words... Do we want our daughters to grow up and do the same? Do we want our sons to grow up oblivious that mothers are there for the family but they are not seen as individuals with lives of their own? 

It's a material world, a highly competitive world where the competition is created by women for women and there is no winner! Why must we spend all our time transporting Johnny from football to swimming to music practice and Jessie to dance and soccer and netball... and play dates!  What is it with play dates? In my time growing up play was just play. Hanging out with friends in the neighbourhood, riding our bikes to the local park or pooling our coins together to buy some icecreams and lollies at the shops.

We didn't need to have our play time scheduled with parents driving us to and fro! Yes, there was stranger danger, perhaps it's a less safe world today. But kids need to be kids and mums need time to themselves, free of calendars and text messages to arrange appointment after appointment. Birthday parties? Kids don't need a party every year. The competition for the biggest most expensive party filled with cute ideas replicated from Pinterest and lifestyle shows on TV...and the cakes! (Note: I confess that I do enjoy making cakes and they are the special feature of my kids' birthdays, um, and I'm proud to show off my creations, but not in the name of competition! Oh, and I hate fondant! Yeuch. We may as well decorate with sweetened play dough!). But enough about that. Most of all, we need to take a stand to stop being so hard on ourselves. We can't be the perfect parents. We need to lower our expectations of ourselves. Let us be human and make mistakes. Our behaviours and social norms change from generation to generation. We can make the change happen!

Lets try this!

So I pose this to all women out there, mums or not mums, aunts, sisters, daughters and dads! Lets set our minds to at least one of the following. Just one thing might be enough to influence others and in turn they might do the same. Here are some ideas and you will have some too:

-  Stop scrutinising your actions, words etc after the fact. What is done is done, don't beat yourself up about it.

-  Let kids be kids but make them responsible and stop spoiling them...they need to learn to be adults too.

- Allow others to share the load (dads are also parents - stop spoiling them too!)

- Take time out for you and enjoy it, guilt free!

- Cut back on some children's activities. It opens up more time for you and kids can just be kids. They have plenty of time for commitments and rosters when they grow up. Let them enjoy being kids.

- Find a hobby, dig out your favourite craft, exercise, read, take up yoga... Remember those things you used to do before you had children? Go to it!

If we all work on these things we can change our current culture and lifestyle to a happier simpler one for all. 
 

Now I'd love to hear from you. Share your comments below, share this blog with your friends or just revisit this page from time to time, to remind yourselves of the things you want to change...hopefully you will have made some progress. 

live love life

A family project was the perfect way to celebrate our doggies. So we put together and decorated some stepping stones and made a special place for them under my grandfather’s peach tree – another little garden reminder of someone we loved.

'A dog is the only being on earth that loves you more than he loves himself'. Josh Billings Priscilla

Our pets are our family.  Priscilla and Elvis were 13 years old, both suffering from the many physical and health problems that come with being old dogs. We brought them both home at the same time as puppies, just 2 weeks apart in age from different breeders and they were our children before the children came along – and remained a special part of our family until their very last day.  Elvis

'...owning a dog always ended with this sadness because dogs just don't live as long as people do'. John Grogan, Marley and Me

We have had them with us during the most important years in our lives. In the background during all our major events, always happy to see us, always there, waiting for our love and company.

'Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really'. Agnes Sligh Turnbull

After putting it off a year, because we weren’t quite ready to say good bye and watching them go downhill in health and spirit, the day came when we finally gathered the courage to make the decision ­– it was time to put them to rest. Elvis was not going to live through the next hot days and Priscilla with ailments of her own would not survive the sadness that would come with her losing her best mate. They came to us together and we thought the best thing was to let them go… together.

The kids took it quite well, each of them understood in their own way what it meant to have them as pets, how much we loved them and how much we would miss them.

The backyard was left with scatterings of their things, scattered fur, bowls, old toys, their kennels. That heavy feeling in our hearts whenever we went outside and no longer felt those familiar wet noses sniffing our legs or tails tapping against us. So the best thing we thought to do was make something special. Build a special place in the garden that we could remember them by.

See below for photos of the stepping stones project ...
(note: these are mainly 'action' photos taken with my phone so the quality is not 100% ;) )

Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.

There is definitely something about nature and the way it can change your mood in an instant. The fresh air, trees, a bird perched on a branch. Everything as it should be, with all its imperfections, fits together magically.

‘Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy’ Isaac Newton

A brief trip last night after dinner with my eldest daughter Audrey to the National Arboretum was just what we both needed. Being a family of 6 means we don’t always have some quiet one on one time.

For Audrey it meant some special time with Mum, a little adventure, to be my little model, chat about life and girl stuff, pick wild flowers, and watch the sun go down for another day.  For me it meant so many things. Another moment to treasure with my beautiful girl. A moment of peace and reflection where nothing matters except for the beauty that surrounds us.

We separately both noticed the magpies perched on the white street marker posts, watching over the landscape, observing what is theirs to enjoy each day. I wondered what they might be thinking. Perhaps, like me, they were thinking to themselves how very lucky they are to live their care-free lives and enjoy nature’s gift of colour – the beautiful sunset.

'The earth has music for those who listen.' George Santayana

It might sound a little cliché but to me, with each visit, whether during a quiet moment at dusk or during the day in the noisy pod playground where the children play, I am overcome by a feeling of peace and gratitude. Maybe it comes from having experienced the threat of life being taken away too soon, maybe it’s just something that comes with getting older. For whatever reason, I feel happy to be able to truly appreciate what is around me.  A painted landscape, presented to us by Mother Nature, nothing expected in return, simply for our enjoyment.

'When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.' Rumi

Being able to capture this, even just a little piece of what I feel, with my camera gives me true satisfaction.

But most importantly, being able to enjoy and share these moments with the ones I love is what life is about.

I hope you like these images and they somehow evoke some of that feeling in you. There is always a spare moment in your day. Open the door, look outside. A drive or walk or even sitting out on your porch or balcony, for just a little while can make such a difference.

'To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.'  John Burroughs, Leaf and Tendril

Live love life

Today I met this beautiful family.

Following the birth of their littlest lady, Mum and Dad received a voucher for a photo session. They decided it would be nice to save it for their first full family photos. Today's session, just 6 weeks short of her 1st Birthday, worked out splendidly. Everyone was feeling happy and despite the looming storm clouds, the light and surroundings made for a picture perfect afternoon.

"FAMILY: where life begins and love never ends"

There’s something about the sea. Peace, tranquility, time.  Time seems to stand still.  Looking out at the endless shades of blue, over the horizon as the waves gently brush the shore, nothing else matters, only the moment.  With a family and busy life in the city we tend to get wrapped up in our routines, responsibilities, commitments. 

After a brief 5 day break at the coast with my children, I feel genuinely re-charged, as though all the troubles, stresses and tiredness have been washed away with the tide.

Each day we ventured out to the beach, to play, collect sea shells, explore the rock pools, splash in the waves, dig tunnels in the sand (to the centre of the earth!)… children’s imaginations limitless with all the possibilities that the sand and sea present.  I could hear their chatter as they played in the sand, buckets full of sea water being poured into newly dug holes, big brother waist deep in the water hoping to catch some tiny fish to inhabit the new ‘pond’ they prepared.  All the games that I played when I was a little girl, that kept generations before me enthralled for hours, now providing such enjoyment for this new generation.

"Teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea". Antoine de Saint-Exupery

As I watched the sea, counting ships as they passed far in the distance towards the horizon, the occasional bird flying overhead, the clouds forming patterns above, I was overwhelmed by that feeling of satisfaction. This is what life is about – taking the time to enjoy these moments. These are the memories we will take with us, that will form stories for us to tell our grandchildren, that will fill our hearts when looking back in time.  We won’t remember the report we wrote for work, how much stock we sold, how much money we saved, all those electronics, new sofas, renovations...  We will remember those endless hours spent enjoying the sand and sea, breathing the salty air, laughing as our children splash and tumble in the waves. 

"Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly" Van Morrison

For those not fortunate enough to live within driving distance of the ocean, it might be the mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes that invite us to stop and look around, take in what nature provides for us, with nothing expected in return… except joy, gratitude and appreciation of its beauty, calmness and simplicity.

live love life

Do you have a favourite place to unwind? Can you recall your best memory of the sea? (Share your thoughts below) 

(Scroll to view more images)

20 September is my 2^nd birthday ­– this year marking 2 years of good health following my battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Lymphoma isn’t well-known to the general population, but interestingly it is one of the most common forms of cancer.  Since my experience with the big ‘C’, I’ve decided that life is too short and I’m going to make darned sure that I cherish and value every moment that I have, with the people that I love, hopefully for many many years to come.

My new birthday comes in Spring which symbolically represents re-birth and new beginnings. Today I celebrated this 2 year milestone by setting up a new vegetable garden with my children. Planting seedlings and watching them grow, watering them and tasting the sweetness of the tomatoes, basil, fresh lettuce and rocket... is something that we’ll enjoy as a family all Summer long.

People often ask me ‘how did you do it?’, ‘what gave you the strength to overcome such a huge challenge?’, ‘what keeps you going?’  There is no easy way to define how I felt and what helped me to win my battle and indeed, get on with living. Being a mother, I believe, brings out the best in us, helps us to find the strength we never knew we had. Having a strong support base from my husband, mother, family and friends was paramount to my survival and to making it as seamless an experience as possible for our children. Faced with the possibility of leaving this world and not seeing my children grow up brought about the most profound fear and with it came an overwhelming urge to get on with everything that needed to be done to fix this thing and never let it win! We do whatever it takes. Whatever it takes.

So today I am really grateful to have the opportunity to share this moment with my children. Our little bit of nature which we are responsible for and that we will enjoy. It’s true that survivors of any illness or accident see things a little differently. It’s something that can’t be explained but, unspoken, is shared among us. Just one look, eye to eye, and we know.

No problem can’t be solved. Daily dramas, misunderstandings and other events are seen as just that… daily. Something that is here one day and gone the next. So why worry. Why stress. Tomorrow is another day and has so much more to offer.

Stress, sadness, grief, anger are all emotions that will come and go. We feel them all the same, but at the end of the day we know, nothing is as important as having your health, loved ones by your side, food on your plate, running water, warmth and other basic needs. Nothing is as important as being alive.

Life’s little things are what need to be cherished and enjoyed. Each moment, if you take the time, can be viewed and enjoyed, no matter how trivial you may think it is. Watching my boys peering through the pool fence this afternoon while their dad cleaned out the pool ready for Summer, I experienced one of those moments.  Looking from the outside in, as if viewing through a filter to soften my view. I watched and smiled for a long while as my 4 year old gently touched his big brother’s hand and stroked his arm, looking up at him lovingly, his greatest hero, and without a thought, he leaned in closer to kiss his big brother’s arm. Just one moment in time. That is what life is about. That is why I’m still here. That is what motivates me.

live love life

There is no such thing as a perfect parent
so just be a real one. 
Sue Atkins

When we are young and independent we tend to look at parenthood from a tidy, harmonious TV and movie perspective. Let’s face it, even when fictional families face those daily life issues, we only see the tip of the iceberg and in the space of minutes things fall into place effortlessly, with humour and of course, a lesson to be learned – all wrapped up with a bow.  It’s not until we start to witness the evolution of our own offspring as they begin to think, act and communicate for themselves, that the truth comes out! These walking, talking (or babbling), breathing beings grow and grow and with time become increasingly complex, presenting challenges that we never knew existed.  As a mother of four, both boys and girls, close in age from 3 to 9, I’ve come to realise there is so much more to this parent thing than I would ever have imagined. From the Brady Bunch to Full House to 7^th Heaven, this marketing phenomena continues to fool us from generation to generation. As we enter those early adult years, our eyes filled with stars, hope and expectation, many of us have travelled the world, conquered those career  highs, partied until we dropped. We start to think it might be a nice time to settle down and get a taste of home and family life… yep, ‘lets have a baby’. ‘We’ve done all the hard stuff, it’s time to relax and enjoy the easy phase of our lives, being parents’. We soon realise that although it’s no piece of cake, there is so much more to being a parent and we wouldn’t change a thing.
 

Life as we know it

We said life would stay the same. We wouldn’t be burdened by routine and home. ‘Children need to learn to do as we do’. ‘Surely we can go to the movies, travel and go out to dinner at a moment’s notice’. ‘Our kids won’t be like those others. Some parents just don’t know how to keep kids still and quiet’.

We now know children are all different. Some need routine, some like noise and chaos, some need a lot of attention and others are independent. But all children know how to do and get what they want, when they want it and if they don’t have it their way, then whether they are 3 months, 3 years or 13 years, they’ll let us know about it! Life as we know it is no longer ours… it’s about them, and the sooner we work that out, the saner we will be. Our job is to teach them manners, compromise and patience they will test us and keep us on our toes the whole way. 

We can train a puppy, we can train a baby

We said we wouldn’t need advice. We wouldn’t be consulting those experts on parenting mumbo jumbo. We wouldn’t need any help. If we can train a puppy, we can surely ‘train’ a baby… AND show others how it’s done!

We now know from feeding, to sleep, to teething, eating vegetables, sharing, walking and talking to TOILET TRAINING. Nothing is easy! There is no easy way. It’s our job to get our mini-me’s from A to B and as nature designed it, we have to work hard for it! But as we now know, each of these milestones are part of the enjoyment of being parents, of watching our little ones succeed, and they are something to be celebrated, together, every time.
 

It’s not just the LEGO

We said we wouldn’t spoil our children with every toy under the sun. We would teach them to enjoy the simple things in life. Who needs those material items anyway? ‘We will read to them, teach them to run and play outside, play with sticks and stones and water and sand, sing themselves to sleep’. We were going to have tidy houses, not like those other family homes with toys everywhere and the Wiggles on repeat.

We now know we need all the help we can get! These little creatures need stimulation 24 hours a day! They need to be entertained and amused and challenged and … well… they have GRANDPARENTS, AUNTIES, UNCLES who will come with presents. Who were we kidding? It was usually our idea to spend a Sunday afternoon traipsing down the aisles of Toys R Us, looking for all those little extras and things ‘we never had when we were young but always wanted’. LEGO? Yes, we did chuckle when we heard those parent stories about toys everywhere and the pain of stepping on those little coloured bricks. Well there’s more to it.  We now know, the single most important piece of clothing when doing the vacuuming and housework is… THE POCKET! Yes, those Legos and other small items you don’t recall ever having bought are always on the floor just where you need to vacuum. Pockets are a life saver as we can quickly scoop up the 100 little clips, trash packs, marbles, crayons for re-distribution once the job is done!
 

Did I just say that?

We said we would do things differently to our parents. We wouldn’t make the same mistakes. We would always make the right choices.

We now know they were just as much in the dark as us or any other parents! This parent thing is a gamble. We play our cards one way and the result is always different. Kids these days can outsmart us. Yes, our parents made mistakes but now with all of life’s challenges, we find ourselves in muddy waters, trying and failing and trying again. We are even starting to sound like our parents! When we find ourselves trapped in a corner with nowhere to go and no idea what to say, the oddest but yet, most familiar words come out of our mouths…‘If you don’t like it then find another house to live in’, ‘when you grow up and go to work then you can buy any food you like and guess what, you can cook it too!’ (while thinking to ourselves, ‘and you too will have children who refuse to eat your gourmet delights in preference to nuggets or the dreaded McDonalds!’)
 

The competition stops here!

We said we would never get wrapped up in what others are doing. We could do things our own way and who cares about the rest. We wouldn’t be bothered with sewing up the best dress up costume, riding in the most aerodynamic stroller… Competition is for fools. Individuality is the key.

We now know as soon as our little munchkins first started to smile, roll over, play with their toes, say their first words, ours had to be up there with the best. After all, we work hard to teach them all that they know, to make sure they aren’t disadvantaged, to keep them ahead of the pack, to have friends, to be leaders, yadda yadda. The moment we step into that first ‘mothers’ group’ gathering, we know, our baby is something to be proud of, to show off to the world. We have entered the ‘competition zone’ and that is where all our insecurities, failures and self-doubt as parents begins! Just a few years later we find ourselves at pre-school and school events where we beam with pride but can’t help look at that ‘sparkly Sally’ who does all the twirls and splits and jumps and never misses the hoop, can sing like a canary and recites her speech like Abraham Lincoln! So competition is a fact of life. We now know our job is to keep our kids humble, while encouraging them to do their best and respect others – and if they do something great, make sure they know about it.

Breathe in and enjoy the ride

We now know parenthood isn’t as easy as we thought and we know as parents that our job will never end. We’ll always worry about them, feel their anxieties and share their pain. But we also know it’s the best job in the world. They are our little part in the world, the best part of us. They give us life and love and we do the same for them. They are their own people who need our guidance and support. They love us unconditionally and we love them more than we love ourselves. We do the best we can and one day they will also know that parenthood, from generation to generation, remains the same… as nature intended.

When chatting about their friendship in recent years they found that while they have numerous photographs of their children, who are also best of friends, they do not have some special photos of themselves together, a record of their time together as friends.

And so I am honoured to have been chosen to take their photos, on a cold rainy Sunday morning in their home town.  A moment in time to cherish forever.

True friendship is not being inseparable. It's being separated and nothing changes.

Best friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but they are always there.

A true friend reaches your hand and touches your heart.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.

No matter how serious life is, you always need a person you can be silly with.

Friendship uplifts the soul.

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Side by side or miles apart, friends are for always close to your heart.

There is no distance too far between friends, for friendship gives wings to the heart.

A true friend can see what's behind the smile.

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever. (Winnie the Pooh)

Here are some photos I managed to take from within the crowd.  Memories for my Audrey to enjoy in years to come.

"If I'm honest I have to tell you I still read fairy tales and I like them best of all"  Audrey Hepburn
 

I would spend hours as a little girl, sitting in my grandmother’s rocking chair. Rocking back and forth, singing my favourite songs and playing imaginary games.  Every time we visited my grandparents’ house, I would skip down the hallway to the bedroom.  There I would be, while the grown-ups chattered in the family room, playing with the nic nacs on the dresser, pulling faces at my reflection in the mirror, rocking in the chair to the rhythm of my grandfather’s ‘very modern’ electric (though not yet digital) alarm clock tick-tocking, listening for the loud ‘clack’ as the numbers flicked over.
 

Years on I find myself thinking back to those days and my beautiful grandmother’s rocking chair has a special place in my home. It fills my heart to watch my children doing the same thing, taking time out from the noisy company of their siblings, in my room, rocking back and forth in the rocking chair, quietly enjoying their own special moments.   

They say that the material things in our lives don’t hold any value, but there are ‘things’ that do indeed remain, to remind us and hold those beautiful memories of the past. As I walk past the rocking chair each day, I think back to those days and I smile as I know, somewhere up there, my grandmother is looking down and smiling too.

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away' Maya Angelou
 

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."   e.e. cummings
 

Today, with a heavy heart, the world mourns and reflects on the life of Nelson Mandela.
 

He has touched our lives in different ways, individuals in this vast world, and many of us can all recall particular moments in our lives where his presence has made an impact.  I remember two important turning points in my life. 

The first was when I was 17.  1988, an important year of discovery, of growing up, of finding my own ‘freedom’ and the limitations that came with venturing into the world of adulthood and responsibility.  My final year of high school, a time of falling in love, of broken hearts, of promise and anticipation.  A new world was at my feet and I was entering it with some excitement and trepidation.

I remember singing along to the uplifting and hopeful tune of “Free Nelson Mandela” as it played on the radio. I remember watching the ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ concert at Wembley Stadium on TV, with many of my 80s music idols performing as the world united to demand the freedom of this great man.  This was 2 years before his release from prison.  In 1990 his incredible autobiography “The Long Walk to Freedom” was first published.  Like millions who rushed out to purchase his book just a few months after his release, I read mine from cover to cover, in awe as I read every word.  We could all learn from his courage, tenacity, gentleness and humour, his strong belief in what is right.

24 years later, in 2012, while I was fighting my own life battle, overcoming one of life’s worst fears, I spent many hours browsing the internet and reading inspirational quotes to help me get through my cancer journey. The quotes that had the most impact on me were indeed those of the great Mr Mandela.  Through his quotes he taught me how to overcome fear, that nothing is impossible, that the world is indeed a beautiful place.

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." (Nelson Mandela)
 

Today he joins the many angels who changed our world for the better during their lives on earth.  Gandhi, Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Darwin, Newton, Einstein, Mozart, Van Gogh (the list is endless) ....  in whatever field they worked or path they walked, through their shared passion, strength and perseverance they have made their mark on the world.  We can be proud that we have the freedom and opportunity to live richer, better lives thanks to their legacies.  Mandela’s passion was love, peace, freedom and equality for all.  He changed the world and will continue to inspire and teach us all.  He will continue to inspire and in spirit, he will lead future greats as they follow their passion and fight for a better world.  Behind each of these great names were people, like each and every one of us. Individuals who believed they could make a difference. And they did.
 

I only hope that my children and generations to come can be taught to have values and to follow their passion.  To respect and to love. We are responsible for what we teach our children and I have hope that they too will believe in their ability to change the world.  
 

“Don’t judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” (Nelson Mandela)
 

We salute you, Nelson Mandela, ‘Madiba’.  Thank you.  Rest in Peace.
 

This year I’ve made it my mission to spend less time worrying about things that we can’t change, those daily annoyances which we sometimes dwell on but really don’t deserve any of our time and energy.  By doing this, I’ve found that I don’t even seem to notice these things as much anymore, or at least, I don’t give them as much importance as I might have in the past.
 

Instead, I enjoy each day as it comes. Treasuring every little thing.  Listening to my children. Taking a moment to step outside to look at the sky during a beautiful sunset, even if I’m running late for dinner, baths etc.  Stopping by the side of the road to take a photo of the morning sun glistening on a wattle tree almost in bloom.  Taking part in as much of my kids’ school goings on, encouraging them when they are feeling insecure, pushing them to try even if it’s scary and giving them all the praise they need and deserve to make them strong and confident little people.

Life is a fragile and beautiful gift that needs to be cherished, appreciated and treated with care. Sometimes it’s not until we are thrown a complete curveball that we realise just how lucky we are to be here.

Most of all, I’ve learned to look after myself. To re-discover who I am, who I want to be. To have the courage to try new things, make mistakes, take time out, have fun!  

As I close my eyes each night, I think back and smile because if it were not for the love, encouragement and support of my husband, children, family and friends, I would not be who I am, I would not have the life I love so much, I would not have made it this far. 

Diana Photography is not just about taking pretty photos.  It’s about capturing memories while we live life to the fullest every day! 

What is Legs out for Lymphoma?
 

Legs out for Lymphoma is your chance to help Lymphoma Australia raise awareness for our 5th most common cancer - every 2 hours another Australian is diagnosed with Lymphoma and every 6 hours another life is lost to this cancer.
 

How can you help?
 

Come and join us on the day for a beautiful Spring Sunday afternoon walk from Lake Burley Griffin, through the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle up to Parliament House. Join the many survivors, current ‘warriors’, health professionals, families and friends who are all touched by this disease in one way or another. Join us in celebrating life and showing our support.
 

Alternatively, visit the Lymphoma Australia web site, make a donation or sponsor a walker today. Your support, big or small, can make the world of difference.

If you would like to sponsor (via donation) my fundraising page click here.

My story
 

Lymphoma awareness and cancer support generally is something I hold very close to my heart.  Diana Photography evolved from my experience with Lymphoma.  It was my personal cancer battle and survival that inspired me to make my dream a reality. It is now through Diana Photography that I can ‘give back’ through supporting Lymphoma Australia – from donating 5% of every photo session to getting involved in and sponsoring important events such as this.  Visit my blog, to read ‘my story’. 
 

Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you there.

Diana xo
 

Diana Photography – live love life
 

There is one common thing we share when we think about our fathers and that is, without them, our growing up would only have been half as fun!

How would you describe your dad? Share your thoughts by adding a comment below.
 

Here are some gorgeous quotes about fathers...
 

“There are three stages of a man’s life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus.” – Author Unknown

“Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.” – Bill Cosby

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain

“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” – Anonymous

“A man knows he is growing old because he begins to look like his father.” – Gabriel Garcia Marquez

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.”– William Shakespeare

“Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” – Photographer Anne Geddes

In 2012, we experienced what we never imagined. Our world was turned upside down when I learned that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was a tough journey but one that together, my loved ones and I, pulled through.

Enjoying every moment in our lives, discarding the negatives and learning from them, has become so much more important. Photography has become a means of capturing and treasuring each moment.

Now I want to help others and through my photos, contribute to Lymphoma research which will hopefully one day end this horrible disease known as cancer.  5% of the cost of every session will now be donated to Lymphoma Australia as an ongoing commitment towards the fight against Lymphoma.
 

Here is something I wrote earlier this year, 1 year from my diagnosis...

It was 1 year ago that I was drying my hair and found that large lump on my neck. That was the moment that changed my life forever. From that moment the whirlwind began. Scans, biopsies, diagnoses, needles, drugs, pain... and the roller coaster of emotions that came with it. But all that aside, I take from this past year only the positives. I found out how strong I can be, even after experiencing childbirth 4 times, nothing can compare to the strength you can draw from fear and the determination to win. I have learned that nothing can scare me as I have seen true fear and conquered it. Facing your own mortality is something that only happens to old people who have the years behind them as proof that it may be their time. It is something that happens to other people. Or so I thought. I have learned that I am one of the 'other people' and that when bad things happen you have to choose to be strong and fight. I have learned that the little things that bother us from day to day don't matter. What matters to me is seeing my family happy, watching them grow, being there for them. So here I am. I will never forget. I will live in hope for the day that cancer and the many other terrible things like poverty, war and suffering don't exist. For now I am grateful to be here. 1 year on. I hope for many years to come. I SURVIVED.