Madison & Sadie

These pictures of Madison and Sadie were taken in the hills above Summerland on a beautiful day in late October. These sisters are among the most cooperative subjects I have ever photographed!

These two sisters truly enjoy each others' company.

I like this one a lot - it's like Madison is looking out for Sadie.

A pensive moment from an energetic little girl :)

We interrupt this raking.....

What a difference a week makes! A couple of days of rain and wind and everything changes......

Eighteen bags and counting with more to fall this week!

Is it time to rake yet?

For most of my life, autumn has been my favourite time of year. As a former native of Toronto, the onset of cooler weather meant watching the landscape change as if a giant paintbrush had descended from the sky and celebrating as the summer's humidity lifted and the crisp, cool air re-energized the city.

Here in the Okanagan Valley, the change is less dramatic, but I think it's the prettiest time of year. Although the colours are muted, the change in the light from the harsh, high sun of the summer to the low hanging light in the south shows off the landscape beautifully.

The image of the tree above was taken from my backyard. This year, the leaves seem to want to stay up in the trees longer than I remember last year. Mind you, I spent a good part of last October in New Brunswick. I really don't remember the timing of last year's annual descent. I'm planning to take advantage and get out there over the weekend to add to my collection of images.

Since moving here, I have developed a fascination with olive trees, pictured below. I first noticed them last year and they were unfamiliar to me. I love the way they turn silver in the fall and was pleased with how the elegance of this pair of trees is translated by the camera.

Ironically, I went to visit my family in Ottawa last May, and what did I notice growing on the side of the highway but dozens of olive trees....or something that looked like them!

Last, but not least, here's a peek at an orchard in Summerland, putting on its display of autumn finery. I don't think the colours at the orchards and vineyards have hit their peak further to the south, so I think that's the direction I'll be taking this weekend. Wish me good shooting :)

Dear Paul

Dear Paul,

I would find it impossible to do a regular blog entry today without referring to you, so I thought I would write you a letter before even trying.

I miss you very much. I was talking to your Aunt Rosie (aka my mom) last week and I said something to her that I haven't been able to shake ever since. I don't remember what life felt like before your accident. I hadn't thought of it in quite that way before; it just came out in our conversation. It is a truth that has stayed with me since.

I put your picture on my blog for a few of reasons. First, I can now go and look at it any time I need to from anywhere, which is pretty cool. Second, this picture has come to symbolize for hundreds of people, the importance of considering organ donation. I added a link to your website to my blog last night. I hope that people who read this are curious enough to go and take a look. This is one of the most positive things that has come out of our loss. I am so proud of your family for their commitment and determination.

Most importantly for me, it is the picture that cemented for me forever the value of a picture of a loved one. The last time I saw you at Joan and Fred's, you had just returned from Ireland. We went through your pictures, trading stories about our favourite place on Earth. Now, that is a great memory for me to have!

I won't go on any longer, or I will risk turning this entry into a puddle of tears. I will be thinking of you.

Love always,

Your "coolest" cousin,

Laura

PS. Go Leafs Go!

PPS. A couple hours after writing I thought of another picture that helps me remember before. As you know, we still get like this sometimes, most recently at your race weekend in Ottawa last May. :) LOL

Second Chance at Brandywine Falls

In early October 2002, I travelled to Whistler on business from Toronto. At the end of the meeting I stayed around for a few extra days to explore the area. That summer I had purchased my first SLR camera and tripod. I had done a little reading and had caught the photography bug. I was very eager to make use of my new toys, so I arranged to stay on for a few days at a local bed and breakfast.

I attempted the Joffre Lakes hike, visited an ancient cedar grove, searched out waterfalls and burned film like a mad-woman. When I returned home and picked up my slides I was in for a lesson. To say that my photographs from that trip were under-whelming would be an under-statement. What I lacked in skill I made up for in enthusiasm, so there were plenty of mistakes to look at! I was disappointed, but not discouraged. Within a few months I had quit my corporate job, started my own business and enrolled in a photography program at Sheridan College. I had a lot to learn.

One of the locations I photographed on that 2002 trip was Brandywine Falls, located just south of Whistler on Highway 99. In my first attempt, I exposed the shot properly, but there was a boulder in the foreground that I just could not eliminate because my lens was too short. To make matters worse, the boulder was catching the sun, so it was the most noticeable thing in the picture, overwhelming the spectacular waterfall. I still have that slide - it's in a "what if" file.

So, I was quite pleased when I pulled off the highway on my recent trip, this time from Kelowna, to re-discover Brandywine Falls. Even as I walked the short trail from the parking lot to the observation deck, I was unsure which waterfall I was revisiting. Four years, many courses, a few pieces of equipment and thousands of images later, I wish I had a picture of the look on my face when I got close to the falls and that familliar cavern opened up in front of me. This time, I was able to straddle my (taller) tripod out over the ledge, aim my (longer) lens around the boulder and get the shot.

This past trip up the Sea to Sky Highway was a unique opportunity to reflect on all the changes of the past four years. Little did I know when I descended from Whistler in 2002 the challenges and opportunities that were ahead. Writing this entry is making me think about all of the things I have learned, the people I have met, and the three I have lost in the intervening years. There is so much about life that you cannot control, but once in a while you are given a second chance.

Laura