Hope Photography

honey toast, rain and radio 2

It is raining in Yorkshire, lately it feels like it never stops. I would like to swim in blue salt water-Instead I am meeting a computer whizz who is teaching me everything I need to know about computers/photoshop-unlucky for him this may take a while...I am excited.

Things have happened lately, people have entered and left, friends have moved away, families have been divided and it has made me think a lot about how lucky the majority of us are. But that sad thing is people who are blessed rarely know it, give thanks for it. I think we are conditioned to percieve lucky as big house, new car, holiday...etc. There is nothing wrong with wanting nice things, hell I am guilty myself of this. But I think the richness is already there, regardless of what car/house you do or don't own. I think we should all stop worrying about stuff that does not matter, to not procastinate, to not leave words unsaid, to not assume a tomorrow. And to say thank you more often, after all those who make us happy deserve our thanks.

Looking forward with hope....

Flora Emily Wadsworth born August 18th 4.40am. What is it with baby's and the feeling of new beginnings? Perhaps it is looking into the eyes of a newborn baby, hearing that cry, the sharp cry that only comes from a newborn baby. And that look in their eyes, a mixture of hope and fear about their new surroundings. It moves you, changes you even.

I haven't written much on here lately, I haven't known what thoughts are fit for public consumption. My blog now recieves anything from 9-73 hits per day, which is a real honour, but also carries a weight.

My thoughts today though are very much centered around fresh starts, brought forward of course by the prescence of new life. I will post a baby picture soon.

The singer Iris DeMent tells me 'Easy's getting harder every day'. But that is seperate.

Seth Godin inspires. His book 'small is the new big' reminds me of the simplest thing-believe in what you do, what you want to achieve. After all no one can do that for you. Everyone who wants to achieve in business should buy this book.

I have been a terrible blogger of late-I dont even know where to start posting pictures from recent sessions. There is so many exciting things in the pipeline for Hope, I have been busy in the background trying to bring it all together. This picture seems like a good place to start....

Firstly I want to say Happy Birthday Mum, I love you, I am learning more with time that you are the one constant, the one person I can trust and rely on whole heartedly. Thank you for everything x.

Long time no post, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working hard. I have been sick, the only advantage to this is that I have been house bound, and have buried my head in my work. Physically I am still fairly fragile, but mentally I haven't felt this alive in a long time. Or maybe never, because without sounding drunk on creativity, I know now what I am meant to be doing. I have had one meeting after another with people helping me bring this together and to be able to spend hours talking about ideas and plans is a good feeling. I have been editing pictures to perfection. I have gone with quite a vintage feel, out of the box yet fresh approach. I have, I think, picked two songs that to me feel like love. I have been working with a friend of mine who is a composer and so it seemed only fitting that I got him onboard. I asked him a while ago to create something to accompany a visual slideshow that I am trying to put together, it's been great being able to talk to someone equally as passionate about music and the future of Hope. I have also been in contact with the legendary Jesh De Rox, possibly the photographer I admire most. He is the one, were I to get married, that I would want to photograph it. His input lately has helped me become focused and so sure now of what I want. He is currently on tour, and though I can't make it to NY (because for once I have some lead in my boots) I have no doubt we will one day meet, cameras in hand.

So as you can proably tell I am excited it's all coming together. Now must keep drinking fluids, doctors orders. P.s We are driving 150 miles south this weekend to see the film Paris Je T'aime because it is not being shown anywhere else. Giddy. So on that note Au revoir x

Paris, Je T'aime

Go to www.youtube.com and type in 'We're all in the dance'

I have been working so much at my desk with this song playing in the background that it's begun to feel like home. Enjoy.

Looking out to sea...

This afternoon when I got in the car I was told it was 27'c! So it was another beautiful day, Elly and I took a walk around the lake this afternoon which was lovely because it was late afternoon and everything took on a kind of orange glow. Elly was perfect, though she has been having a bad hair day today, I swear there was more honey toast in her hair than what she actually consumed.

I was stopped in my tracks today by a song...'I'm there too' by Michelle Featherstone. It's haunting and lyrically moving. It took my breath from me and it felt like I disappeared to a familiar place before nearly crashing into the car infront!

'' And when your all alone at night you know i'm by your side, because i'm there too. I see your footsteps in the sand as you journey on across this land, but if you should fall on your way then I will carry you that day because i'm there too. I know there'll come a time when you will take my hand and I will understand that your there too''

Long time no post. It is another beautiful day here, I am looking at a bright blue sky. I hear it's raining in Yorkshire so I will have to make the most of it before returning to the UK on Friday. I am posting a picture from a recent beach trip. There is one particular beach I like called 'Birdie Beach', which has sand dunes that curve round the endless beach. It is just beautiful. I can't believe the past few weeks have flown by, of course in many ways I am eager to get home and begin all the things I have had chance to organise while being here. But of course I am dreading that airport good-bye. But I remember in February when we last stood in Sydney airport unsure if or when we'd next see each other, and here I am, only a few months later. So I cling to that.

No post would be complete without a quote ...

'' One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching''

And a song- 'Calling all Angels' by Jane Siberry which I have always loved since I saw the film 'Pay it Forward' many years ago. I urge anyone who hasn't seen this film to watch it, a classic for a reason. I made Grant and Julia watch it last night and there wasn't a dry eye in sight.

Perfect day

Today has been the most perfect day. It has been another gorgeous sunny day, t-shirt and sunglasses needed- I can't believe this is there winter! This morning we went to the beach, which was empty and we just sat on the sand watching the waves crash. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. I didn't have my camera with me but was almost grateful for that. Sometimes it's nice not to see things through a lens, that way you remember it better. Jules said these are the moments you wish you could freeze frame, and I agree but I am glad I got to live it for what it was instead of worrying about capturing it on camera. We had lunch in a coffee house that had quotes written on chalk boards on the walls-my kind of place! Here is a quote that caught my eye-

'' I have never thought of living for reputation or honour. What I have in my heart must come out. That is the reason I live''

Elly and I spent the afternoon painting masterpieces and then went exploring the surrounding bush. Early night I think, while most of Australia slept this moring I was swimming lengths. G'day to you all.