Blogging Just Isn’t My Thing

It really isn’t, hence the long gaps between entries. But I just wanted to check in, say I’m alive, and catch up on a few details.

Lots of big news these days:

a) Baby Gonzales is coming in April, it’s a girl, and Jandrew and I couldn’t be more excited. I have motherly conversations with her already, telling her that I can’t wait for her to come but she had better not come yet.

b) I have officially retired from nursing. To quote one of my favourite movies, Ever After, “And I feel the most wonderful freedom.”

c) I am writing a YA novel and I have 14 (give or take) weeks before the baby comes to finish my first draft. AHH! I can do this, I totally can. 

d) I am working at a flower shop in Mississauga part-time. AND I LOVE IT.

Lots of reasons to not blog, in summary. But I did make some updates to http://www.wildfellflorals.com that I am extremely happy with. Good cameras and good photography are such a blessing and I love you all for being so good at it! 

This is the closest I am going to get to blogging the gorgeous styled shoot I did with Arynn Photography this summer. Check out her blog post here: Boho Styled Shoot

 

 

 

 

 

A Refuge of Time

The beginning of summer was a very busy time. Jandrew and I bought and moved to our dear little house in Brampton. Just before the move, I did a styled shoot with two amazing ladies and small business owners, and right after the move I had two weddings for close friends of mine. I poured all my creativity and love into those projects, but then, there was nothing left to do. Certainly, there was a house to unpack and paint and I was grateful for the time to do so, but now that August has rolled around I find myself wishing for more work.

Why do I hurry so much? I hurry because I’m afraid. Afraid to hear the voice of God, afraid to witness more pain in the world around me, afraid that I will find myself completely lacking. But when I slow down (willingly or grudgingly) I can take in the good things that I am often hurrying past. I can be thankful for this refuge of time and what it will teach me.

For example, this passage from 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp:

“Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn’t rescue the suffering. The converse does. The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world.”

When I take a moment, I can appreciate this picture, seeing not just the beauty of the flowers but also the sweet contentment of a bride with her groom.

And I love this picture of sisters and friends. I am so thankful for the sisters and friends in my life!

It is a good thing that I get to bring joy into people’s lives with flowers. All this time, however, has also been giving me time to write more. So I’m writing a novel. Look out world.

And We’re Off!

Wedding season has officially started at Wildfell Florals, and what better way to start than with Karli and Robbie, the cutest couple you ever did see. Both bride and groom were very involved with the selection of the flowers, and the result was a fun and colourful theme that looked beautiful both at their church ceremony and at their reception at Holland Marsh Wineries (if you are getting married in Southern Ontario, you must see this place-it’s just perfect.) Thanks again to my dream team Esther and Jandrew!

Thanks to Mt. Nemo Creek for the great shots above-the rest are from my Canon point-and-shoot. 🙂

Bridesmaid’s bouquet.

The bride’s bouquet.

The view from the balcony.

A close-up of these candy-coloured centerpieces.

Pretty blooms on the gift table.

A toss bouquet with a little promo for Wildfell Florals.

Wintry Styled Shoot

Spring is in the air, but I feel like I have just enough time to share these photos from a styled shoot in January. Several months ago, Erin O’Neill (of Foliage) and I dreamed up a whimsical winter tea party spilling over with brightly coloured blooms. When the day of the shoot came, Erin and I worked side by side to bring our vision to life. Emily Christine was behind the camera, capturing all the colour and contrast, and my beautiful friend Esther was our model.  We asked her to jump over a fence in her wedding dress-I owe her big time. It was indeed a memorable experience working with these talented and generous women. Thanks to you all again and again!