THE ROADS IN THE WEST

This weekend we're taking to the highway again, on a trip north to see these two tie the knot! Time out on the road is always refreshing with time to think and process, gather our ideas and keep our eyes on what's ahead. I'm looking forward to catching up on some podcasts, and lately we've added audiobooks to our road trip repertoire.

We can't wait to catch up with friends and family, seeing as Christmas was the last time we both visited. But here's a few pictures taken on the road from our last adventure.

20/52 : HAYLEY

I met Hayley almost a year ago while on my third teaching prac. I was sitting in the staffroom one lunch hour, when she came in bringing lunch for her husband Greg. As she ducked off to catch one of the other teachers she passed me her baby, Charli, and said, 'Here, have some practice.'
Looking into the eyes of Charli, I held her and prayed to Jesus that this little girl wouldn't start crying during the next few minutes while I held her. I moved towards the playground so Charli could crawl on the grass, and chew on sandpit toys, when Hayley soon returned.

Watching her two girls play, we naturally covered off our interests and lots of creative ideas; and sitting on the grass in the sun, that day we became friends.

Its not everyday one makes a friend, and for me, that quickly. So when this one came along and with so many things in common, I was a blessed friend indeed!

*This post is part of the 52 portrait series: a portrait, once a week, every week, in 2013.*

AMONGST AUTUMN

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”  

George Eliot

Finding myself smitten with Autumn is a yearly habit of mine. Embracing the cold and relief from the heat, I gladly retreat inside or welcome rosy cheeks like the joy of returning to a holiday house after a year in absence.

When the cool air arrived from the south during April, we knew that once it settled it would be here till the beginning of September, when it will slowly start to relent. The day we caught our first sights of amber, red and orange, the ambiguity of the changing seasons faded, Autumn had truly set in.

As we drove about town on Saturday, urgency set in with a need to appreciate and capture the seasonal change. My favourite time of the year has a way of coming and going so quickly. I noticed a large tree in a puddle of brown leaves, and determined to document it with all possible haste.

The next morning, with a few friends, eager to embrace the morning and the crinkle of brown leaves beneath our feet, breakfast was shared amongst the Autumn of our town.

19/52 : YVONNE

This is my dear mum, Yvonne. It seemed fitting that being Mothers' Day, I should add my own Mum to my collection of people most dear to me.

Just a month ago, a stranger asked me a time old question, "Who is someone who you find inspirational?" I thought for a moment before honestly replying, "My Mum."
I'd do my life over, telling all the stories of my Mum's love and perseverance, raising my brother and I, with my Dad. But one thing they lovingly worked hard at was drawing out the best in us, and raising us with the courage to dream endlessly and work hard to get there.

I don't get to see my Mum everyday anymore, but our time on the phone is now one of my favourite parts of the day. Whether its for five minutes or an hour, it never seems enough. When we visit, the time seems to always go too fast, with so much to say and just as much to hear, this dear lady is a friend that I always want near.

Sorry we weren't there today Mum, but I hope you had a day, that made you glad to be a Mother. Lots of Love! xo

*This post is part of the 52 portrait series: a portrait, once a week, every week, in 2013.*

EMILIE & DYLAN | PARKES DEBUTANTE PHOTOGRAPHER

It has become commonly accepted that when I go somewhere, my camera usually comes with me. However, lately this little hobby has been crossing a blurry line between recreation and vocation. The idea of turning this budding interest into something more has been plaguing my mind more and more lately.

Last weekend I was privileged enough to find myself photographing a wedding for the first time, and two of my favourite people - Emilie and Dylan, at Emilie's debutante ball. After I finished school on the Friday afternoon, true to my last minute nature, I drove around town searching for a location with the best light to capture their photos. When I called and told them we had to be quick to get the last of the light, they gracefully complied. Both being keen with a camera, they understand the pursuit of beautiful light.

18/52 : DAVE

For the last year and a bit, I've been following along with a lovely little blog series, started by Jodi of Che and Fidel, called "52: a portrait a week". It started as a way of her capturing a portrait a week of her two children. I disqualified any idea of joining in with this great idea as we don't have any children, but then I came across another great blog by Rebekka Seale, who creatively joined by sharing a portrait once a week of all people most dear to her. 

So here I am, joining in a little late, after week 18, with my first portrait of someone who is important to me. Naturally, I couldn't help but by starting with Dave, my most favourite person in all the whole wide world. 

I took these photos when we stopped for a roadside stretch, while traveling home from Melbourne. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not grateful for this man, and the goodness he brings into our life together. I'm so thankful for this journey that we're on, but mostly that we're together through it all.

*This post is part of the 52 portrait series: a portrait, once a week, every week, in 2013.*

ST KILDA BOARDWALK | MELBOURNE

Being my first trip to Melbourne, I knew very little about the different suburbs, streets and things to do and see.
Peter took us by tram down to St Kilda were we explored and walked the length of the boardwalk, above the ocean, stretching south beyond the mainland. The temperature dropped as the wind picked up and we lost the shelter of the buildings and structures of the city.

Usually there's the prospect of seeing penguins down the end of the boardwalk, but at this time constructions have petitioned off their hang out. So we walked up and back, past fishermen and tourists alike, out to explore this icon.

OFF THE CITY TRAM | MELBOURNE

We're almost at the end of our week in Melbourne.

Seven days is never quite enough to truly experience a place, but what we've seen and done has been enough stimulate our interest to return sometime in the coming days.

On Saturday we walked through suburbs that skirt the city, and hopped of and on trams as we saw shops and streets that warranted our exploration.