To Run or not to Run

That has been the question. I used to run (a lot), races and everything. Then I changed jobs and I didn't run (at all). In October of last year I decided to start to run again. I didn't start slow, I jumped right in to my old 10 km base type of runs. And....

I got hurt. I damaged my entheses (where your tendon inserts into your foot). After crutches, physio therapy and many months I am getting that old familiar itch again.

I am going to sign up for this race:

It is the Color Me Rad race and it is coming to Vancouver in September. It is only 5 km and I have more than enough time to s-l-o-w-l-y build up my base again.

So excited to get colour bombed!

Project Life - Weeks 1 & 2

 

I can't say enough good things about Project Life. I am loving taking pictures, printing them out, documenting the stories behind the pictures and sharing it all with my boys.

 

One thing I have noticed 2 weeks in is that I take a lot of pictures on the weekend and there seems to be no time to fit in snapshots through the week. I need to pace myself better next week and make sure to grab the camera in the evenings. But you may notice that I am in TWO pictures below. I am glad I took the time to set-up the tripod.

Pictures of Me

Not just pictures of me, but pictures of me with my boys. I read this post by Becky Earl this morning and it has reminded me that I need to be in pictures too!

I just finished my first week of Project Life (LOVE IT) and I am not in there at all, sure behind the scenes as the documenter but I want to be documented too.

This is from my iPod almost 2 years ago. I'm sure I can do better.

On another picture related note, I learned how to make my own photo templates this morning. I purchased the assorted photo pages for Project Life and one of the layouts is for four 6X6 photos. I think this is how I am going to print out my photos for those pages.

Workplace Shenanigans

It was a busy weekend that was packed full of fun. Two birthday parties on Saturday and then I had to go into work on Sunday to get ready for some upcoming renovations.

 

Darien asked me if he could bring his hammer and bang on some walls as they were going to be knocked down. "Sure!"

 

Can we dance on the table? "Sure!"

 

Did we sneak in some fun even though mom had to work all day Sunday? "Sure!"

 

 



The writing on the wall is courtesy of my co-workers, not my sons.

 



Photo Edits: Stamp Sheet Boy by Karla Dudley

 



Brothers

I know better than anyone that these 3 boys of mine are brothers, but it still amazes me at how very different and unique they are from one another. They have their similarities for sure - a love of rough housing, yelling and SpongeBob; but their personalities are their own.

I love them for all that makes them different and the same.

Photo Edits: 92 Arrows by Valorie Wibbens

It's Here!

My friend Gabi has shared her Project Life with me and like many other things Gabi  has, I wanted it too!

Mine arrived today and now I have to patiently wait for the first week of June to go by before I can complete my first layout.

I have already decided that I want another full set for my birthday this year (or maybe 2). I have so many photos that are either already printed or saved to disc that need to be shared with the boys. They love looking at family photos and it just isn't the same huddling around a computer as it is to curl up on the couch together with a photo album.

Now my only regret is the small amount of time I have to dedicate to taking pictures, editing them and now putting them together in an album.

Layers upon Layers

I have had Photoshop Elements 11 for just a couple of weeks now and haven't even begun to learn or even understand all it can do.

Tonight I completed a layers tutorial; so many shortcuts and steps to remember. I am not unhappy with what I created, but it is so hard not to compare yourself to others who have been doing this for a long time. Practice and experimentation are in my future.

On another note, I ordered my first Project Life kit today (Cherry Edition). I hope to get it next week! My plan is to do a layout a week for one year starting in June. I can't wait to start printing out my pictures on a regular basis and I know the boys will love looking through the book.

I Wish...

Thanks to constant nagging comments, e-mail reminders, motivational encouragement, my friend Gabi has inspired me to start blogging again. She also asked me what I want for my blog.

 

I have a lot of things I want for and from this blog. I will list some and hope that I don't get intimidated by my big expectations.

 

- I wish for it to be a space to document my children growing up and proof I spend enough time with them while they still want to spend time with me.

- I wish for it to be a place to share my artistic endeavours (photography, various needle crafts, drawing).

- I wish for it to be a place of inspiration for myself and others.

- I wish for it to be a place to connect with friends near and far.

- I wish to live up to the blog's name - Creating Harmony. I love the double-meaning behind the title. I am creating myself (as we all are) through my experiences and I create art.