by lulujane on August 7, 2009
Earlier this week I visited my friend Betty at her Colchester summer cottage. I am not one who can sit still for long (unless I am vegging out of course), and quickly suggested that we go for a ride. I had been wondering where Cedar Beach Island was. When I shot a July regatta at Cedar Island Yacht Club I wondered where it got its name, because obviously it wasn’t on an island. I simply drove off the main road into its parking lot.
Betty knew where the ‘island’ was located. With our destination plotted, off we went. A couple of roads past the yacht club we turned right. Another right. Over a little bridge and we were there. The small lots and narrow streets reminded me a bit of Toronto Island. It felt like such fun to be there. After winding down all the residential streets which took about three minutes, we went to the beach.
It was a fiercely windy day. Sunny and warm. We got out of the car, walked toward one of the few picnic tables, quickly claiming it as our own. As I settled onto the bench I watched Betty walk toward the beach, eagerly wetting her feet in the churning surf.

I have my camera with me most of the time, never knowing when a special moment will present itself.


I guess I should explain about the ‘island’…. it appeared to be an island because of the canals meandering around the yacht club property on the mainland. I don’t know if it is really an island or not, but I sure enjoyed being there, tossed by the furious wind, enjoying the warmth of the sun, and the image of my friend as she too, enjoyed our moments at the beach.
by lulujane on November 3, 2008
Sue almost makes me wish I could be a witch if she could promise me I would look that great!

Catching butterfly Jhoan off guard results in catching a relaxed beauty.

Football player, Elephant, Smiling Werewolf and Bartender Diane

Although Michael came as a Pirate, he looks a bit like an Angel.

Michael tired of being a Pirate and Niki obliged by painting him a Tiger face.

I love playing in Photoshop to see what interesting things will happen. Here, Princess Leia poses with her costume made by Mark, hair by Sue – and an ice cream bowl.

Noah looks great in his Indiana Jones hat – way cool!

With this Photoshop filter Cary looks like he came from Star Wars.

Mark and Sue posing with Noah and Alex in their 2008 costumes.

Grrrr – Mark looks a bit like a scary thug.

Princess Leia – Alex is always willing to pose – thank heaven, and she gives me lots of opportunity to work with the images afterward.


Carly and Krista (Elephant and Werewolf) – if anyone can be scary and cute at the same time it is Carly and Krista.

A bit of Vincent Van Gogh and his Butterfly (Tom & Jho)
I have a lot more photos, but this is enough for one day, don’t you think?
Sorry to say I didn’t do a formal costume but when Niki came and I asked what she dressed up as on October 31, she looked at me, and said “just like you – a fitness instructor”… so she called it. I was a fitness instructor at the Halloween party. Next year I plan to be better prepared.
Linda
by lulujane on September 7, 2008

When I was out driving the other day I noticed an elderly man sitting on a bench, with one hand resting on his wheeled walker. Stuck inside each of the handle grips was a children’s windmill. It told me a lot. I smiled to myself, thinking what a playful spirit that person must have, and was sorry that I couldn’t stop my car, go back, perhaps even introduce myself, and take a photo.
by lulujane on August 16, 2008

Some people are afraid
of change.
Others
fearful
of staying the same.
Life is fleeting
an adventure
in constant flow.
When things are stagnant
for long periods
Ho hum, hum drum.
Feeling uneasy
in armchair of laziness –
should be doing something.
drudgery of sluggish routine
suffocates motivation &
spontaneous creativity.
Filling time
with pleasurable pursuits
that “speak” & are heard
honouring
intuitive whispers
that alert & guide
Focus elusive.
Easily distracted
by eager eye taking in,
magnetic energy attracting
whirling sights & sounds
confuse
On precipice of risk
testing self
Urged to explore
each new place
where freedom allows
choice –
detaching from
outcome
Sampling & savoring
sweet morsels
manifesting feasts
creating rich reality
in delectable smorgasbord
called life.
Stepping out
daring & fearless
Saying “why not?”
keeping energy fluid
merging into rivers
inspired to navigate
Feeling brave.
Opening up
excavating hidden talents
discoveries match desires
Meeting people
unknown before
engagement
in new ventures.
Heart sees.
Beauty & vulnerability
strength & courage
revealed.
Impossible
to stay
with one thing
as principal focus.
Difficult to figure…
boredom,
or fear
that following it further
might bring elevation
to level of skill
where more
is demanded.
Critical.
Gentle with innocent
Self
accomplishment pleases
Not shackled
by traps of youth
when perfection
determined value.
Favour of others pleases
it does not
define
self perception.
Wondering
if there is
doubt of not measuring
high enough
on yardstick
of self determined
rule of success
Likely closer
to hunger of what urges
is grace of insatiable appetite
to learn anew,
willingness
to bathe in the freshness
of each new day
to peek nose into space
where shaft of light
reveals itself at doorway’s edge
nudge it open
and enter
to take rightful place.
As a child critcized,
judged as nosy
“You just don’t want to miss out on anything do you?”
Statement right
Judgment wrong
Truth is
blessed with curiosity
of a puzzled child
seeing
wanting to know more
longing to understand
Tasting, nourished
from the banquet
where inner promptings
direct to new menus
selecting
unfamiliar, tempting main courses
& desserts
delighting in surprises
gliding gracefully on
Wafting like a breeze
on zephyrs of change
big toe in water
feeling, testing
engaging to level
where thermostat
of comfort zones
registers interest & pleasure.
Relishing excitement & lightness
acknowledging presence of butterflies
spreading wings
& moving
ever forward.
Engaging loops & levels
on landscapes of life.
Constants…
the comfort of familiarity.
rubbing against it
like a child
feeling cozy & safe
snuggled close to mother
in church pew,
nuzzling face
clinging to warmth of texture
& smells
of worn
muskrat fur coat.
Passion vibrates
heart sings
expressing photographic gift
captivated
by eye & heart enveloping beauty
seen & sensed,
unceasingly seduced
to look beyond surface
seen.
Immersed
in shining light
of beauty pool
where sacred subjects
reveal reflections
of souls
And time stops.
_________
Teacher
& student
in game of life
observing
shifting
like seasons
jumping in,
surrendering
Flowing
merged with the stream
& growing into awareness of
the glory
of
True
Self
by lulujane on August 14, 2008

Springtime arouses
Creative growing season
Emerges
with promise.
Delightfully
Anticipating joy
What will be revealed
to senses?
To everything, a season
Nothing permanent
Perhaps this drives
Feelings of urgency
To record exquisite flavour
of what seen
With eyes and heart.
Yearning intimate connection
In-to-me-see
Ultimate desire
Some say
“I don’t see what you see”
Pray to see beauty
Open to receive.
So, rejoicing
Stepping into
Garden
growing room
Seeking jewels
Abounding in nature
And other things
Linda Iler
March 5/08