Skye Blue Photography

Spring has arrived. Flowers are blooming. Days are getting longer. Today I wanted a day out with Lily, and also had to find a location for an engagement shoot. Off to the Southern Highlands we went. We had a great lunch at Palette Pleasures, and I was good and shared it with Lily, and she ate her entire half!!!!! I have been looking for new bowls to serve Osso Bucco and Lamb Shanks in and I knew Id find them in Barbara’s Storehouse, along with a shelving unit that I wanted for the upcoming bridal expos. Then in the car to the park for some play and then scouting for locations. I found two I like. One looks like Monets bridge. We had a run around and Lily showed me her tree climbing skills. We watched the Ducks, and then we were chased by the ducks! The other a gritty underpass which I also loved. Then back into town to my favourite shop, Pratu, one of those shops you could just spend all afternoon in. Tops with my fav artists work on them and gorgeous ceramic tiles with Asian prints on them. This is one of my favourite places to go.

Hello all of you out there. I know you are there, I know that you are looking and I know you all ARENT commenting or leaving feedback. Well Lyndal, you do babe and thanks! But its time to up the anti and have a little more L.O.V.E on the blog. How to do that? Apparently through my research is to “personalise” the blog. Giving you more of me. Daily updates maybe a little much but regular updates on my life, my passions and my goings on. So I look forward to starting off NOW by asking you all that are visiting (hello 150 yesterday!) to leave me some comments on the posts you like, the images you love and what you would like to see or just simply ask me what you are looking for.

So into planning a website, and getting more of me into all of this which shock horror means more photos of me. Why go to all of this trouble? So that you, the prospective client gets to know me, the person I am.  I want to take photographs that move people, create emotion and make a difference. I want to share the L.O.V.E. Capture the L.O.V.E and even one day find L.O.V.E. Why? Because L.O.V.E is what makes the world go round. We thrive of it, that warm fuzzy feeling. I get the warm fuzzies from meeting newborns. Seeing a bride on her wedding day. A toddlers laugh. And a pregnant belly. These are what make me tick and strive for more.

So this weeks inspiration came from a visit to my school by Tim Hixson. A wonderfully inspirational man who spoke to my students and shared his L.O.V.E of film. He uses little toy camera called Holga or Diana which is a form of Lomography. Whilst showing a slideshow that showcased his work he encouraged his audience to “learn the rules, then break them”. His subjective approach to his work is clear, and his L.O.V.E of surfing and the beach culture is demonstrated so well through the medium of black and white film.

I have almost finished my third roll of Holga film from the last month and cant wait to get them developed to see the results. I have also bid on some new Lomo camera on ebay! Looking forward to showing you all the results from the Holga.

So thanks for listening. And remember to share the luurrvvvv.

Its been a long time since I felt proud of something I have achieved (other than being a Mum). Two years ago, in what I now call my past life, I was uninspired, had no self esteem, and lacked confidence to really do anything, and most shockingly I was cameraless. I lost a lot those 2 years ago, the life that I had planned along with a lot of the people in it. With the support of a very loving family and extended family (my parents friends are a wonderful part of my life) and of course the adoring eyes of a little angel, I got through what was probably the lowest point in my life. I began working again after my mat leave and was in a staff with a head teacher that was totally high on life (and sometimes coffee). I bought my first DSLR and started snapping. Then under my belt I got myself a mentor CASPIX, who guided me in a lot of obstacles and kept me focussed that I can do it if I am passionate enough. The passion was there, but still the confidence lagged. For so long I wanted praise off the people I looked up to in the Photography world. Then after a year I looked back on all the photographs I had taken and saw a vast improvement. Confidence started to build back. Along with that I gained a few more friends who understood me, and have been great support and encouraging in all aspects of my life. Self Esteem started to rise, and it felt good. Then the Big Trip OS, something that I had never dreamed of, or ever thought would happen in my life. Certainly wouldnt have in my past life. The experiences I had, and being able to take Lily on this journey aswell was a once in a lifetime opportunity. What I gained from this trip was so much more than the extra kilo’s that are still around my waist. Seeing the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tour, oh words cant even describe it. On my return I was asked to be artist of the month at the library. I organised myself and got it ready for August. I didnt really think of it as a big deal, but once I saw my work on the walls I felt so proud of myself. There in front of me is not just two years of hard work in my photography but in front of me was so many achievements. Through the belief and encouragement from others I have become who I am today, their kind words and inspiration became my backbone which today has allowed me to hold my head up high and shoot for the starts. Last night gathered at the library were my family, extended family and friends. It was a moment in time that solidified I have made it through the worst, followed my dreams, and have come out happy, joyful and confident in my life as a Mother, Daughter, Teacher and Photographer and now “Artist”. I will continue my journey with Photography which is now a part of my life, and is now part of who I am.

Big Kisses to all of you that have been part of this journey. It really means the world to me that you believe in me.

All good things have to come to an end….and it was time to leave to come home. These are the last few photos from our trip.

And back to London. We stayed in Trafalgar Square, RIGHT in the city. A stones throw away from the Museum which houses some AMAZING art, which I drooled over…Manet, Monet, Seurat, Pissaro….it took my breath away. But then there was the Tate Gallery, Modern Art, I was concerned how much Dad would enjoy this as my first time taking him to Modern Art was at the MCA in Sydney which had Cindy Sherman exhibiting….and it was Cindy Sherman at her best, very confronting. But this was where I was in my element….Salvador Dali (my favourite surrealist) and the Metamorphosis of Narcisus, alot smaller than I had expected, but none the less an exciting moment to see this, I had been let down when it wasnt in the Melbourne exhibition last year. A wing of Andy Warhol, a room of Pop Art and Roy Lichtenstein….I could go on and on.

Elly took us to Notting Hill which was colourful and no, Hugh wasnt home. Here we met up with Abbey, who is now home in Australia, and she had Lily in awe. Up onto the London eye and we could see soooooooooo far into the distance, including rain!!! (well it wouldnt be London without rain). We visited Buckingham Palace and saw a marching band in the barracks. After another 3 full on days, and although we had a fantastic time away, we were happy to come home to our own beds and some good home cooking.

What an experience. Words cant describe the rush that I felt seeing things like Big Ben, York Mister, Westminster Abbey, artworks I have taught for the past 10 years….especially the Mona Lisa, thick Scottish accents, tasting Yorkshire puddings for the first time, eating at Rick Steins fish and chips in Padstow…..gosh the list is endless and Im blown away Ive actually done this, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would do this. And of course now I want more. Italy next!!

But most importantly we got to see Elly. My little sister who had decided she would move out, and well half way across the world. In a way I thank her for doing this so I had the incentive to travel and also Mum and Dad! How we have missed you Elly, and what an excellent time we had together road tripping around. The car just wasnt the same without you curled up on the window asleep! Lily, I think, thinks that London is like a trip to Bowral and continually asks to come back to see you. Oh and everything including the Clock Tower in Camden is The Tower Bridge. So when will she be home….who knows, but London is very lucky to have our Elly, but we will be reclaiming her eventually!!!!!

Notting Hill

mmmmm are we lost??????

A room FILLED with cheese

More of Paris. Well who couldn’t cope with more of Paris! On our second night we had the most amazing meal. To begin with I had Frois Gras, like pate, and VERY nice. Next Beef Bourginon, amazing. Anyone that has watched Julie and Julia would understand why this was one dish I had on my must do whilst in Paris. I often make this dish at home, but it is nothing compared to what we had. And the BEST mashed potato!! And then, behind me in the cabinet, creme brulee. It had our name on it, and Im glad it did. It was AMAZING!!! I was in heaven. Our last night we had Italian…and it was excellent as well. A walk to the Louvre which was great to see all lit up at night. Our final morning we spent window shopping at some of the most exclusive shops on the planet id say. There was nothing to say except WOW.

Hotel Des Invalides

Jardin Du Luxembourg..I had read about his Garden and I am so glad we went, it was breath taking

And that was Paris in 3 days….Loved every second of it!

I had high expectations for Paris, and all those expectations were met, and more! After dumping our bags quickly at the Hotel, off we went exploring. Our Hotel was just off Avenue De Opera, which at one end was the Place De L’Opera and at the other end the MUSEE DE LOUVRE!! One guess which way we headed. We had been walking for not even 5 minutes when I was asked directions by a non english speaking tourists and I was rather impressed with myself to be able to actually help them (im better at reading a map than I thought). While walking down the street it became clear that the traffic rules in Paris is a basic free for all, and motorbikes are parked everywhere. At the end of the road you come to a wall with arches, nothing could have prepared us for what was beyond the wall. Waiting at the lights Dad had his first experience with a gypsie who threw a ring down infront of him, luckily for his reading on the Eurostar of the Lonely Planet he knew what this was all about and held tight to his bag. Through the arches and before us was a huge courtyard, to the left Musee De Louvre, to the right, Arc De Triumph Du Carousel and behind it Jardin Des Tuileries which at the end is the Champs Elysees and the Arc De Triumph. We stood in this one spot for a good 5 minutes overwhelmed. For me I just could not believe that I was standing here, seeing all of these things that I studied at University and especially the art works that I would eventually see in the Louvre. Then as we took a few steps it came into sight, the marvelous Tour Eiffel. And then that little rush of excitement came back as I had a little jump and squeal. I looked into the pram to Lily, and she was fast asleep!!!!!These are just a few of the pics, more to come I was just too excited and HAD to share ASAP!!!! Paris, the most romantic, picturesque place I have ever experienced. Everything is beautiful, the parks, the architecture and the people. Everyone I asked for help was happy to give us directions. I will be selling framed prints from Paris in the near future, if you are interested in purchasing any prints from Paris or England comment below or contact via email or phone call.

J’Adore Paris……

The Louvre. And the controversial pyramid, which really does not compliment and clashes with the beautiful surrounds of classic buildings, however it would not be the Louvre we know today without it

Was very annoyed at this truck in the photo!! How dare they park there!

Arc De Triomphe du Carousel

The City of Love. Everywhere couples lazing in the sun together.

And someone’s Carousel radar woke her up!!

Place Vendome

Day 2. Off to the Louvre. Inside the building was amazing. We stood and looked at the ceiling for longer than we viewed Mona! So many people inside, and what I couldnt believe was the amount of students there, starting at Lily’s age to high school students. Imagine that going to the Louvre for a school excursion! What I love is that Culture is a high priority here and sport is not.

Delacriox : La Liberte Guidant le Peuple

Liberty leading the people. This painting symbolises the French Revolution, and the day that the people rose and dethroned their king. It is a reminder that while these beautiful palaces were being built many people were dying of starvation and were poor.

And here she is….the Mona Lisa. I do believe that she is smiling, if not smirking. Still pinching myself that I saw this.

The Musee d’Orsay….didnt have a chance to go here too, but this place houses ALOT of timeless artworks

Shopping anyone?????

Yes that is 5 lanes of traffic you see, and Im on the bus so that makes 6! Dont know how it works, but it does and no one collides.

And here she is The Eiffel Tower

Baquette in the sun….was STILL pinching myself at this moment

One of these will be a nice HUGE canvas for my lounge room, but colour or black and white…cant decide

A town by the sea, somewhat owned by Rick Stein, was sunny on our 3 day visit here. A relaxed little town where I ate the most amazingly fresh seafood, and had Stein’s Fish and Chips (with a side order of mushy peas of course), and yes this lunch certainly lived up to the expectations! It was very hazy while we were here, which ma have been the volcanic cloud that had been moving over and disrupting all flights in the UK.

We stayed in the Cottswalds for 4 nights in a little town called Chipping Campden. Very appropriate for us! This town was quiet, and looked like Hansel and Gretal may have lived here once  I was sure that the height of the doors was to fit in Hobbits!. From here we had a day trip to Stonehenge and also to Bath. I think Bath would be nice for a few days, half a day just wasnt enough here.

These walls look easy to climb……well off you go then!

The most common line used on the trip “Ned would love this” Mum and Dad said of their Nature loving friend. Then when we got to this street ” Ned would pass out” It was picture perfect. A beautiful stream flowing down the street, cottages on either side of it. Tranquil.

Stonehenge…just in the middle of no where on the side of the road. Yes it was COLD here.

This guys music was AMAZING. 

Oh and the famous red telephone boxes!!!

Keswick (pronounced Kessick) was the next stop, in the Lakes district. Very picturesque, snow capped mountains against clear blue skies, a town where hiking is the most practiced past time, and where being a resident requires you own a dog, and take it everywhere. Even the pubs are allowed the dogs in it. This is also where the air space is used by the Air Force. Always in pairs, fighter jets would come screaming past. During 9/11 they were out all the time and hovering amongst the hills, where the locals would drive past a jet next to the road! The houses here built again out of a different stone, this area has a lot of shale. This is where Derwent pencils (the ones we all wanted as kids) originate from and are made.

Here we were able to get up close to the sheep and lambs. Although in getting closer and seeing the size of the mummy sheep, I made sure Lily kept her distance!

The park where Lily and I played soccer each day.

Just after the shot of Lily, across the sky line they came! VERY loud!