A Year in Photo - Day 71

This is the first time I didn't get my "Year in Photo" up on the day of; I took the photo yesterday but I just got home too late, sorry!

I spent the day with my friend Mandy's horse Gally. She was working so I met his Equine Therapist (chiropractor, reiki, massage etc.), Ainsley Beauchamp. Mandy was quite worried because he was quite painful so after his treatment I wanted to get a photo with him to show her how well eh was doing. I was giggling away, he was less thrilled about my selfie shots. My arm was just too short to get a good photo of him.

As I was leaving, his paddock mate Walnut was very upset that she hadn't gotten any attention or at least less than she likes. Unlike Gally, she was quite pleased to pose for her photos with. I left feeling light and carefree. Horses are the greatest medicine for me. 

"Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 70

Being an Auntie is one of the greatest things in the world; we got to spend the day with Kennedy and 7 week old Braelyn, who I just met today, at the beach. <3

"Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend."

A Year in Photo - Day 69

Growing up, and really until only a couple of years ago when I started gaining weight, I didn't mind having my picture taken, I actually liked it. I loved capturing memories and documenting my life. But as I gained more and more weight, largely in part due to medication, I began to loathe having my picture taken; I avoided it at all costs and when I was put in a position to have my picture taken all I could think about was how terrible I was going to look.

I don't think I'm unattractive, but I hated the weight on my face and body, I was so ashamed. I felt disgusting and I didn't want people to see photos of me. But as I do work on myself and through this blog, I am learning to see myself in a different and more positive light. I am beautiful, exactly as I am right now. 

So this is me, no photoshop, no editing, just a little bit of make-up to make ME feel good. 

"When I accept myself, I am freed from the burden of 

needing you to accept me." -Dr. Steve Maraboli

A Year in Photo - Day 68 + Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List - Screamers

I had a great day playing with horses and hanging out with my friend Mandy today. During our adventures, I introduced her to screamers, a Summer 2015 Bucket List item....well let's just say I think she wished I hadn't. :)

"At the end of the day your feet should be dirty,
your hair messy and your eyes sparkling." -Shanti

A Year in Photo - Day 67 + Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List Item - Have a Picnic

**beep, beep* says my cell phone just before lunch..."You home? & have you eaten lunch yet? I have a massive bowl of Greek pasta salad that you need to have some of."...a text from my neighbour and good friend Faith, I'm in.

We spent a great day walking to the park, having a picnic, playing with Logan on the playground and stopping at Starbucks for a coffee on our walk home. I'm so grateful to have friends who like making last minute plans as much as me. A great day with a great friend Faith and my rambunctious nephew Logan, so fun.

"I like messy people who don't fit in a box or stay between the lines, but who's integrity is greater than any rule book and who's loyalty is stronger than blood." -Jim Wern

A Year in Photo - Day 66

I spent the greatest day with good friends, amazing horses and the sunshine peaking through some beautiful storm clouds. I got home wet from the rain and smelly from the work and with lots of photos to choose from.

I got home, stepped out of the the shower and....CRAP, I know better, I've been freckled and fair skinned my entire life!! I put sunscreen on every sunny day but today it was cloudy so I didn't, cloudy days are so deceiving.

But I'll tell you what, every second of mild discomfort from the sunburn is worth it because my heart is happy. 

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do." -Helen Keller

A Year in Photo - Day 65

We stopped in at our favourite pet store this afternon, Tail Blazers (on the corner of Benvoulin and KLO), to get Sig some sticks and one of my favourite dogs was "working" with his Mom, Kristy. Chimo is such a handsome boy, love him so much, and his Mom is pretty great too :)

Also, if you haven't been to Tail Blazers in Kelowna you're missing out. The most knowledgeable, caring group of people you will ever meet. After years of trying to find a food that Sig isn't allergic too and will still eat, success, all thanks to them. They carry great products for dogs and cats, and they actually know about their products! They care about our pets, who let's face it are our family members, just as much as we do.

"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." -Doris Day