A Time For Caring...Charity #3

Thanks to Canada AM, I found out about this great, informative, interactive and highly functional website/organization. Providing not only information on established worldwide charity projects and an opportunity to donate, but it allows you to see notable partners involved with each project and view applicable ratings voted upon by members. You can easily link to external organization host sites with ease and see the amount needed to reach a set goal. It also allows you to make proposals for small organizations you may feel need exposure and funding and the ideas are, in turn, voted upon by members (of which you have become, as well), accessed and then activated by Give Meaning administrators and an implementing organization is then heralded to host your proposal, now becoming a project. It also gives you the opportunity to raise money through the good ol' spare change office box and gets children involved in the 'Unicef' collection method, once a part of Halloween as much as candy...and there's more~check them out...

http://www.givemeaning.com/

The Strathdee Family

A Time for Action...Charity #2

Although this is a bit off topic on my December theme of giving and bringing awareness to charities that matter, but this is a very timely cause that needs attention. Amnesty International is not a charity, but a well recognized human rights organization that runs a lean operation cost and, more than any other organization in existence, helps those unfairly persecuted throughout the world. The reason I have decided to add this to my list is that December 10 (tomorrow) is Human Rights Day and Amnesty International is launching it's 'Write for Rights' letter righting campaign. They ask that we take a moment out of our day to write, sign, and/or become part of their 'greeting card' campaign. As the old campfire song muses 'It only takes a spark to get a fire going'; believing in the strength of your individual effort can change the course of international causes. Amnesty's success is evident of this.

http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/index.php

The Lewis Family

A Time of Giving

Being the month of December and with the Holiday Season upon us, I believe it is a time to give selflessly to others. But beyond the credit card bloated habitual traditions of mall splurging and media driven fad gifts, this is also a time to think about the heart of Christmas. To gather with family and enjoy the fruits of our blessings, but also to become aware of those less fortunate and do what we can, however small it may seem, to brighten another person's life. To say there is no better feeling than to give unconditionally is an understatement and what better way than to give the gift of a charity. During the month of Christmas, I felt I would do my part in spreading my belief by naming some lesser known operations who make it their effort and purpose to give to the betterment of those in need of a helping hand. These are charities that are not top heavy in administrative costs and highly accredited for their efforts. They do exactly what they claim and becoming a part will be the greatest gift you can give-to yourself, or to others-guaranteed.

#1

Educating India, while educating at home...win/win:

A Beautiful Sunday on Lake Sunova

After our first winter storm yesterday, I felt I should hop back on and update my blog (long overdue) with some pictures taken only a month ago, on a much sunnier, much warmer fall day in Lakeside. Pictured is local hairdresser and Glo Salon owner Zanya and her wonderful...and totally photogenic...three boys.


Can you feel the sunshine:-)

The Transient Farmer

Well, Sunday morning, my son and aspiring photographer hit the road at sunrise to try out his new birthday present-his first digital. A true bonding between father and son through the great gifts of nature and joint creativity. Where does his new passion go from here...Ansel Adams-maybe, Cartier-possible, Newton-hmmm:-) The point is photography can and should be enjoyed by all ages. It not only provides a great outlet, past-time and education, but allows you to see the world in an objective and creative manner and if you care to follow through, makes you search out those beautiful aspects you miss in routine life...and when brought into the family, gives you some much needed quality time with your children...beautiful aspect #1:-)

Young Galaxy

When I went to the Besnard Lakes show the other night, I knew nothing of the opening band, Young Galaxy. But all I can say is, I sure am glad I know about them now! The wonderful experience of discovering a new band was in full force last Thursday from the opening notes of this Montreal based unit, housed on the Arts and Crafts label and promoting their debut self-titled album. Led by entrancing lead singer Catherine McCandless and guitarist/singer Stephen Ramsay, (once a member of The Stars) they mix Floyd with Art/Space Pop, the same as Besnard Lakes, but with a lyrical edge, rather than mixing in the Zeppelin tones that Besnard hits you with in the best of their climaxes. Great for backroad drives, sunsets and kissing the sky. Check them out:

Musical Break-The Besnard Lakes

Thursday evening will see The Besnard Lakes toting their debut "..are the Dark Horse" return to Call the Office for there first return engagement. Unable to make the first show in the early summer, I will be there camera in tow to capture some images (under CTO's sometimes unforgiving lighting) of this most amazing introduction to the Canadian music scene. A most forgiving cross between The Beach Boys and Pink Floyd and ushering the best of the early 70's Art Pop into the here and now with fresh confidence, this is one band not to be missed.

http://www.thebesnardlakes.com/

The Grrrls of Shalimar.

Hair dresser models Tracey, Jenn and Abbey were good sports tolerating the early June heatwave we had this year to get some promo shots for the Shalimar Beauty Salon.

Summer is Over...Well Kind Of..

Yes, it is officially fall, the season of cool weather, wool sweaters, leaf piles, and shorter days. Hockey games, sunset walks, touch football and a new school year all images that usher in the season that many claim to be their favorite (at least in its early stages). The start of Fall this year has been absolutely perfect, albeit it feels much like summer, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s, I am not complaining. It has not only given a stellar Saturday for my first day of fall wedding, but it looks like it is going to hold on into this weekend, as well, the first big portrait weekend in the homestretch of 2007. It has also been a blessing in my last minute wrap to my Stratford Tourism Alliance Summer work, keeping people thinking, and most importantly, dressing summer for my series of primarily candids I have been compiling for them over the last 2 months in every spare momnet I have between my established operations, the location of which has also changed.

So brings me to my summer and the lack of updates on the blog/website. It has been the top summer yet in every facet of Lucid Musings, but time has been at a true premium. I had the honour of being able to do 10 weddings during July and August and had numerous portraits before the 'lazy, hazy days of August' and a big requirement with Stratford Tourism made me decide to limit, at all possible, all bookings during the month to 'essentials' that could not be scheduled elsewhere. In the middle of all this I decided to move my operations to a new studio location at 8 Water St. N., St. Marys 519-284-0858, and train a new assistant. Might as well get it all at once, I work better under pressure anyhow (at least thats what I always said with any and all of my homework in Highschool). That being said things are starting to get to an evenflow again and my space is fully operational, albeit many 'trimmings' are slowly filling out the decor to make it truly a 'home away from home'.
I welcome anyone to pop in and say hello. If you are an aspiring model looking for fashion work, an actor, or local business executive looking for a headshot, I now have a small interior studio set-up perfect to fit these needs, so please inquire if interested. Of course, this is just a natural progression for Lucid Musings, and location, location, location is still what I am all about, and I will come to you, or choose one of many varied and individual outdoor spots for your one-of-kind portrait, corporate team shot, or portfolio.
Please stay tuned for more updates in the near future, as I try to sum up this summer to remember and I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.

Sean

Erin and James