Last night, Mary and I joined the rest of the world in witnessing the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Though we've lived in Canada since we were kids, and have thoroughly experienced true Canadian living (cold weather and all), it was nice to be reminded of some of the symbols and imagery that represent us, and our nation. The mountains, the snow, the prairies, the Natives with their elaborate costumes, what a beautiful country we live in!

We also enjoyed the Celtic fiddlers and dancers featuring Ashley MacIsaac playing insanely energetic "Devil in the Kitchen" and who could refuse K D Lang's brilliant performance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" which left us breathless!

One of the most memorable parts of the celebration for me was the passionate performance of his poem "We are More" by Shane Koyczan. Now I'm not a poetry buff by any means, but his words resonated with me and painted a picture of Canadians that goes far beyond our frozen pond ice rinks and quirky colloquialism (eh?).

We'll leave you with the poem below.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  More can be found about Shane and his work at: House of Parlance Media

Thanks, Shane for bravely sharing this with us.

GO CANADA!!!!!

Sam

ps. Anyone for some Tim Hortons? :)
 

We Are More by Shane Koyczan
   
When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
" been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks

we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes

we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today

filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"

someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday

we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through

and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
" keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true

Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

The thing with learning something new is that it's almost never too late.  I say that because, as a child, I secretly longed to be able to play the piano.  Not like playing for concerts or anything like that, but mainly just for the personal joy of creating music.  Whenever I hear a song played on those black and white keys, I am mesmerized.  It is just amazing to me that such beautiful sounds can all come together so effortlessly. 

Having come from a big family, my parents couldn't afford to send us all to all kinds of lessons, including music, but on one special occasion, they did save up and buy us a small Casio digital keyboard that I had been wishing for.  I still remember that keyboard fondly even though I was never able play it beyond plunking around and imagining myself making beautiful music.  It's the imagining that keeps dreams going.

Well, I'm in my 30s now and here is my first piece of music I have ever written.  It's like going back to kindergarten and learning to write again.  I fretted posting this, but Sam has encouraged me to share it.  I wrote it in a rough draft as an exercise thinking I will just put it in a folder, but he took my song, listened to me play it and worked it by helping me put on the finishing touches.  You know the person who sees something in you, and can't wait to share it with the world?  Yes, that would be him. 

Here is my song that Sam has produced together with some video I shot earlier this week.  He loves creating, even on his day off.  Creating something for yourself to enjoy whether it be trying out a new recipe for a dish you've been dreaming of, or that craft that you're excited about, or whatever your passion may be, is important.  We need to do it more daily. 
 

 

The challenge is conquering our fears of trying that something new.  Once you get your feet wet, it's not all that scary, really.  Really, don't panic. 


Have a great weekend!

Much love,
Mary :)

If you've seen Part I, here is Part II to Joanne and Lawrence's Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard wedding. Enjoy!

One of my favourites all-time bridal party images.  This one just makes me smile.

Love this bride and MOB shot just before the ceremony at St. Marks Anglican Church

Their beautiful outdoor reception at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery simply reflects the elegant and classic style that they love.   You couldn't help but feel so welcomed and be drawn to the beauty and calm of this place.

The super-talented tv-star and celebrity chef, Anna Olson of Olson Foods provided these sweet cupcakes!  She and her team also catered the food which was delicious as it was beautiful.  

Picturesque.  It was soo hard to leave after taking this all in.  The bride and groom walked down to this, their family, friends, and all that mattered to them.

Location: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Ceremony location: St. Marks Anglican Church
Reception location: Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Bridal gown: Custom tailoring by The Wedding Present
Hair: Allure Hair and Makeup (Mandy Wilson)
Makeup: Allure Hair and Makeup (Teresa Hoogendam)
Flowers: My Bouquet Floral Design (Pauline Vanderkuip)
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Tiered Cupcakes: Anna Olson of Olson Foods @ Ravine)
Caterer: Olson Foods @ Ravine
Tent, Tables & Party Equipment: Robson Tents
Honeymoon: Mexico

J&L: Happy bliss.  Even these words can't describe what an amazing experience this day must have been for you, because all of us at the wedding felt that for you.  Thanks for sharing this important day with us.  What a wonderful way to enter into your life together.  Many congratulations and love.

Love ya,
Mary (& Sam)

We had an fabulous time with Joanne and Lawrence as they tied the knot, kicked back and celebrated in style at the Ravine Vineyard Estates Winery, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  Their love for each other and for their family and friends, really made this day memorable for all.  Their day was perfect, the weather cooperated, their guests enjoyed themselves, the venue, food and details were amazing - we couldn't have asked for more. 

As I couldn't possibly narrow down my favourites to share with you from their beautiful outdoor wedding, it will have to come in two parts! :)

Here are some favourite details. I love this gorgeous bouquet by My Bouquet Floral Design and the colours that were coordinated for their wedding!

The bride's beautiful dress, custom tailored by The Wedding Present:

Joanne, getting pampered by the fabulous Mandy Wilson (Hair) and Teresa Hoogendam (Make-up) of Allure Hair and Make-up. 

I love the anticipation in the room as the bride dons her french netted veil.  LOVE these bird cage veils! :)

There's just something about a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time that makes it truly one of my favourite parts of the day.

Chillin' with their long-time best sibling/friends who were a part of their uber cool bridal party.  Lookin' amazing! 

Up next: Joanne and Lawrence's wedding ceremony at  St. Marks Anglican Church and their beautiful outdoor reception at the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

Stay tuned!
Mary (& Sam)

2010 is off to an exciting start!  We've happily received a new addition to our lens family namely, the Canon 24-70 F2.8L.  A sort of bittersweet occasion, this lens will replace our well loved, but aging 28-70 F2.8L - one of my fave lenses in our lineup.

First impressions:

The lens is slightly longer and bulkier, but when you're actually using the lens, you'd never be able to tell.  Autofocus is accurate, fast and quiet - moreso than the 28-70, but that could be because of age.  While the 28-70 was beautiful and sharp at the long end (70mm) the 24-70 seems to really shine on at the wide end where images seem crisper and sharper.

For those of you who are wondering: Should I upgrade my 28-70 to the 24-70?  My advice would be that if your old 28-70 still works, keep it and use it.  It's still a fantastic lens and can produce amazing images.  To upgrade just for the extra 4mm is just pure extravagance in my books :)

So what will become of our trusty old 28-70?  Since the AF is not what it used to be, and in the spirit of reusing and recycling, we'll probably re-purpose it as a video lens and use it entirely in manual focus mode.

Happy shooting!
Sam