I cannot believe that November has nearly disappeared...where does the time go? Well as much as I tried and begged I couldn't convince Matt to grow a giant moustache for "Movember" but he does however have a raging beard which he says he will shave on New Years Eve! For those of you who aren't familiar "Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health." www.movember.com So if you have seen an awful lot of men sporting odd facial hair this month...this might be why.
The rain has arrived...and as far as I'm concerned it can return from whence it came immediately. I mean don't get me wrong I like a cozy rainy day every now and again- and I did have some idea of what I was getting myself into- but this is insane! I suppose I shouldn't complain all of this weather is what makes BC so beautiful, I guess its an ok trade off.
Our Hallowe'en weekend was spent in Tofino as planned- we stayed at a friend's place for the weekend and had a really great time. We missed the surf competition but it was pretty exciting for Tofino as a local guy (Pete Devries) won the entire thing so there were lots of congratulatory signs posted everywhere and he also ran the Olympic Torch into town which we did catch and I got a few photos. We also went and caught up with a couple that Matt used to cater for. They run a tourist boat operation in Ucluelet and were so happy to see Matt! During our chat they suggested that we take some time to go to the salmon hatchery nearby and see the black bears. Wow! What an afternoon that was...it was incredible to see a mother and her baby pulling massive salmon right out of the river and tearing them apart. As you might imagine we took a few photos...if you haven't seen them yet there are some posted here: www.wendhiwork.carbonmade.com.
Matt has been getting busier with work lately and has also taken some more steps forward into getting his own business started. He has had new business cards printed up with his Victoria phone number on it and has been networking with local flooring stores. He also set up a portfolio online to showcase his fabulous work - you can visit it here: www.cleanlinetile.carbonmade.com. The calls have just started to come in and he picked up 2 very nice jobs this week- so happy for him!
I have had some progress in my working situation as well which I am happy to finally be able to announce. I am still sticking it out with this photography company out of Vancouver however it looks as though Victoria General Hospital is not going to be letting us in their doors anytime soon! Things were looking like I was going to be back on the job market after a "heads up" phone call I received from the boss a couple of weeks ago. They were unsure of how we could move forward in any sort of capacity together- they had asked me to set up the in-home photography service- which I was working on but it was going to come down to me being paid per shoot and not full time hours and there was no way I could be a part of that. One thing I have learned about these guys is that they are idea men- they are thinkers and they don't like to give up- with that in mind they called me and asked me to start looking for a studio space here in Victoria that I could work out of. They figure that paying rent on a studio space will be less than the amount they would be paying to the hospital in commissions every month. Long story short- I found a space- they came over last weekend- wined and dined me - we looked at the space together and I should have the keys in my hand by Tuesday!
The space is right in the heart of downtown in an old heritage building. It's small but it has high ceilings and I have full control of the reno. They have asked if they can hire Matt to tear up the carpet and lay some laminate so that's an added bonus! I have been feeling so torn about this because its not like I went to school for photography or have paid my dues so to speak within this industry and having a studio fully funded and geared up to work from seems like its beyond my skill at this point. My new motto is "fake it til you make it". I have been honest with them from day 1 - that I am self taught and they like what I've done so far for them so I have chosen to look at this as my 'break'...someone taking a chance on me- this will be my education. Baby and family photography is not my goal as a career but it is certainly the right thing for right now (fingers crossed).
It doesn't look like we'll be going anywhere for the holidays this year- which we are both bummed about- but we'll make the most of I suppose. Matt will certainly miss Kieran...and turkey dinner ( I have offered to cook one for him but he says it wouldn't be the same to cook it for just one person) We are invited to a boxing day dinner at Matt's bosses house- so I am sure he'll get his fill there. While we are on this topic- if you wouldn't mind sending your mailing addresses...I've misplaced my address book in the move! Please send us Christmas cards it will be so nice to get mail at that time of year! What are your plans for the holidays?
Ruca is here grumbling at me to get her dinner- so that's my cue to leave you for now. We miss you all so much and hope to hear your news when you have a moment.
Lots of love,
Matt, Wendhi and Ruca xoxo
