salty souls

The birds have been singing first thing in the morning lately, and I'd forgotten how uplifting that can be to one's spirits. Its as if Spring has come early and they have awoken (themselves and me) from a long grey nap with a renewed sense of life and energy. It never ceases to amaze me how connected we are to nature and its rhythms if we pay attention. Look closer.

We have been quite lucky lately with the sun sticking around for most of the day and the temperatures in the double digits. It is funny though- I used to whine every winter in Ontario "I never want to sit through another snowy winter again!" and yet for some reason I found myself kind of missing it this year. I'm sure I'll get over it!

This recent energy spurt of mine has led me to a little exploring- I have realized that Matt and I have gotten into a bit of routine within our community- patterns that had been established out of convenience when we first got here. We found our 'go to' shops for things we need and then never really branched out too much. It's exciting discovering new things around different corners even the simple things like a new grocery store that stocks your favourite cereal or the local cheap theatre that only charges $4.25 on Tuesdays! It seems that we've made it past that 6 month hump and are now open to more. I guess just like I imagine Jayden is at 6 months...we're starting to crawl.

The studio is well on its way to actually being ready...I will have some photos to post soon of the progress - the change is phenomenal. New paint and new floors and the boss is out shopping for all the technical equipment as I write. He is determined to set us apart from any existing competition and wants to have the best possible gear - which often times leads to big talk that I have to reel in. Last Sunday he was over to see the studio and he was talking about having a builder come in to measure the space so they can have a custom work space designed and built for me. Money aside...how long is that going to take? I mean really... I don't think people are going to be admiring my work space- I need a desk and a chair with a place to edit photos, and run the business... I'd do it from a bean bag chair and a lap top if I had to, if it meant the studio could open next week! They mean well and I love working them- they are so open to creative ideas and really let me run with things. I am just 6 months in of chomping at the bit and getting anxious for this to start- it's exciting! I'm so ready to be in this new career this position of running a studio on my own and learning so much every day- creating images that people love and adding all the little details to the environment that will set us apart. I want people's experience at their photo shoot to be relaxing but special and a little bit glam. My boss is coming over next week to shop with me, set the place up and get our name out there. I have a very special bottle of bubbly chilling in the fridge to celebrate with that I can't wait to crack!

Matt has been working like crazy lately...he works all day for the company and then evenings and weekends on his own contracts. I don't know a lot about tiling but I can say this: I was at a job site with him lately- helping him get set up and another flooring guy came by to say hello- he was singing Matt's praises about his work-how perfect it is- how he went over it with a fine tooth comb and was so impressed. He went on and on and eventually hired Matt to come and do some tile at his place! I have every confidence that Matt's company is going to be a giant success and I'm very proud of him...he has such a great work ethic - and I say this even though it cuts into our time together sometimes!!! He hasn't been able to get out surfing as much as he'd like to just yet- but I keep reminding him "all work and no play..." but I say that now because I have this amazingly warm brand new wet suit hanging in my own closet now that I've only been out in once! It was such a wonderful feeling to get in the Pacific Ocean in January and not feel the cold. It was so much fun to swim around and play...I only caught one wave that day- and it was a good one- I rode the entire thing on my stomach but it was such an amazing feeling and I can't wait til I can get to my feet!

We are still dreaming of getting away...and we now have it down to Hawaii or Mexico in April. Flights to Hawaii are soo cheap from here and I have friends to stay with as well. We'll see.

For now Matt is really excited to come home for his visit with Kieran! He'll be back from the 2nd-9th and will be so happy to spend every second possible with K- I wish I could be there to see everyone and document Matt and Kieran together- I bet he's changed so much since we've been here.

I'm looking forward to having Mum and Bill out even though its 5 months away - I'm on the lookout for great stuff to do! Hopefully I'll have a car by then - no bus for us!!! Ghislaine I hope you're enjoying CR very much- wish we could come visit... Doug and Linda- have a fantastic time on your cruise! Kimmy have a safe and exciting trip to Israel...can't wait to hear and see all about it! Jer- congrats on your win at the bike show! I guess talent runs in your family! Robin- I wish I could be there for your first show- it's going to be so great- congratulations!!!

We hope everyone is well and happy and as always we'd love to hear your news when you have time.

Much love,

Matt- Wendhi and Ruca.

xoxo