Who am I? A mother, a photographer, a cleaner, a wife? I get asked more than once a week “how do you balance it all? What’s your secret” There’s no secret, actually everyday I ask myself “how do I balance it all?…..do I???”
On Thursday my beautiful children, husband and I took a 2.5 hour drive to visit our favorite ski field. Waking up at the crack of dawn with ski pants on, bellies full of porridge we headed away on one of the years most stunning days…. stunning not only because of the weather but because we got to spend the day as a family. Hitting the slopes, loving the snow, I decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to take a few shots. Grabbing my 3 year old, enticing her with “lets go make a snowman” pure bribery and corruption… with light stand, camera bag in hand, we tramp to what I consider the best spot. Whilst setting up ‘my gear’ Ava is trying desperately to roll some snow…. not that easy with mittens on… she yells “come on Mummy” I respond… “hang on, hang on just getting the flash right”…… forward 10 mins, my beautiful daughter has taken to sitting in the snow head down waiting for her Mum. I on the other hand am getting more and more frustrated that the DAMN flash wont work. Angry that I couldn’t get the ‘shot’ I gather Ava and my stuff and we head back to the slopes. 2 hours later driving home my heart drops my eyes well with tears (as they are doing now) and I realize that we never made the SNOWMAN. My wonderful bright eyed daughter that was promised time alone with her Mummy creating some pretend being was denied the opportunity because I was too BUSY.
Stop what your doing, put down your broom, move away from your computer, hang up the phone, tell your babies you love them, play a game, bounce on a tramp, and always always make a snowman.
Ava I am sorry.
And Quinn, you don’t know about snowmen right now however I am sorry I made you sit in the snow, even if it was for only 10 seconds.
Mandy: Fiona...I am balling right now and I just cannot stop. This is me...you are writing for me...how many moments have i missed because of my STUPID camera. This is such a beautiful post with beautiful photos, but its harshly honest too. For all of us who spend too much time behind the camera...beautifully said. There will be more snowmen.
Amanda R: There will be many more snowmen but these moments and memories you spent together as a family in the snow are gone unless we make an effort to capture them. Bravo for making the effort. If your flash had worked you would have caught the moment and made the snowman. Think of all the crazy fun we get up to because of the camera! Jumping on beds, running down hills, holding up balloons, trips to the beach, eating icecream... though test the flash before you go next time :)
Grethel: Fiona, I'm right there with you... I go to bed very often feeling guilt of what I didn't do with my babies that day.. :(
Eileen Bruce: Fiona, thats a very touching blog entry and I'm sure it'll strike a cord in a lot of us. I know it does with me. So many times I've missed out on the fun with my gorgeous daughter and husband because I was so obsessed with getting a good shot. I think there needs to be balance.. We need to get in there an experience things with our children, but we need to take a portion of that time to document it so we *remember* these things.. We just can't let the need to get a shot rule our outings and time with our children! For what its worth, those two photos are stunning.
delphine: great job! she's sooo cute! catch up soon ;)
Rachael Kelly: Fe these are gorgeous!!
Christine: Fiona, I totally agree with you... great blog entry. And these shots are gorgeous, as always. Thanks for sharing. :)
paula hickson: Oh I am soooo excited I found your blog, Fiona!!! These are stunning as usual!!
Michelle: Awww...we've all been there. It's a heartbreak...cheer up!! :)
Mandy: <3 <3 <3 Too too true. Something I need to remind myself constantly. Thankyou.
Sheryl Roberts: Love the pink contrasting with the white & blue.....a bit different from sitting around at home!!!!
Katie Horrocks: I nodded when I read this. So true. Will take a leaf of your book (blog) and take my 5 month daughter Summer off my lap whilst typing and go for cuddles. Thank you.