capturing the poetic spirit.

Inspiration. As I look up its' meaning in my giant Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright 1864, I like this description of this word best - '5. To infuse ideas or poetic spirit.' 'To infuse or excite spirit in; to enliven; to animate; to give new life to; to encourage; to invigorate.' The definition of the word is beautiful even.

Do you ever stop and really think about what inspires you? Who inspires you?

I think that from a very young age, I felt inspired easily..I started my collection of antiques when I was 7. My first antiquity came from my uncle, who I remember stooped down low, looked my shy self in the eye and asked me, "Where would you like to go today? I would like to buy you a gift." In his mind, he was probably expecting the toy store, but my answer was the antique shop I saw out in the country on our way to the beach. So, there we went. And he bought me a saloon girl paper fan with geisha girls on it and an antique doll. I still have them and cherish them to this day. They inspire me, and remind me to listen to my authentic self.

As a photographer, I am drawn to things and places that bring out the artistic side of me. I live in a smaller home, am a single mom to 3 boys. As you can imagine, the house is full of toys, crumbs and cat hair. Laundry piled to the ceiling..there isn't a hamper big enough to make it worth my while to get one. The house is messy most days, but well lived in. Loved. So, I chose my 'spot' in my home..it's a section off the living room..but it's mine. My desk, my stuff. The boys know it's sacred to Mom, and don't dare occupy it unless I'm there with them. It's my turf, and as expected, decorated with the little things I love...vintage books, lamps, teacups. If I'm editing and need a little inspiration, I take down one of my vintage poetry books and read. When I'm tired and need a pep, I study a pretty teacup. It gives me the jolt I need.

Point is, I believe inspiration can come from anywhere, from any object big or small. You don't need to travel miles and it definitely doesn't need to be complicated. I probably won't travel far for a while, and the objects I adore and cherish are things I have found in antique shops and flea markets. But they move me. They instill the poetry into my, already, free spirit.

My favourite teacup that I carry all of my photog friends' business cards in... :)


My inspiration journal...thanks to Kevin Kubotaat WPPI...


One of my favourite quotes from Jerry Ghionis...
"You don't need to be the best, you just need to be better than you were last week."


My pretty business card box from local antique shop..


I LOVE my pretty collection of vintage/antique frames. I collect them, just because..



Stained glass beauty..


My desk that I scooped from the back of a pick-up from a guy on good old
Barton Street in Hamilton..and the 'engravings' etched on the desk from previous owners..



Cool old cameras from photographers before me..


Photographs of people I love..


Vintage lamps...


...and the cool shadows vintage lamps make.


Ornate handles..

and wooden artwork.


Size 0 antique shoe molds, (old photo of my Nonna in the 40s in the background)..and stacks of vintage books.


..it's about the little things that define you, that become a collection of who you are, remind you of where you are going, and who got you there. :) Get inspired!

Capturing the 'poetic spirit' of inspiration...