snip

Lalie's first proper haircut. Documenting the occasion turned out to be quite the struggle as this girl is becoming increasingly difficult to photograph. I did manage to get my 'smile' in the end, though. Win.

I'm still a little unsure... when it's straight down, she runs the risk of being mistaken for a little boy... so we're channeling a (very) young Mia Farrow and sweeping it to the side. It's back to little boy in about two and a half minutes, though. Lose.

P.S - Yes, she is completely drenched in water. Adamant on drinking out of cups (obviously not the 'sippy' variety).

thanking you

Hello! I just wanted to pop in and say thank you so, so much for all your beautiful and encouraging comments on the launch of my new little business. It feels good to be putting myself out there again - I'm excited about getting hands-on and creative!

Things might slow down here over the next few months as I try to juggle this new venture while I work on another project and plan for an overseas holiday.

Things are happening... stay tuned! x

introducing...

Over the last few months, it has become increasingly obvious to us that, unless I start earning an income, Paddy will need to work away from home on a more permanent roster.

It has been a huge change for me, career wise, to move away from the city to a place where my role as a stylist seems almost irrelevant. The industry that I was a part of basically doesn't exist here - so I'm having to think outside the box.

Since I started this blog two years ago, I have immensely enjoyed documenting our life in pictures. You will rarely find me without a camera in hand, or at least within reach. Photography is fast becoming a big part of who I am - as a visual person, I find it the ultimate form of creative expression. Over the last year or so, I've been asked by friends and family to photograph various significant events... and I have to say, I've enjoyed stepping into the photographer role so much!

Through experimenting and practice, I have discovered that my photography marries very well with what I have learnt from my experiences as a stylist. So, I have decided to merge the two creative areas that I love, offering a comprehensive photography and styling service - covering everything from family photography to the conceptualisation and styling of interior spaces and events.

Please pop over and visit the new website for Claire Connell Photography & Styling. I'd also be so grateful if you'd head over to my facebook page and 'like' me!

I am so excited about this new venture... I'm not sure where it will take me. I have other projects simmering in the background - big dreams that will take a little longer to bring to life. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to creating and capturing a little bit of magic in other people's lives. And in ours, too.

poolside

Sunday afternoon at the pool with my gorgeous sister.

I asked Paddy if he thought I could get away with using Steph as my blog-body-double. When concern spread across his face, I said I was kidding and quickly laughed it off.

(I was totally kidding... honest! Although I'd love to be able to fool you all into thinking I looked this good!)

and back on the mainland...

...we're still beaching it. I could handle a whole year of September's.

I've decided I need a little break from the dialogue. I'm thinking more pictures, less words... just for a little while. At the moment I'm too exhausted to extract the thoughts from my head. It never lasts long, though.

I hope that's okay with you guys.

* Lalie's handmade sandals - a lucky op-shop find!

amongst the blossom

The eucalyptus trees in our yard are sprouting sweet, fluffy blossoms which are attracting the most vibrant little visitors. Rainbow Lorikeets might just be my favourite bird. Lalie was lucky enough to get up close and personal to a colourful little pair on our Maggie trip.

I could handle more unannounced visits from these little guys... I think it's time to start planting some more bird-attracting natives in our yard.

Summer of '85

In the heat of the midday sun, we cooled ourselves down with creamy, sugary popsicles. I can't tell you how much this experience, these photos in particular, made me so nostalgic for my own childhood. This could be toddler me, in the eighties, on the foreshore of one of the Whitsunday's magical islands... way back when they were just a sleepy old undiscovered gem.

I'm sure Mum has a photo of me just like this - although my ice-cream of choice could have been a raspberry split. I have visions of red, sticky syrup... and lots of it!

on an island in the sun

It was Father's Day morning, the clock had not yet struck seven as the three of us lay curled up in bed deciding how we would spend the day. I had made no plans for Father's Day - to be honest, it had completely snuck up on me and I hadn't so much as organised a card (I know, I know. Bad wife!).

We aren't exactly spontaneous types, but the idea of moping around the house all day deciding what to do didn't really appeal to either of us. So we made a snap decision to jump out of bed, shower, pack a beach bag and race to the morning ferry.

It had been almost a year since our last visit to Magnetic Island (or Maggie as us locals affectionately call her), the place we were married almost three years ago.

It seems each time we visit her, she's more beautiful than the last. This is paradise - right on our door-step - a mere 25 minute boat ride away.

father's day

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there... especially this one, who does the most wonderful job of it.

I see so much of him in her. So much of his kindness in her eyes. So much of his goodness in her heart.

We are both incredibly lucky.

* Photos taken on the ferry today - a spontaneous day trip to Magnetic Island. More photos to follow.