Vital Imagery Blog

As a daughter, and a mother, I admit I get a bit sentimental about Mother's Day.   With four kids of my own, I certainly understand the change that happens to you after they place in your arms that beautiful child you waited nine months to meet.

From the minute that happens everything else in life is second.  Like most moms I would do anything to protect or help my kids.

Tenneva Jordan, a woman known for little except some great quotes, summed up motherhood perfectly, without flowery prose or ploddy erudition: "A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."

It's not all about sacrifice and love, however. It's about establishing a new relationship, leading and guiding that little stranger throughout life.  It requires ingenuity, patience and trust.  Those elements aren't always that easy.

Things my mother said and did I may not have understood well as a youngster or a teen. Sh…

In the classic film noire, Sunset Boulevard,  faded silent movie star Norma Desmond dramatically states, "Alright Mr. Demille. I'm ready for my closeup."

Though not seeking the attention the crazed actress was, there are many things that command close-up attention when being photographed.  The command isn't issued through words or action, but simply exists because profound beauty is worthy of the scrutiny.

Think of the kaleidescopic design of a resting butterfly on a dewy soft petal, the veins of an emerald-green leaf, the delicate beauty of a baby's foot.  In all of these cases, there's no debate that the closer the picture the better.

With limited knowledge of exactly how a camera works, I've enjoyed the macro feature on the new Canon that was a gift from our children a few years ago.  I took a picture of a freakishly large beetle on my deck without getting too close. I've moved in on fauna with flora, and on my beautiful children, all with varied …

May is Family Wellness Month —  31 days in which to stress the importance of healthy lifestyles and habits within your family.  Throughout the month I intend to select some photo collections to help promote all the wise decisions we can make to improve our health.

If I'm to be honest, I probably wouldn't be given top marks for some of my lifestyle choices. Blessed with some great genes, I have been able to pretty much eat what I like without any serious weight gain or negative health effects.  On the fitness level, while not exactly a total klutz,  I am, at best, an adequate athlete when it comes to sports. I don't ski,  am a mediocre swimmer,  have a wretched golf swing and think bowling's a drinking game.

What I do love to do is walk and dance — the former a lot, the latter less so as my partner isn't that into it.   So today we will take to the trails and streets,  parks and woods, beaches and mountaintops, with photo collections of hikers, walkers and stroller…

It's International Jazz Day, and as this blog is all about images, the intent this time is to combine music with visual arts.

It's a good fit really — both involve artistry, creativity and an obsession for the craft.  To paraphrase American psychologist Abraham Maslow,  musicians, artists and poets must create their particular art to be at peace.

I am acquainted with the creative mind. My youngest child is a musician who studied jazz in post-secondary education. Through him we have met a number of other talented people and have had the pleasure of hearing some wonderful music.  What we have noted  is that unlike the sheet metal worker, the mechanic, the hairstylist,  or essentially any other professional, musicians are happiest when working.

For that matter, they rarely stop. They will cheerfully step up to jam with friends when out relaxing.  Or, while out for drinks, will gladly take the stage if invited.  When our son isn't playing music, he's writing it or listeni…

At the heart of being a mother is, well, the heart.

French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac said, 'The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness."

In just a few short weeks we celebrate Mother's Day.  Heartfelt wishes are sent to the women who, with all of their heart,  have loved and nurtured us, whose heart's desire is for their child's happiness and success, and yes, who've forgiven us — time and time again.  Mother's Day is the perfect time to let them know you know all they've done for you.

Not surprisingly either, considering they give so much and expect so little in return, it is often the simplest of gifts that will make them the happiest.  Young Moms love receiving those cute little hand-made cards and crafts adorned with tissue paper flower and stick figures, created by little Lily or Lucas in primary school. 

So, why would it be any different as their children get older?  No gift is …