Crosby, the cuddly houseguest

A couple of weeks ago our friend's dog Crosby made our place home for about a week.  The first night he was in his dog bed, and getting accustomed to our place again, after that he'd already claimed his favourite places.  One of these was the balcony, but he was so much happier when you went out there with him to watch all the downtown activity.
  
We had a fun date with our friends Sharon & Bosco at the newly renovated downtown Ottawa DogPark.  Neither of the dogs were into the new doggy water fountain, but were of course more than happy to run and play and chase a ball.  I think it's nice that the city put some work into the space, but I'm not sure how I feel about the gravel instead of grass.  We had a good time either way and it was nice being able to take him there since our apartment lacks the room to run and play (though Darcy & Crosby tried).
  

Hope you enjoyed your stay Crosby, it was fun having you!

Smashcake Birthday Photo Session!

Imogen had her first birthday last week.  Sadly, we couldn't be back in Dryden, ON, for the actual birthday, but now that the day has come, we can share these birthday pics with you.  While they were visiting in Ottawa, they wanted to have some smashcake fun in front of my lens, and of course, Wendy at Thimblecakes was eager to whip something up for little Immy.  

We found a quiet little spot in an area near the canal, and had a little picnic.  The Royals (Kate & Wills) were just arriving in town and actually passing very near us, but who could be bothered to stand and wave at them when there's so much fun to be had?  Unless, maybe if they planned on some cakesmashing.  In pretty little outfits.

After our lunch it was time for Imogen's first chocolate and first taste of cake!  She was so dainty, dipping her little finger in it over and over.   And, being as sweet as she is, wanted to share every 3rd or 4th fingerful of cake with mommy or daddy.  She managed to get it all over her face and adorable outfit this way but after a little help from her parents, she was tearing into it quite happily and in a lot messier way.  

 

 

Happy Birthday to the adorably silly, smart & playful, much-loved little Immy! 

Ottawa Buskerfest

Ottawa's home to endless summer festivals.  One of the best family festivals, is Buskerfest, when they close down Sparks street for 3 days and it's packed with incredibly talented entertainers and lively crowds.  It's a free event, with tipping highly encouraged, and can be very interactive and amusing.  This year it was the 20th annual and looked amazing.

Despite a busy weekend, I had a second to snap this and grab myself a very refreshing lemonade, since I was shooting a wedding nearby at the Chateau Laurier and The National Arts Centre.  I think I should have stuck around a little longer for some fun on the bouncy slide.  Who says they're only for children? 

Canada, we love you!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

We're enjoying the day so far, it looks beautiful and sunny here in Ottawa and hopefully it's great wherever you are!  Today's plans will mostly be on the Hill -we've got a date with Kate and Wills, of course, and a flash mob at 3:00.    There will be some celebrating with friends-BBQ'n, Fireworks, and whatever else may come today!  Hope your day is packed with fun.

Here's some patriotic entertainment for you:

And does anyone else get this song stuck in their head every year around Canada Day?

Have a great Day!

Those daddy moments...

Enjoy your day, you deserve it.

The Hope Fundraiser in Images

Two weeks after the devastating news from Japan, the people of JETAA and CJSO, with the help of friends, organized an event that raised over $30 000.  With the tickets alone (at only $40) they raised $10 000.  With their combined efforts word spread quickly, offers were generous, the turnout incredible and the evening a modest, refined and elegant way to bring people together in grief and hope.  

The performances were moving and powerful, the speakers even more so.  Current JET participant Gemma Villanueva spoke of her experience there during the events and Ambassador Ishikawa spoke of our need to remember the impact this will have, especially on the children, not just 6 months from now, but years from now.  He brought with him an image and haunting story of children in a school that sat above the affected area but provided a view of the tsunami's impact surrounding them, where their mothers and fathers may be lost forever.

Among the guests were City Council members, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson, several MPs and MPPS, members of Order of Canada, and many members of the Japanese Community in Ottawa.  Throughout the evening what stood out were the remarks that such an event was pulled together so quickly and came together so well.  One thing I noticed especially was the graciousness from Ambassador Ishikawa. He was usually seen conveying his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who helped make the event happen and to those who came in hope of helping any way they could.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made here http://www.redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Auction items and Ikebana being arranged by Yumiko Tsunakawa Toma

L-R:  Ikebana, JETAA Ottawa President Lisa Mallin with author Jack Nakamoto,
Handmade Tamari donated to Auction, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson 

L-R: H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada speaking with MP Paul Dewar,
Order of Canada member Don Newman, CTV's Stefan Keyes as Master of Ceremonies

L-R: Current JET Participant Gemma Villanueva, Soprano Noriko Hashimoto
H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada

Please Give if you can.

Natalie

Hope, A Relief Fundraiser for Japan

Around the globe we have all heard, and seen footage, of the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the tsunami, and the aftermath of devastation in Japan.  Our hopes are high, for their safety and well-being.  And we can help.

This Sunday, March 27th, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association  and  Canada-Japan Society of Ottawa  are partnering to host a charity reception and silent auction in an effort to contribute to the relief effort.  It will be held from 7-9 pm in the Governor General Ballroom of  the Westin Hotel, hosted by CTV's Stefan Keyes, and his excellency Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan, speaking at the event.  There will be performances by Soprano Noriko Hashimoto and Oto-Wa Taiko members including Aki san.

We were grateful to contribute gift certificates and services when we were contacted and there have been many other generous contributions of donated services and items. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds benefitting the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami Fund.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

If you are unable to attend the event but wish to make a direct donation to the relief efforts, please donate here: redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Tickets are available at the door, with cash or cheques being accepted.
Contact japan.relief@jetaaottawa.ca, 613-366-5002 for more information or click here.

Ottawa Winter Weddings, and Wedding Shows

It's been another busy week here, but definitely a lot of fun.  I'm not sure I believe that winter is much of an off-season for weddings, nor should it be.  With some couples taking advantage of the gorgeous sparkling snow and lovely landscape (or the sunny destinations to travel to to say their vows), the rest are planning theirs with flurries of inquiries and trips to wedding shows.

I've spent time this week visualizing scenes for tomorrow's wedding at Ottawa's City Hall and Downtown shoot, wrapping up some work for University of Ottawa, while preparing for Ottawa's hot new Wedding Show, Wedbyhand.  There were a few extra things to order so they would arrive by Feb 6th, and Sunday was the soiree at Mambo for the vendors and sponsors.  

As tends to happen, there wasn't enough time to chat with everyone, but I really enjoyed meeting the ladies from Auntie Loo's Treats, Sarah from PurpleUrchinSoap, and Danielle of Six. Modern Paper Goods, who's actually from my neck of the woods in NorthWesternOntario (see her post here).  It was great to talk with Vanessa as another photographer and Amy of Splendid Events was an absolute pleasure to be around with a site every soon-to-be-wed couple should check out.  I can't wait to see what Kate (Flights of Fancy) has to show us, she's got such style.  It was truly a room full of incredible, talented ladies.  I love the warmth and sense of community.  I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of you as it gets closer to the show!

In it's second year, Wedbyhand is the show to be at to meet Ottawa's local, handmade, eco-friendly wedding experts.  I will post more info about the show soon, but tomorrow morning you can find out more on the A Morning Show!  (Tune in for about 8:45 am, Friday) 

The Weathermakers, Ottawa's Indie-Rock Band

Tonight, to much anticipation, the Weathermakers will have their cd release party at Maverick's.  Tickets are $12 at the door, with a great lineup, Young Rival from Hamilton and Abigail Lapell.  

I've enjoyed working with the Weathermakers, shooting them on their own, or at their shows, and working on their recent music video.  These are some very humble, super-talented people that are a lot of fun to be around.   We'll see you there!  They'll be giving out free copies of their CD to the first 200 people through the door!  (If you can't make it tonight, have a listen on CBCRadio3, their Myspace page or their site.)  

The Weathermakers are:  Matt Deline, Chuck Saso, Natasha Beaudin, Nina Langfield