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Inspiring Mother Carina: @carinamarienilsson

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When I started posting more about minimalism last summer, sharing my interest in paring down my possessions and responsibilities, Carina was one of the first people to speak up and encourage me. Living in Vancouver, a very densely built Canadian city, with what most would consider to be astronomical housing prices, can be the instigation one needs to adopt a minimalist lifestyle. If you love your city, you love where you live, then you arrange your lifestyle to make it work, and if that means four people live in a one bedroom apartment, so that you live steps from the ocean and in a vibrant community, then you don’t think twice about the two-car garage in suburbia with a front and back yard that you could have for the same price, or probably less. And if, on the other hand, suburbia is the vibrant community that makes you feel alive and inspired then that’s the right place for you. I’m not sure if the reasons I’ve read into Carina’s choice to live in Vancouver are accurate, but my intuition tells me I’m not far off.

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I can’t remember when I first came to know Carina. I know it wasn’t that long ago, but at the same time I feel like I’ve known her forever. She’s one of those people who has the rare gift of making you feel like an old friend, finding a genuine way of connecting with people, even through the ether of cyberspace. Carina and I first connected through our interest in minimalism, and then we found out we shared a background in dance, a love for the arts, a strange fondness for colourful walls, and an addiction to the outdoors. In terms of her parenting, what I particularly love about Carina is her total commitment to letting her children be themselves, in fact, she celebrates their individuality and differences. What a gift she is to her children.
I hope you will enjoy hearing from Carina, herself, in my interview with her.
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What part of the world do you live in?
I am very lucky to live in Vancouver, Canada – right around False Creek, which is a small inlet right in the heart of the city. Our neighbourhood is appropriately called Mount Pleasant, and it’s where we work, go to school, and meet friends. What I love most about Vancouver is the ability to get out into the wilderness in a moment. Whether you want to camp in the bush, fish a river, ride a horse, or go mountain climbing, all of that and more is at your fingertips in Vancouver.
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How many children do you have and how would you describe them?
I have two children. Finn is my 8 year old daughter. You can often find her eye deep in books, or being told by her teachers that she’s a Chatty Cathy. Her favourite colour is black. Augustus is my 5 year old son. You can find him singing to himself while crouched over a book drawing, or as a blur as he tears around the apartment playing a grand adventure game he’s made up. He prefers bright floral patterns and animal prints. He is currently trying to grow his hair out long like his sister’s because he “thinks her hair looks beautiful when she runs”.
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What are your core family values?
I guess our family values are best described by what my husband Cyrus and I teach Finn and Gus. Being mindful of others: so making sure that you are open, kind, and considerate. Make memories rather than desiring things. Keeping life simple: this covers everything from the toys in their room, to the daily activities we commit our time to. Most important: let the people that matter to you, know that they matter to you.

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How do you spend most of your days?

Most of my days are spent getting the kids to school, myself to work, then the kids to dance/soccer/etc. In the wee hours of the morning or the dark hours of the night you can probably find me working on my illustrations (website coming soon!) or on the website I co-founded with my dear friend, Bree, Peaks & Harbours – both creative pursuits that I adore. I have regular “dates” with my girlfriends – which I wholeheartedly believe is a crucial part of maintaining that work/kids/life balance. Our weekends are usually reserved for family outdoor adventures. We love to camp, explore forests, or head to Vancouver Island – where my wonderful parents live – for fishing or surfing. Really just any adventure that we can get our hands on is what energizes our little family.
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What are you passionate about?
I am super passionate about being connected to a supportive community. With the website that I run with my dear friend Bree, we focus on featuring local artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and so on – particularly we highlight women who happen to be mothers, that have taken the plunge towards making their own passions into a career that will also support their families. In my 9-5 job I work in the non-profit arts sector, so I would say that I am also passionate about the arts and exposing myself and my kids to as much of it as possible.
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What inspires you?
I would have to say that my children inspire me, and have changed my life for the better in so many ways. They have made me stop and think “is this what I really need?”, and so I attribute my enthusiasm for living minimally to them, because I don’t want them to be driven by a need to acquire “things”. When I’m feeling burnt out, they motivate me to get up and go outside to recharge. They have encouraged me to think deeply about what is important to me, so that I can pass those values and traditions on to them. That being said, they don’t have to love art, or play an instrument, or embrace Swedish/Italian culture, but I do want them to know that if there’s something that you adore and are passionate about, then you should embrace it – even if it doesn’t work out, you can always change your path, and things might work out even better than you expected.
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Thank you Carina for sharing your wisdom and photography with us. Readers:  You can find Carina on Instagram @carinamarienilsson and on her superb blog Peaks and Harbours. Please visit her and say hello, you won’t regret it.
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Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset   You might also like my post: Minimalist Book Tour

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Inspiring Mother Dana Luna: @danaluna___

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Everyone that I follow on Instagram inspires me in some way. Some people it’s their unique aesthetic. Some it’s their witty captions. Many more are mothers and parents busy at a day job, pursuing creative projects in the evenings and all the while being present and connected with their family and friends. (I’m convinced these people don’t sleep). And then, there are some who seem to do simple and slow with total grace and commitment. There is something (well, many things) to be said for doing simple well. For doing it fully. Or rather, not “doing it” but practicing and living it.

Dana is one of those people who embodies simplicity in the most extraordinary way. Making the ordinary extraordinary. Known as @danaluna___ on Instagram, Dana shares her simple, beautiful life in Chile. Her gallery is a feast for the eyes with exquisite gold, blue and green tones captured in images of her children and the beautiful landscape around their home. Her gallery is also a feast for the mind through her eloquent and humble way of sharing the joys of simple human connection.

I hope you will enjoy reading my interview with her.

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What part of the world do you live in?

We live in Tierras Blancas (white lands), a rural area in Chile’s fifth region. Our home is pretty isolated and surrounded by a native forest where many birds live and sing. We are twenty minutes away from the Ocean and two hours away from Chile’s capital, Santiago. We have become a family here, in this Home built by us with so much Love, and our youngest was born right here (our first was also born at home, when we still lived in the city).

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How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

We are a family of four. Our oldest son, Balthazar Mundzuk, is almost four years old. He is a very gentle and sensitive soul. He loves climbing trees, books, and music. He is very theatrical in his playing, into his imaginary worlds and friends. He likes to freestyle play the guitar and sing, often with awesome lyrics. He loves his little sister, Alba Fauna Cassiopeia, infinitely. Together they create and enjoy every day. Little Opia is two years old. She is fearless and strong, and a very fast learner. She can be competitive and stubborn, but she is a sweet sweet little magical soul. She Loves babies over anything. If there is a baby around, no matter where we are, her attention will no doubt be on her, she simply thinks babies are the best. She also sings beautifully and Loves to paint.

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What are your core family values?

We believe this life is magic and are very grateful for it. We want to be always growing and gaining knowledge, as individuals and as a family. When we feel stuck in life, we want to always go into our Hearts. Here is a quote that has identified us when we have lived difficulties in our life as a family: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” [Marcel Proust]

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How do you spend most of your days?

Most of our days are spent at home. My husband is an artist and works from home and the children don’t go to preschool. I usually spend most of our days outside with the children, where they can play and learn guided by beautiful Mother Earth. While they play I usually take pictures and knit, and also sing songs with the children or talk to them about the things we see, flowers, birds, horses and trees.

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What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

We love to cook delicious meals together and sitting around the table to enjoy them. We love to play very loud music and dance together. We love going out for walks and to play hiding under the bed covers.

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What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about life! I believe in the importance of birth and breastfeeding, and love to help other women when the opportunity comes. I’m passionate about the beauty of nature, she simply astounds me constantly. I love singing and I am in love with natural fibres, knitting and sewing.

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What inspires you?

My children are my biggest inspiration, simply because the Love I feel for them has no limits, and becoming a Mother has transformed me completely, and continues to transform me every day, and make me grow into a more honest, more real, stronger and more generous human being.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetThank you Dana for sharing your wise words and gorgeous images. Readers: please visit Dana on Instagram. Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Inspiring Mother Bree: @breegalbraith

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It is not uncommon for me to read, particularly on social media, that mothers feel like they don’t measure up to other mothers. This disheartens me. It can be tough for some people seeing what appears to be perfect lives, perfect homes, perfect parenting and then, looking at themselves, they may feel they have fallen short. With my blog and my inspiring mothers series I don’t want to put myself or anyone up on a pedestal. Most of us mothers and parents are doing our absolute best, and our best is just what our children need. By sharing my own stories and the stories of other ordinary mothers I seek to show that we are all special, we can inspire each other in the simplest ways, and that we are already the mothers our children need. We don’t need perfect houses and all the latest toys and craft supplies, we just need to be present and connect with our children. My inspiring mothers are everyday mothers, like you, like me.
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Today I would like you to meet Bree, who I follow on Instagram as @breegalbraith, and who I have gotten to know through her site Peaks and Harbours. You may have heard me mention her excellent blog, which is all about “kid-friendly art and design experiences, delicious diversions and mom-reviving outdoor adventures.” Yes, some days I feel like Bree is my western Canadian doppleganger. Bree’s way of life and parenting really epitomizes her love of connecting with people and place. She’s tops in my books, and I hope you’ll love her too.Processed with VSCOcam with t1 preset
What part of the world do you live in?
We live in Vancouver, BC [British Columbia, Canada]. More specifically, we are lucky to live in the False Creek Neighbourhood. If you are familiar with Vancouver – we are smack dab in between the Olympic Village and Granville Island. If that wasn’t enough we are steps away from the Seawall, and can hop on a bike and get to Stanley Park in under half an hour all along the side of the ocean and past vibrant neighbourhoods and shops.
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How many children do you have and how would you describe them?
I have 2 boys, aged 7 and 9. My 7-year old, Oakland, is an old-soul looking for new experiences. He’s the kind of dude who needs to break a glass to understand it’s fragile, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Big softy. Dario, my oldest is a protector and is one serious little man. I always have to remind him that things are supposed to be fun! Together they are the best of buds, and at only 25 months apart, they have similar interests and often get mistaken for twins. They are my team.
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What are your core family values?
Hmmmmm…. We make sure to treat others how we’d like to be treated, we don’t keep secrets from one another (because secrets cause stomach aches), we don’t judge people on anything but their attitude, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
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How do you spend most of your days?
Personally, I split my time between writing children’s books, doing all things Peaks & Harbours, and finishing my thesis. I also have clients that I freelance (design) for, and that’s usually a nighttime job because the boys are asleep and I have the time to get to work. Most of our weekdays are spent at school (all of us, I teach at the same University I do my Master’s degree at) and weeknights are hustling between soccer practice, basketball, dance and piano. If they aren’t busy, they are not fun to be around. At night and on the weekends, there is a lot of drawing and “checking things out around Vancouver.” We like to go to museums and gardens, walk in the woods or take our dog, Raja, to the dog beach. We are outside all the time because it’s the one place we don’t get on each other’s nerves.
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What is your favourite thing to do as a family?
My favourite thing to do with them is to go for a walk with no destination in mind.
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What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about sharing experiences and stories and getting people excited to do things. I love writing, and I am fortunate to have found a place for my work so that it can be read around the world.
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What inspires you?
I am inspired when I know that I have connected with someone and shared something that has made them smile, laugh, feel lighter, say “aha!”…. It’s always inspiring to hear feedback from something I have written and find out someone else’s interpretation of my words – especially children. There’s nothing better than doing a reading to a bunch of 6-year-olds, and then having them tell you that they are going to write a story one day too… only theirs will have cats in it, because that will make it better 😉
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Bree is the author of Once Upon A Balloon, a whimsical story with gorgeous illustrations. Please visit Bree on Instagram or at her website here.

Thank you, Bree, for sharing your words, photos and way of life.

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My Favourite Photos from 2014

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Other people’s photos are a great source of inspiration for me. There is such a broad range of experiences and points of view to discover through photography. When thinking back on the last year, there are a handful of photos that really stood out for me. Yes, I saw thousands of beautiful photos of gorgeous children and stunning landscapes, but most did not stick in my mind. A few did, they seemed to leave an imprint on my mind, because they told stories.

I should explain a little more. I tend to place photographs into three basic categories. The first category is documentary photos — these photos are simply a record of something you don’t want to forget, like your child’s first winter concert at school. The second category is beautiful photos — in these photos the subject or the composition is visually pleasing; maybe the model is undeniably beautiful, or the subject is a gorgeous delicate bouquet of flowers. The third category is narrative photos — these photos tell a story or seem like excerpts from one. News photos are a typical example of this category, imagine a photograph of protesters facing off with police officers. By far, my favourite photos are those that tell a story, because the images are rich and deep in meaning, conveying a message that goes beyond being an aide–mémoire or an object of beauty.

I’ve collected four of my favourite photographs from the past year from people I follow on Instagram. They are beautiful photos, but they also seem to tell a story. When photos combine technical skill, great composition, beauty and storytelling, they can be truly remarkable, as these ones are.

The Saxophone Player

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Photo credit: Nicole Bianchi

The first photo is by Nicole who lives in New Jersey and is known as @nicolebianchi_ on Instagram. When I saw this photo for the first time I was enchanted. It seemed to me like the cover of a fantastic book of adventure. I asked Nicole to tell me how this photo came to be and the types of portraits she seeks to capture of her children. Here’s what she had to say:

“I strongly believe that being surrounded by nature allows children to be creative, curious and explorative.  Nature instills a sense of beauty and respect for all living things and gives the children a special love for our Earth and the environment.  Imagination comes into play as children create special hide outs (such as teepees, forts, tree houses) and use natures’ findings (sticks, roots, tree trunks, leaves, pinecones, acorns, etc) to make toys and create their own stories.  

When we were hiking at Harriman State Park in upstate NY, my son Tyler (age 8) and I were photographing a beaver dam and a tree trunk that the beaver had eaten, when Ava (age 6), was off exploring in the woods.  Ava came running over so excited to show us what she had found.  In her hand was this beautifully detailed root which wasn’t a root to her at all.  Ava said, “Mommy, I have found the most perfect saxophone!”  And there she went dancing to her own beat, playing her saxophone through the woods.  Everything our children need is right in front of their magical eyes.  They just need the freedom to explore and the patience to observe all of nature.  I love that both my children are inspired by the outdoors and do not need a ton of materialistic things to be happy.  

When I take photos of Tyler and Ava,  I want to capture the joy of being a child, getting dirty, exploring and being free.  I want my children to have this beautiful storybook for when they get older and share their adventures and memories of their childhood with the ones they love.”

The Forest Fairy

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Photo credit: Michelle Housel

The second photo is by Michelle, the artist and doll maker behind @danceypantsdisco. Michelle lives 30 miles out to sea on the tiny island of Nantucket. When I saw this photo for the first time it looked like a still from a fantasy film. Odin, her little boy, looks like a forest fairy, wise beyond his years, who will soon be called upon to save the forest from destruction. I asked Michelle to tell me how this photo came to be and the types of portraits she seeks to capture of her son.

“Many of the photos I take are sightly planned, based on weather or season. On a very foggy morning I might want to head to a large field to play and bring my camera along. On a cloudy day, we tend to head to the woods. On a brighter day we may go to the water, whether it be beach or pond. This is the way we plan our days activities anyway and it always seems to set a magical environment for photos all on its own.

This particular photo was brought about much more casually, I didn’t even bring along my DSLR. We had a friend visiting and after a late night, I thought it would be nice to take a walk around our neighborhood with Odin to allow our friend some extra time to sleep in (Odin loves this friend very much and tends to want to wake him straight away with kisses, bright and early). It was warm and foggy and we rushed out the door so Odin was only wearing his pyjama pants and no shoes. I like to keep my hands busy almost constantly so I picked some ivy from our yard and wove a crown while we walked. Near our house is a dirt road rarely traveled, Odin was instantly drawn to it and turned as we passed. I followed watching him walk and stop every so often to pick tiny flowers that were growing along the edges of the road. He heard a bird singing her morning song and stopped in the middle of the path to listen, which is when I snapped the photo on my phone! I see a lot of magic in him and I think he allows me to see a lot of magic in the world and I’m always so grateful for that insight.”

The Bird Whisperer

Photo credit: Leah Deighton

The third photo is by Leah @sangthebird, who lives on a rural rainforested property in Northern NSW, Australia. When I saw this photo for the first time it was so heartwarming. It seemed to me like a snapshot from a beautiful story of friendship. I asked Leah to tell me a bit about how this photo came to be and the types of portraits she seeks to capture of her children.

“We live surrounded by nature, wildlife and our 31 chickens. I spend most of my days at home being a mama and working on my new business Oh Sunday. I am so grateful that I get to live and work in such a beautiful place. I love spending time with my family and noticing the ‘little things’.This photo is the result of a little serendipity. My daughter is 8 years old and has always had an affinity with nature and animals, being outside with the chickens is her happy place. This li’l chick, Lavender, has always loved sitting on her shoulder as we go about our outside chores. This one Saturday morning in winter we were collecting the eggs when I heard giggling. She was giggling because Lavender had flown up onto her head and it was tickling. It was only 30 seconds or so and they became quiet and still, they both looked so natural and comfortable together. I took a quick shot of the moment and continued collecting. That evening as I edited the photo I realised they were both looking in the same direction… I never found out what they were looking at, but that doesn’t really matter, this photo will always make me smile.

I love taking portraits of my kids. I think that they are so used to me photographing them that they don’t ever feel the need to pose and (fake) smile; sometimes they don’t even seem to realise I am photographing them. I try to capture photos of my children doing everyday things, and the things that they love. Mostly that is being in nature, adventuring and making and playing. It is in those little moments where they are engaged and I am just silently watching them that I am able to capture their true nature. I also love those precious moments when you see the love between siblings, even a blurred shot can hold a beautiful memory.”

The Sleeping Beauty

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Photo credit: Dieny @dibonjo

The fourth photo is by Dieny, known as @dibonjo on Instagram. Dieny lives in Scotland, she is a “mother, homemaker, lover and friend.” When I saw this photo for the first time I was stunned by its beauty. It seemed to me like the cover of enchanting story I had to read. I asked Dieny to tell me about how this photo came to be and the types of portraits she seeks to capture of her son. Here’s what she said:

“I am never so full of awe as when I watch him sleep.  All of the beauty of his wakeful hours crashing to the fore.  He is a true treasure.  As they all are.

What you saw in this image is very much in tune with my feeling at the time. My son, as I was, is a great lover of fairy tales. In fact, tales of any sort. The folktales of my childhood, told from memory and mostly faded from my own, were joy-filled, enchanting and oftentimes foreboding. Their little warnings rang in our ears as we roamed free and far. My son isn’t able to enjoy the physical range to explore as frequently as I did but his imagination is far reaching and I hope I encourage this. When he woke from his nap, I told him his dreams sprang up around him as he slept. “I was dreaming of flowers Mama”, he beamed.”

Thank you Nicole, Michelle, Leah and Dieny for sharing your photos and words.

Ashley Williamson Piperandpoppies

Inspiring Mother Ashley: @piperandpoppies

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Ashley Williamson Piperandpoppies

My blog has been a long time in the making. I spent many hours thinking and dreaming about all the things I could do with it, all the topics I would love to write about and projects I would love to use it for. One thing I knew I wanted to do from the beginning was to share the stories of people who have inspired me. Generally, these are people who live close to nature and connected to family, they are artistic and creative, loving and adventurous.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Ashley, who I follow on Instagram as @piperandpoppies. Ashley takes beautiful photos of her life in Australia with her two gorgeous girls. But, her gallery is about more than surface beauty. Rather, she captures a much deeper beauty: the beauty of living connected to family and place. I had a chance to ask Ashley a few questions about her way of life, and was delighted to find that my intuition about Ashley was spot on; she is a kind, caring and thoughtful person. I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little more, as I did.

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What part of the world do you live in?

I live in Western Australia in a little seaside town. It has a massive tourist trade but the locals are mostly nature loving, surfing, and happy souls. It is a community of love and connection. We are so lucky to have ended up raising our family here. I grew up in Canada and travel brought me here. I do miss my family and the distinct seasons of home but I have planted myself here and am learning to embrace this as my home. My girls are small town kids and I love watching them play outside and explore all that a tiny forest and seaside town has to offer.

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How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

I have been blessed with two beautiful girls. Piper is 4 and Poppy is 1. Piper is an old soul. She is gentle and caring but shy and fiercely overwhelmed by strangers and attention. Poppy is a wild child! She is so much fun, a character that loves to make us (and anyone she comes across) laugh.

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What are your core family values?

Love and empathy. I want my girls to know how to care for others and themselves. How to accept people and themselves and the power of love. I am also a firm believer in providing a foundation for children to harbour their creativity and imagination. I know the joy I get from daydreaming and being creative and want to help my girls discover their gifts. We try to provide calm and compassionate parenting for our girls. To use peaceful approaches to problem solving and model this in our behaviour towards each other.

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How do you spend most of your days?

I am a primary school teacher part time. I am a mother full time. My role of mama is my prized role, I didn’t always want to be a mom, but am so blessed motherhood found me. I spend my time playing with my girls, teaching them about the world and experiencing life by their side. I am learning through them to slow down and savour the little things. Childhood is magic and as mothers we actually have the opportunity to do it again! We spend a lot of time exploring and playing together.

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What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

An ideal day would start at home, as the sun rises, with hot coffee and the girls playing. Then a trip to the beach and bush walking. Lazy lunch at home, a family nap, painting/drawing/gardening and a laid back dinner outside. Sitting under the stars with a wine. I am a homebody but also love being in nature. I usually do this with my little companions and no one else. They are the perfect explorers.

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What are you passionate about?

The environment and education. As a teacher I have the opportunity to engage children in our world and teach sustainability and ethical choices. They are clever and adopt things much more easily than grown ups. I love art, making things, creating. This past year I have started taking my photography more seriously. I love seeing life through a lens and capturing moments.

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What inspires you?

Clouds, the ocean, flowers, people, places, things…I am inspired by everything really. Everything and everyone we encounter has something to give. Truly.

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Thank you for sharing your words, photos and way of life Ashley.

Please visit Ashley’s Instagram gallery, there’s much more to discover. And I hope you have enjoyed this first feature, I will try to post one every week.

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