My 10 Best Images From 2011

Wow! 2011. Time flies when you are having fun! And that is just what Audrey (My 60D) and I did. Here are my top 10 from 2011.

I took this photograph as part of my photography class. The assignment was light painting. I set up the shot putting my camera on my kiddy table in my basement. Shutter speed was maxed out at somewhere around 30 seconds and I had my husband use a flash light to "paint" me. Lots of fun. 

I am referring to the self-portrait on the left. Shot through a mirror standing beside my window, blinds open slightly.

In an attempt to let my husband sleep in a little I took my restless children outside to blow bubbles. Aaahhh, nothing beats early morning bubble blowing!

Love these girls! I love the sense of creativity that their Momma instilled. 

Thanks to Ben for taking this beauty...at least my editor thinks so.

Product Shot. Tofino: standing on the rocks of Middle Beach. I had Ben take this one too. I, on the other hand got DRENCHED! 

Wow, Krista, is that a fish eye lens!? No friends, I am not that high-tech. Big Ben and Big Ben.

Punting on the River Cam

While all of autumn was beautiful there was one week where the spires of King's College Chapel glowed beyond the orange and yellow leaves of Trinity.

My baby girl. So thankful for her.

The last one being, by far, my favourite! And my submission for:


 

 I hope you have a wonderful night, whatever that may look like. Happy New Year!

10 Questions To Ask Yourself As We Bid Farewell To 2011

When I was in Paris, somewhere between an artistically crafted cup of coffee and perfectly sweet macarons, my friend and I stopped for lunch at a little hole in the wall filled with warm tomato basil bisque, comforting lentil stew and the friendly familiar buzz of foreign conversation. As we ate, we shared our dreams and plans and I asked, "What is your biggest source of inspiration?" Pause.

In the midst of our busy lives we rarely take time to simply sit and let thoughts like this one marinate: conclusions not necessary. As we head into a new year and a fresh start I think it is important that we take inventory. It is a time to thank God for the many blessings of 2011 and consider what we have accomplished, what has shaped us, helped us grow and inspired us. Not for the sake of accomplishment or judgement but so that we can take those things which we deem beneficial, even revolutionary and look for opportunity in the year to come.

To help, here are 10 questions that you might ask yourself as we bid farewell to 2011:

1.What is one truth you learned?


2.What is something that you did that you are particularly proud of?


3. What was the hardest thing that you had to do?


4. What is something that you changed to improve the way you live?


5. What was your favourite Arts and Culture discovery (this could be a book, movie, song, etc.)


6. What was something new you tried?


7. What experience did you appreciate the most?


8. What did God surprise you with?


9. What was something that inspired you?


10. If there was one word to describe 2011, what would it be? 

**I would love to hear some of your answers. Or feel free to post them on your own blog, but please remember this is an original list so if you do, please credit me. Thank You.**

Cambridge According Ben: Update #3

Greetings,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying a relaxing break over the holidays. I think that I can finally appreciate the song "White Christmas" a little bit more as the snow has yet to make a substantial appearance in Cambridge. People assure us that this is not normal and that it does get much colder, however I personally am enjoying the consistent use of my eyelids. Krista, Jakob, Ella and I are doing very well and aren't too lonely this Christmas season. We were able to celebrate Christmas Eve with two doctors and their young family from Australia, Christmas Day with a British family from the church we attend, and Boxing Day with a Turkish oil engineer and his family. Quite an international few days!

A lot of academic water has passed under the bridge since my last update back in October (hopefully it has been retained in a mental reservoir!). If I could sum up the experience of my first term at Cambridge I would describe it as invigorating, humbling and disciplinary. The first because it's a place of incredible resource and musical performances. The second because, as my tutor said, "you feel that everyone else is smarter than you are" and you are constantly surrounded by people who have achieved remarkable things. The third because you decide how you spend much of your time, nothing actually being graded until the end of the program. This last point has put the fear of God into me so to speak and the second and third are directly related to the first. One of the parts of the program I have found fascinating are the rehearsals we observe with the leading chapel choirs of Cambridge and the personal interviews with the directors following. The sight reading abilities and the vast amount of repertoire these choirs have are incredible. Two of these choirs sing 6 days a week and others two or three. Attending a variety of services in which they sing has been a term's worth of education in itself!

Some highlights from the Michaelmas Term:

Conducting Vivaldi's Gloria with Churchill College, Cambridge and Trinity College, Oxford

This joint venture between sister colleges and their chapel conductors went extremely well and taught me that I have a lot to learn about orchestral conducting. New friends were made. 

Churchill College Lessons and Carols Service

A very special service at the end of term with the choir I had been working with all term. All gather in darkness and the choir, while singing a Palestrina Introit, enter with candles. Scripture readings, carols and anthems make for a wonderful start to the Advent season.

Classes with Christopher Robinson, Stephen Cleobury, Andrew Nethsingha and Sir Roger Norrington

Hearing the insights these great musicians/conductors have concerning rehearsal technique, specific issues in repertoire, dealing relationally with ensembles, and performance practice is an absolute privilege. Vast amounts of knowledge, experience and talent in those four names.

Verdi's Requiem in Ely Cathedral

When my parents came to visit Dad, Krista and I went to the massive Ely Cathedral (15 min train ride away) and heard the Cambridge University Music Society Choir and Orchestra perform this work under Stephen Cleobury. To hear a work that grandiose almost swallowed up by the venue is an experience in itself and tells you how big this place actually is.

Conducting class with Stephen Layton

Every week we have a 3 hour conducting seminar with Stephen Layton, the music director at Trinity College. This man has an unparalleled energy and a way of nailing you to the wall that is strangely inspiring. Every part of every beat in a piece of music must be analyzed and transformed through gesture into information so that whatever group you are working with will get the most out of action and not words. During one evensong service his interpretation of a chorale from Bach's Christmas Oratorio made me suspect that he is one of the top conductors here...that and he and his choir were just nominated for a Grammy. 

Conducting Masterclasses with Stephen Layton and Graham Ross

Wonderful experiences with great singers and very different approaches from the music directors. Stephen Layton will say "Don't say it! Show them!" by which he means stop blathering on like an idiot and CONDUCT! Graham Ross of Clare College, the youngest of the directors at 26 (read up on him), has a slightly more gentle approach yet both, like many here, are driven by an extreme professionalism and dedication to making the best music possible. In both there is a joy underlying the approach that makes both the learning and listening even better.

Those are just a few highlights of my last term. This break has been spent preparing for my final paper, reading, practicing, listening to music and very importantly spending a lot of much needed time with my wife and kids. You can check out Krista's blog for pictures and a great description of the many things we are blessed to enjoy here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Ben

Photography 12.1

Come the New Year I like to set goals for all areas of my life and this year a huge part of my life is Photography. I finally have a hobby...maybe more? Time will tell but at any rate, I am feeling the need to set a few goals that I can focus on in 2012....no pun intended. The only way to get better is to practice, practice, practice. So if I can draw your attention to my fancy new and improved tab bar you will see your one stop shop for all my photography practice and I hope that you will journey with me.

In late January, Audrey (the name I gave to my first...and only DSLR camera) and I will have our first anniversary. I bought her on whim and you can read about how we met here.
Since then, we have gotten along beautifully and she has, not only produced beautiful images but opened up many opportunities.

Here are just a few of the goals that I have set for 2012.

1. Do one stylized shoot per month. I don't have any trouble pulling out my camera daily but I often end up shooting the same thing over and over - Jakob in a swing, Ella on a slide, Jakob drinking hot chocolate, Ella eating Ice Cream...you get the picture? I need to expand my horizons and get some more diverse experience with people other than my immediate family.

2. Tag Along on a shoot with a professional photographer. I am hoping I will be able to find a photographer so willing but there are few here in the UK whose style I really resonate with....but then again, maybe it doesn't matter.

3. By the end of 2012 have a website.  I am pretty sure that given the opportunity to make a little money off my photography, I would take it (as long as it fit into my existing lifestyle where I am wife and mother first, photographer, second), but it is hard to get the business when you have nothing to show. While I have LOTS of photos on my blog, I would like a place where I can showcase the best of the best. That being said, I have been giving some serious thought to branding. The problem-I don't have one. I shoot what I shoot and play around with post processing styles and techniques. Which leads me to goal #4

4. Have a brand. If I really want to go ahead with photography and make it something more than a hobby I want to carve out a place in the market that is just for me. I can honestly say, I am not cut out to be a wedding photographer so what that place looks like is still a mystery.

My list is not limited to these 4 goals, but its a start. And now I will leave you with a few images from my latest mini-shoots staring none other than Jakob and Ella.

Ready, Set, Organize!

There are few things in life that give me greater joy than filling in each perfect white square on a new calendar. That's right, I haven't graduated to an iphone or Blackberry. Bottom line: I like paper. I like the way it smells, I like seeing it all out in front of me. I like not staring at a computer screen 24 hours a day, although, I am pretty sure my parents think I do anyway.

September and January are two of my favourite months as they symbolize new beginnings, fresh starts and the chance to map out a plan. A plan - a scheme for doing, a sense of control,  a way to get from a to b, a direction. Boxing Day comes and I find myself drooling over fresh packs of crayons, label makers and filing systems. My husband however, does not feel this way and it has been the source of perhaps, one or two fights over the years. So I sit jittery for 24 hours until I can, at last unveil THE PLAN. My goal is to have my house in order by January 1st so that I can start a new year without unresolved items from last year's to-do list haunting me. I have never understood people that get completely drunk on New Years Eve: why would you want to start a new year like that? I like to be fresh, full of hope, headed in a direction with my road map in hand.

Laundry, cleaning, organizing, lists, lists, lists. I love it. The legendary Christmas let-down doesn't have a chance in my house. Kelly over at The Complete Guide for Imperfect Homemaking has some great ideas for 31 days to an organized home but here are my top ten things to do to "reset" your home before a new year dawns.

1. Clean out my email inbox (this means responding to emails that have been neglected and deleting all those boxing day sale notifications.

2. The junk drawer or in my case cupboard full of take-out menus I never intend on using

3. The kids clothes. I feel like I have to do this every 3 months since they grow like weeds, but here, the British don't believe in storage space so the closet is at a premium.

4. Your own closet. Really, if you haven't worn it in a year, chances are, you won't wear it again.

5. You know that stack of papers that sits somewhere in your kitchen or on your desk that has no rhyme or reason. The one with bills, postcards, school notices, receipts, flyers, appointment notifications.....I could go on...yeah, deal with that.

6. The Diaper Bag or for trendy moms, your purse. I mean REALLY clean it out. Shake out every raisin and crumb from the abyss. Restock tissues, hand sanitizer, gum and whatever other goodies you keep on hand.

7. The Car. This is non-applicable for us here...as we don't have one here in Cambridge, but it was always at the top of my list when we did have one. It always felt so good to know I was not sitting on chocolate bar crumbs.

8. The Toy shelf, chest, room or basement. Out with the old, in with the new. Then go and donate the toys that your kids have grown out of to a good cause like the Ronald McDonald House. (Each house has it's own website so be sure to check into your local RM house.)

9. The refrigerator. This could possibly wait for later in the week when you have managed to gorge yourself on the last of the turkey and stuffing.

10. Brainstorm a list of goals, objectives, resolutions... or whatever you want to call your strategy for a great 2012!

Christmas in Cambridge

Christmas in Cambridge is what you make it. Oddly enough, it doesn't come in a beautifully wrapped, antique box. The King's College Carol service is not automatically included nor is a sleigh ride through the snow.....oddly enough. But apparently, Cambridge is like all other place in the world where it is what you make it. After my post a few days ago about my woes of not cooking a turkey or making shortbread I had a moment where I realized, with the help of a friend's encouraging words, that we are not destitute and its okay to spend £1.75 on a proper bread knife, buy a bouquet of Christmas flowers and host a little holiday spirit. We have been getting to know some of the families in Jakob's class, one being from Australia. They too, were alone for Christmas and saying how much they missed their families. They had booked themselves into a restaurant on Christmas day so that they would not feel so alone. So on the 23rd we invited them over for the Christmas Eve. We had originally planned to have an antipasti type meal but when I informed Ben that we would be having pork on Christmas, he suddenly thought it would be an excellent idea to have turkey. At 8pm on Christmas Eve eve I walked to Sainsbury's, in the rain to pick up a turkey and all the trimmings....including a roasting pan.
The next day, my heart was full as I chopped, simmered, stuffed and basted my little turkey. My happy place is in the kitchen preparing food...to share.  I made Chestnut stuffing in a herb crusted turkey, Brussel Sprout Gratin with gouda cheese, roasted carrots and parsnips, garlic mashed rudolf potatoes, gravy and Christmas pudding.

It was a really nice time as we chatted and the kids played giddy with the excitement of the day to follow. After saying good-byes we gathered as a family to read the account of that special night when God gave the world the gift of his son. We read it from The Jesus Storybook  which I feel, puts it so well and opened one gift each: Christmas Jammies! We tucked Jakob and Ella into bed and then put our Santa hats. We were so blessed by all the people that sent gifts from overseas. I think we had more presents under our tree than we would at home.

CHRISTMAS MORNING...


Was full of magic. I always wake up early, even now that I am almost 30, counting the minutes until an acceptable hour to get up. Jakob on the other hand, slept in.
But when he was ready to see what Santa left, he was ready.
I felt this was a pivotal year for Jakob. Not only is he at the age to really understand that Jesus came, as a baby to save the world but he is also at the age where everything is magical. I never want him to loose the sense of wonder at Christmas time. It is special, and magical. I want him to enjoy giving as much as he enjoys receiving and I want him to anticipate with joy.

I love Christmas.
After a special breakfast we walked to church on the empty streets of Cambridge. Followed by lunch at dear friends of ours - our first friends that we made here in Cambridge. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas and we were so thankful that they welcomed us into their family for the day.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well and were blessed beyond measure! May the joy of Christ's birth carry you into the New Year.
With Love, The Ewerts

Merry Christmas

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. 

I want to thank you for reading and being a part of this journey because to be honest,

 sometimes it's lonely. 

But thanks to the wonders of technology, I can share it with you, 

and you can comment and be a part of the conversation and then I feel not so alone.

So thank you.

I wish you joy, love, peace and hope for the Christmas Season and the year to come. 

Year of Less

I am, as you read, wrapping the last of the Christmas presents, my tree is lit and Bing is serenading me with "The Holly and the Ivy". And while my mug is full of soothing camomile tea, there is part of me that wishes it was hot apple cider - yet another item which suddenly seems like a integral part of Christmas. 

Earlier today, as I passed the Christmas Crackers that were 50% off at John Lewis I once again asked myself "what is one year without Christmas Crackers?" And I think about how we have chosen "less" this year. Though it has not been easy, it seems meaningless without people to share it with. 

But there are people who don't choose less but instead, it is simply the life they live. Every day. Every year. I happy to announce that Jakob has hit his Christmas Angel Tree Goal of $1000. Not because of my efforts however, but a generous donor. Please read about it here, and give exponentially.

Note that this generous donor first calls us to step up to the plate and give to those who are trying to get over the halfway mark. Please give. Please please please give.

There is so much to ponder in this year of less. Children who are without and children, like my own, who have so much. 

We went and saw Santa Clause today. As we talked about it, Jakob was excited and ready to place his requests and show Santa his Christmas socks. But of course, when we got there, he was less than impressed and only with some coaxing did he finally go and talk to him. But you could see the magic in his eyes. This is the first year that I think Jakob "gets" Santa. I can tell they have been talking about it at school and he has, with child-like wonder, been anticipating Christmas Eve when Father Christmas comes and brings him presents.

But here is what surprised me about our little visit to Santa. While Jakob LOVES cars, trains and all other things with wheels he ask Santa for a teddy bear. A brown teddy bear. I am not sure where he got this idea from but his gentle spirit makes this momma proud. I know Santa will pull through on this one- let the magic begin....

Edinburgh...with Children

Edinburgh - the historic gem of Scotland, home of the Scottish parliament, The University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle which sits upon an inactive Volcano. It is the image that springs to your imagination when someone mentions William Wallace or kilts.

We were only there two full days but it was an amazing experience. It was the first sight-seeing vacation that our little family has ever been on. Up until now, the only places we have gone as a family have been to visit loved ones or relax in Tofino. And, unlike the chaotic trips I had envisioned with bored, crying children or major sensory overload, it was a perfect balance of culture and fun. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS AS A FAMILY VACATION WITH CHILDREN.

Everything in Edinburgh is child-friendly. There are endless activities from the Museum of Childhood, to the zoo to the castle to keep both adult and child entertained. Not only that but the whole city was dressed for Christmas making it a Winter Wonderland. Even the "boring" stuff becomes magical when it's Christmas.

The full album can be viewed here but these are just some of the highlights.

The Edinburgh Castle

There is tonnes to do in the Castle. Despite the rain Jakob had a really good time climbing on the canons, exploring passageways and seeing the model war terrain displays. The hardest part I had was trying to explain war to a four year old. The views are also spectacular.

During the holiday season you can also book Christmas Lunch at the Castle. This was a true highlight as we came in from the cold damp into a warm dining room with large windows and wood beams. The tables were set with Christmas crackers, cinnamon, pine cones and dried apples and oranges. We had Turkey with all the Scottish trimmings followed by Christmas pudding and Brandy Sauce.

St. Giles

For the month of December, Edinburgh comes alive with endless Christmas festivities including the Edinburgh Wheel, an outdoor skating rink, the German Christmas market (complete with Beer Garden) and Santa's train, which runs along Princes street (the main shopping street of Edinburgh)...We did it all and Jakob would not stop asking if he could go on the "Happy-go-round" You can see his version of the trip here.

Jakob loves animals and subsequently LOVES zoos so we took an afternoon and went to the Edinburgh zoo, which recently welcomed a new Panda Bear.

It's always a little different travelling with children so we took our time and didn't rush. We let ourselves wander and stopped often for hot chocolate and snacks. Even so, we took in A LOT! Here I have mentioned what worked. 

A note on what didn't work:

Arthur's Seat: there was no way we were getting up there with two small children on a cold, windy day. The view from the top of the zoo however, was a nice consolation. It is REALLY high and while you can't see downtown very well through the trees you can see much of the Edinburgh skyline.

Eating: I always find eating out with kids difficult. First you have to find the good unique establishments and then they have to be child friendly. I had emailed a restaurant a friend had recommended and they said that they "weren't licensed for children" I have no idea what the heck that means...we are in Europe for goodness sakes. You can take your kid into a pub. Nevertheless, they clearly didn't want us so we had to settle for chain restaurants and the Market (which was great anyway with Pretzels, Bratwurst, Crepes and Mulled Cider.)

Other things that worked:

Where we stayed: Stay Edinburgh Apartments

Our apartment was well equipped just off of the Royal Mile - a perfect location with the exception of the noise because of thin windows (as is typical of older buildings-but it had a lift and apparently this is rare in Edinburgh). The staff was very friendly and accommodating and it was clean and affordable.

Our favourite place for Coffee: St. Gile's Cafe

Just up the Royal Mile from our Apartment - they served hot chocolate just the way any child (or adult) would like it and the coffee and croissants weren't bad either. 

Website for what's going on in Edinburgh during the Christmas Season

How to get around: On your feet. Everything is really close and central. We could have used an all-terrain stroller on the cobblestone however.

There is so much more we would have loved to do, isn't that always the case with vacations. But that is the beauty of Europe...you're only a train ride away!