Yesterday my Mum called me and told me that the house behind theirs had been “invaded.” Their neighbour had been shot (he’s okay) and that the men that had done it had fled into the conservation land in between the two houses. Apparently the police were at my parents’ house running between my bedroom and theirs looking out the windows into (my) meadow. They managed to catch one of the assailants at the edge of our backyard - but not the other.

I’m usually mild-mannered about things - but not so much about this. I know, I know we live in the real world but is nothing sacred?! The plain old child in me is thinking that the meadow is not a villain hideout - and criminals… leave my neighbours in Bramps alone!

So in an effort to restore some idealism (and a throwback to childhood) here’s a shot that I took of Ali in the meadow a couple weekends ago. If you’d fill in the blank and post it in the comments (or email it to me) I’d be grateful.

My cousin Emily who I adore (more than she knows) She looks exactly like my Mum, wants to be a writer and sends me messages that inspire and encourage. I shot these at Easter and I was saving them for a reason I can’t even remember.

I gave my dad a print of this for Father’s day. When I took this shot in Mali a couple months ago I remember thinking that I wished that he was there to see it with me.

Click here to see it larger.

For my friend Melissa who came out to Mississauga with me on my latest shoot for Childview magazine. This one is better viewed larger.

I am a photographer is because I like story - plain and simple. Overseas I collect stories about the fascinating people I meet. At home I collect stories about the fascinating people I know. As a kid I relished in imagining the history of the people in my life. What was my dad like when he was my age? How did my parents interact when they first met?

In the weeks before two of my closest friends John and Emily get married - I’ve been thinking about their story. The last couple of years of amazing adventures, crazy trials and even the mundane everyday. The story they have created is rich and I feel great about being there to capture little pieces of a growing mosaic.

So call me sentimental, but I am really going to enjoy showing these photos to John and Em’s kids and telling them the story of Victoria Day 2010. When we rented a car and drove all around the suburbs hanging out with dogs and Moms and baseball players.

How their Mom got her wedding dress fitted by a Thai lady who told us that when her husband proposed to her - she was carrying a military rifle. About how their Dad carried their Mom through raspberry patches and thorns. And best of all, how their Aunt (yeah that’s me) hit a clutch double in a dress!

I’m processing my photos from Mali and I thought I’d take a time out to share these photos with you. They bring me so much joy. We were filming in a rural village when we suddenly heard drumming. We arrived at the sound and we saw some traditional Malian dancing. The energy there was amazing. Truly fun to see some of the women with babies strapped to their backs getting some height on those jumps! And of course my favourite dancer - the elderly lady who showed the young folk a thing or two! Turns out there was a wedding celebration happening in the village - I’m so glad that I was there to see it.

Well friends, it’s been a long road - but today’s the day! I’m so happy to announce that the Untold Stories is opening tonight at the University of Toronto. The show exhibits photographs taken by myself and two of my fellow photographers at World Vision: Paul Bettings and Andrew Goodwin. We’ve selected photographs and stories that you typically would not see in World Vision media - particularly stories of people who have made a lasting impression on each of us during our travels.

I hope that you’ll join us tonight from 7PM-10PM to learn about the world that we have seen and the work that we do. There will be a Q&A at 9PM.  If you can’t make it out tonight be sure to check it out during the month of May.

University of Toronto - New College
May 6–June 3, 2010

Opening
May 6, 7:00–10:00 pm

45 Willcocks St -
Spadina Entrance.
Toronto, M5S 1C7
Mon-Sun 8am-9pm

I like this photo though I think it is a bit odd. Emily thinks it’s dark. Dar thinks it’s cool.

Do you have a place that you never tire of? In recent years it’s been the meadow behind my parents house for me. Even though today was hectic Dar and I still managed a little jaunt to snap some photos. Soon the water will rise and we won’t be able to go back there - but for now it’s home. More photos to come (with Dar actually in them!)