2013 - well where to start? Apologies it's been such a long time since I worked on this website, with the cold days of winter keeping us trapped indoors....well there hasn't been much to photograph or much to inspire.

As mentioned some time ago, I was trying to veer away from portraits a bit and no longer will be accepting any gigs involving portraits whether it be weddings or head shots etc etc. This was a hard decision to make but until I get a good studio space and can have more control over the environment I'm working in, I'll only be doing the odd portrait with friends and even that is going to be kept to a minimum.

But when one door closes, another opens and I've been a busy beaver doing hand crafted goodies to sell at The Tartan Turtle - a local store that sells antiques and hand crafted items. As part of my new venture, I have "Riley Street Vintage" which involves the clothing items I am happy to part with as well as hand crafted pillows and other assorted odds and ends - the joy of all this is being able to photograph antiques and all things vintage as well as have the opportunity to take photos at such a lovely location.

One day I made a pillow using just scraps of pretty fabrics. Next thing you know, I was taking custom orders and sewing like a mad woman!! So thats been fun and has allowed me to be creative in a way I didn't think I could be and of course as always, one idea leads to another and another and another so my brain is always ticking away at what I can do next.

On a more personal front, I've been fortunate to meet so many fantastic people in the antiques and vintage community just by stopping in to some of the great stores in the area as well as newer ones that have just opened up. And in process have made some really steadfast new friends who are such a joy to have in my life. During such a dreary winter, they were a bright ray of sunshine!!! Some helped me turn 40 years of age in March with a lot of dignity and laughter - and our darling aviation friends helped me turn 40 with less dignity and even more laughter. Husband and I always are reminded how fortunate we are to have such a diverse group of amazing friends.

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I yearn for the chance to do photography in far flung places and I'm excited to report that in 19 more sleeps I'll be getting that chance with a trip home to Australia - a much needed trip to be with my family, to see the people I love and explore new places. With my parents now living in beautiful Queensland, we'll be seeing them in a stunning environment, ripe with photo opportunities. Plus a week with my beloved Grandma who is turning a spry 90 years of age, well it will be a trip to remember and I'll likely have my camera permanently glued to my eyeball.

And that is about all for now. An uneventful start to a year but the adventures are just beginning........

So a belated Happy New Year to you all - I hope 2013 kicked off with a bang so to speak and that all is well in your worlds.