Stealing Memories : A Giveaway with Canvas Factory

I will say, it's not technically stealing per se since I am the one that took this photograph in the first place. But I did secretly do this for my girl. The day of her high school prom, we took what some might consider a ridiculous amount of pictures. But this one? It stood out for me.

The pure innocence of it combined with the pure joy on my Isabella's face. Still makes me melt every time I look at it. And if every picture tells a story - this one tells one of my favourites.

Canvas Factory made it so simple for me to create this keepsake for her - which she may or may not have received on the morning of her 19th birthday. Tons of available options for sizing, colour and effects; but somehow, I always go back to classic black + white. {you may notice my Julian's canvas in the background #creatureofhabit}

The team at Canvas Factory is giving you a chance to win a canvas of your own. Sized {like the one above} 16 x 20. And perfect for gift-giving to someone you love or better yet, keep this one for yourself.

Open to residents of Canada + the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

                                                                                                                 - Dr. Suess

On Authenticity

If you look around you, at your family, your friends, neighbours...

tell me, how many truly authentic people do you know?

And by authentic, I mean, people who are true to who they really are. Aren't trying to "keep up". Aren't trying to outdo you. 

Aren't trying to outdo themselves.

Aren't trying to be something they're not. 

This topic of conversation came up recently between me and a dear friend of mine. 

We were talking about a family we knew and how much they had changed over the course of the last few years since becoming "more successful". It's interesting. When most people define success, they define it based on monetary achievement. 

I am guilty of it myself.

But really, what is truly important? 

These particular individuals seemingly forgot everything that used to be. 

It's sad really. 

If a person is so caught up in keeping up, do they lose who they authentically are? Are they so caught up with "things" and BIGGER and BETTER that they forget what is most important?

Would those same people be there for you if you were in need?

Don't get me wrong. 

I like nice things. Maybe more than the next girl.

But I would never.ever put those things in front of my relationships. Or choose friendships based on this. 

I love that I can sit in a room of my friends and that some of them have more shoes than any one girl really should. And that others could care less.

This is what makes each of them special. Different. Amazing.

I truly think that as I get older, I look at those who I want to be surrounded by differently.

Let's be honest here. We are all "fake" to some degree and by that I mean, we have to be cordial with certain people in our lives. Maybe fake is a strong word. 

Teachers at our children's school. Neighbours. 

Family members or extended family members who may not be your favorites. 

You know what I mean.

These are not the individuals who know your soul.

My true friends do. 

They know who I am inherently. 

They know that I may have a tough exterior but that inside, I am a marshmallow. 

And I in return know them. 

I am blessed. 

I am one of those girls who has friendships that have gone the long haul. 

Girlfriends who are more sisters than friends.

Authentic. 

'cuz Lord, if that crazy ain't authentic I don't know what is!!

 
This post was burning a hole in my mind. 

It kept coming to me and I knew I had to write it down so I wouldn't forget how I felt right now. 

And why in the last little while I have bowed out of not one, but two social engagements that would have had me sitting at tables with groups of women who I know are not what they appear to be. 

And honestly? I'm too old for it.

Happy Tuesday friends.

all images and quotes sourced via pinterest.