48/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: I'm suddenly feeling like I'll miss taking his portrait each week next year. Reflecting on how special it is to have this keepsake of our 2013. How lucky I am to have him. I feel extra pressure to make these last ones count. 

Us: A shared adventure in a vacant inner city lot in the late afternoon. It hosted some really incredible street art. We felt like we weren't meant to be there but loved taking it all in. I imagine a few hours later it would have been quite a different scene. 

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

47/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: We received news early in the week that my aunt had passed away suddenly. At this risk of sounding cheesy ~ actually I'm unapologetic about that ~ the only place I wanted to be every day was in his arms. Each day I got home from work craving the comfort of his embrace above all else.

We: A glimmer of hope in meeting with a new specialist this week. Time will tell whether we make any progress here. But even the tiniest glimmer of hope, is hope none-the-less. 

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

46/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: Still dreaming about learning to surf. He finally took his new (to him) surfboard down for her maiden voyage but unfortunately conditions were so grim the idea was quickly replaced by staying dry with a cold beer.

We: Music, great company, food and wine. We spent much of the weekend gathered in this kitchen, laughing, singing, dancing and telling stories. So good.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

Flashmob

Flashmob from elsieandjoan on Vimeo.

I love a flashmob*. I love everything about them. The dancing, the music, the secret planning. I love that a seemingly ordinary moment turns into a few minutes of pure joy and celebration for those people who are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to experience it. There's not enough joy for the sake of joy in this world. I. Love. Flashmobs.

I have aspirations of being in a flashmob one day. But I think the only thing better than being in a flashmob, is one that's done in your honour.

Which is what happened to me. 

And, Oprah. We're totally kindred now.

I have such amazing friends and family. I'm still floored by the thought and effort that went into this and I will honestly treasure it forever. I've watched it a hundred times already, my cheeks are sore from all the smiling.

If you're wondering about the backstory, I wrote about my flashmob story here.

Otherwise, settle in and enjoy a few minutes of joy, just for the sake of it.

Belinda x

* The term 'flashmob' is used to describe a movement where groups of people gather for spontaneous public performances at pre-planned locations. Sometimes their intention is to bring awareness to a cause or they may have commercial links. But many are just to surprise an unsuspecting public.

Behind the scenes

My sister captured the moment I took Richard's portrait last week.

I think my mum took a picture of her, taking a picture of me, taking a picture of Rich showing off his picture of the sunset.

I kind of love this grainy phone image of our silhouettes standing before that sinking sun, dusted in mist before the lightening and thunder began. 

Because it proves I'm here. With him, them, you.

Always behind the lens, but here none-the-less.

Belinda x

45/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: I watch the way he naturally and genuinely interacts with my family and friends. He makes me so proud to be his wife.

We: Another weekend out of town. This time our annual family Christmas weekend in Forster, on the north coast of New South Wales. My entire paternal extended family has been making this trip every year for sixteen years. We spend a weekend together in cabins lined up along the lake. It's very special to us, and it's wonderful to watch this little gang start making their own special memories here too.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

44/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: He spent the week in and out of airports for work. I missed him.

We: There are fewer things more restorative than falling into step with familiar rhythms, being outdoors and having time for simple pleasures. Grateful for a family weekend away in Queensland to celebrate my Dad's 60th.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x