8: Joan

Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

Joan. My Nana, and one of the namesakes of this blog. Much loved Matriarch, she's a mother of four, Grandmother of ten and Great Grandmother of seven. I think the key to a happy life lies within our relationships and connections to each other. My belief in this is largely set by her example. Nana is a great conversationalist. Though she probably wouldn't think so. Not in an overly gregarious sense, more that she's generous in conversation, agreeable. She offers as much as she listens. These days I feel like the art of real life conversation is kind of a lost virtue. It's a quality that I find so endearing of her. I can sit and chat with her for hours. I often do. We'll talk of the old days or the latest celebrity gossip, I can confide in her about anything. Not so long ago, I sent Nana an sms and asked what were the things that made her happy. She replied;

"Dear Belinda, the things that make me happy and proud are my family, being independent, owning my own home, security, privacy and being accepted. Sounds boring but they are important to me. Love Nana"

Practical, humble and honest. This portrait was taken in her kitchen after lunch, countless cups of tea and good conversation going into the late afternoon. She laughed as I constantly clicked away with the camera, uncomfortable with having her picture taken but generously accommodating me all the same. Could not love her more.

(You can read more about Joan in this post. Click through if, like me, you love poring over vintage photos, some great ones there!)

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links in the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x

7: Melanie

Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

Mel and I were born four days apart, on opposite sides of Sydney** It wasn't until the beginning of high school that our paths crossed, but I'm certain that we were always meant to find each other. I've been entrusted as Godmother to her two beautiful children and I have no doubt we'll watch our families grow up together. I couldn't tell you how many times over the years I've sat across from Mel clutching a tea or a glass of wine. Sharing heartache or some such calamity, asking for her advice. She listens and has a way of getting right to the heart of it. Always with great insight and support and often with a witty one liner that makes you snortle the tea out of your nose in a fit of laughter. She tells a great story, and often uses humour as a leveller.

In addition to wife and mother of two, Mel's an incredibly astute and successful career woman. She's been at home with her beautiful baby girl for the last year and is preparing to return to work. Mel tells me that the biggest surprise of motherhood was just how much her children have taught her about about the world, and herself. She's living her dream and she's recently made a point of appreciating it in the moment. Being grateful, present and mindful. In all our years of friendship, I've never seen Mel so happy and content.

** As it happens, it was Mel's birthday during the week. Happy Birthday to you, Mel X

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links in the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x

6: Kathryn

Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

I've known Kath for over ten years. We easily fall into step, no matter how much time has passed. Kath's a single mum, primary carer of her beautiful son and working full time. When I asked for her thoughts on motherhood for this series, she told me it's the hardest and most rewarding thing she's ever undertaken. 

"just when you think you can't possibly love that little person more, you look at them and somehow your heart just grows that little bit bigger"

Kath is honest, strong and brave all the while. She digs in and pushes herself forward when life gets tough, especially then. I admire that about her. Kath is fun. She's funny and facetious. She has been such a wonderful friend to me. When Kath's in your corner you have an incredibly thoughtful, generous and steadfast friend who will back you to the hilt. No questions asked.

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links in the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x

5: Patricia

Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

We gathered in the morning to watch my sister compete in an ocean swim, then spent the the afternoon nestled into a local restaurant overlooking the sea. She doesn't mind a nice afternoon chat over a chai latte, my mother. She dreams of travel and a quiet life. She is fiercely loyal, particularly to family and friends. She has the most amazingly soft skin that belies her age. Mum was once the top seeded women's deaf tennis player in Australia. She competed internationally for many years, even donning the green and gold at the 1989 Deaf Olympic Games. She deeply appreciates when people make an effort to communicate and never, ever forgets when people have been kind to her. When in her comfort zone, she has a quirky sense of humour and can be downright cheeky. I consider my mum incredibly strong, she has a determination and sense of pride that I believe she inherited from her own mother, Elsie. 

The first four weeks of this year have been confronting for me in many ways. I've been reminded often about how lucky I am. I'm blessed to have my mum in my life. Always there to catch me, always good for a chat and a cuppa, always with those gentle hazel eyes.

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series button in the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x