Lindee Grant Photography

You may have seen this photo before. Last June, my aunt Pauline prompted me to take some photos of my grandmother, Annie, for her 94th birthday. I packed up my babies, drove to her home and dropped in to ask if she would be okay with a quick photo shoot. She was willing, and I told her I'd give her an hour to get dressed, then I'd pick her up. I drove around a bit before deciding that the most beautiful apple blossoms were in my own back yard. An hour later, I arrived an...d went in the front door, she went out the back one, beating me to the car. At this time, my grandmother's angina pain from her heart problems was causing her great discomfort, and the whole family was concerned about her. It felt like a privilege to get a few moments alone with her. I pulled into my yard and opened the car door. The mosquitos hit us like a wall. My kids were crying in the car. Dutifully, she marched to the space I directed. I lifted the camera. She smiled. I asked what it was like to throw mop water on a military general. She gasped, looked down, and shook her head. She laughed. We walked back the few steps to the car, she peeked in the window of my new baby. "Een mooie ding," she said. That's what she would always say when she would talk about our babies. We drove back to her house and I told her I was glad that I had gotten to spend a few minutes with her, and told her how much I loved her. I told her many times since June that I was looking forward to her 95th birthday party, and another chance to take photos of her. She always responded with a gentle but firm no. Our beautiful Annie died on January 21, 2021. I will not get to take those photos or hug her on her 95th birthday. What I do get, however, is to celebrate a life well lived. I get to be thankful for memories and for her perseverance, her determination, her bravery. I get to read her stories, look at her photos. I get to enjoy the legacy that this beautiful woman left for me, and for all of us. One of joy, sorrow, and fullness. I'm proud to be hers. A side story: When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was having trouble choosing a name. I wanted to name the baby after my tante Lina, Annie's sister, but Lina didn't suit, and neither did Paulina (her full name). Grammy suggested Lineke, and it was immediately imprinted on my heart.

The session started off with Mike saying he can't handle too much cheesy stuff. Five minutes later he reminds me that Leah has been in ballet 15 years. Commence dancing and the biggest smile that Leah has ever worn. ... I swear guys, I don't make people dance because it is cheesy, I make them dance because it is FUN. PS- I feel like we should recreate the photo in front of the Basilica on their wedding day. You agree?

I almost never shoot anything inside city limits, so a rare morning in the city with Leah and Mike was an absolutely wonderful way to capture their engagement photos! Downtown Charlottetown is beautiful and diverse, and it was fun to dance and run through the city streets! Where would you choose to have your photos taken? Urban? Rural? Beach? Fields? Farms? Clifftops? Lighthouses? Downtowns?

While on vacation mode, I'm tackling the mile long to do list! This weekend I photographed all of Robbie's home décor (at least the items he has in stock), went to the beach for a driftwood and garbage collection, and went to the local miller for live edge material that would otherwise be burned. All of this effort was actually so much fun, and when I get the chance to share what comes of these trips, it makes my heart happy! Counting myself so lucky to spend these weekend...s with my little family! Oh, and since I'm bound to be asked- you can buy these items on Etsy even while we work on getting the listing photos updated! https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/fromandtonature What are you tackling these days?

My frigging HEART. Look at these tiny little sisters. Good heavens. Siblings are gold.

Does anyone else yell at their friend's kids? No? Just me? Because I'm sitting here yelling "YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW" at Bri's kids right now.

Here is my face so you know what it looks like, because I'll be behind a mask this weekend during Christmas minis! When you arrive, please follow the signs to the magical forest. While spaces are plenty big, we still want to be as sure as possible that we don't cross paths- so keep your super sweet gang nice and close! I have a few little decorated spots ready for photos, so we will meander through the trails and find some fun along the way! The most important thing is to... relax and have fun! Let's get some cheery smiles that are genuine by having a great time. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend! Photo credit: Treena Gormley <3

Saying goodbye to one of the single strongest individuals I've had in my life is only made easier by being gathered in community with loved ones, telling stories and looking at pictures. If your heart is sad today, I'm right there with you. May we all be so lucky to love so much that it hurts this badly to lose someone. May the memories endure. Go hug your loved ones. I'm holding mine extra tight lately. Take photos, too. Get them printed. Put them in an album on a coffee table and LOOK at them. Talk about them. Tell stories. The mundane moments, the lavish ones, they all matter.

I'll take every frozen finger and toe if I get to spend time on the rugged North Shore with amazing couples like Ashley and Matt! SO MUCH BEAUTY!

The last extended family session I had for 2020 was a fantastic one! I was so happy to pull up and see all of these folks that I practically skipped through the whole session.