MOG #95: Better and better

Because I'm in the midst of re-doing my website, I'm sifting through old weddings photos I've taken over the years for clients, and I seem to be having a PTL moment. (PTL =passion tea lemonade- something my friends and I reference when we're having an emotional moment haha) But seriously, I want to thank all these amazing people who have ever given me a chance at photographing for them, because it has only made me, and continues to make me a better photographer. I am actually so proud of myself in past years for having the courage to go out on a limb, take risks and photograph for people I don't know. So thank you for giving me a chance, I am so grateful ! It's because of people like you that keep small(but growing) business's like mine alive.

More from Stef: www.stefaniedaugilis.com

MOG #94: Dee

I just Aliza a few weeks ago and as soon as I did I thought, "damn, this girl has presence." Then, she did a presentation in one of our classes and completely opened up to a room full of practical strangers about her life and those who have shaped it. What struck me most about this girl was how genuine she was when she spoke; not for pity, showmanship or for a good mark, but just out of the goodness of her heart. I'm glad to know her, and I'm sure you will be too.. There are few people in this world, that make an impact and change people for the better...my cousin Deanna was one of those people.

On January 3rd 2010, my family was given news that would change our lives in many ways. My cousin Deanna (20 yrs) was diagnosed with acute Leukemia, and sadly lost her battle November 12, 2010. During her sickness, Deanna discovered a foundation called The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which hosts an event called “Light The Night” in several major cities across Ontario. She created a team called “Dee for Dynamite” and we have been walking in her honour over the last four years. This walk helps our family commemorate the amazing life Deanna lived and the amazing things she accomplished in her life. We walk to support those families who are battling against this disease, for those we have lost, and for those who have survived. Over the past four years our team has raised over $220, 000!!! We cannot even begin to describe how proud and blessed and grateful we are to have so many amazing people helping in our fight against blood cancer.

I speak for everyone who knew Deanna when I say, she was the strongest, most caring, supportive and beautiful person you have ever met. Even when she was suffering, she always kept a smile on her face and thus our team motto is “always with a smile”. Although Dee's Leukemia diagnosis was the most devastating news of our lives, we are being honest in saying the best thing that came from it is the formation of this remarkable team. Each member of this team has helped to keep Dee alive and that is the greatest wish our family has ever had. Thank you all for taking the time and putting in the effort to fight against cancer for not only Dee but for everyone who has been effected by blood cancer. If you would like to contribute to our team, I have provided the link below. All donations are much appreciated! Deanna was and will always be my cousin, best friend, role model, hero and inspiration in everything I do! I love and miss you like crazy!!!!

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.They must be felt with the heart."

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=2618180&langPref=en-CA

MOG #93: Finding and holding on

Nancy just gets it. Beautiful words from a beautiful girl, spoken from experience, with an attitude of change and a heart of gold. Thanks for writing you lovely soul. 

Its funny how things pan out sometimes. When you just stop thinking and worrying, sometimes things just fall into place.  A perfect example of this is how I have wanted to start a blog for the past couple weeks, but didn't have the courage to start one. A day after I told my roommates I wanted to, I get a message from Mary asking me to write something for her blog. It was perfect timing and a great opportunity. My moment of gratitude isn’t one specific thing, but about finding and holding on to the small joys in life. I know it can be hard to take the time to enjoy the small things, especially when you are surrounded by so much chaos in our insanely fast paced lives. But when you can finally take a minute to slow down and take in all the beautiful things to be thankful for, your life will slowly brighten up. I’m not saying I am some sort of inspirational guru, I get down and finding the positive in life wasn't and still isn’t always easy for me. Waking up with the weight of the world on my shoulders and my heart racing was a common occurrence for me, but I am thrilled to say that this summer things have changed. Most mornings I wake up with a sense of calm, I feel refreshed in a way. I start thinking about all the small things I am so grateful for, like my room in my student house, waking up to a “good morning beautiful” text from a man who has put a permanent smile on my face, getting to come home to the most wonderful roommates after long day of class and having the strongest mother to turn to everyday. I am not perfect, I have really bad days, and I understand that it’s hard to pick out the positive in life when you feel so overwhelmed with the negative. Even though five good things may have happened to you today that one negative has outweighed all the good.  The one thing that helps me get through those really horrible, terrible bad days is the idea that everything happens for a reason. I truly believe in this notion, you may not be able to figure out what the reason is right away but eventually, when you stop thinking about how sad you are you will have stumbled upon the reason without even realizing it.  Once you have found that reason, hold onto it and never let it go, because the next time something bad may happen to you holding on to that past reason will give you hope that one-day things might just make sense.