Tuesday 30 December 2014

2014...adventures, anxiety and falling in love

Heeeeey,

2014

As the last day of 2014 is upon us, what better time to reflect on the year gone by, and what a year it has been. At the start of the year I wrote a list of achievable goals instead of resolutions which you can read here.

For this year it's not new year, new me ... it's new year, better me!

As I was sitting and reflecting today, I realised just how different my life is from this time last year. My former self is a mere shadow of who I am today and I'm so happy I took control of my own life and made the changes that I did. What a year 2014 has been and there is no better time to think of those people, moments and memories I have met, had and made along the way.

1) Sam



The one year I don't write 'to fall in love' on my list of resolutions, the most amazing guy comes along. Maybe the old age saying of 'stop looking for love and it will find you' is totally true! He has changed me for the better, made me grateful for the simple things, made me stronger and makes me laugh every day.







2) Nixon







Another year with my beautiful Noodle Baby! The hardest goodbye when I left for summer but he still remained as naughty as ever.






3) Going away for Summer




I'm so grateful for the opportunity of having summer abroad. It was a fantastic experience living in Crete for 3 months, making new friends, great memories and meeting Sam. It was a whirlwind adventure that was so much more than I could ever imagine it being.








4) Job Opportunities

I have certainly had my fair share of jobs this year - 6 to be exact. My advice is don't be afraid of career changes and don't be afraid to stop when something's not right for you. Twenty something's are the years of discovery. Yes, I've had 6 jobs, but I have met many new people (whether as friends or as lessons), learnt new skills and discovered jobs that aren't right for me. 

5) Business plans

I've taken steps closer to creating Heels & Horseshoes Photography which will be launching in 2015. Watch this space. 

6) Challenged myself






At the start of the year I'd let anxiety get the better of me, but through setting myself challenges and getting out of my comfort zone I've achieved more than I could have hoped for. Starting with 'Go Ape' in the summer, I did all the hard routes and swung from the trees - and actually quite enjoyed it. 










7) Become a runner (and undid it again)


Before summer I could run 10 miles. It still amazes me now. I really started to enjoy it, unfortunately i undid all my hard work again but I'm going to start up again in the new year. 

Looking ahead...

2015

Independence

For me and Sam to have a place of our own

Be healthy

Eat for nutrition and lots more exercise

Heels&Horseshoes Photography

Heels&Horseshoes Photography will be launched for the world to see. 

More Meditation

I need to make time for more meditation and relaxation

Have more fun

Now that me and Sam are more settled we are going to have a lot more fun in 2015, holidays, day trips, learn new skills, start new hobbies and make new friends.


Let's have a fabulous 2015 - be ambitious, be adventurous, don't be afraid to say no, stick up for yourself and most of all do things you enjoy. 

Gemma xx

Friday 26 September 2014

The Tale of Buzz, Libby & Molly

Heeeey,

As promised here are some photos of Buzz, Libby & Molly. They were fantastic models for me on the day and I absolutely loved capturing their quirky ways - especially when Buzz was standing on two feet to reach the trees! 



































































































































Gemma xx


Wednesday 24 September 2014

Baby Beau's first shoot...

Heeeey,

As those of you following me on Facebook would have seen, I was lucky enough to be able to give Baby Beau his first shoot. It was not only special for me because his mummy is a lovely friend of mine, but also because I've photographed his big sister Olivia before - Click HERE to see.

Anyway I posted a sneak peek on Facebook but here are some more...





































































I can't wait to capture him as he grows up.

Gemma xx







Friday 29 August 2014

A big decision...


Heeeey,

So while I was away in Crete Nixon suffered from a bit of lameness which resulted in a precautionary visit from the vets. He had x-rays and tests and it turns out he has sheered heels, side bones and arthiritus.

I always knew there would be a time when he showed signs of age because he was around 13 when I brought him 5 years ago. He also has pigeon toes which up until now hadn't caused him any problems. The worst thing about owning animals is having to make such big decisions for them. There’s no way of really knowing what they think or want, so you just have to weigh up the options and decide.

I had two main options; put him through remedial farriery, injections and continual medicine to allow me to ride or to allow him to retire. I’m both happy and sad to say I chose the latter.

As a nervous old boy I didn’t want to put him through the stress and pain, all for me to have a ride now and again. Instead I’ve decided to allow him to take up retired life of eating, grooming and cuddles.

I think I might start doing some in hand work with him and maybe try teach him a few tricks or something - go all Monty Roberts!

Unfortunately it’s one of those things where not every one will agree with your decision and I did have a few noses turn up at me. However, I'm safe in the knowledge that I know my horse well enough to judge that now is the right time.

Not to worry, he's still a cheeky boy and full of character, so we will still be having lots of fun. 























Gemma xx

Sunday 24 August 2014

You don't find love...it finds you


Heeeeey,



Dreams have always been an important thing to me. Something to have, something to hold on to and something to look forward to. I’ve never thought any dream is too big. They’ve always been somewhat of a comfort to me that there is hope. 

When I started 2014 I wrote down 10 dreams and aspirations to achieve throughout the year. For literally the first year since I can remember, I didn’t set one to find a boyfriend and fall in love. I decided this really isn’t something you can make happen, it’s not something to work towards, so I left that in the hands of fate - and boy did it deliver.

“Don’t give up usually it’s the last key on the ring that opens the door”

I have always been a true believer of fate, I’m happy for fate to put me in the right place at the right time and allow me to learn and enjoy life to it’s full potential. 

When I was packing for Crete all those months ago, I could only joke I was off to find a boyfriend. I really do believe me and Sam were sent to Crete to meet each other. If living on different sides on the country isn’t proof enough, I don’t think our paths could have crossed any other way. It wasn’t smooth running and there were a few people standing in our way. If anything, how far we’ve come is testament to those that said horrible things, accused me of all sorts and said it wouldn’t last. Unfortunately life is full of bitter people and not everyone will be happy for you. 

“The best things in life are worth the wait”























I’ve never met any one who can make me laugh every minute of every day, who can control my princess moments, not only appreciates my craziness but joins in too and is just generally so scarily similar to me. 

Which brings me to now, and my northern gem is trying out southern life. Upon arrival he was greeted with a present of wellies and a farmers weekly magazine! I mean what more could a city boy need jumping feet first into country life. 

He’s met Nixon, and is making progress and even steps foot inside the field now, as well as being very willing to climb the muck heap. 

It’s strange being home with someone who everything is new to. It’s nice to appreciate village life and all the beautiful places that surround me and rediscover it all again for myself. 

So this is it, the start of the rest of our lives and I'm sure we will have a story or two to share along the way.

Gemma xx

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Time is now...


Time is a funny thing. I think many people are scared of it in various ways. Scared it will go too quickly, scared it will run out, scared it won't go as quickly as they hope. I'm extremely impatient so much of my life is focused around time. I'm learning to be better, to take things as they come and to enjoy the moment - but what I've learnt most of all, is that it is precious. As my boyfriend likes to remind me 'time is the most precious commodity we have - we can never get it back'. People are worried not to rush, not to be too quick, not to make a mistake, but the trouble is these people think they have time.

For those avid followers of my blog you will know that especially in the last year I've been doing lots of firsts to overcome my anxiety. I've done more than I could ever have imagined I could achieve from last year. I'm thinking of what to do next - ideas welcome!

When was the last time you did something for the first time? 

**

Time is not wasteful
time is unstoppable
time is learning
time is balance
time is getting old
time is healing
time is happiness
time is love
time is being on time
time is the future and how you will spend it
time is not waiting around, waiting for things to happen to you
time is going out and making them happen
time is being selfish
time is being selfless
time is doing everything you've always wanted, before it's too late
time is now.

Gemma xx

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Aeroplane thoughts...Crete 2014

Heeeey,

The bubble has popped! As I fly home from crete 3 months earlier than I had previous intended what better time to reflect and write this post. Not only to pass the painfully slow time it's taking to get home, but also while everything is so fresh to me. I think aeroplanes are a great place for reflecting and thinking. Many a thought or plan must be made on board. Travelling to new places, for whatever reason, really emphasises on a new experience and a step away from every day life. 

As you know, I set off to experience rep life abroad. A task completely out of my comfort zone and a very big adventure. Thinking back, there really is no one place I can even start, what a journey it has been. 

I have learnt so much about myself and how well I can cope, which is a new found confidence I will take forward with me. Anxiety really can't stand in my way now, I feel like I've done it all, what can be more scary than moving abroad alone. 

One big lesson I found is that you don't have to change for anyone. I have truly been me this whole journey and you soon see through those that put on a front. People like honesty, and why would you try to impress people by not being you? 

I have truly met some amazing friends along the way, who I will no doubt see again as well as bagging myself a lovely boyfriend- who is one of the most caring people I know. I was hoping to meet some nice people along the way, but I wouldn't change these people that I have shared this experience with, for the world. You know who you are and I want to thank you for everything and for being truly wonderful. I will never forget my gouves family and all the times we shared together, most of which in rainbow bar with George. 

It's been an emotional roller coaster. I've been up, I've been down, I've been sad, I've been the happiest I've ever been in my life and more recently I've been absolutely exhausted. So exhausted I ended up in hospital. I know, I know classic Gemma style - this stuff could only happen to me! Happy to say I'm ok, but looking forward to getting back home and back to full health and to feel myself again. The gym is definitely calling my name after all the saganaki and milkshakes I have consumed. 

In some ways this has been the toughest 3 months of my life. It's not once been relaxing, but I feel like I really have experienced everything that I was sent here for. Some might say its a shame it didn't work out, well what didn't work out? I'm going home with some lifelong memories, lessons, soulmate and friends. I've developed as a person and I've learnt that you can never make everyone happy, and that is totally ok. I've learnt there are lovely people out there that want the best for you whether you've known them 30 years or 3 months. 

Although I've shed a few tears on this journey home at leaving such an amazing experience behind, my heart now belongs back in England and I'm ready to see where life takes me next. Expect plenty more blogs, lots more photographs and my life discoveries along the way. 

Now excuse me while I catch up on 3 months worth of rest and sleep.


































Gemma xx

Wednesday 4 June 2014

24&more




Happy 1 year

Wow, heels&horseshoes is officially one year old! It all started with 23&me and here I am sat in a bar in Crete on my 24th birthday, drinking a strawberry milkshake as I type.

What a world away my life is now from what it was a year ago.

I absolutely loved being 23, I was determined to make it my year and that's exactly what I did. I achieved so much in that year that I am so proud of myself for doing. From pushing myself so far outside of my comfort zone i couldn't see it anymore to teaching myself to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life,

Not only have I moved on in dealing with things mentally and emotionally I have managed to dream bigger and exceed better things than I could ever have imagined. Problems that before seemed impossible now feel like mere hurdles.

In my 23&me post I wanted to run 10k which is something I achieved just before moving here to crete. But the big move in itself felt like a far bigger achievement.

I'm so grateful for my friends and family that have been nothing but supportive and know exactly how to encourage and motivate me.


Thinking ahead...

So 24. Well doesn't 24 sounds mature. I think 24 for me is going to be the fill in year between making up for lost time through worry and actually thinking about my future.

I intend to continue my journey of trust and exploration but maybe start putting some money aside for a rainy day. I think my decisions need to start being supported by a small contribution of rationale thinking.

I have no firm goals, I'm in a content place surrounded by some specially selected amazing people. I'm kind of on the fence, not a place I'm used to being, but the view from here looks just fine.



Gemma xx

Tuesday 25 March 2014

I'm about as ready as I will ever be..


Too much time is wasted, waiting to be ready. There is never a time we know exactly what we should be doing, where we should be going and who with.

You can only challenge yourself today, to be a better you tomorrow. No matter if you do something you hate, you’re learning and you know not to do it again. But until you do it, you’ll never know.

Mostly, you’ll love it; love the challenge, the butterflies and the experience.

We have to be lost, to be found and life begins at the end at the end of our comfort zone. 

Life is too short, to think what if.

Take risks, push yourself beyond your fears and live a life you never thought possible. 












































Go buy that outfit you've had your eye on, start that new exercise regime or tell someone something you've been holding back.

Have a good day

Gemma xx

Wednesday 12 March 2014

The Tale of Amber & Chloe...


The weather has been beautiful recently and just perfect for on location photo shoots. 

On Sunday, I headed to a nearby park with sisters Amber and Chloe and their mum Sandra. It was so lovely to photograph the girls in their dresses, it made a nice change from photographing people in wellies, hats and scarves. 

Here are some of my favourites...

 




 Gemma xx
 

Thursday 6 March 2014

my inbetweeny time...


Doesn’t the sunshine make everything just a little bit better? Now that I have a bit more time on my hands before summer, I’m really learning to appreciate everything so much more. I will call this my ‘inbetweeny’ time and boy did I need it. 

I feel amazing and I’m really making the most of the things that I anticipate I will miss most while I’m away. Nixon is getting a lot more love, cuddles and exercise. I’m finding it so precious to have the time to actually enjoy him and not having to be rushing around elsewhere. 

I’ve been having a bit of a clear out too and the amount of things I need to sell is crazy. I guess when you stay in one place for so long, everything kind of collects up. It’s amazing the amount of stuff I’ve gathered, especially clothes, but I really do never have anything to wear!

I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and this time in my life was meant for me to go down a gear and actually relax! I wouldn’t change it for the world, even more money. I guess what I’ve learnt is money doesn’t buy happiness. Material things don’t actually mean anything. Now that I’ve taken a step back, I have noticed things I have brought to try to make myself happy rather than through actual need for them. It’s family, friends ( including animals), places, memories and smiles, that really make you feel like life is good. 



Gemma xx

Wednesday 5 March 2014

#projectcrete


It’s that time of year again... lent. Have you given up anything? I have decided to give up the devil in my life... chocolate. We have a love-hate relationship, love to eat it, but hate the consequences.

This will be my sixth year of giving it up. I know it wont be for good, but I guess it’s nice to have a challenge. Please expect withdrawal symptoms in the form of princess moments, outbursts and tears. 

Talking of giving up, I’m currently trying to get more healthy before summer, so I’ve given up the scales! It’s so easy to get obsessed and disheartened with the figures on the scales that it defeats the point. Nothing worse than working really hard and not losing anything in numbers. Instead I will be weighing in but getting my mum to secretly record my weight. I will be judging by how I feel and how my clothes fit. 

I have just under seven weeks to get in to shape, so I will of course share my journey, tips, recipes and other insightful things along the way.


#projectcrete

If you have any advice I’d love to hear it.

Gemma xx

Thursday 27 February 2014

a change of plan...


Well it has certainly been a while and I have really missed blogging. As it happens I’ve had a bit of a life changing time. I always promised myself if I was going to write a blog, I would write it openly and honestly, so here goes. 

Last year I found myself stuck in a rut. My main two dreams when I was little was to become a photographer and have my own horse and I had achieved both. Amazing, I know, and these are and will always remain a big part of my life, but I found myself wanting more. I’ve never been someone to stay in one place too long. I love meeting new people, making new memories and taking myself out of my comfort zone. Challenging yourself actually gets quite addictive once you start. 

In 2014, I knew I wanted to travel, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Travel may mean exploring various places, but I will be spending my summer in Greece. I am so excited to explore a new place and meet new people. I’m leaving all of my anxieties behind and I’m determined to have the time of my life. 

If you’re going through a tough time, or feeling a bit lost, every thing will be ok. I promise. 

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that changing your dreams or wanting more from your life is not a bad thing. 




Focus on what you want and you will get it

If you have an idea, it is up to you to make it happen. If you are feeling unhappy, believe in yourself and you will soon find your happiness in ways you never thought possible and you will be even more appreciative because of it.  

Don’t be afraid of changing paths

There are no right or wrong paths to take in life. You have to do what is right for you. Take risks and learn lessons. If new opportunities come your way, grab them with both hands, even if it’s something you’ve never considered before. 

Be Selfish

Do things for you. There will always be people trying to hold you back, but if it’s something you truly want, go for it. Don’t let other people's regrets become your regrets. 

Be kind to yourself 

Allow yourself the life you deserve and never settle for anything less. Learn from failures and appreciate your successes. 

Gemma xx

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Ruby's Tale




Heeeey,

I'm back with a photography post yay.

This time starring the lovely Ruby and her mummy Lucy.

We ventured into a nearby forest, and Ruby had a wonderful time collecting twigs and using them as drum sticks. We also found a huge tree that had fallen over, which we used to climb and sit on. It's amazing looking at trees and imagining how long they have been there for. We tried out some different outfits and I loved Ruby's array of hats. All in all, it was a lovely afternoon and here is a preview of what we got up to...





















Gemma xx
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