The tale of Hayley, Jake & Bump

Heeey,

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend and ready for a new week to begin. I've got lots going on this week so very excited for it to get started. 

Last week I had the great honour of photographing one of my friends Hayley, her fiancé Jake and her bump. Here are the results - I can't wait to meet baby Logan.   

Gemma xx

winter and horses

I'm deservedly snuggled up and cosy now after getting absolutely drenched at the yard today. 

I can't help but think winters been a bit kind so far and that the worst is still to come. Never have I been more depressed about winter as I have since owning a horse. 

Experiences of clinging onto a lead rope as you slide on ice, juggling the torch on your phone because you can't find last years head torch, hay goes everywhere but in the rack and even worse if you don't have a rack, one gush and it's gone in the wind, literally! You even start to forget what the yard even looks like in daylight, let alone get a chance for riding. 

As stress rates run high, the horses are feeling the winter blues too. Nixon gets especially grumpy in winter, detesting any sort of cold or rain. He permanently has his big ears back and pulls the most ugliest of faces. 

So this is just a quick post to my fellow horse owners; you're doing a great job,keep it up and those long summer days will be here before we know it. Don't feel guilty for wanting to be quick, it's dark, it's cold and it's human instinct.

And a quick word to the non-horsey helpers that didn't sign up for a horse lover partner; we're so grateful for your help, for that torch you hold and just for some company in the darkness. 

Gemma xx

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