My folio and application were accepted for the photography course :D

I am SO happy to know my application was accepted!

I am so excited to start a new part of my life, and it be something so nice, lovely, healthy, fun, creative and a passion of mine.

This is all part of my journey and my healing. Finding an area of life – not about trauma, not about abuse, not about anything horrible.

I am so thankful to have been accepted, because I really did not believe my 15 photos needed in my folio, would be good enough.

But, they are good enough!

Looking at photography courses :)

I love capturing beauty all around me and taking photos of my family, my dog, my gardens. It is a way of being mindful, have gratitude and a healthy focus for my life, which is part of my healing.

I was going to start a Uni counselling degree next year, but I am delaying that for a year. I know I am not mentally up for starting a full time degree yet. I spoke to my therapist, who confirmed I am still in the processing and grieving stage, and a full time Uni course, may be too overwhelming. And certain things have occurred lately, that have shown me I may well not be able to cope with a full time, very challenging counselling course.

But, a 1 year photography diploma, I could handle.

A part time job as a photographer, would be a lovely career to start. And I could take my younger son with me on shoots. So I would not need to book things around my husbands shifts. Plus, I know how to run a business, I know how to set up a website. All things that will help.

I know there is a 1 year diploma course, near to where I live. It’s 3 days a week. And the government may pay for the fees. So as long as that is possible and I can book a flexible place at my son’s outside school hours care facility, I could start in February.

So, this week I will be checking out all the things I need in place, to be able to commit to the course. And see if it is possible.

Love seeing beauty all around me ~ Lilly Hope Lucario

Having realised I will never find peace in people, and choosing instead – to find beauty and joy around me, I love photographing beauty. Like plants. I find them so stunning.

I would love to be able to afford a photography course and decent camera. But, I do enjoy taking photos on my camera phone.

Gratitude and Mindfulness, Help When Struggling ~ Lilly Hope Lucario

I’m struggling at the moment. For various reasons.

Today, I went for a walk with my family – my boys, husband and my dog. It was a truly beautiful day, we saw a pirate ship that had docked, had fish and chips for lunch, and walked along the beach, collecting shells.

It did help me to see the beauty all around me. See the joy my boys were experiencing and smell the wonderful sea air, I love.

I also always try to have gratitude in all the little things, all the beauty around us, and be really mindful of all this. And be truly thankful. Which, I am.

Finding joy in beauty…. where beauty is seldom seen or appreciated

“Mum, you’ve gone bark…..ing mad”

~ my 14 year old, joking with me 🙂

I have a thing about tree bark. I made a decision a few years ago, to focus and see the beauty all around me. I don’t find joy or peace in people… so I turned my attention to beauty in nature and all God provides.

I love sunsets and sunrises. I love the beach and the mountains. I love all the many magnificent leaves and flowers. It’s why I now love gardening.

Here in Australia, the many different trees have amazing bark. Very different, from very rugged and gnarly, to very smooth. Many different textures and I love the variety.

I take notice of this, as I go for walks with my boys and my dog. It brings me some joy.

I love tree bark…. and if that makes “barking mad”, I’m okay with it 🙂

It’s an appreciation of beauty and some mindfulness, that helps my emotional wellbeing.

~ Lilly Hope Lucario

Garden pics :) Gardening is part of my self care.

Pics from around the garden in the beautiful Winter sunshine :)

Gardening is part of my healing journey. It is a welcome distraction from the painful trauma processing. It is grounding and helps with mindfulness.

It brings me many moments of joy.

When you are surrounded by beauty, you always have some joy in your life.

~ Lilly Hope Lucario

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Beautiful gifts, from my beautiful boys for Mothers Day

I have to try really hard on Mothers Day, to focus on my boys, and not on my past. It’s hard, but I always succeed in focussing on what they need, and not how I feel inside.

My boys are very affectionate and loving boys, and they love giving gifts.

Beautiful love heart necklace and earrings ❤ ❤

A special Birthday poster!

My very beautiful friend Shahida – made this poster and sent it on me on Twitter.

We are both Lana Del Rey fans, and this is so special to receive.

I feel very blessed ❤ ❤ ❤

And now I am adding to this, as Shahida posted these on Facebook too!