Tag: Photography

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Long Weekend Completed with a Thunderstorm

Posted on by Mama

It was the long weekend here in Canada and I have to say the weather has been extremely hot and a little bit humid. Hasn’t stopped us from enjoying the beautiful weather though.

We have gone for plenty of walks, grandma bought Valeria a little blow up pool (which of course my husband inflated and filled), an iced coffee or two from McDonald’s was enjoyed, BBQ’ing and even a little bit of a thunderstorm today.

Valeria has experienced all sorts this past weekend; she touched grass with her feet for the first time (completely unfazed by the sensation by the way), she got to splash around in her little pool and also got scared when her face fell in a bit, she tried organ meat for the first time (yes, we are feeding our child organs, it is full of iron and nutrients and we want her to have a good palate for different foods), she tried watermelon (yes, I tried it too….again) and she got to witness a big rain storm this afternoon. So a very big weekend for her!

She was mesmerized by the rain storm, it was funny to watch her little eyes go super wide watching the down pour from the porch. She didn’t hear the thunder until we were in the house and she never saw the lightning. But it was her first time seeing it, and I have a feeling she is very much like me and loves thunderstorms. They are just so soothing. I was able to snap a few photos, but not sure it really does it justice. I was really hoping to capture a lightning shot, but no dice. One day!

We went on three walks today, and the third was just to get some much needed energy out before she went down for the night. It was nice because it was after the rain fall, the sun had come back out and everything smelled refreshing. She cuddled up with daddy for a bit as he held her walking, than she was getting a bit fussy so daddy played the over the shoulder and run away from mommy game. Mommy….does not run! I would pretend and wave to her and she would laugh and daddy would run back and I’d kiss her. It was only around the block, so it was a very short game, but by the time we got back to the house she was sleepy and wanted to go down for the night.

Bottles at the ready, my husband put her to sleep, her little eyes shut almost immediately. Hopefully the day tired her out enough that she sleeps most the night.

I have my highway driving test tomorrow and I have to admit I’m a bit nervous. I’m a good driver and I’m doing it on country roads, so it should be perfectly fine. But please wish me luck, send me good vibes and keep me in your prayers. I really want to pass this and not have to worry any more. I’ll explain our licensing process in tomorrows post, along with either good news or bad in regards to my test.

I’m going to end it here, I’m pretty exhausted from the day and needs some rest. Hope you had a beautiful Monday wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Valeria’s Seven Month Photos

Posted on by Mama

Now, we were away when she turned seven months, but it was such a beautiful day that we opted to take advantage. There is that beautiful white floral bush in front of our home, I posted a photo of it the other day, but I will share it again down below.

We laid down a blanket and her seven month sign and did a little photo shoot today. Didn’t capture too many pictures as she became very curious of all the plants and flowers surrounding her. She is just motoring around already, so her curiosity gets the better of her.

After the photos we decided for a nice walk, I mean why not enjoy the the heat and sunshine. Maybe my pale skin will get a tan! Sigh, being a pale Italian….it’s rough!

I took my camera with me and snapped some beautiful shots, and maybe need to learn boundaries….I really shouldn’t just roll up on people’s lawns taking photos are their flowers. But they were so beautiful….sorry neighbours! I generally ask if they are outside though.

Valeria is down early tonight, she had a very long day. But enjoy the photos and I hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Artistic Corner

New Life Sprouting

Posted on by Mama

After our walk this evening with Valeria, we decided to just enjoy a little time taking photos outside. We took some photos with my husband and her, and some with her and myself. I even got to snap a few photos of the life that’s sprouting around our yard. I can’t wait until there is a little more blooming to really get some nice shots, especially of our Maple tree.

Though I’ve decided to not do a vegetable garden this year. With what we have planned, we won’t have the time to properly tend to it and Valeria keeps us fairly busy as it is. Especially now that she is learning how to crawl.

Anyway, here are a few photos I took today:

Hope you are enjoying the weather wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Six Months

Posted on by Mama

Valeria is six months today! I can’t believe we’ve had her for half a year already and time really is flying. It’s insanity!

As usual we proceeded to do a six month photo shoot for her today. She wore a nice colourful pair of pants, a onesie (That’s says Just Call Me Princess, which you can’t see in the photos), a white knit sweater with ruffles on the shoulders, socks and white and light beige running shoes. I also put a cute little blue bow in her hair. she sat with her Six Month wooden sign and her new stuffy named Daisy, just a cute little flower she received at Easter from my sister-in-law Ana. Oh forget it, I’ll post a photo! Talking about it really doesn’t do it justice.

You can kind of see the blue bow, but look at that face!

It was so beautiful outside I just had to take advantage of it and why not get her outside for her photos. This is one of many, but man I love them and I think they turned out really cute. My baby got style, but she gets that from her mama!

It’s incredible how much she has grown in the past six months though. The other day my husband and I were playing with her and we realized that she is very tall for her age, at least we think so. I snapped this picture of her as she was standing next to her crib. She already wants to motor around, stand and bounce. She is just full of energy and if only you knew what lead up to this moment in the photo….chaos!

Forgive the crappy quality, my phone is hella old!

Is she tall for her age? Please give me your opinion, but be kind please.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. We ran to the store and picked up some produce, tea, etc. Though I did pick up some fruits and veggies for Valeria. I’m opting to make her food instead of buying it, so introducing her to some veggie and fruit purees.

I cooked up some carrots, squash, pear and apple. No seasoning or spices, just all natural. We also bought some Kefir for her to try as well, which is extremely good for gut health in both adults and kids.

Her naps were amazing today, slept a solid 4 hours and she went down pretty easy after her bath time. Which she indeed drenched mommy and the bathroom floor. She has now discovered she can splash with her legs and feet….I’m in trouble, aren’t I?!

We read her a book before bed and off she went with her milk to dream land. Now just writing this and then off to spend some much needed quality time with my husband.

Hope you had a bright sunny day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Four Months Old!

Posted on by Mama

It’s funny that Valeria turns four months old on Valentine’s Day, but here we are! She is growing like a weed and time is just flying by. To me, it feels like just yesterday that I gave birth and brought her home from the clinic. Is it bad I want her to stay little?

Though I would love to share them, I am not comfortable sharing photos of my baby girl online. I don’t even post photos on any social media. I send photos to family and friends personally and that’s good enough for me. I’ve been asked by family why I don’t post on social media, I tell them the same thing. If they aren’t okay with my decision, I just shrug and don’t let it bother me. I’m her parent, not them.

We opted for a simple photo this month; a rose, her teddy bear and some chocolates tossed around her. Buried in her closet, I was able to find a pink shirt with sparkly writing that said “Cuter then Cupid” and some cream pants with pink hearts on them. Woo-hoo for hammy downs! I threw on a pink headband with a fabric flower and she was cute as a button….if I do say so myself! I threw down my purple faux fur rug on our bed and laid her upon it, spread the “decorations” around and gave her teddy bear to her to hug. We tried everything to make her smile, we got a little smirk but no big toothless smiles. Still captured some beautiful close-up photos of her though. Awww memories!

I have to say my girl is too smart for her own good because once I put down the camera, she was laughing and rolling all over the place! I should have known, that’s my girl, she is just like me.

I shared the photos with family and family via text. Everyone kept saying how cute and how much she’s grown. I would call this little photo shoot a success!

We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have to admit this is the first one I’ve enjoyed.

I hope everyone was surrounded by love and joy today and may tomorrow be just as wonderful!

Ciao!

Posted in Travel/Vacations

Pioneer Village Winter Walk

Posted on by Mama

When I had planned this out, the weather was suppose to be sunny and nice. However the weather had changed and we are suppose to get a snow storm. Needless to say, this effected our whole experience unfortunately.

Valeria is having a hard time this week, but we find if we keep her busy she seems to nap better, we assume from the stimulation of learning and people watching. Well, today was to be our winter walk at the local Pioneer Village. The drive out there is about 30 minutes, and sadly our baby girl fell asleep in the car….sigh! We should have known that was going to happen since she is notorious for car naps.

We debated driving around with her, but thought she would sleep in the stroller once we transitioned her. To be fair it usually works, but this time it did not. She was not a happy camper. It was cold and a bit windy and really we probably should have turned around and went home, but we proceeded. She was bundled up in her winter attire and we always have a heavier blanket for the stroller rides right now.

We walked into the visitor centre just to make sure that the winter walks were available. Basically we can walk the grounds of the village, but no buildings were open to go inside and no staff/reenactors were on the grounds.

On the way in, we made a small donation in the village donation box, and the village was completely empty except for us. Eerie and peaceful all at once, I know that sounds contradictory, but you had to be there. Not even the photos captured that feeling. Valeria fussed and cried the whole time and at one point my husband had to carry her wrapped in the blanket. Not an ideal situation for sure, but it allowed us time to walk around and get some photos. We will go back in the summer when the village is properly open and the weather nice.

We didn’t stay very long, it was cold and started snowing. I’ll have to do a post when we go back and write about the history and the buildings that are there. It’s a pretty cool place, my husband liked it, but he wished we could have stopped to read each sign that was in front of the buildings. We headed back to the car, popping baby girl in first to get nice and warm. She was happy as a clam being in her car seat.

We headed home and the rest of the day was spent quiet, watching the snow lightly fall as we entertained Valeria. I made breakfast for dinner: eggs, bacon and hash-browns. Quick and easy, exactly what I needed.

Valeria woke up from her evening nap pretty smiley, so we opted to do bath time while she was still happy and calm. I think she is starting to like the water, she finds the water fascinating to watch, it’s kind of funny. And when I wash the soap off and it ends up around her, her little eyebrows perk up curiously. It’s hilarious. Bathed, lotioned and diapered and we had a cheery baby on our hands.

She just went down around 9 PM, so we are pretty sure she is down for the night….hopefully. So I am going to call it here and go relax. Tomorrow Valeria turns four months, so got to do some photos. Still have no idea what to do…eek! Wish me luck!

Ciao!

Posted in Travel/Vacations

Century Manor – Haunted? Part 2

Posted on by Mama

* Disclosure: If you do not like creepy posts, I’d skip this one. Some of the information and images may be disturbing*

Final Shot

This beautiful Victorian building is full of rich history, previously discussed in Part 1. The decaying state of the structure and the ominous graffiti adds to the eerie aesthetic and atmosphere.

As I watched the video my husband had initially sent to me, it indicated it was haunted. And as I was reading and doing research I came across countless videos and articles regarding paranormal investigations and encounters. So it caused me to wonder, are they true?

I already admired the building; Victorian architecture is some of my favourite and the history is intriguing. I knew I wanted to go photograph the outside, even if they allowed people in (which they do not), I wouldn’t have gone inside. I really just wanted to be respectful of the building and it’s former patients/staff.

I prefer not to involve myself in paranormal investigating, but to watch in pure fascination and curiosity from afar.

As I was taking the final shot of the day, the one above, I noticed a Security SUV to my right as I was about to take the photo. I tried not to look nervous, not sure if I’d be in trouble to taking photos, so I politely waved/smiled at the gentleman as he drove by. He smiled and waved back, rounding the corner going toward the back of the building. I quickly took my photo before walking up the hill toward Century Manor. And then I saw him coming back…

Now, my husband was in the car with our daughter toward the back of the building. He was already on high alert, noticing two young guys walking around the building when we got there. They thankfully left me alone. I’m a tough chick, he knows, but he will always be my protector and I insisted to go take the photos alone quickly. So when the Security guard stopped at the curb and rolled down his window, my anxiety spiked. I played it cool, at least I tried.

He asked if he knew me, and I said nope I’m not from around here, that I’m here visiting my husband’s family for the weekend. He said I looked like a friend of his, but he hadn’t seen her for years. As the chit chat went on, I bravely asked “Is this place actually haunted?” He immediately replied “Oh yes it is! I’ve investigated in there myself with my daughter..” He proceeded to tell me that other security guards, who no longer worked there, also had pretty significant experienced; however he wouldn’t go into detail, no matter how hard I prodded for it. I asked if there were shadow people and such. He joked “Well there are shadows, especially if you’re using a flash light you know…” He went on to recount that he’s heard disembodied voices, things moved or thrown, unexplained noises and he’s used some paranormal investigating equipment, he specifically mentioned the Spirit Box. He said he’s had a voice tell him to ‘Shut up’ and his daughter was told ‘Fuck you Whore’. Excuse the profanity used, this is what he told me. He said there have been quite a few paranormal investigations in there.

During our discussion, I had my phone in hand the entire time, and at one point my husband called. I hung up not wanting to be rude; you think with all the true crime documentaries and podcasts I watch I would learn not to care about being rude to a stranger….I digress. I immediately sent him a text, but I already saw his car rounding the corner and he parked right in front of the SUV. When I saw him get out, I knew he was in defensive mode. I smiled at him and let him know the gentleman was kind enough to stop and chat with me about the manor. He relaxed and joined in. The security guard proceeded to tell us a bit about the history and other haunted locations he’s investigated, including Albion Falls, Dunbar Castle, etc. All locations in or around my husband’s hometown. Neat huh!?

I forgot to ask the guy if he had a paranormal investigation Instagram or anything, but we ended on a very pleasant note. We said our goodbyes, I wished him luck on his future paranormal adventures and we left.

I can only imagine what it would have been like to be in that building, in the dark knowing there is no real way to protect yourself. Gives me shivers! He and his daughter are brave let me tell you.

So there you have it folks, it is confirmed by an employed Security guard, that Century Manor is indeed haunted. There is so much content online that if you are curious go check out some videos.

But I had a wonderful experience there; got some great photos and felt fairly calm around the outside of the building, as did my husband. Hopefully it becomes a heritage site in the future, it should be preserved for historic purposes, not just for the lost souls that still reside there.

Next stop on our historic location adventure…I’ll keep ya posted.

Ciao!

***All credit goes to the following websites and the kind security guard I spoke with. There is so much information out there, if you would like to do your own research/investigating***

  1. https://www.ontariogenealogy.com/hamiltoninsaneasylum.html
  2. http://asylumprojects.org/index.php/Hamilton_Psychiatric_Hospital
  3. https://www.centurymanorpreservation.com/history
  4. https://freaktography.com/abandoned-century-manor/
  5. https://mysteriesofcanada.com/canada/shocking-horror-stories-from-canadas-creepiest-abandoned-asylums/
Posted in Travel/Vacations

Century Manor

Posted on by Mama

*Disclosure: If you do not like creepy posts, I’d skip this one. Some of the information and images may be disturbing*

My husband had sent me a video of this location at the beginning of the month. He knows how much I love learning about haunted/historical locations, and this is a hometown location for him. He didn’t even know it existed though! It was a surprise for both of us.

The 529 acre property originally held the Barton Building, built in 1875 and followed an expansion to incorporate East Building (now known as Century Manor) which was constructed in 1884 and Orchard House constructed in 1888, with small buildings added throughout the years including the Inverness. The Hamilton Asylum for the Insane (later renamed Ontario Hospital, then the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital) was opened in 1876. Century Manor had many different functions over those years; including a reception hospital, addictions & forensic psychiatry wing, a school for adolescents and briefly a museum. The hospital was originally intended for “inebriates”, however there was more need of beds for those who were mentally disturbed, which also including inmates.

A photo of what the grounds looked like it’s it’s hay day (Found on asylumprojects.org)

It was predominantly self-sufficient; including a farm – cattle, chickens and pigs as well as fruits and vegetables, a bakery, butcher’s shop, greenhouse, root cellar, milk-processing house, tailor’s shop, sewing room, upholstery shop, fire hall, power house, a fleet of vehicles, skating and curling rinks, a bowling green, tennis courts and chapel. In 1890 it housed approximately 900 patients and employed approximately 120 people. By 1909 the facilities could hold 1,200 patients and staff. They even held The Asylum Ball which was an annual event that invited the elite of Hamilton’s society.

Sadly, like all Asylums of those times, it wasn’t always pleasant within the walls for both patients and staff. Deaths, suicide, murder, mysterious accidents, escape attempts and even a fire broke out within the asylum’s walls/grounds. But that wasn’t the only thing happening; what we now deem as questionable practices and cruel treatments, at those times considered scientific and acceptable. Electroshock therapy, hydrotherapy, lobotomies to name just a few. The living conditions were not ideal and sadly patient abuse was also common; not just among each other but the staff as well.

When opened, it seemed to have good intentions to help those in need; some of the better treatments included pleasant surroundings (being outside), a degree of non-stressful work and time for recovery. However, between over crowding, a large spectrum of different patients (from non-violent to violent, social status, ethnicity and class-based identifiers), abuse, cruel and questionable treatments, even the public would go on Sunday afternoons to have picnics on the hill to ridicule/watch the patients enjoying fresh air. This reflects more on the social and scientific conditions of the times.

Unfortunately, even with the dark, tragic but rich history of the asylum, Century Manor is the only remaining building, the others being demolished (Barton Building 1976 and Orchard Building 1971). Century Manor continued to be in operation as a Day Patient Facility until it finally closed it’s doors in 1995. The structure has been left dilapidated and derelict ever since.

This once beautiful building has since been boarded up, tunnel system filled and littered with ominous graffiti on it’s bricks. Century Manor, although decaying, is still a grand Victorian building to witness in person and remnants of it’s details are still peaking out of the beautiful paint peeled woodwork. The trees that are left around the area are magnificent and gnarled. A sign has been placed in several spots on the building, a warning for those attempting to enter unauthorized; stating it’s dangerous with Hazardous Materials, Authorized Personnel only and respirators and protective clothing required. Basically, it is not safe to be inside.

Still the story continues today with it’s many tales of ghostly encounters. I was even able to confirm this with a Security Guard on site. But that will be for Part 2 of this post….

Ciao!

***All credit goes to the following websites and the kind security guard I spoke with. There is so much information out there, if you would like to do your own research/investigating***

  1. https://www.ontariogenealogy.com/hamiltoninsaneasylum.html
  2. http://asylumprojects.org/index.php/Hamilton_Psychiatric_Hospital
  3. https://www.centurymanorpreservation.com/history
  4. https://freaktography.com/abandoned-century-manor/
  5. https://mysteriesofcanada.com/canada/shocking-horror-stories-from-canadas-creepiest-abandoned-asylums/

Posted in Travel/Vacations

Sunday Drive

Posted on by Mama

As per my previous posts, you will know that we were in my husband’s hometown of Hamilton for the weekend. It was a busy and fun filled weekend and we loved every moment. Valeria got to spend some much needed time with her Bunica (grandma), or Buni for short, today. It’s pronounced Boo-knee, is the best way I can describe it. My husband is going to laugh at me for that one! I’m terrible with Romanian, I really need to learn more, though I’m starting to understand a little.

She is so good with her Buni, I swear grandmothers have a magic in them. She is so calm, no fuss; just play, eat and goes to sleep so easy. It’s beautiful to witness honestly. I’m so glad that Valeria has such a strong connection to both grandmothers, I want her to be surrounded by strong women and they are two of the strongest I know. I admire both my mother and my mother-in-law a lot, I hope Valeria will to as she grows.

My husband and I had a little errand to run, so Buni was kind enough to watch her for a bit. I’ve been wanting to go and photograph a location my husband told me about for….oh I’d say a month now and today I got to! I will be doing a post all about it, I even have a neat story to share as well. Security Guards are so nice. I have to go through my photos and really do this location justice. That was about a 45 minute adventure.

However, I stupidly didn’t check the photos on the camera before we left the location and went back to the apartment, only to find some of the shots were over-exposed. We had to go back…sigh! My husband was kind enough to go back before we left town so I could take the front photos again.

We left Hamilton around 5 PM and the highway was BUSY. We tend to leave earlier in the day whenever we go for a visit, so we weren’t used to this traffic. Thank God my husband drives because it gives me anxiety to be on the highway. After you passed the majority of the traffic, it wasn’t a bad drive.

Valeria loves sleeping in the car and she loves music. So we have a little classic rock play list for our car rides now. She slept a short while, but we had to pull off the highway for a quick pit-stop, she was restless. We walked around in the building for about 15 minutes and back in the car. She was a happy baby after that.

I love road trips personally because it reminds me of my childhood, but I just don’t want to drive the highway and I have my highway driving test in May. UGH! I need practice, but I am doing it in a small town, so it will be country highway, which isn’t so bad….I hope.

Anyway, we are home now and I’m glad for it. Valeria is bathed, massaged with a bit of lavender lotion and in bed snoozing away. I happily caught up on reading one of my favourite bloggers and now writing this. After I will relax before jumping into downloading the photos I took.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and look forward to a historic and spooky post to come!

Ciao!