We embarked on this adventure for so many reasons, the main one being to spend more time together. Ben and I were sick of trudging through our days, filling them with work and ever increasing, unwanted stress, never spending quality time together as a family. Existing just to wake up each morning and do it all again. We knew something had to change, so we set about changing it.

We left a few weeks later than we wanted to, as I broke my finger and then got terribly sick, so we had to rush through Outback Queensland a little quicker than we wanted to, as we had bookings at Lawn Hill National Park. Thats where we are now, and it is one of the most amazing places I have ever been!

Here’s our first week in images. A week that comprised of ironing out wrinkles, lots and lots of driving, swimming under water falls, canoeing, hiking and Darcy need ing to find/use every public toilet possible over 2000km’s.

And here are some iPhone images, my most favourite of little cameras. I post most of these to Instagram, so if you’d like to follow our adventure there, I am @el_hogan. Harry and Lily have accounts too, they are @iamharryhogan and @theadventuresof_lilybear

We also bought a DJI Phantom Quadcopter for our journey, which Ben has been practicing and getting better and better at using. Here is a quick video of the sorts of things we’ll be doing. Its very exciting.

This is filmed on an afternoon spent in Lawn Hill National Park on Harry’s Birthday. Not a single soul for miles and miles. A beautiful and spiritual place.

This post is also part of my “What ___ Looks Like” group, so head over to the AMAZING Kelsey Gerhard to see her June!

I spoke about my journey up until today, what inspires me, and how looking for (and documenting) the beauty in the mundane chaos of the every day can bring so much joy and peace to your soul. I was terribly nervous, but it was so lovely meeting like minded people, who in one way or another, maybe felt the same as I do.

I spoke at length about my 10 on 10 project, and how it really helped me see my wonderful world in a whole new light, as well as sharing a slideshow, that I wanted to share here. Its made up mainly of images from that particular body of work, as well as a few of my all time favourite images of my kids.

If you would like to know more about upcoming Giddy Up Breakfast Club, and sign up to hear about other fantastic events, see here:http://www.giddyupcameraclub.com/events

PS: The song in the slideshow is called “Without you” from and Eddie Vedder album called Ukulele Songs…. So basically 2 of my favourite things smooshed together in a glorious collection of songs. *sigh*

This edition is about the freedom of summer……….

No be sure to head over to the amazing Amy Grace’s blog for her “What _____ looks like” . One of my favourite photographers and writers. She’s wonderful!

An idea over a year in the making.

It started as a whisper, quiet and unassuming, pushed to the back of my mind, surrounded by doubt and fear.

An idea that has become louder.

Grown restless.

An idea that started as a star in the sky.

A dream.

Now might be the time to make it come true…..

el   .   xoxo