PROJECT | #AprilLove2022

Three times a year, Susannah Conway leads a prompt based photo project. I often participate over on Instagram (@lee_currie_nlp) with a lovely group - we’ve supported each other for years and its so much fun when new people join in. Sometimes my interpretation of the prompt is straightforward, though often I try to challenge myself to think outside of the expected. Below is the completed project which will be collected and printed as a physical book.

The prompts:

The interpretation:

DAY 01 | Blue

When the blue umbrellas went up in the mornings, it indicated that we could expect a good day - not too windy or measurable rain in the forecast. So many shades of blue, the umbrellas, water, and sky. A beautiful way to start my days. #AprilLove2022 #Blue #TurksAndCaicos #RoyalWestIndiesResort

DAY 02 | Yellow

That yellow ball packed some much welcome heat throughout March. Though the sunsets were not as spectacular as what I’m used to over Lake Huron, they gave a different show each night, especially when the clouds rolled in. #AprilLove2022 #Yellow #TurksAndCaicos #Sunset

DAY 03 | Flowers

I was delighted to get my fix of beautiful tropical flowers - like these bright pink Bougainvillea - for all of last month. The property at @TheRoyalWestIndies resort is truly a treat, so well manicured and pretty to wander through. #AprilLove2022 #Flowers #TurksAndCaicos #Bougainvillea #ShockingPink

DAY 04 | My Smile

While on any given day there is plenty to not smile about, I’ve chosen to live a life where I do my best to turn shit into sunshine, and that starts with my smile, often followed by a loud belly laugh. It’s not false positivity, it’s simply choosing to be grateful and dwell in the good of my days. I am extremely fortunate to be able to choose this approach, I know that not everyone can. It was worth the years of work and practice! #AprilLove2022 #MySmile #ItAllStartsWithGratitude

DAY 05 | Dogs

I have two sweet and bouncy labradoodles (@TheAdventuresOfTuckAndFinn). I’ve done all I can to reduce the bounce, but that seems impossible after years of training and boot camp (twice!). Between my kids, my friends, and every delivery guy in town encouraging them to jump up for a pets, love, and treats, I am officially defeated. The good news is that they are equally lazy, so while they’re alone with me, they are generally at my feet under the desk while I write or at my feet on the couch while I read. #AprilLove2022 #Dogs #BouncyBoys #Labradoodles

DAY 06 | Morning Ritual

I only just realized that there is a lot happening in the morning around here. There is no easing into my days as I race after the dogs to let them out and fill their bowls. Only after that’s done, I can focus on myself as I get set up for my morning: coffee in my @MudLove mug reminding me of my guiding word, the meds that keep me healthy, a daily oracle card pull, earbuds so that I can enjoy a 20 minute uninterrupted guided meditation, and my Moleskine journal and fountain pen to record my morning pages. Bonus? Today is garbage day and I can’t find any tags! The chaos continues. #AprilLove2022 #MorningRitual #Coffee #More #MoleskineJournal

DAY 07 | Pattern

In this new home I wanted everything to reflect me and my taste (which can be rather bold). The process started with with a massive leopard print area rug in the great room. We are now building around it. I chose materials and furniture back in November. I think the room is going to be completely fabulous once it’s done! #PleaseLetPortsOpenSoon #TryingToBePatient #NotMyStrongSuit

DAY 08 | Inspiring Words

I’ve been reading many inspiring words lately via elevated chick lit in an effort to gear myself up to be more interactive on Match.com. The only thing lacking? Middle aged women who look like me - a little wiser, a little rounder, a little greyer, a little more independent - financially and emotionally. Maybe the next inspiring words I read will be those I’ve written myself! #AprilLove2022 #InspiringWords #MiddleAgeRomance #IsThereAMarketIWonder

DAY 09 | Today Is

Moving Day at the Masters golf tournament. Other than Master’s Sunday, this is my favourite day of golf of the whole year (and I watch a lot of it). I so enjoy all of the stories that are brought to mythical proportions by Jim Nance and company at CBS. The history, the drama, the cinematography, the lush property, and the players dreams met and denied. So much fun. #AprilLove2022 #TodayIs #MastersGolf #MovingDay (Image via Google)

DAY 10 | Inner Child

It has often occurred to me that I didn’t have much of an opportunity to be a child when I was young. I was treated like a miniature adult, ridiculed and criticized when I did act my age, or made mistakes. I have been blessed with an opportunity to allow for myself that lost time. I’m exploring ways to give my inner child an opportunity to show up and play, make mistakes, and simply have fun. #AprilLove2022 #InnerChild #TimeForPlay #LearnFromMyMistakes #HaveFun (Image via Gray Malin)

DAY 11 | Fox

I hope to discover some foxes in my travels around the area this spring. With two dogs running all over my property, it’s doubtful that I’ll have any here in the yard. We have so many local photographers, I’m sure to see postings soon - my indicator to bring my camera with me in the truck. #AprilLove2022 #Fox #WaitingForSightings (Image via Google)

DAY 12 | Brings Me Joy

There were times I didn’t think the bickering would ever end. It drove me bonkers. Both the sniping and the inevitable “mama, ABC was mean to me - make it stop.” Sigh. And then, one day, I realized they no longer fight for the sake of fighting. They debate and have differences of opinion and play full contact board games but they’ve all grown into intelligent, empathetic, and kind adults who *gasp* get along and support each other! That is and they are the greatest joy of my life. (Photo taken May 2021) #AprilLove2022 #BringsMeJoy #Siblings

DAY 13 | 2022 So Far

I started this year with my guiding word: “more”. I’ve coupled it with some other concepts which have now become my mantra for the year: show up; dare to ask for more; and que sera sera. It’s all working well as I navigate my new empty-nest-full-on-retirement existence. I know there is more for me so I’m doing all I can to get out of my own way and say yes to every opportunity that resonates with me and who I want to become without any attachment to what form my future takes. (A tricky maneuver for sure!) #AprilLove2022 #2022SoFar #NoMorePlayingSmall #JoyWillBeFoundOutsideMyComfortZone

DAY 14 | Secret Crush

Jürgen Klopp. He is the German-born manager of the Premier League club in Liverpool. I am not a soccer fan, but my youngest is and I have to admit when I walked into my family room a few years ago as he was watching a game (I was about to tell him to turn off the TV) and saw this man on the screen my heart stopped! Not only is he a highly regarded coach, he’s super intense and almost always smiling. I have never told Caden to turn off a Liverpool game again! (This prompt had me stumped so I had to ask my kids. Other options mentioned: Javier Bardem, Tom Selleck, Aidan Quinn, The Rock.) #AprilLove2022 #SecretCrush #JurgenKlopp (Image via Google Images)

DAY 15 | Hobby

I do a lot of things since now all of my time is leisure time! I suppose my top hobby of all things is photography. I’ve had a “big” camera in my hands since my first Canon AE1 I got when I was 14. I’m happy with my amateur hobbyist status even after all these years. I have a good eye and enough patience (and equipment) to catch a good shot - I don’t need my work to be technically perfect, too. All of my photographs are straight out of camera with very little manipulation - cropping and straightening. #AprilLove2022 #Hobby #Photography #Canon

DAY 16 | Note To Self

In my much-used “Notes” app on my phone I actually have one entitled notes to self. They’re just short phrases to remind myself of who I am and who I strive to be every day. I started it on the morning of the New Year and continue to add to it as I hear and read phrases that resonate with me. #AprilLove2022 #NoteToSelf #NotesApp

DAY 17 | Mouse

I’ve never really figured out the track pad on my MacBook Air and have an old mouse that I attach to it so that I can get things done on it. I’m sure it’s not that complicated and would figure it out in a piece, but really, it’s just so much easier to plug it in and click, click, click. #AprilLove2022 #Mouse #AppleMouse #TechChallenged

DAY 18 | Reflection

Is something I’ve been doing a lot of lately. In order to move forward, I believe you have to understand where you’ve been - and why you’ve been. I’m in the “messy middle” of things and as much as I’d like to rush through the discomfort of it, this is where my growth is going to be found. I’m going to sit in this space - welcoming grief and grace. I do love how Emily McDowell (@EmilyOnLife) is often able to capture with her brilliant words exactly how I feel. #AprilLove2022 #Reflection #TrueWords

DAY 19 | Currently Reading

I’ve been on an elevated-chick-lit reading spree of late. Currently I’m reading “It Ends With Us” (on Kindle) by Colleen Hoover as she’s been recommended as a solid author in this genre. As I’ve been distracted by the activities of the long weekend (and I just dropped off Cole at the airport), I haven’t had a chance to get very far into it. I’ve skimmed Atlas of Heart and listened to it on my way to and from Toronto - 6-hours, I’m almost done! Beyond that, I’m regularly reading something: postings on my highly curated social media streams, a couple of literary magazine subscriptions, recommended non-fiction, proofreading my own work, and too many recipes. #AprilLove2022 #CurrentlyReading #ElevatedChickLit #ReadWhatYouWantToWrite #AlwaysReading

DAY 20 | Sharp

One of the best post-divorce gifts I gave to myself was a 12-week cooking course. The first night was a class in knife skills. David, the chef, asked all of us why we were taking the class and I told him that I was simply tired of cooking and if I could learn how to get through cooking a meal faster I’d be forever in his debt. Well, I don’t know if I can cook faster, but I did learn to enjoy it more and that had a lot to do with my steadily-improving knife skills. I also followed his advice and bought myself a restaurant quality 10” chef’s knife which I still use every day. (Not pictured - he’d be horrified by the small knife!) #AprilLove2022 #Sharp #KnifeSkills #BrusselsSprouts

DAY 21 | Stationery

Over the years I’ve converted some of my most favourite photos to note cards. I’ve always loved stationery and all manner of office supplies! I’m not much of a shopper, but I’ll spend hours in a stationery store. #AprilLove2022 #Stationery #NoteCards

DAY 22 | Drink

It’s almost margarita season! It is my favourite summertime drink. I was recently watching Sweet Magnolia’s - where they drink many a margarita - and noticed they use fabulous glasses. I searched and searched and finally found something I liked on Etsy. And, of course, I enjoy anything that has a story. These glasses are made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles - so I get something functional and pretty while doing something good for the environment and supporting a small artisan company. #AprilLove2022 #Drink #Margarita #RecycledCokeBottles

DAY 23 | Softly

Mid-week the clouds softly transitioned from pastels to a vivid pink and orange sunset. The weather up here is spectacular to watch change. #AprilLove2022 #Softly #Clouds #JustBeforeSunset #LakeHuron

DAY 24 | Holding Hands

It’s been 632 days since I held his hand - not a minute has passed that I haven’t wanted to hold him again. #AprilLove2022 #HoldingHands #MissingBill

DAY 25 | Horizon

From where I live whenever you look to the west the horizon reveals the water of the great Lake Huron. Every day the view is changeable, powerful, and inspiring. I can’t imagine tiring of it. #AprilLove2022 #Horizon #LakeHuron #Disorienting

DAY 26 | Something New

My kids would argue that pretty much every day something new arrives, but today is an extra special day! After years of thinking about it, I finally have a cast iron pan with a lid - one that will make our family favourite Skillet Shrimp and Orzo. I love my current pan which I’ve had for well over a decade, it’s huge, big-family friendly, and yet I haven’t been able to find a properly fitting lid. Of course, I only remember that when I’m in the middle of the recipe. The last time I made it, I pulled out my phone and ordered this baby when I thought about it. I can’t wait to cook with it. #AprilLove2022 #SomethingNew #LodgeCastIron #Blacklock

DAY 27 | Rainbow

The last rainbow I captured was when I arrived in Turks & Caicos in March (pictured) - though I do see them all the time. The day I came home from the hospital after losing Bill there was a huge rainbow over our home, the day I drove up to Southampton to see what became my new home, every time I need to know I’m not alone a rainbow appears. I am truly blessed and well loved. #AprilLove2022 #Rainbow #WelcomeSignOfLove #HesWithMeEveryDay

DAY 28 | Love

I couldn’t resist ordering this t-shirt when I saw it on some feed. ‘More’ is my guiding word for this year and my late love’s favourite colour is purple - it’s the perfect addition to my gym wear! #AprilLove2022 #Love #MoreLoveLoveMore #LifeIsGood

DAY 29 | Peace

Nothing brings me more peace than a rainy day. If it’s warm, I’m out on the porch reading on the couch, surrounded by tea, blankets, and pups or in the great room, also surrounded by tea, blankets, and pups. Rain brings me such peace and calm. #AprilLove2022 #Peace #RainyDays #RaindropsOnWindow

DAY 30 | Thank You …

… to all the twists, turns, roadblocks, love, forks, opportunities, challenges, kindness, hardship, grief, courage, and faith that brought me to where I am today. I am truly - profoundly - content with everything about my life. I am safe and secure enough to allow my future to show up in whatever form it takes. If every day were to show up like yesterday or today, I’m grateful. #AprilLove2022 #ThankYou #ProfoundContentment

I used to turn myself into knots to make sure that all of the photos were Number 01. Taken by me, and Number 02. Recent, as in that day. As you can tell, I’m far less rigid and embracing a more “go with the flow” attitude. To me it’s important to simply enjoy the practice and occasionally pick up my camera. A good half of the photos were taken based upon the prompt within a few days of the posting. I’m good with that: done is better than perfect! (Who wrote that?!?)

I hope this inspires and you consider joining us for the next hashtag challenge in August. Check out Susannah Conway’s Instagram (@susannahconway) for the prompts at some point in late July!