starstruck

Chances are you've seen my facebook pic... I met Dallas Green! He sat in the row directly behind James' & I on the flight home from Victoria Sunday... I a little sad to admit i didn't even recognize who it was, especially since I already had 2 of his CDs (one on my iPhone!) and his voiced lulled me to sleep many a hostel night in New Zealand and beyond!

He was super nice... I was literally having hot flashes psyching myself up to approach him, and finally talked myself into it (with help!). He asked my name, shook my hand and introduced himself (like I didn't know - by that point!) and asked James if the picture turned out ok before shaking his hand too. Typical Canada, not a whole lot of people appeared to approach them.

Needless to say I've been listening to the albums all over again and reminded of his awesomeness. Bought the newest CD too and looking to buy tickets to see them in Toronto in February (any takers?). Here's a taste... one of my fave songs from the first album.




He also sings in this song which is one of my all time favourites. I can't for the life of me figure out the new youtube codes and I got the one in as a blog post but can't copy and paste... argh, just follow the link for more awesomeness.

Completely starstruck!!
♥ Callah

elmo

♥ Callah

new 'do

♥ Callah

luxury and wine

This past weekend i was lucky enough to be the guest of my boss (in turn, a guest of a local orthodontist with a few other dentist's and their spouses) to have a spa weekend in Niagara on the Lake. I wish i had snapped more photos, but alas, my iPhone 3G is garbage and doesn't make me want to. The day started off with a pedi at the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post. After our toes were prettified (and the men were jelly after their massages and reflexology), we headed to the Prince of Wales to get ready for the evening.

 Greeted with dark choc and wine dipped strawberries!

Accomodations for the evening - beds were SO comfy!

Wine and cheesing at the cellar dinner at Jackson Triggs winery.

In the vineyard, before the outdoor concert (and more wine!)

NOTL sunset

Spirit of the West, our entertainment for the evening. I only knew the one song going in, (you know, the song everyone knows!) but i had so much fun. The music was really catchy and they were a lot of fun. The outdoor amphitheatre setting was really great too.

Full moon!

I treated myself to a CD and then realized the line up outside was for autographs so i jumped right in. (Actually, i jumped right to the front since our shuttle arrived and we had to go- i felt horrible about it!)

I was so impressed with the spa and hotel at the Pillar and Post that I'm going back (for a romantic weekend this time!). Definitely a great splurge in the NOTL area! 

♥ Callah

warrior dash

I recently ran the "Warrior Dash", a run that is basically an obstacle course, in which you end up completely covered in mud. Climbing up wooden barricades, up & over cargo nets, jumping over fire...

Of course I couldn't resist breaking out into a few yoga poses for some snaps, as I usually do when near a camera. (Anyone else like that?) Luckily, one of my running buddies, Ryan, is great at multitasking running and taking pics (and wearing a sweet helmet cam to boot!) so i have lots and lots to share, courtesy of his great photog skills!

my self-selected team nickname

first pose of the day!

(clean!) group shot, pre-race!

 i'm in the middle, jumping over fire... i was so scared of this and the flames were maybe 1-2 feet high, ha!

success! so close!

the shirt is not allowed to stay white...

made it! my comrades and i post run (aka, the guys who stuck with the slow girls!)

warrior, in more ways than one!

fireman hose down. actually painful!

  

cleaned up, viking dancer (on a downhill!) :)

♥ Callah

hair GPOYs

I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my hair-did for reception (aka Stephanie & Curt's wedding #2). I won't pretend this was my first attempt but it should have been... flat-iron curls, loose pony, pin the ends under and voila. Easy, and my new go-to updo!

Ignore the weird looking hunchback!

Hair + makeup!

♥ Callah

world press photo exhibition

So, a while back i alluded to a photo exhibition i stumbled upon while in Amsterdam. Slacker that i am, i will finally share it with you now!

The world press photo exhibition 2011 actually opened on my last morning in Amsterdam. It was staged in Oude Kerk (old church), which I had actually just planned on visiting to check out the interior with my museumkaart, but was surprised to find so much more!

"Our mission is to encourage high professional standards in photojournalism and to promote a free and unrestricted exchange of information. World Press Photo aims to support professional press photography on a wide international scale. Promotional activities include an annual contest, exhibitions, the stimulation of photojournalism through educational programs, and creating greater visibility for press photography through a variety of publications."

It was such a unique setting - amazing photojournalism ranging from general news to nature to sports. Definitely some shocking scenes too. A cool inclusion was a 12-photo series from one of the chilean miners who was trapped last year, going about his everyday workout as usual. Check out how they integrated the exhibition amongst the beautiful details of the church.

You can check out all the winners here- definitely worth browsing!

♥ Callah