Gotta do something: 500 Project

After attending a COLOUR CONFERENCE this past week my heart was so stirred to be part of a project called "500 project". 

The 500 Project is a simple way that we as individuals or with friends can contribute to a "collective strategy". 

It is Partnering with campaigns such as A21 who exists to see an end to Human trafficking on our planet by raising awareness and education through schools and orphanages and universities across the globe.They also protect those who have been trafficked by building shelters and transition homes. These safe homes equip the survivor with skills and rehabilitate them for their future. 

It is a project that was birthed out of The Colour Sisterhood, which is simply a company of down to earth, everyday women who desire to make a difference and make the world a better place. It is a foundation seeking to place value upon humanity. 

Bobbie Houston, senior pastor of Hillsong Church, who is also my pastor and one of my favourite people on the planet, often reminds us that "If one woman can change her world, then only Heaven truely knows what ONE COMPANY of woman can achieve."

So I got to thinking if I AM SISTERHOOD, then that statement alone carries a sense of ownership. 

I  cannot walk away and not be affected by the stories of the women who have been sold into the sex trade. Women who are just like me. And you. 

Its the indivual story of these women that keep me awake at night. Its the stories of how, by partnering with A21, we can actually turn it around.  

So what is it that I have to offer? What can I bring? How can I help? 

I may not be able to do something to end world wide human trafficking (well not yet anyway) but I can help change the life for ONE. 

If $500 provides the support for a trafficked victim to experience her first steps to freedom. Well I can do that! 

How? 

Well what do I do everyday of my life? I photograph stuff! 

HERE IS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO:

WHAT: 2 hour photoshoot for any family or individual in the Sydney region.

WHAT YOU GET: All photos taken unedited, and given to you on a USB stick by the end of the week. That way you can sought through them and print or use how you like.

COST: $300 ( proceeds will go towards 500 project)

FIRST TWO PEOPLE TO EMAIL ME AT rivbennett@gmail.com

Lets do this!! I can't do everything but I must do something.

Love Riv x 

Do what you love

(Artist: unknown)

So as some of you know, I work in three different florists.

I get asked a lot about how this came about especially because I am not a florist. 
It all started one day as I was talking to Amelia Holland, local business owner of three florists, about upping their social media for their store.
I talked to her about Instagram (which she knew nothing about) and Facebook and how so much of what society does is online and how her shop could be a real inspiration (because she has serious style and is greatly respected in the business world) and how it would also bring more customers into her stores and direct them to the website.

She looked at me and said " I've seen your pics on Instagram. They are amazing! Would you do it? "
I had a been a stay at home mum for 6yrs.
My life was babies, nappies, school runs, and making sure my house looked close to perfect for when my husband arrived home.
My job had been to clean up cereal that had been spilt and crushed underfoot by my 4yr old , my job was to disinfect the carpet after I picked up the poo my toddler gladly left beside the couch (gaaahhhh!!! )
My job was to sort out the fight over the (stupid) toy over and over and over again!!! 
My job had been to hold the injured child, deposit food in all their mouths at least 10 times a day. Wash and fold the mountain of clothes, the vomit towels ,the wet undies.
I did the day shift, the night shift. And everything in between. I would drag the lot of them to the grocery store, bunnings, play dates and cafes as I bribed them with milk shakes and chocolates so they would sit still for 5mins while I zoned off into the distance and dreamt about sleep.
So when posed with the  question of taking photos of beautiful things (even though I had no experience as a professional photographer) and getting paid to do it for a few hours a week.
My answer was undeniably yes. Yes. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!
So the world of flowers in all there desirable beauty was opened to me. And I'll never be the same!
Now, the motherhood journey didn't just stop. And lets be honest, I actually love being a stay at home mama! I love holding their face and in my hands and kissing them over and over again. And chasing them around the house threatening to pin them down and tickle them till they pee their pants. We laugh, we dance and gang up on dad when he is not looking.
I was now doing everything annnnnnnnd working a few hours a week. But it was glorious sanity for my creative mind. A moment of pleasure as I would lose myself in the bright coloured dahlias and white and pink runucculars.
So now, even though the kids are at my feet as I work, my house is a mess and I have that constant interruption of " I'm hungry" and "Where's the Lego guy with the red ninja suit?", as i try to write,  it's all worth it. I'm doing what I love. And who knows what will become of it.
My conclusion is:

1. DO WHAT YOU LOVE

It all started with me taking pictures of my boys and posting them on instagram!

2. BE CONSISTENT IN IT

Invest time DAILY in it. Keep doing, keep refining, keep busy. 

3. READ

Let your creative mind be challenged, pushed and inspired. 


4. WAIT PATIENTLY

The right people will come along at the right time and help you reach what's in your heart to do.


Love Riv xoxo


Ps. Together with Amelia Holland at Beautiful Blooms Florist Boutique we have created some greeting cards that I thought I would share with you.

We decided it wasn't enough just enjoying flowers for a couple of weeks and allow their beauty to go unnoticed to the rest of the world so we thought we would take the images I photographed  for our blogs and social media and put on on beautiful textured paper, added a cute brown recycled envelope and create a product that we could put in your hand so you could love on somebody.
They range from traditional wedding bouquets to girls with hot pink hair holding white cymbidium orchids, vintage typewriters to peonies the size of your head.
They are so fun and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did making them!
For those of you wondering where to buy them we are selling them online at <http://www.beautifulbloomsflorist.com>

Hope you are having a beautiful week!

And hey, don't forget this week to do what you love!!