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I can't say enough about Bill. Healing and educating people is really his purpose. Bill helped me so much with my back and neck pain. His method is so efficient and helps with more than muscle pain only. He is a great therapist who doesn't help with the pains and aches only, but he also listens to you. He is very well aware that our minds are very often causing some issues in our bodies.

Bill is a great educator and he is spreading his knowledge via courses he has around the world and in Canada.

If you want to know more, go and read about Bill and his method on his website below. 

You can also find him on fb and ig.

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Animal welfare is very close to my heart. I am a big advocate of adopting animals and stand for wellbeing of unwanted and abused dogs, cats and all other animals. 

I encourage everyone to support any animal welfare organization, if it's for wildlife, farm or domestic animals.

I have chosen for this page Port Alberni-Clayoquot branch for a personal reason.

I adopted my dog Summer at this branch in July 2005. We lived in Whistler at the time and my daughter and I drove to Port Alberni to adopt this wonderful border collie/black lab cross.

I couldn't ask for a better friend and I will be forever thankful to SPCA in Port Alberni for saving my girl and letting me welcome her into our home. 

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I met Dr. Ashley years ago shortly after she opened her practice in Qualicum Beach when she commissioned my image to be etched on glass and displayed in her reception area. My heart was full to see an image of Summer and I being a part of this wonderful place. Read the story here.

Dr. Ashley became our vet and we couldn't be happier about it.

Dr. Ashley is knowledgable, open minded, kind, giving and very fair. She loves animals with all her heart. She is also a very strong woman, who renovated and opened a beautiful clinic here in QB. I can only say good things about Dr. Ashley and all the staff and the positive and loving energy in the clinic. I will be forever thankful for the love and care she and others gave to my Summer. 

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I met Levonne when she asked me to photograph her  for a cover of her book Three Red Suitcases: A Southern Childhood. I will always be grateful for this opportunity. I can't describe how emotional and deep her book is here in a few sentences. The best way for you to know is to read this book. You will experience through Levonne's eyes the injustice, pain, racism and much more. It is an eye opener for many of us.

Levonne is an activist, animal lover, vegan, artist and author with a deep soul. I admire her strength to follow her true path and the fact she doesn't stop seeking her purpose.

 

I encourage you to find out more about Levonne and her work on her website, facebook and instagram.

 

Carrie helped me many years ago when I had some imbalances in my body. I felt immediately comfortable and also very confident she will help me. I love her holistic approach and I would recommend her without hesitation. I still visit Carrie regularly to keep my body balanced. Carrie Ingrisano, MS, FNP, IFMCP, Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner has her practice in Nanaimo.

She offers extensive experience in family practice, women’s health issues, and paediatrics. 

Not only is she a very experienced and involved medical professional, but also a wonderful person who will listen to you and will do everything to help you. Check The Marigold Functional Medicine website to read more or connect via social media. 

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Natalie is young and talented singer with a big heart who is always ready to help others. She is a classical music singer living in Seattle, WA.

I had such a good time with Natalie and thanks to social media I can see what she is up to and I can see her grow as an artist and as a human being.

I wrote more about Natalie in a blog where you can read how she made me cry and see more photos and read about her career.

If you are interested to know more you can follow her on fb, ig and check out her website.

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I've known Karen for many years and have photographed her a few times, personally and for her business. She inspired me to have fun and create images which are

still some of my favourites.

Karen is very passionate about design and it shows in her role as an owner of a flower and gift shop. She offers amazing arrangements of flowers and the selection of gifts is classy, environmentally friendly and so, so tempting. Karen also does flower decorations and bouquets for weddings.

You can find Petal and Kettle on fb, ig and their website. The store is located in downtown Parksville. If you are looking for a gift or flowers, definitely visit this charming store. 

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Muriel is a wonderful woman and a very talented and experienced artist. I met Muriel while working part time at Smithfords store here in Qualicum Beach. We had fun working together and I was always looking forward to working with her.

One day Muriel asked me to do some photos for her upcoming website and I was more than happy to do that. We had a great photo shoot at Saratoga beach. She works with acrylic, playing with colours and light, creating amazing pieces of art. You can find her flowers on canvases of all sizes.

I am a huge fan of Muriel's drawings and I have three of her originals on my gallery wall in our living room. One of a driftwood on the beach and two of crows. Her drawings are incredible with so much detail and life in them. Her crows are whimsical and bring a smile to my face every time I look at them. 

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Again, I've met Julie through yoga, and I had an opportunity to shoot personal branding images for her Reiki Healing and Indian Head Massage. I experienced both: Reiki Session and the Indian Head Massage as well. What an experience! I would refer Julie in a heart beat. Now she is teaching yoga online. Her classes are focused on restorative and yin yoga and are fantastic. Check it out!

I admire Julie for being courageous to find her true self, to get out there and be vulnerable, to be real. When I am around Julie I am can be 100% myself and I can talk and laugh with total freedom. 

Check Julie's website to get to know her better. You can also hang out with her on fb or ig. 

It's pretty funny how I met Lisa. A few years ago I listed boots on local Marketplace (really nice boots, new but size didn't work. I am still sad they didn't fit.) Lisa came to look at the boots and although she didn't buy them, we started talking and exchanged phone numbers. A while after that Lisa invited me to a party, and that's how I know Lisa.

I can say about Lisa that she is a strong woman with entrepreneurial spirit. She is not afraid of trying new things, always diving into new adventures with an incredible excitement. She is a true West Coaster, I would say a true West Coast hippie with a big soul and love for the Coast, the Ocean and People living here. She loves her family and her tribe. She is one of those people who puts energy into getting people together and make things happen.

Lisa creates wonderful, funky and whimsical art which will bring a smile to your soul. You can see her creations on her fb page.

I love Kundalini Yoga and Tamara is a Kundalini teacher. When I came to the first class with Tamara and I saw she is going to teach along with her lovely dog Leonardo, I knew I will love the class.

Tamara is also a Reiki healer and I had a session with her for Summer and for myself - and it was truly an experience I will never forget. She knows a lot about herbs and creates her own healing products. You can read all about Tamara and her services and products on her website.

I have to mention Leonardo. He crossed the rainbow bridge but I believe he is still with us every kundalini class. He was a rescue, a beautiful cocker spaniel with a big personality.

If you would like to find out more about Tamara and what she offers, go to her fb, ig or website.

Did I mention she had awesome, reiki infused gem bracelets? I have some and I love them. 

I started to go to the studio a few years ago when the owner was Holly Yates. I remember the first time I came there being surprised by the laughter and loud talk before the class started. After 15 minutes I knew this is the studio I wanted to go to regularly. It felt like community and there was human connection besides the yoga practices. That's a big deal for me. I don't feel comfortable going to a yoga studio where people hardly make  eye contact. Here, I knew names of others and every time I went to a class, I was looking forward to seeing my yoga people. Yoga is not only physical exercise but mostly spiritual journey where we can heal and grow. I believe that your instructor's values and principles are an important part of yoga practice. 

You can try for yourself. Meet the owners Teresa, Engel and all other great instructors at Yoga Grace. Visit the studio, which is located in Downtown Qualicum Beach, or practise from your home with online classes.