Under Siege!

Antigua

Our second morning in Santa Ana, Guatemala, I woke up to a few texts from home.  The one from Rebecca read “I hope you’re keeping safe in Guatemala! I just saw an update to the Canadian travel advisory’ my mind struck in alarm, this can’t be good. I read the provided link: “Guatemala is under siege. Seven guards were killed. There has been a high level of gang activity. For this reason, Guatemala government can search anyone without a warrant.” Next  link I Read Canada’s Trip Advisory  to Guatemala. Its warnings were many. “While traveling in Guatemala be careful of kidnappings, kidnappers bring you to an ATM daily for maximum withdrawals.  Beware of muggings, theft (my headphones had been stolen within an hour of arriving in Guatemala), only take marked taxis. Some Guatemalans disguise themselves as police officers. Putting my phone down, I laid in bed, paralyzed. I could hear ‘pow, pow’ sounds off in the distance. What was that?  It sounded like fire crackers but was it gun shots? My anxiety did what anxiety does it created fear, worry and stories.

I cuddled into sleeping jay and woke him up. We laid in bed talking it out. We wondered, if that’s why there was such a heavy police presence in the centre square the day before.  My thoughts went to my mother. I hoped that, this news hadn’t gotten to her, as she would worry, as mothers do.

We rolled out of bed feeling unsure but decided to live our day as we normally would and go from there. So we did yoga in our cute little meditation room, ate breakfast and said our gratitudes for the cute little tiny home we’d rented from AirBandB. It had a beautiful garden, was enclosed in a fence with barb wire and cameras. The big windows overlooked El Fuego the active mountain off in the distance. Once about every 15 minutes it burped a puff of black smoke. Many travellers come to Antigua to hike the mountain and observe the lava burps during sunrise.

Ready to face the world, we locked our tiny home and walked through Santa Anna towards Antigua.

We were aware of our surrounding, looking for stress on people’s faces. We were greeted with a “buenes dias” with every passing local. The sun was warming up the day and a blue sky shone above. Through an open door, we glimpsed Guatemalan women making hand made mais tortillas, another door  opens to a man sitting at a sewing machine mending clothes. Tiendas on every corner selling the same thing; water, chips, coke and sugary drinks.  Families of 3/4 drove by on motorcycles, no helmets. Some of them smiling our way in curiosity.  Looks like business was open as usually.  This didn’t look like a country worried about being under siege. All the scenarios I had played in my head only lived in my imagination.

We walked the cobble stone streets, and marvelled at the colourfully painted buildings, Yellow, blue, reds oranges all the colours of the rainbow. Big doors, small doors opened to beautiful courtyards of flowers, fountains, restaurants, hotels and homes. I coined it (probably not the first) the city of secret doors. Soon my anxiety ebbed and my frown softened. Antigua felt safe. I breathed easier and decided to yes have my wits about me, but enjoy the beautiful landscape.

It’s that lesson that comes up into my life once in a while.  What I see on the news is only a fraction of what is going on. Yes, Guatemala is under siege, but within that there is still lots of good.

My vision was to end this entry with a photo dump of the streets and doors but my wifi is so slow that I cannot! One more thing that traveling brings gratitude for faster wifi :)

Expand Beyond Recovery at La Anita Farm in Costa Rica

I am writing from a flight heading home from photographing The Expand Beyond Recovery Retreat in Costa Rica. I recognize that I return a little different. Payton Kennedy and Rebecca Sawyer crafted a week with intention and the experience changed me.  I was honoured to be the retreat photographer as well as a participant.

We were nestled in the rainforest at La Anita Ranch in Upala; a small village in the mountains.  Mother Nature was present in at every turn; the birds singing in the early morning light, the lush trees,  the flowers and butterflies, the mist in the mountains, the sun peeking through clouds, the pounding of the rain and the smell of fresh air. One of the highlights for me and there were lots, was swimming in hot springs after massaging lava mud onto my skin. The finding of my wild woman as I climbed from rock to rock in a warm stream. It’s those moments in nature that I find my wild woman speaking.

There was hiking to keep us active, nourishing food, yoga, meditation, and sharing circles. All the things that support self-care.

BUT it was the women that spoke to me, that opened my heart. It was the sharing in private conversations, the honesty, that allowed me to go a little deeper into my vulnerability. The first night I shared that I am a master of keeping those tender feelings locked away.  BUT with the nightly sharing  circles, witnessing other women’s tears, the hugs, the support, the acceptance and the non-judgment. I felt myself crack open. I found myself feeling those wells of emotions and gave myself permission to feel. These women helped me realize that I am not alone, that although our life experiences can be vastly different, we are all the same. We all hold pain, loss, victories and seek happiness and love.

La Anita cocoa farm in Upala feels like an oasis tucked away from the rush of everyday life. The beauty of the land and the calm atmosphere invite you to slow everything down, breathe a little deeper, and savour the small moments that often go unnoticed. It is the kind of place that holds you in softness and reminds you how good it feels to simply be.

The week had a life of its own. A magic wove itself around the thirteen of us where awkwardness and uncertainty was replaced with  confidence, strength and a sisterhood.  It occurred to me that maybe this is how we create world peace. By bringing together circles of women, where we share, uplift one another in a way that empowers us to step  back into the world a little stronger, a little braver, ready to listen to the wise woman that lives inside of us. What if men also gathered to share of themselves in honesty, in support, allowing each other to be fully who they are, to realize that we are interconnected with the Earth and the humans that walk upon her.

Just a short walk down a rainforest path, tucked between layers of green, was this beautiful stream. It became the special spot for each woman’s personal photo session, a quiet place where the sound of flowing water held us gently. Surrounded by the softness of the jungle, the women could slow down, breathe deeply, and see themselves with new eyes.

I leave you as the plane lands in Ottawa, back to my hustle and bustle. I arrive with a smile on my face and strength in my being.

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Are you interested in joining a Retreat with Expand Beyond Recovery? Simply check out the link below.

A Century of Love: Photographing Rae's 100th Birthday Celebration →

Rae was born on July 4th, 1924—one hundred years ago. This past week, I had the honour of photographing her 100th birthday celebration surrounded by her family at the beautiful Les Fougères in Chelsea, Quebec.

The setting was stunning, with gardens in bloom and a warm summer sun shining down on a momentous occasion. Her four children, who live across the globe, gathered together with their families to celebrate Rae and her life—a milestone very few reach, and even fewer get to celebrate with all of their loved ones by their side.

As an event photographer in Wakefield and the Ottawa area, moments like this are so much more than just sessions. They’re reminders of what truly matters: connection, memory, and love.

We began with a quiet walk around the garden, looking for the perfect spot for portraits. Full sun can be tricky—it casts shadows on faces—so I always look for open shade or place my subjects with their backs to the sun. That soft, even light is so flattering and helps keep the focus on what’s important: the people.

I brought along a vintage wicker chair for Rae to sit in, and we took group portraits with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren surrounding her. It was simple, heartfelt, and full of love. At one point, I asked Rae, “In your 100 years, what memory stands out the most?” Without hesitation, she replied, “The birth of my children.” I agreed with her. Birthing my children rank at the top of my list too.

Due to the family’s request, I won't be sharing images that show faces, but this single image says so much. It captures a gesture of care and quiet tenderness—a glimpse into the deep love Rae’s family has for her. It’s a photo that speaks volumes without needing words.

Photographing events

like this gives me perspective. In a world that often feels heavy, these moments shine like beacons. They remind me that celebrating life with family and friends—whether it’s a 100th birthday or a simple gathering—is what it’s all about.

If you're planning a milestone event and want it documented with warmth and intention, I’d be honoured to be your photographer.

🌻 Sunflower Minis: A Summer Adventure in Bloom

There’s something magical about a sunflower maze in full bloom. The golden petals, the sunshine, the laughter of kids winding through the paths—it’s summer at its best. And this August, I’m bringing the magic to life with Pop-Up Mini Sessions at Juniper Farm.

Last summer, I photographed the sunflower maze at Juniper Farm in Wakefield and I was enamoured. As I wandered through those golden paths with my camera, I couldn’t stop thinking: this would be the dreamiest place to photograph families. Fast forward a year—here we are, and bookings are open! I can’t wait to bring families into this beautiful space and document all the joyful, playful moments.

The team at Juniper Farm has planted 100,000 seeds, yes there will be 100,00 sunflowers!

What’s a Pop-Up Mini, anyway?

It’s a bite-sized version of my full Simply Together session. Same heartfelt approach, same beautiful quality—just shorter and perfect for busy families who want to update their family photos without the big production. It’s relaxed, real, and all about capturing the love you share.

✨ Why Sunflower Minis Are Extra Special:

📍 Location, location, location
We’ll be surrounded by sunflowers at Juniper Farm, just outside Wakefield. It’s one of my favourite spots—rustic, vibrant, and full of character.

⏰ Short & Sweet
The sessions are just 20 minutes, which is plenty of time for me to work my magic (and for your kids to stay happy and engaged).

🎒 A Little Adventure
We’ll have a sunflower-themed treasure hunt and a few delightful surprises to keep things fun. No stiff poses—just play, explore, and be yourselves.

📸 The Real Deal
You’ll walk away with authentic, joy-filled images that reflect your family as you are right now. These moments matter—and they pass quickly.

When & How to Book

🌻 Dates: August 23–24, 2025
🌻 Where: Juniper Farm, near Wakefield
🌻 Cost: $275
🌻 Booking is now open — spots are limited, and they fill fast!

Come explore the maze, soak in the sunshine, and let’s capture the joy.

—

With sunshine and smiles,
Annie 🌻
Annie Bananie Photography

When Life Gives You Sunflowers 🌻✨

I love when life’s little coincidences show up and sprinkle their magic.

This afternoon, on the Summer Solstice no less, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful birthday party at La Fab Gallery in Chelsea. And guess what the party theme was?

Sunflowers!!!

If you’ve been following along on social, you’ll know I recently launched a new offering—Family Mini Photography Sessions in the Sunflower Maze at Juniper Farm—so to walk into this bright, joyful celebration and see sunflowers everywhere… it felt like the universe giving me a golden high-five.

The vibe at the party was relaxed and joyful. Families with little ones under five gathered to celebrate not just a first birthday, but the gift of community. And for those who may not know—I ran a home daycare for over 18 years, so being surrounded by young children and their grown-ups felt deeply familiar and so special.

So today, I’m sharing a few of the sunflower-filled moments I captured at this lovely celebration. 🌻

There’s something so meaningful about these kinds of gatherings. They’re simple, heart-led, and full of magic. Just like sunflowers—they follow the light, and they help us do the same.

Here’s to sunshine, connection, and those little signs that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

With warmth and golden light,
Annie

🌼 Frequently Asked Questions: Working with Annie Bananie

What’s your photography style?
Natural, relaxed, and connection-focused. I blend documentary moments with gentle direction to capture the real you—warm, playful, and perfectly imperfect.

Where do sessions take place?
I love shooting in the beautiful outdoors of Wakefield and Ottawa! Some of my favorite spots include forests, fields, and lakeside gems. I’ll help you choose a location that suits your vibe.

What should we wear?
Keep it simple and comfortable with coordinating (not matching!) tones. I’ll send along a full style guide to help you out—think cozy knits, soft colors, and layers that move. And no worries, I’m here to help you feel confident in what you wear.

What if my kids don’t cooperate?
That’s totally okay! I’ve worked with kids for years (I’m a retired daycare provider!), and I truly believe in letting kids be kids. We’ll follow their lead, have fun, and capture the magic in the mayhem.

Do you pose us?
Lightly! I give gentle direction to get you started, then let real moments unfold. I might ask you to snuggle, walk, or play together—nothing stiff or awkward.

How long is the session?
My full Simply Together sessions usually last about 1 to 1.5 hours. We take our time and move at a pace that feels good for everyone.

What happens after the session?
You’ll receive a beautiful online gallery where you can view and purchase your images. I offer framed prints, albums, digital files, and more—because your memories deserve to be seen, not stuck in a folder.

Do you offer mini sessions too?
Yes! Keep an eye out for Pop-Up Mini Sessions throughout the year—they’re short, sweet, and perfect for quick seasonal updates.

Can I bring grandparents or extended family?
Absolutely. If it’s meaningful to your family, it’s meaningful to me. Just let me know ahead of time so I can prepare accordingly.

How do I book?
Easy peasy! press the link below to contact me via email.

Family Guide →

Family Reunion

This is one of my favourite pics from one of this summer’s photo sessions. It was photographed at a family reunion near Perth Ontario and this little one took my heart away, as do all little people. The family cottage is where lots of childhood memories live and was the perfect spot to capture some memories of time together.

It’s always an honour for me, to enter the portal of other people’s lives. I get to see so much love and the unique makeup of different families. I feel grateful to be a photographer and to be able to preserve these special moments in people’s lives. There is nothing like photographs. You know the feeling, when you sit down to look at family photos and that feeling of nostalgia comes over you. It’s a feeling filled with emotion and longing. Photographs capture memories that are stored in our minds, imagination, and hearts.

Laura Fowler Massie

Today we are talking with Laura Fowler a yoga teacher since 2007. She is also an educator and considers teaching her dharma and passion.

Laura thanks for being here. What brought you to your yoga practice?

What brought me to the practice…hmmm. I have always been very interested in the spiritual aspect of yoga. Even before I knew or understood anything much. I was simply curious. And as a ballet dancer in my childhood and again in my early adulthood, body movement was something I really loved. Moving from ballet into yoga was very natural and easy for me. The connection to body, breath and the intuitive flow I am able to feel through both dance and yoga are very uplifting. I love the feeling and I can never get too much of that!

I have been to your classes and love your teaching style. It is meditative, slow and in sync with the breath.  Tell us your philosophy behind this and the benefits of this kind of practice.

 Actually, when I first began to practice yoga seriously, I was very interested in a more physical, dynamic Ashtanga-style practice. In my 30’s and 40’s this served my needs. Over time my practice evolved, grew and changed. Now I enjoy a much slower flow-style. I like to delve into the sensations in my physical body and my energetic body by slowing things down. I have let go of many of the more challenging or extreme postures, as I feel they were simply feeding my ego and potentially wearing down my body. My practice today is a deeply grounding one. I am interested in what one of my teachers refers to as the 6th & 7th senses; proprioception and interoception. Tuning into a deep sense of awareness of where my body is in space and how my body feels “from the inside out”. Slow mindful yoga is not “gentle” yoga as it is often mistaken for. Although it certainly can be a gentle practice, slow mindful yoga is a practice that delves deeply into the self. It is about introspection and connection to self. It is my spiritual practice.

I have been to your Bridge Yoga classes and love it.  The funds raised from this class go to purchasing water filters for a village in Guatemala. Please tell us more. 

 I love to teach yoga and I also love to do humanitarian work. As a college professor I teach early childhood education and love to share knowledge of healthy child development. Over the years I have travelled several times to small villages in rural Guatemala with groups of my college students. My students and I work in preschool nutrition centers with local Mayan educators and the children in their care.  Over the years I have made a strong connection to one village in particular called Punyabar. The Mayan families that I have met there are very dear to my heart. I wanted to continue to support the lovely people in this village, even when I was not there. So I decided to connect my interest in humanitarian work and my passion for yoga. Thus, Bridge Yoga was born. 

 I have been teaching yoga on the beautiful covered bridge in Wakefield QC every Tuesday evening for three summers now. Classes run from the middle of May into the middle of September. These classes are donation based and 100% of the funds raised go towards the purchase of water filters for families living in extreme poverty in Punyabar Guatemala. 

 Teaching on the covered bridge is so satisfying and fun, actually it is pure joy! The sights and sounds of nature all around and the rushing of the water underneath, create a very magical experience for everyone. So far, we have raised thousands of dollars and have been able to purchase many water filters for families in need. As we know, proper health requires clean water. Water is foundation for health. Bringing people together at the beautiful Gatineau river to build community and share practice, while raising money for others in need, has been a pleasure and a privilege. I am looking forward to next year!

I love how you have combined your passion for teaching Early Childhood Education with yoga by opening Calm Kids Yoga. What is behind this inspiration?

 Yes, as mentioned I am a college professor and teach early childhood education. So again, I wanted to connect my interest and skills to create something new. I will be launching my first children’s yoga teacher training certification program, designed specifically for Early Childhood Educators (ECE) and other early years teachers, in the coming months. This training program is called Calm Kids Yoga.  I am super excited to have created this training and to be recognized as a registered children’s yoga school with Canadian Yoga Alliance. The first training will be held in February 2020 at Beyond Yoga Studio & Wellness Centre in Kanata.  I am so excited for this!

 I believe that yoga and mindfulness can be profound practices for children and the adults in their lives. Helping children to recognize their own emotions and learn to self-regulate are very important skills. Learning yoga is perfect for this. Encouraging children to tune into their bodies and experience some calmness and joy is very powerful. Through the use of simple games, songs, toys, dance and movement I will teach educators how they can use yoga to support and teach their children. I feel honoured and excited to begin to offer this important training and share what I know with others.

You are a busy woman. What keeps you grounded?

I would have to say that living in my little yellow house in the woods really helps me to stay grounded. I love nature and whenever I feel life is getting a little over-whelming, I look out my window and take a long, deep breath. I like to spend time sitting in my yard noticing what the birds and squirrels are up to. They are so very entertaining and always busy with something. 

I also practice Yoga Nidra to restore myself and practice meditation and asana as much as possible to calm my body and mind. I have found that the practice of gratitude is a very powerful force and is also very grounding. I have recently undertaken a social media 50 day gratitude challenge. I will be posting a gratitude-focused quote every day for 50 days on my FB pages. The idea is to look and find the good in the world and feel the benefits in your life. I mentioned this to my husband, and he told me that he thought I should include him and our two kids in this challenge too. As none of them use FB, I have started a family gratitude tread and will send the quotes to them via text every day.

That is so beautiful to include your whole family. I have recently read that gratitude practices keeps us healthier and happier. You took beautiful photographs while Ecuador and Western Canada. Throughout the years you have travelled far and wide. Can you share your favourite travel story?

Yes, I love to travel, and I have been to some incredible places. But to come up with a favourite travel story, now that is a very difficult thing. Suffice it to say that I learn something new every time I travel. I love to meet and make real connections with people all over the world. What I find so wonderful and amazing about travelling is that I find more commonalities than differences between people. I love that whether I am in Tanzania, Ecuador, Switzerland or Cuba, people are just people. All people want to be happy and experience joy in life. Travelling makes me feel even more connected because I see that we are all more alike than we are different.

Mornings are an important starting point to our day. What is your morning routine?

Well to be honest, a warm cuppa and sitting on the couch looking out the window is my favourite thing to do in the morning. I try hard not to rush about, but rather to calmly begin to notice the day. I always greet my husband with a heartfelt “good morning and how was your sleep?” I try to meditate but must admit it doesn’t always happen first thing in the morning. I work hard to allow myself enough time to get to where I am going with a sense of calm. I do not enjoy being late, nor do I like rushing about. Taking time in the moment to enjoy the moment is very important to me.

Your most recent workshop line-up is something that you are very excited about. Being a 49 year old woman myself and on the verge of menopause, I can see the importance in these offerings.

 Yes, I love to teach…I think we have established that…. lol! I am also very interested in sharing my yoga teachings with women my age (well all women actually…and men too). I will be celebrating my 58th birthday in the coming weeks. I feel a strong connection to women around my age. So, I decided to create a Women’s Wellness Workshop series to connect with more women and share my passion for yoga. There are five workshops in the series and participants can take one, two or all five if they wish. Each workshop focuses on a specific topic and will include some theory, a movement practice, a guided meditation and a Q & A time.

The schedule is as follows…

 September 27 th : The Power of Slow

Gentle, subtle and mindful movement offering pain relief and inviting a soothing transition away from anxiety and stress. Thoughtful and intentional awareness through guided breath and mindfulness techniques are used to support clarity and create calmness. 

October 4 th : Subtle Yoga to Energize and Uplift

Honouring self and inviting wellness into the body through the practice of ancient self-care rituals, mindful movements and deep guided relaxation techniques. Introduction to Ayurvedic teachings of self-massage with organic and essential oils.

  October 11 th : Yoga for Pelvic Heath and Awareness

Learn important and empowering information related to pelvic pain, incontinence and organ prolapse. By tuning in to your feminine body you will learn how to recognize, feel and heal with gentle, purposeful and targeted yoga postures.

October 18 th: Yoga as We Age – Moving Towards Menopause and Beyond

Celebrating your wise woman wisdom. Honouring the beauty of aging, learning self-care and soothing rituals and practices.

October 25 th : Yoga Nidra – Yogic Sleep for Rejuvenation

A spiritual blend of conscious relaxation and meditative visualization. Grounding, relaxing and manifesting. This ancient practice taps into the power of the subconscious mind to bring about deep relaxation and profound transformation. The development and focus upon a personal intention and resolution (sankalpa) will be explored.

Thanks Laura! I love how we have so much in common and live life through passion. Thank you for choosing me as your photographer and I have a feeling that we might have more projects together. Let’s see what the futures holds!