ABOUT ME

Who am I?

Hello, I am Lisa Bennett. Thanks so much for stopping by my personal little blog! I started using a computer to journal with words and photos in 2000 as I dealt with the aftermath of having a total hysterectomy in 1999 and struggled with the idea of not having a family of my own. [We did pursue other options; however, they did not work out as we hoped.] A simple photo with text written on it to express my feelings was the beginning of what became my first 'official' blog October 31, 2007 "Bits & Pieces of ME". Over time, I had two more 'homes' to share my story [because everyone has a story]. For just over a year I maintained a "big girl" blog that was strictly for Lisa Bennett Photography. I do not have record of that; however, I sure wish that I kept it. This current version of my blog "the Crooked Path of My Sweet, Sweet Life" was started January, 2010. I have gone through periods of writing regularly and then not so much. Sometimes I was humorous, sometimes not so much. But all the time, I spoke MY truth....

I am a born and raised Nova Scotian. I grew up as a "Military Brat" and consider myself very fortunate to have spent my entire life between Metro Halifax and the beautiful Annapolis Valley [with the exception of 14 months of exploring the Ottawa and surrounding areas in 2015/16/17]. Ironically, my attachment to the Military continues as I share my life with my husband and fur babies. My husband is my other half. Without him I can't be me.

I'm impatient. I'm a perfectionist. I can be a bit of a softie until I'm pushed too far. I'm way too hard on myself.

I adore my pets. For years we were die-hard, doting pooch owners. When our last little one passed away, we became the proud owner of a Ragdoll kitty that keeps us on our toes. I love water - drinking it, swimming in it, boating, anything to do with water makes me happy. One of my favourite things to do is to float around in a lake or pool. I love to camp, even though we still pitch a tent. I have always dreamed of a backyard pool that we don't have to take down after every season but that may never happen as we are approaching a new season of life and are ready to move in our forever home not far from the coast. Can you say cool breeze and foggy skies? I can't wait! I love walking in the woods and searching for beautiful foliage (and of course photographing what I find).

It took me over 40 years to find my passion and that was over 15 years ago! When did that happen? My passion is to photograph people. All kinds of people. Big and small. Young and old. Emotions. Capturing a person's inner self is a beautiful thing. I continue to DREAM. One of my dreams is to grow my photography skills so I am considered a GREAT photographer. That people will trust me to document their life...

Spring, 2011, I was diagnosed with a meningioma (brain tumour). As one of my life's challenges this diagnosis forced me to refocus on what is truly important. I will continue to do what I love - photographing people - but on a very limited basis.

October, 2012 I had a craniotomy and a successful removal of an Atypical meningioma; however, I had seizure complications weeks later. I began a journey in 2013 to find a balanced, healthy lifestyle beginning with nutrition. After research, I discovered that a Paleo diet works for me, and have since lost a significant amount of weight and walk/run regularly. I continue to be monitored by physicians for future growth and complications. Unfortunately, I ended up having to have further surgery to remove a 7cm nodule on my thyroid 1 year and 1 day after my craniotomy. I was, and still am, ready to move on. No more surgery!

In the fall of 2019 a routine scan discovered another small tumour has made an appearance in a similar area the previous one was removed. There are options other than surgery this time around that I am seriously considering. For now, I will watch and wait to see what happens. This invader may decide to stay put, and if that's the case I'll just sit tight and see how this all plays out.

I am continuing to work on my health through exercise and nutrition. I have struggled over the years keeping consistent with my nutrition and exercise plan and allowed myself to gain approximately 25 lb. 2020 I set a goal for myself to walk 1000 km and I am well on my way to making that happen.

If you have any questions or even wish to have a casual photo session done feel free to touch base. I'd be happy to speak with you!

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