Did you know that August 19th is World Photography Day?

You are watching the slides from the Surprise Presentation prepared by the 100 Seeds of Joy media team for their (annual) Festival of New Beginnings 2026 featuring these Three Awards

This year was wonderfully generous with our 100 Seeds of Joy team of volunteers from Halton’s Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network. Therefore, we were not able to share all of our events, joys and success, simply because we could not keep up with the rhythm of their marching through the year. 🙂

However, the news about the three awards in the 2026 Laureate College’s Photography contest, won by one of our volunteers, is long overdue to be shared. Only a few friends and family members about it, and asked for the details.

In fact, the media team prepared a few slides to “expose the truth/news” during the Festival of New Beginnings 2026 – our 1st festival and an annual event, when we also celebrate our volunteers and their achievements or talents.

My colleagues intended to surprise everyone there and it’s my turn to surprise You too!

Three Awards for the Three Photographs submitted to the 2026 Photography Contest at Laureate College – One Award for Each of the Three Categories in the Adult section (the photography contest was open to Everyone from Burlington to compete)

You could be surprised but still not as Surprised as I was. I was simply invited to participate to the Awards Gala with no mentioning about getting an award. So, imagine my surprise, when I entered in the Hall (I was late!) to hear my name and asked to come at the front to receive the awards.

2026 is a special year for my family. We immigrated to Canada precisely 25 years ago.

I felt that with these awards, my love for the beauty I see around all around was made public – that’s all.

Being a mom, Mother’s Day is always celebrated with family and this year we had the pleasure to visit the Photo Awards Exhibition at the Laureate College when it was open to the Public. My family members were so curious to see ‘blown-up'” the three photos that I decided to submit for that competition. Especially, that it was the first time when I had the ‘audacity’ to participate not only in such a competition but also to submit photos for all its three categories. It was an absolute surprise that I won anything, in fact it was surreal finding out that not one, not two, but all three photographs were awarded.

The First photograph titled “Morning Treasures” won the First Place for the Texture Close-ups Category

What was the Description of this Moment captured in the Photo?

When submitting the photograph, the contestants were asked to describe it and provide the background story.

This is what I felt to mention about the photo in the image above (in its Background Story):

“Mother Nature is always discreet, elegant and generous. She sprinkles jewels through the grass and leaves. Even early in the morning. 

The unknowing might call them ‘dew-drops’. What do you see?”

The Second photograph was titled “Sandy Starry Night/Galaxies at Our Feet” and it won the First Place for the Black & White – Common Objects Category (of course in the B&W version)

This Black & White photo posted below is the one that actually Won the First place in the contest

A shoutout to Nova Scotia! The photo captured such an amazing personal experience, also it happened during the Easter time when I was reunited in NS with family members and lovely friends

For the photo above, I provided the following description / Background Story:

“Walking barefoot by the beach in Nova Scotia, I noticed the waves and sun rays created treasures in the sand; it was a moment when the universe brought the galaxies at my feet:

I was looking down at a “Starry Night” in the sand, yet, all I could see was a celestial display.

I offered my thanks by taking that moment and gift with me, to make it a present for others.”

The Third photograph was titled “Peace at last! The Warrior is sleeping peacefully in stone and water” and Won the Third prize in its Emotion category (adult)

This is such a beloved image for me, as it captured a “sunny moment in time”, during our sojourn on a Croatian Island, exploring its variety of cities and places.

It was a miraculous happenings, almost like the Warrior was waiting for me. Through the compact rock wall, completely unassuming, bordering the Adriatic sea, somehow, at a quick glance I was able to “see him”.

Tourists were walking back and forth. Some were even sitting on the rock wall. Yet, that tiny part of the whole rock formation, belonged only to itself and it was like waiting to be seen – recognized – acknowledged. We met, at a glance, and here we are.

With this award, somehow, we fulfilled the complete cycle. I hope you agree. 🙂

This is What I provided as the Background Story for this photograph:

“I was passing by an unassuming Croatian rock by the Adriatic sea. It is not a sculpture ; just a fraction of that rock, a detail that wanted to be seen and shared. What I see? An Etruscan warrior that found his lasting peace with a smile on his dignified face. That deep inner peace is alive and conveyed to the viewer. The composition captures absolute balance, yet emits waves of emotion that transcend the matter.”

I would love to hear from you, what do you feel of these three photos?

A Three Wave Journey marked by Love & Support from Family and Friends (Cultivators of Joy)

As this was from A to Z, for me, completely spontaneous, adventurous and unexpected, let me share with you my joy that came also somewhat in three waves.

The first wave was that, when I read about the contest, I could not believe that it was open to everyone, and I wondered, why I even bother to compete. It was not even separating the categories between the professional and amateur photographer (such as myself). However, I enjoyed that phase because my family and friends got involved in selecting the three photos to be submitted. It was really nice to receive their support and see how involved they were and that they really had appreciation for my photos. Every stage/wave of this journey was generous with surprises and gifts for my heart.

There are many stories to tell! For instance, I received the invite to participate to the Awards Ceremony in the morning of that Day when I had to attend an important event with our Team of Volunteers

It was a heavily raining and excessively busy day. I received the invite in the morning, maybe minutes before leaving the house to drive to another city where the Halton volunteers had a chance to be together and interact with the larger community. In the invite there was no hint whatsoever that I am among the awardees. Plus the Awards Gala was somewhat in the middle of the other event and at an hour distance from it.

Luckily, I am always listening to my intuition’s voice. Kudos to our incredible team of volunteers, we made arrangements while we were at the event, on a busy weekend, and surprisingly, other volunteers were able to replace me for the last two hours. That’s how I was able to make it; again, it was a collective effort and support for me. I felt very grateful.

The Third Wave came on Mother’s Day when the Exhibition was open to the Public

Btw, the two images shared above are from my birthday that happens to be just a few days earlier than Mother’s Day.

So, the fact that on Mother’s Day the Laureate College organized the Public Photo Gala Exhibition 2026, was like the cherry on the cake. It was once again a heavily rainy day, but it was lovely to be there and be able to share such special moments with my family. Afterwards, the sun timidly showed its face for a few moments, so we enjoyed the gifts of Mother Nature too. Bear with me, I am sharing a few more images from the Exhibition.

Something interesting: This photo was the only one with a red border, and on the same day I chose to wear a red blouse that absolutely matched that nuance. Somebody else noticed it!

On the Same Day, our 100 Seeds of Joy team of Volunteers was able to be in Two different places, Build new Partnerships and Bring home Three Awards! Thank you Isabelle & Kruti for that Day – YOU were my Rock!

(related article) A Rainy Day with Lots of Smiles and Three Awards

(to be explored) Breaking News: Who is one of the very Few Canadian Winners of the International GHP Holistic Health Awards 2026?

(details) This is a short video-clip from the Laureate College Photography Exhibition right before becoming Open to the Public

Smile! You are on Camera 🙂 Happy World Photography Day Everyone!

We hope we leave you with a smile like Sarah’s * from our Burlington Sahaja Yoga Meditation Class. 🙂

Please drop a comment. Let us know if you agree with the description for the awarded photos, and if “you see what I see”.