Throughout life our personal growth and development comes from the experiences we have and the people we interact with. The images in this project are some of the fascinating people who have influenced me. I thank each of them for gifting me with their image and for sharing words of wisdom about their own personal life lessons.

Kisiku - Elder

Lorna Lillo Photography
All rights reserved
No image can be used without permission.

Words of Wisdom: Be yourself.

This is Doug Knockwood. Born December 11, 1929.

Doug's words of wisdom may seem simplistic to some but if you think about it being true to yourself is the most important thing we can do.

He is a Mi'kmaq Elder/Kisiku living in Indian Brook, Nova Scotia. While residing in Nova Scotia I have been fortunate to spend some time visiting him, listening to his stories, and gleaning some of the wisdom to be found in his words. He is a man of depth, vast experience and personal growth. Many of his life lessons came at great personal cost. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for five years and was discharged because of serious health issues. He trained to be a substance abuse counselor and has helped countless people conquer their addictions. He has traveled widely and continues to journey long distances to perform his duties as a well respected elder. He speaks in a quiet knowing voice, listens attentively to those visiting him, he has a quick sense of humour. His smile lights up the room. What an honour it is to know him.

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The Artiste

Lorna Lillo Photography
All rights reserved
No image can be used without permission. Lorna Lillo Photography
All rights reserved
No image can be used without permission.

Words of Wisdom: Be unique and surround yourself with positive people who will respect the dreams of your soul and encourage you to become deliciously diverse.

This is Muriel Rosevear Provençal. Born in 1941.

Muriel's words speak about celebrating your individuality and surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you for exactly who you are. So many times we do not wish to stand out and in our effort to conform we can lose ourselves.

Muriel is French Canadian and presently lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has five children who she raised as a single parent. She lived in various parts of Canada and traveled to Europe and the Caribbean. She worked in restaurants and banquets, and as a bush camp cook but I have entitled her section "The Artiste" because she is such a creative being. Her resume includes designing and making costumes, writing and having short stories and poetry published, acting, and singing. She won many awards and trophies for her artistic endeavours. At this stage of her life she doesn't slow down and entertains "Seniors" twice weekly as well as being an active member of the Raging Grannies. She's a dynamo!

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The Photographer

Words of Wisdom: Be kind to everyone.

This is Dote (Dorothy) Aitken. Born May 28, 1933.

Dote truly lives by her words of wisdom, demonstrating kindness through her daily actions.

I call her the photographer because each week, at our church, she records the spirit of worship with her camera. Her photographs are displayed on the rear wall of the church, a wonderful reminder why being part of this community is something to celebrate. Whenever I think of Dote, a smile forms on my face.

Dote grew up on a farm in Milford. Unusual for the era, her father encouraged her education saying, "Education is no weight to carry around." After graduating from grade 12, she became a nurse. This was her life's work and I do believe her calling. She retired from her position as Head Nurse of the gynecology ward (Halifax) in 1991. These days she fills her life with photography, reading, rug hooking, traveling and volunteering. She is a member of the Book Club, works at the local food bank, is the Rep for the Milford Cancer Society, canvasses for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and serves on the Stewardship and Building Committees of her church. Dote is a world traveller. Each destination is recorded by a pin on a large map displayed in her home. Dote teaches me the art of gracious generosity through her accepting encouragement. It is a privilege to know her.