What I see.

A spontaneous kiss, signs of a long love affair that still burns strong and inspires me endlessly.

I have written before about how sometimes I get stuck. I get in a weird way, where I am 100% my own limiting factor, and all of a sudden, I feel a breakthrough. I watched a documentary recently that really shook my head back to the place it needed to be in. When I plan too much, creatively speaking, it doesn’t work well, for me. I may get a cool idea in my head, and then attempt to create it, and so often it doesn’t turn out as “cool” or meaningful as I had anticipated it would. When I am the most productive, the most creative, the most FEELING my vibe and flow, is when I DON’T think too much. Sounds kind of weird maybe. I learned it when I was working with a mentor, and I oddly have to REMIND myself of this oddity of mine continuously.

I picked up my camera after a few months of struggling to create something I felt worthwhile, and with my mind free of any preconception. Now, I take it with me almost everywhere. If I see something intriguing, if the light hits something just right, if there is something that is so meaningful to me and it strikes me in the moment, I grab the camera and shoot. It has been most freeing, and I have felt more satisfied with the images that emerge from the developing tank more now than they have in months. Just by being observant and NOT PLANNING. I had to let go of taking a photo for anyone other than myself, and even in SPITE of myself. Yes, I was getting in my own way. To the extent that I had to remove my own expectations of myself and what I produce, and just let my intuition take over. It knows. ;-)

This blog share is just my “stuff”. Its what I see. It was me taking a photo with a purpose. My purpose, to be determined ONLY in the moment. :-)

One of my favorite albums growing up, a camera that is my time machine to calm.

A pool table, turn table and end table, all from times past, that hold many memories for other people, and now are adding so much to OUR memories. A plant, a photo and a lamp from people who have made an impact on my life….

I get a silly amount of excitement knowing that I have a date here 2 times a week.

One of those days includes one or two of my girls.

A moment of trying to do something with my camera that didn't turn out as planned,

but ended up with me having a different connection to the image that I had anticipated when I picked up the camera.

The smile I love. <3 At a place we often sit for hours, just talking.

Waiting to see if he can run back in , after many trips out, trying to trick us into more treats.

An exciting surprise when I found my favorite flower actually grows in my front yard.

Always a muse of mine....she may not always like it in the moment, but I am so grateful for all the moments I get.

Daily talks with mom. Essential.

My second home. The place I adore, the people that bring life and connection to my day.

It happens here every day.

We take roads every day in our life, and this one is mine.

When you notice what you notice.

A long string of travel, it's tough on us both but helps us appreciate the times at home even more.

This kitchen, everything feels easier here.

Signs of departure.

Life as normal. Just like old times.

Light, and love.

When I'm alone.

The softness of the clouds reflected in the dirty and broken asphalt.

juxtapositions

Behind me is my kid. After our coffee date, driving the same route.

I treasure every time as I know some day she will move, or work, farther away. For now, I cherish it.

Sitting for a few minutes longer before we both head to work.

A rare foggy day, that made my heart happy.

When he is around, there is so much team work it's crazy.

Always there to lend a hand, be a supporter, and never complains.

This one...she is unique, she is beautiful, she is so special to me.

A quick walk at work, I see this passage every time, and this time, the reflections and light were incredible.

Inspired is an understatement.

Surrounded by good conversations of life. People I love, and connections I cherish.

Family, being you and being proud of you.

A room that I loved from day 1, and spend endless hours in, connecting and enjoying.

I find it so satisfying that as I looked through my last few rolls of film, I felt extreme happiness and more feeling of accomplishment then I have had in many months. I definitely have taken images I like when I have been out shooting with more intention, but in the end, it is photos that I have taken like these, photos made when I felt compelled to, by something I saw or felt, that mean the most to me. This selection of images was just what I have been shooting the last few weeks. Regardless of subject matter, my take away from my own experience is that the process should often (I hesitate to say always because that is too confining) look like this. Be moved, be open.

I plan to continue this journey of not planning, and remember my intuition is a solid citizen in my head, and deserves the right to be relied upon. I appreciate her.

Thank you for sharing in my thoughts and world as always. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out if you have questions or ideas or just want to say hey!

Until next time… love and health to all.

<3