Saturday, August 30, 2008

back into hope


reverie, nikon d40

I've always liked the idea of writing, of being someone who writes. But this has become quite a problem for me, as I can't seem to get out of my own way. I can't seem to commit to words, ANY words. They never look quite right. They never sound quite right.

But I think I've finally discovered the root of this problem: my hopes for my writing have become expectations. Expectations that my writing must be poetic and profound. That my words must move others the way others' words have moved me.

So, I've decided to try something new, starting NOW. I've decided to abandon the possibility of being a writer in favor of allowing myself to become one. I've decided to give myself the time and space to transform my expectations back into hope.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

natural rhythms


self-portrait, nikon d40

Lately, I've been working especially hard to honor my natural (and often emotional) rhythms. Sometimes this means reaching out. Connecting with others. Giving and receiving. But other times it means becoming quiet. Looking inward. And deepening my sense of self.

I'm feeling quiet at the moment. Actually, I've been feeling this way for nearly two weeks. But something tells me I'll be ready to come out of hiding again soon.

How do you honor your natural rhythms? I would love to know.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

in the beginning


rotten apples, nikon d80

"In the beginning we have no choice but to accept what has come to us, hoping that the cinders some forest spirit saw fit to bestow may turn to gold when we have carried them back to the hearth." Lewis Hyde, from The Gift

Friday, August 15, 2008

it rings so true


red shoes,
nikon d80

Each week, I receive Rob Brezsny’s FreeWill Astrology Newsletter via e-mail. I can always count on his insightful words to get the wheels in my head turning…

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It's clear to me that a part of you needs to come out of hiding. I'm not exactly sure what that means, though. Maybe there's a talent you've buried that's ready to emerge into the light. It could be that a question you've been trying to ignore is finally ripe to be asked. Perhaps you've been stoically putting up with a tweaked situation that you really should rise up and transform. What do you think it is, Capricorn?

(Check out your horoscope here.)

It’s the free-spirited part of me that needs to come out of hiding. The part of me that is wise and brave and joyful.

I can imagine myself fresh. Fearless. Full of wonder. With wide open eyes and a wide open heart. Wearing funky red shoes and handknit scarves. Breathing in nature. Dancing with the trees. Mingling with the butterflies.

I have so many dreams! I want to be an artist. A creative portrait photographer. And I’d like to dabble in mixed-media collage. (Perhaps I’ll mix the two together, somehow?)

I want to immerse myself in all things handmade. To sew. To knit. To gather and invent. I want my work to feel like play.

The thrilling part is that I can actually feel my spirit becoming more and more free. Slowly, gently, I am transforming into a more passionate version of me.

It's amazing to me that a horoscope can ring so true. ..


What part of you needs to come out of hiding?

Thursday, August 14, 2008

happy love thursday!


payton and lori, nikon d80

Love is holding on to one another when it gets a little windy.

Check out other Shutter Sisters Love Thursday photos here.

Monday, August 11, 2008

to see beauty


afternoon turquoise, nikon d40

In September, I'll be going to Squam Art Workshops in Holderness, New Hampshire. I am wildly hopeful that the experience will kick-start a sort of creative unfolding for me. And I can't wait to meet all of the beautiful souls who will be there!

Here is a quote which appears on the SAW homepage:

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old." Kafka

What a fascinating theme for a creative retreat! It gives me hope to think of creativity in terms of the ability to see beauty. I have often wondered why I'm so drawn to the idea of being an artist when making art doesn't seem to come naturally to me. But maybe being an artist can mean more than just making art. Maybe being an artist can also mean seeing art - seeing beauty - in our everyday world. And oh, how I need to see beauty in this world!

Here on my new blog, I hope to share with you the beauty that I see...