Motivation

I've recently joined two photography groups -- The Superhero Photo six week course and The August Break blogging in photos instead of words challenge.  Both groups have photostreams on Flickr, a place I linger for inspiration and admiration, and post my daily pictures without judgement.  Cameras have become more and more prevalent since they double as phones and come with arresting apps.  As a result, everyday life, mundane and unimportant moments, are documented.  The resulting beauty is often surprising and makes me look twice at my surroundings as I did the other night when I shot the detritus in my tarnished silver votive.  Remnants of a dinner party, guests enjoying an after-dinner smoke on the patio lent itself to a surprisingly interesting photo.  Meals, gardens, children, and shorelines are popular images, but it's the unanticipated stack of plastic containers in a tool shed, or the light bouncing off the swings in a playground which give me pause, and motivation to pick up the camera again tomorrow in search of another subject.

The Path - 8/4

Night Vision 8/3

Dinner Party Remnants - 8/2

Smile for the Tooth Fairy - 8/1

August Break

I just signed up for Susannah Conway's The August Break.  There are no rules, but the idea is to take a break from words, look at the world through the lens of an iphone, DSLR or anything in between and post a photo a day.  I suddenly feel tempted to spew a million thoughts, pour every notion I've ever had onto this page.   It will be a challenge to see more and say less, although it's exactly what I've been craving.  Here's to a fantastic August, letting go of the daily struggles and embracing joy.

Create

"THE DEEPEST SECRET IS THAT LIFE IS NOT A PROCESS OF DISCOVERY, BUT A PROCESS OF CREATION. YOU ARE NOT DISCOVERING YOURSELF, BUT CREATING YOURSELF ANEW. SEEK, THEREFORE, NOT TO FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE, SEEK TO DETERMINE WHO YOU WANT TO BE".
-Neale Donald Walsch