July 13, 2009

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i've been a hopeless miss-mash of feelings the last few days. a lot of wheels turning and thinking coupled with abandoned non-thinking and sheer enjoyment. yesterday i visited (with the rest of the family) my brother's lake condo. it has a gorgeous view (this was taken from the balcony). we rode around the lake in the power boat and i'm ever amazed how quickly the girls adapted to their sea legs. there is nothing in the world that makes you feel better than just spending time with people that accept you just as you are - no matter the quirks, and squeezes from your loved ones.

today i went crazy at the grocery - like a sudden nesting urge of an unpregnant woman. i had wild thoughts of making cakes, casseroles and my mother's chicken and dressing. after i put away the groceries - collapsing in a pool of sweat and fatigue, i settled instead for a quick pot of santa fe soup - a good thing because there was an emergency babysitting of the girls. we laughed at the antics of the baby licking peanut butter from crackers and feeding the pugs, the older nieces silly giggles over the joy of one-half a chocolate bar, and the good times of family conversation over soup and impromptu visits.

i'm taking the advice of good friends and i'm giving myself a break over the lack of inspiration with photography. if i pick up the camera great but i'm not going to pressure myself right now to 'shoot every day' as most experts tell us to do. i think that leads to some uninspirational photography for me as i find myself just clicking instead of really trying to 'see'. i have my notes from 'the art of seeing' and maybe this is a good time to revisit some lessons. in the meantime, i have a quilt to finish, a letter that needs a reply, a tea towel to finish and more job applications to make.

20 comments:

  1. i think it is a good idea to take a little break from photography. and then when the urge strikes, you will be ready freddy!

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  2. Sounds like your list is as long as mine...
    I don't think you should put that pressure on yourself to take photos
    everyday...if your not feeling it...wait.
    Good Night!
    Char

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  3. Like how you are approaching life...just go with the flow and don't force anything!

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  4. hope you get inspired soon, dear char :-)

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  5. i agree with your friends - dont pressurise yourself. i'm sure its only a phase that will soon pass.

    hugs,
    kamana

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  6. Char, loving the photo...it is beautiful. I do agree....no pressure, it will all come together! take care. big hug!

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  7. What a beautiful view to look out on - every day!!

    We need to diversify our activities, so don't give yourself a hard time over not doing what you think you should.

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  8. Such a peaceful view from that balcony, very pretty. I like your approach to not worry about your inspiration. I do believe that on some level, the wheels are turning, working something out. Go with the flow sounds like a good idea. Such is the way of art!

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  9. I agree, there is nothing as healing to my heart as time with my family! And Char, that picture is Gorgeous!!!!!

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  10. the ocean looks like liquid gold...

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  11. I am in a funk too dear..so I totally understand...no tea towel or quilt though...:-( I look forward to the new pics of when you come out of your funk. Btw isn't oing to the lake with the family just the best? I am soo looking forward to my trip

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  12. Enjoy this time. The view is grand, the boating delightful, time with family is critical....rest and relaxation are in order.

    I'm having the urge to cook, as well. We're shopping for a new cookbook we've seen and "need," and a new mixer. I have muddled through with my little hand mixer for 33 years...and it won't stay plugged in at the mixer part any more. Enough!

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  13. when i read about you and your nieces it sounds as if you are having a "time" with them...

    ps the unpacking of the groceries is THE worst i think!

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  14. Summer should be a time for relaxing and no pressures...

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  15. I don't pressure myself to photograph either. I'd much rather be excited to do it than make myself do it.

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  16. Grocery shopping wears me out as well and I've always wondered if anyone feels the same way but never thought to ask. As for a departion from photography, if you need it-take it. The world won't end. But I do love the sun upon the lake image. Very lovely. Very calm. And I wish I had a body of water outside my back door rather than a garage and an alley.

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  17. Give yourself some time to relax, my dear. Don't push it and it will come flooding back.

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  18. We all have those days and weeks void of inspiration. I think it's just a rhythm patterned after nature herself. Why should we always be inspired and producing at the same time? That's a modern concept but if it's no use to you, go ahead and forget about it. Follow your heart. : ) You're so blessed and lucky to have such a close, loving family!

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  19. oh sweetie...
    you are living your life exactly the way it was planned all along for you...

    sit back and breathe and enjoy who you are right now and love everything that you're doing and even the things you're choosing not to do...

    this is just part of your path...and tomorrow and next week and next month will all bring new paths made just for you....your feet and your eyes and your heart....that's why it's called "my life"....so celebrate all that it is right now and I promise you....you will love it !!

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  20. i think it's ok to give yourself a photo break when it's not working...it will come back to you. i think everyone goes through periods like that. just give yourself space.

    xox,
    /j

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.