gratitude

 

It is funny how we amble our way through the internet world, randomly bumping into people and sites that change our lives. I found Shutter Sisters through Kate. I found Kate through Amy. The spinning circle of the Web.

 

Shutter Sisters has changed my life. I have a hobby. What was once an open, searching space in my soul is now full, warm, happy. I do something that is considered “artistic.” Before this, the most artistic thing I had done was twirl a flag in marching band. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was good with that flag. But…

 

You know those questionnaires you are sometimes asked to fill out? That ask, “What is your hobby?” I would stare blankly at that question. Does reading count? What about randomly surfing the internet? Scolding children? Does that apply?

 

I see the world differently now. I have my camera by my side, patiently waiting for me to hit the brakes of my car, grab her compact, silver body, leap out the door and start shooting that flower that caught my eye. Scoop her up to catch my sons in action, a phenomenal sunbeam through the trees, or just a solemn cup of coffee on the counter. I find joy in winter! A season I dread. Looking at winter last year through my unassuming Canon PowerShot was a joy. A new way of seeing what, to me, has always been cold, snowy grayness. I guess what I am trying to say is this: my camera helps me find the joy in the everyday. Which, in turn, makes me a happier, better person. So, a healthy dose of gratitude for the people who got me here.

 

Thank you, Kate, for sharing this site with me.

 

Thank you, Shutter Sisters, for having me.

 

Thank you to my Flickr’ mamacitas. You inspire me. You lift me up when I am down. You bring a smile to my face daily. You make me so proud to call you my friends.

 

And thank you to my family, for constantly encouraging me and enduring my hundreds of photos a month. To my dad for buying me that Minolta twenty three years ago. That camera planted a seed that has FINALLY started to grow and flower. That was one patient, neglected seed…

 

So. “What is your hobby?”

 

Photography. Hands down.

 

Pihoto and words courtesy of Honorary Sister/Guest Blogger Heather Wolf Turner best know perhaps as Strawberry Goldie.

Comments

[Marcie]

Not just a hobby..but a passion.Photography is what gets me up early in the morning...what makes my day:
A few of my recent early mornings....
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=502
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=503
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=504
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=505

[shelli]

Me too!

http://www.mamaofletters.com/Mama_of_Letters/Camera_Happy/Pages/Nikon_D60.html#22

[kacey]

Great post. I think it wonderful when women, no, when anyone finds their passion. Finds a creative outlet. I wrote about finally feeling like I have time to be me and explore my creativity and photography here:

http://www.wineonthekeyboard.com/2008/05/24/time-to-be-me/

[carrie]

great thoughts! I feel the same way.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrielouise/2811916718/

[lizziemarie]

I can so relate to your story. I see the world in a new way and I have "art" in me! It feels so good and right and the sharing and love I receive from the Shutter Sisters is amazing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizziemarie/2731232801/

[Mama DB]

I so feel the same way, Heather! Nice post.

D

[renee @ FIMBY]

I just love shutter sisters. It's one of the first places I visit in the morning.

I think all of us really resonate with these last couple posts on finding ourselves as artists and photographers. Thanks Heather for sharing.

[that girl]

I love your photos,Y!

[camerashymomma]

isn't this web we weave an amazing thing? all interconnected, all paths leading to the same place. for that i'm grateful too. it's so good to know you heather. wonderful post and beautiful photo!!

ps- 'scolding children' as a hobby made me nearly laugh chai out my nose. {ha!}

[Lan]

i like photography but it's only something that was born out of my first hobbies: food and crafts. i cook. i eat. i create. i just so happen to blog about it and so i started taking pictures and now all three have taken over my life. :)

www.angryasiancreations.com

happy weekend.

[Lan]

i like photography but it's only something that was born out of my first hobbies: food and crafts. i cook. i eat. i create. i just so happen to blog about it and so i started taking pictures and now all three have taken over my life. :)

http://www.angryasiancreations.com/

happy weekend.

[dr lyn]

So good to read your post, and then realize it was you!! Wonderful sentiment -- and as always, a beautiful picture.

[jfrancis]

Hey latte,
you're winter's
best friend.

[daisy]

Amen Sister!

And dare I post a link to a photo site other than flickr? Yes I dare:

http://daisysharrock.smugmug.com/gallery/5681921_Kbyh8#331886402_s4N8W

I was merely a shell of a person before I met my camera.
Photography = my daily bread, water and soul.

[kath]

My hobby? Yes, right now it is the picture taking. Like you my camera is there, waiting patiently, not only for me to use it. But to learn to use it right. School starts on Friday!
KaTH

[Relyn]

Beautiful post. You captured it exactly for so many of us. The love of Shutter Sisters, the love of the camera. My favorite thing is the way a camera can stop time. There are so many beautiful moments that make me want to catch time by the tail. My little camera lets me do just that. I revisit the moments again and again.

[Kathleen]

Isn't it wonderful to find some kindred spirits? I try to talk about photography, or flickr, or Shutter Sisters to people around me, but I don't think they get it. The other day, I said to a friend, "It's too bad that I haven't met anyone who "gets" me, photographically." But what I should have said was that I hadn't met anyone IN PERSON. Because, here, I feel like there is respect and encouragement and sharing and learning, and people who "get" me, photographically!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/2797682461/

[kristin]

YAY love you babe! great post. and i am SO in that same boat with ya. i SO needed this and now it fills me up each and every day. love. just love. this one's for you my friend (read the quote) until we get those margaritas! xo, kristin

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/2812919366/

[Sugar]

I used to twirl a flag, too! And yell at kids! Wow... who knew there was more than one of me. ha ha.

I love the way people end up in the right place... just where they belong. When you go backwards, it all seems like random connections... but more likely, those coincidences were the path of a soul searching for a place to rest and find joy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarjones/

[Kate Inglis]

Hey, you're welcome heather! I'm so glad you're here, and everyone else too. Such warmth and inspiration.
xo

[spread your wings]

i'm so glad i found shuttersisters. true inspiration from all of you. My daughter and i have started a photo blog but i feel we're struggling somewhat in getting it going. any words of advice would be welcome. thanks

[melody is slurping life]

Hobby? Same as yours. :)

Absolutely enticing shot of a cuppa joe.

[littlepurplecow]

I'm with you, sister.

[Jen - Beebee Mod]

I am so glad I found you! And this still remains one of my favorites. Congrats on your post! xo - Jen

[Photocheek]

Photography has been like an old friend to me - something I can visit when I need to/want to, and it's always there for me.

(My daughter is currently in high school color guard and has instructed me that I refer to it the "wrong" way - something with 'twirling' or 'spinning', and I can't remember which is the 'right' way. If you've done it before, I'll go with your way as correct!)

[Hay]

Oh I almost missed this! All my mamacita's are popping up here, I'm so proud of ya'll!!

Heather, you are the business hon, the queen of light.

[Naomi]

I used to get so frustrated that I couldn't capture things the way I wanted to when I painted or drew them. So this whole photography thing has been a blessing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomesthenome/2786571258/