the long and winding road

The journey of life is one we all travel. The road can sometimes be an uphill climb and other times it can be a smooth coast. But often we're moving along the tracks fast and furious, much like a roller coaster.

We look out past the horizon and seek hope. Good things to come. Promise. But what happens at a fork in the road? You can't help but question which way to go.

As I've been walking my path lately, I'm discovering hills and valleys, twists and turns that I didn't see coming. And one after the next, there seems to be an outcropping of crossroads. Crossroads with no signs that tell which way to go.

I know myself pretty well. I know that I'll just keep walking, running, skipping, crawling along my path (depending on the day). I know that even though I'm feeling unsure and unsteady at times that to keep on going is the only thing to do. Holding my gaze steady and making my steps deliberate will get me to a clearing where I can meander and enjoy myself a little more. Where the smells of sweet meadow grasses fill the air and the warm sun will light my way.

Do you have any path or road images in your arsenal?  Any moment in time that a scene in front of your beckoned you to come forward; to walk, to dream, to imagine, to trust?

Lead us today.

Comments

[Elizabeth Harper]

When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I go to this place and remember what it's like to be blind to the obvious.

http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/10/15_Growan_In_The_Green.html

Lovely post today...thank you.

[Reez]

I didn't want my first comment to Shutter Sisters to be a photo not taken by me but your post today instantly reminded me of one of my favorite photos. The credit goes to my sister for taking the photo. This sums it up for me. Thanks for today's post.

http://reezypeezy.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/go-confidently/

[georgia]

i just stopped over here not long after i posted on my blog today, and i am amazed at how timely your words are today. i have many posts and images that could go with your post today, but it's today's that i will leave a link to. although long and personal, perhaps it could help someone else going through something similar.

http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/09/late-blooms-and-longings-fulfilled.html

thank you for this post, tracey. thank you for you words. thank for not only bringing us beautiful photos consistently, but beautiful insight and beautiful outlook, too. i LOVE this photograph, by the way. i am such a fan of path or road pictures. in fact, here is another post link--one of my favorite road pictures:

http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/06/road-trips-go.html

[Vanessa]

this is a beautiful, thoughtful post, tracey. really made me think.

some "road ahead" images of mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3710427437/in/set-72157621543398096/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3725677811/in/set-72157621543398096/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3001880809/in/set-72157619874121580/

[djbeat]

i love windy roads - where you can't always see what is ahead...

spring road in a tulip field : http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3471680417/
forest road @ beach acres resort : http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3779342139/

[Tacey]

Tracey, beautiful post...obviously (and as always) straight from your heart. I posted about a very similar topic on 09-09-09...It's not always easy living an examined life, but gosh darnit...in the end-it's sooo worth it!

my post can be found here...

http://taceyphotography.blogspot.com


PS...Shutter Sisters inspired a huge shift in my life...Thank you.

[Patty Reiser]

http://pkphotography.us/2009/09/and-the-thunder-rolls/

Just last week we had a storm rolling through the desert and I wanted a new perspective so I literally laid down on the hot asphalt to take a few pictures.

[michelle]

At the intersection of HWY 88 and 89 in California is a huge meadow that the westward bound covered wagon emigrants to California named "Hope Valley". It was the first bit of water and lush green that they saw after their long journey across Utah and Nevada....they saw it and had hope.....hope for a better life...I usually hate snow, but this shot seems so pristine and blue and reminds me of a great day out with my husband and cameras in that treasured valley that is hope

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49754167@N00/3165078340/

[Liz Grandmaison]

I checked in here today after a long time away and I'm so glad I did. This post reminded me of an image I made for a friend's daughter's graduation book. Looking at the caption I gave it, I find advice even a 40-something like me can follow. Thanks for jogging my memory.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizgrandmaison/2575341691/in/set-72157603943430716/

[rosa]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/createyourhappy/3911138346/

i'm not sure where this road is going. i don't see an end in sight. but, it's the road i chose so i try to enjoy the journey.

[miruspeg]

Hello Tracey
I am new to Shutter Sisters but I have become a fan already.
Love your philosophy and photos.
Here is a post I wrote back in October about choice.

http://miruspeg.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-of-our-choosing.html

Cheers
Peggy

[kristin]

after a rough trip emotionally and physically i shot this when i landed on solid ground.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/3661613494/in/set-72157607524912981/

[elk]

Tracey what a timely post as always...

I have been feeling "road weary" this week and actually posted about it on my blog with three images:
http://www.redorgray.com/2009/09/can-we-talk.html

[camerashymomma]

i'm smitten with car shots these days. peering out from the windshield, it seems to be where i find my inspiration and thought... looking forward, not always knowing where i'm going. remembering that all who wander are not lost :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerashymomma/3699261673/

[Galina]

I found my road, my way last weekend:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/galina135/3911812272/

[claudia]

I've been so out of sync lately I just noticed the coincidence here :)
http://gnubee.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/each-of-us-may-be-sure/
besides doors & windows (symbolic in and of themselves), I've been drawn to photographing paths or roads since I was a kid. I like that they lead me to places to discover.

[Kari]

I wandered up this dirt road one day...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10811746@N05/2708684171/in/set-72157603939348314/

[Larry]

is the less fair gender allowed to chime in? Your message is so fitting for all.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4real/2352086707/