inspiration from the Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool

1. *, 2. Untitled, 3. happy almost spring, 4. over the years, we will know., 5. 40 - kitchen conversations, 6. strike, 7. cherry blossoms in the light, 8. eat cake

I've been looking after my sick kids for almost two weeks now, feeling exhausted from staying up all night on the bathroom floor cleaning up vomit and yet so very grateful for those small moments of clarity that difficult situations usually provide me with. But words fail me today, as they have been for the past few weeks, and while I am well aware that being uninspired is part of the creative life, an opportunity for me to reaffirm that "I am enough" and look for new sources where my feelings of worthiness and gratitude stem from, it is always an uncomfortable and frustrating place to be at.

The images above from the amazing Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool (have you joined us yet?) have brought warmth and simple beauty back into my life, kindling inspiration and quietly feeding my creative spirit. I can't thank you enough for making this community such an encouraging, inspiring and authentic place for me to retreat to when I most need it. So today I invite you to pause, make yourself a cup of tea and do something just for you, and share the images (taken by you or others) that have been inspiring you lately.

Comments

[Marcie]

Such dreamy and inspirational 'spring' images.
Miserable..grey and rainy here in the northeast. A capture of a piece of its beauty:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1107

[njekaterina]

oh, I see my image over here! thank you for blogging it :)

[Monybean]

Tracy, I just wanted to thank you. Thank you for continuing to inspire... the photos are lovely, but what I'm really talking about (which often times goes unnoticed) is actions. Life is busy and hectic and yet you continue to fill the cups around you! I see that and am very appreciative....

[georgia]

i'm constantly amazed and inspired by the photography i see out there. i created a blog a while back just for featuring some of those moving images that make me stop and breathe or make me stop in awe or inspire me quietly. it's called "...shhhh"
http://asofterspace.blogspot.com/

you've collected quite a group of photos here. all so beautiful together but also, individually. lovely *sigh*

[Katy Leet]

Something has come alive in me ever since I have joined this community! Thank you for sharing your words and creativity. I got lost for almost 3 hours yesterday looking at all the photos that are beyond words! It has been awhile since I have allowed the space and time for that. BLESSED

[traceyclark]

this post is so inspiring. i love dipping into the well of all the amazing images and stories we have among us!.the shutter sisters community is the best! i am so grateful!

[Jade Sheldon]

I hope with all my heart that your children get well soon.

Here are a few that have been inspiring me as of late:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmsheldon/4425442018/

[susan]

Loved the pics. Just came back from my son's wedding. He chose the song Don't Blink to dance to with me. Listen to it to put things in perspective. The lousy 2 weeks will soon be gone. Hold on to all your moments of joy as life slides by.

[Laura]

The photos are all so spring-like and lovely!

When is spring going to finally come to Washington DC?!

[Trude]

There are quite a few that I'm inspired by on Flickr, and Team Breeze is one of them. Always love her work!

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

[Monybean]

Irene, I think I owe you an apology... it wasn't until this morning I realized the daily posts are from different sisters! Here I was thinking Tracy was like wonder woman instead of cool accessories -bracelets, necklace and invisible plane she carried camera, lenses, and a thesaurus! I had a light bulb moment realizing the authors are in green print! Thank YOU for inspiring ME on this day!