the creative path

Do you ever just get preoccupied in the day to day, the week to week, the month to month that you forget to stop and take a look back just for the sake of recognizing how far you've traveled?

We keep walking our creative paths; striving, sharing, expressing, working, playing, moving, and creating. There are days we skip along like children, effortless in joy and other we labor just to take one more step. But, we keep walking because as creative women, it's just what we do. We wouldn't have it any other way. But what about really taking stock of all that we've done? It's high time we do that for ourselves. Because we've all come pretty far. Wouldn't you agree?

I was fortunate enough to talk about the creative path with the inspiring Jamie Ridler for a podcast at the Creative Living Series.  Just talking with Jamie helped me reflect on my own creative journey and got me to slow down long enough to look back and acknowledge how far I've come and how my once-upon-a-time dream of gathering like-minded, like-hearted creative, photography loving women together has grown and is thriving. It left me so humbled and full of gratitude that my path has led me to all of you. 

You can listen in on the podcast at Jamie's site (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN).

And in celebration of each of us and this amazing place where we gather to share our passions, how about another Expressive Photography book giveaway? Consider it an expression of my love and gratitude. And I mean it with everything I am!

Share with us something from your own creative path today. Anything at all that celebrates how far you've come! Go you!

To be entered to win a copy of Expressive Photography just leave your comment here between now and Friday at midnight EST.

Congrats to Laura Gillmore/GenBug for winning a copy of Expressive Photography! Woot!

Comments

[Nicole]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicoletetrault/4997733036/

I would love to have a copy of the book!

[Robyn]

I would love a chance to win this book. Everyone that contributes here is always such an inspiration.

[Jen L.]

My creative muse seems to wax and wane...such a fickle creature! I've come to rely on creative inspiration through those around me: blogs I follow, my circle of shutter sisters, or through the quiet calm that is fleeting but important to listen to.

[tracy]

creativity. I need to take a moment and reflect on my path. thank you.

[sarai]

I work as a child and family therapist, and each day I have the opportunity to be creative with kids through art, storytelling, and imaginative play. I've been enjoying learning more and more about the healing powers of creativity for all of us!

[Aloha]

Your book looks awesome and I would love to have a copy.
Thanks for your website and for shutter sisters!!!

[Btrflywmn]

I would love a copy of this book, I love to take pictures, my recent favorite thing to photogragh is spiderwebs.

[geneil]

I've been doing a 365 project this year and it has been quite a journey--lots of peaks and valleys. With 100 days to go I've been struggling a bit of late, but overall I have really learned so much and come so far.

[Krista]

This is a good question for me to reflect on right now. I have been in a rut lately and down on myself for all that I'm not accomplishing. But I have come a long way in my creative path. This year I have been struggling to discover what it is I want to be "when I grow up" and I've realized that whatever path I choose, it will be a creative path. I still haven't pinpointed my exact path, but I know that it will involve photography, writing, and helping people. So, while I still feel very lost, it is true that I've come a long way. I have a much better idea of what my creative path looks like than I did even just a couple months ago.

[amy z]

I would so love a copy of this book. My creative path recently took me to the top of Estes Cone in Colorado. The hike to the top is called "moderate" in the guide books, but for a midwestern girl who rarely ventures beyond the treadmill, it was more difficult than that. I made it to the top, though, with my trusty camera, and was grateful on many different levels. I love that I was capable of accomplishing that, and that I hauled my camera along, and that I made tons and tons of images. I haven't processed them yet, but took grab shots with the iPhone along the way just to document the journey in real time. I love the concept of photography both immediate and long-term. It's a fantastic way to capture the path as you travel and revisit your voyage later.

http://latentimages.blogspot.com/2010/09/at-top.html

[shawna]

i gave photography lessons this month - paid for the first time to do something i love. it feels good to know that i can help people capture memories everyday.

[Stephanie Fox]

Taking time each day to create something sounds so easy. In reality, it takes a certain amount of discipline. I am also so pleased when I take the time to make something. It is always worth while. I hope I win a copy of the book.

[ShanaD]

I had just read an email about the Fall equinox being a time of changing focus and direction when I popped onto Amazon. I was surprised that Expressive Photography came up as a recommendation for me so I immediately looked at the book. The cover photo and copy really hit a note for me as I thought about what was going on in my frenzied life. I have now found the Shutter Sisters blog and am even more inspired to make some changes.

I realize that lately my photos have been rushed and more about "been here, done that." They haven't been about capturing the heart of the moment or expressing the gratitude and appreciation of that slice of life, especially with the kids. The pictures I take are reflecting my inner feelings of not connecting emotionally and being caught up in the busyness of life. I have been in a creative funk but I think the glimmering of a new path is emerging. While I have come far, I can't wait to see the new things I know are on the path ahead. I look forward to reading more of this blog, listening to the podcast and hope that I can get a copy of Expressive Photography soon. Thank you for your inspiration.

[Laura O'Hanesian]

I work and live in a beautiful northern California farming community where I am constantly presented with natures bounty. I love the challenge of seeing the seasons repeat and expressing them in new ways. As always, thank you for such an inspirational blog!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauraophoto/5010312722/

[Kara]

I'm finally shooting in manual mode and I'm actually pretty comfortable! So excited about starting my next camera class!

[kg]

Your site is so inspirational and I would love, love, LOVE to win a copy of your book!

[kelly]

I just found your blog and am totally inspired. I can see that I will visit often. I just recently returned to photography after a several-year hiatus, and would love a copy of the book to keep me going.

[Momof FourChippets]

Love the podcast! Congratulation on the book and thank you for this opportunity. I hope I am lucky!

[Trish]

I'd love to win a copy of your book! I'm finally figuring out my new camera (taking a basic course in DSLR) and will be ready to get more creative soon!

[Eden]

I've recently taken up drawing and doodling and it has helped me CENTER myself, it slows me down with focus if you will.

[Momof FourChippets]

Hi Tracey! just wanted to say I just registered for your class Fall Picture and counting the days until it starts! Love this giveaway and crossing my fingers to win a copy. Wow, this would be amazing to win!

[MaryM]

I was just thinking about this today. With two small children at home and never a full night of sleep, my photography has taken a backseat in the last few months since my son was born. Sometimes it's frustrating to be limited by time or energy, but today, I was thinking about how far I've come over the years. There was a time when I didn't even know what an aperture was, so hooray for learning and recognizing progress in our creative passions, however small the growth may seem.

[trittoli]

Thank you for the opportunity! I would be thrilled to win a copy of the book....
Fingercrossed

[Jeanne]

Catching up on my blog reading this morning, and this one caught my attention. I am needing the encouragement today, and I really appreciate this post. Yes, we all have come a long way (just like that old tobacco ad) :) Oh yes, I also wouldn't mind a copy of your amazing book.

[karen]

Would love to win this fabulous book!

[Jet Harrington]

How has it taken me so long to come here? So glad to have arrived.

I wrote those lines about the Shutter Sisters site, but I realise even as I read them now, that they capture so much about me. The way I can berate myself for the time/nature of the journey, but eventually get to the point of noticing where I *am* and find myself so grateful for that fact. I'm spending more time in the second part and less in the first - I'm grateful for this also.

Holding a camera has always helped me stay present, notice where I am.

Would love to explore the book!

[Christine]

I'm just about to embark on a new creative venture. Taking my design skills, my photography skills, and combining them. I'm excited to see how it unfolds. Inspiration, such as this book, is always a treat!

[kristin]

As a much younger self, I saw and admired the beautiful quilts created by some women and always thought that someday I would learn to create such a beautiful work of art myself. The years went by and by and my children began getting married and I thought now was the time to tackle this particular goal. A lovely friend took me under wing and taught her where to begin. This is now my third quilt in progress, for the third child getting married. Each one is so unique like the child created for - it's so fun to see how they will turn out at the end after all the hours of labor.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkleinrn/5029657680/

Kristin

[kristin]

Ooops - wrong photo pasted into the post above -

Let's try again.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkleinrn/5029747606/

Kristin

[Laura Gilmore]

Wow - I won! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love Shutter Sisters. Now I can hardly wait for my book!