no distractions

Racing against the clock today trying get a million things done all at at once, I felt more scattered than focused. Late in the afternoon I was on a call with a friend (someone I'm working with on a big project) and  before we could even get into the work part of the call, I was interrupted on my end by my daughter bounding in from her first day of High School. I got immediately distracted, Uh, er, I think I have to go. But, I really need to talk to you about just a few things. Uuuuh, er, um...shoot. Let me think.I paused for a moment trying to figure out how I was going to stretch myself to be in two places at once; with  my work and with my daughter.

Go, go, my friend ordered,That is much more important than this. Go. We'll talk later.

Indeed.

How was it that so quickly I lost sight of what really was most important? How easily I tried to put off what was happening under my roof, with my kids and keep them on hold while I worked? There's a lot of that around here with projects and pressures and so many things to do. It's amazing to me how often I say, give me a minute.

But sometimes, there's the non-negotiables. The things that matter so much that everything else must fall to the wayside; the other demands of the day totally blocked out until all you can see is right in front of you; no distractions. There is such a freedom in those moments. The freedom of letting go and being all in.

When my kids were babies, there was a lot of that kind of time. When you didn't have a choice. When tiny mouths needed to be fed. When small bodies needed to be rocked. When bright eyes needed you to pay attention. No distractions. It's so different now and yet so much the same. Sometimes though, it's harder to see the need. But rest assured, it's still there.

Whether you've got teen-agers or babies or spouses or parents or pets or friends or neighbors or anyone or anything that might need you, remember the non-negotiables. When all you can do is be there and be all in. 

Show us today how you capture a moment through your lens that removes everything but what matters the very most.

accidental tourists

The other day my family and I were graciously invited to to visit a local attraction for a small event they were hosting. It had been some time since we had visited The Aquarium of the Pacific and we were eager to get back there, looking forward to spending one of our last days of summer taking in the sights and sounds a nearby coastal city.

Who knew that a lovely morning at the Aquarium would put us in such a touristy frame of mind? After spending time experiencing all of the wonders from down under the sea, we wandered around the surrounding area as if we had never been there before. Shops, restaurants, and lots of photo ops, we we acted just like vacationers.

Looking at all the images from the day, I realized, I captured us perfectly; the accidental tourists.

I can only imagine how many photos you took this summer; of all your adventures near and far. So today, for the sake of boardwalks and salt water taffy, roller coasters and postcards, sunburns and snapshots share your quintessential tourist pictures. Everyone's got some! We want to see yours today.

solitude and ritual

 

As parents, it is often difficult to find time for yourself when work, family, and everything but YOU seem to come first. I am sure that I am not alone in saying that when a rare moment of solitude finally does present itself... I feel, well, a bit selfish. My mind races with all the things I should be doing.

Recently, I found the cure for my self-imposed guilt.  I schedule "me time" into my day.  Since quality time must first be found to be cherished, it now goes on the calendar, along with client appointments, vet appointments, and picking up dirty socks.  As I proceed through my day, checking off my to-do list, I work my way towards my personal time knowing that I have "earned" it.

It is in these moments that I savor my daily rituals. The personal activities in life that are just for me.  Even the most stressful of days can be salvaged by the simple act of lighting a candle, hiding in the corner with a good book, and savoring a cup of tea.

Today, I invite you to share some the quieter moments from your day with us.

Thankful.

It was about 17 years ago, I don't remember exactly.  My brother and dad together one afternoon and me, using my brother's old high school camera, a Pentax K1000 (which I still have).  My dad and I had not spoken in many years and had only recently begun speaking again after my brother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  It was an akward moment for me but I had my camera and that was my safety net.  Always has been, probably always will be.  I developed the film in a B&W photo class I was taking at a junior college the next day and I remember being so displeased with the quality of the photo.  I didn't like the lighting, the contrast wasn't perfect, etc.  I tossed it aside and forgot all about it.  That is until last week, when in the middle of going through some old things, I came across it again.  My heart did a little flutter as I looked closely at the photo. I notice my dad's long, weathered hands and the way he's looking directly at me, his expression a little unsure maybe?  And then I smile as I notice my brother trying to be Mr. GQ.  Not only does the photo not seem so bad to me now, I'm so very thankful that I kept it because 3 years after this photo was taken, I lost my brother to cancer. A short 3 years after my brother passed, I lost my dad.

Now, when I have those moments (and I do) and I wonder if photography is really what I'm meant to do or I start questioning my own self-confidence with it all (which I also do), I look at this photo and I know...a camera most definitely belongs in my hands. 

How about you? What was your 'aha' moment or photo? Please, do share.

daddy's girl

My father and I, circa 1972.

Today, here in the States, we honor our fathers. You didn't think we'd miss it did you?

Daughters, let's pay homage to the father-figures in our lives. Share a thought and/or a photo in celebration of these phenomenal men.