Siblings

Three years ago on my imaginary Christmas list, I only had one wish; that my two sons would be nicer to each other.

Back then everyday was a struggle, constant fighting and very little goodness between my two and five year old. I just wished for a bit more tenderness, companionship and fun between the boys, to make the bickering bearable.

Since then, I’ve observed and photographed sibling relationships among adults and children; friends and family, a fascinating collection of positives and negatives all with a unique bond. So I now realize, I already had my wish; they may not show their love for each other all the time but it is there. I get real comfort and joy when I see such wonderful images of siblings, a precious connection shining through in a photo.

This Christmas I’ll watch my boy’s fuss, fight, and make each other laugh, like only they know how.

Please share with us how you photograph your own sibling relationships or those of your children?

Image and words courtesy of Honorary Sister / Guest Blogger / Flickr star Xanthe Berkeley.

The Place Where You Stand

“What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing” --C.S. Lewis

I didn't think much of it the day I snapped this picture.  My sage guide wanted his feet photographed, and I obliged, not knowing at the time that in less than a week this holy man would take me on a trek to the top of a mountain where I would see my longings, my failures, my hopes and dreams in a whole new light.  Epiphanies are like that--unexpected, otherworldly, startling for reasons you can never quite understand.  Thank God, I had Stephanie with me that day to help me recognize the place where I found myself standing--the very center of a miraculous circle of divine support and Love.  I imagine I will never have a moment in my life like that ever again.

Maybe one of the reasons why I love to photograph feet so much is because I like to examine what grounds us and how our feet touch the earth--this same earth that continues to uphold and support us wherever we are, wherever we go.  You can be confused, light-hearted, shaken or full of joy--no matter.  It's always good to be aware of the place where you stand and who it is that stands with you.

Today I'd like to invite you to replicate this photograph either on your own, with someone you live with or with someone you trust.  Show us who stands with you and where you stand--whether it be the linoleum of your kitchen or the macadame of your driveway.  Let us see you standing in your home or on the earth, acknowledging in a new way that you are not alone.

Magic of the Moment

My grandma was, and still is, a strong-willed woman and the family matriarch.  She’s cranky and crotchety at times, and at 90 years of age, she’s entitled as far as I’m concerned.  I have so many memories of her that fill my mind. It’s hard for me to see her age and I constantly wonder, will this be my last Christmas with her? 

My 9 yr. old and 13 yr. old boys are her pride and joy.  When I’m with her, she tells me that she’s tired.  I’ve lived a long life.  I’m ready to go, she says.  But then get my boys around her and she perks right up. I think they’re what keep her going and that’s a good thing.  I’m not ready to let her go, not yet.

When it came time for my Christmas card photo, I definitely wanted to use her in the photo.  When I was trying to figure out what would be the best way to position her hands and the ornament, my 9 yr. old came to the rescue. Mama, I know how I want the picture to be.  I’ll put the ornament in her hands and help her hold it with my hands.  So he took the ornament and gently placed it in her hands and then just as gently, placed his hands with hers.  The lump in my throat was huge.  It was truly a magical moment, one that I will cherish forever.  

Please share with us the magical moments of your life.  We’d love to see them.

Story and Photograph shared by the newest regular contributor here at Shutter Sisters, the wonderful Chris Sneddon (aka JeroldsSis) of Everyday Heartbeats. We're so glad she's here.

so much gratitude!

1. Untitled, 2. wonder, 3. Countertop cuteness not being knocked over (Gratitude day 28), 4. Our single Black Friday purchase (Gratitude day 27), 5. all gone, 6. warmth, 7. Gifts, 8. Happy Thanksgiving (Gratitude day 26), 9. christmas is coming., 10. anticipation 2, 11. anticipation, 12. 328/365, 13. Untitled, 14. Frolic, 15. cobweb bokeh, 16. The holiday season (Gratitude day 25), 17. crunch, crunch., 18. 24.30 ~ re-Connecting with Old Friends, 19. nostalgic warmth among strangers, 20. Random cuteness (Gratitude day 24), 21. Believe in Gratitude, 22. Believe in Gratitude, 23. 322/365, 24. treasuring these moments, 25. blue morpho, 26. thanx Dad, 27. little bear, 28. november 20: the rose bloomed, 29. At the beach, 30. Karma? Or at least reciprocity (Gratitude day 21), 31. gratitude/ day19:30, 32. gratitude/ day18:30, 33. eeking out fall color, 34. Untitled, 35. 316/365

What else to say except we have been totally inspired by all of your gestures of gratitude this month! Seriously, good stuff in our One Word Project stream. The images tell the true story of what we are all grateful for. Thank you for all of your amazing photographs!

And do share your Memolioalbums with us so we can admire your handiwork! We will soon share the Gratitude Memolio book that we are making from the images in our pool. The proceeds will be going to Tweetsgiving which is all the sweeter!

Congrats to the winners of last weeks Memolio giveaway; Claudia, Jade Sheldon, Iris, Trude and Darrah.

To end this month of Gratitude, Memolio is offering 5 more of you a chance to win an album so leave your comment here today! And never fear, we have an awesome new word for December will be announcing in the next few days so stay tuned!

thankful

Today, on this day of giving thanks here in the states,  I wish to further honor November's one word,  gratitude, we have been so beautifully celebrating here at Shutter Sisters.  Gratitude can mean so many different things at different times.  There are the big things to be grateful for such as love, family, home, health, and peace.  Yet many times it is the little things that can mean so much.  The beauty found in the details of a day; the way a wisp of hair falls just so,  or the way a certain slant of light brings warmth and happiness to a room.  Welcoming a new day with your favorite cup of coffee, or the comfort only a favorite loved toy can bring to a child.   Simple, everyday blessings.  In the hustle of our busy lives it is easy lose sight of what is right in front of us.  Photography has given us a way to honor these little things and quiet moments that add up a beautiful whole.  The simple process of taking a photo not only allows us to see what is in front of us, but to feel it.  This quote by Karen Krakoer Kaplan says it so perfectly, "Gratitude is noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary. And then taking the nanosecond to feel it."

So today, lets give thanks together.  Slow down for just for a moment, capture a little~big thing are you grateful for, and share it with us all here.  Give the gift of this moment to yourself and really feel it.  

*Don't forget to continue to add your photos of gratitude to our One Word Project Flickr Pool.