When There Are No Words

I received a text that my best friend was in the hospital, a text that was not unexpected.  Within 24 hours, her core group of girlfriends, myself included, fill her hospital room.  At times serious, we discuss chemo and medical procedures and pain management.  At times funny, we talk about some of our best times together, our laughter so hysterical and loud that a nurse comes to the room and closes the door.  My girlfriends know and expect that my camera is with me.  It's my security blanket, my safety net.  When I can't find the words to speak, I let me camera do the talking for me.  When a hand reaches out and takes a hand resting on the hospital bed, I lift my camera and quickly take a shot.  With a lump in my throat, I know this photo speaks all that I or my friends cannot speak and without a doubt, we will cherish it forever.

Today, show us those special photos that do the talking for you.  We'd love to *hear* what they have to say.

toasted

Everyone but me teased her about it, the way she liked her marshmallows. I like them that way too. The picture of impatience. Everyone else jockeying for the slowest coals, turning, turning, turning, waiting, bemoaning ash and imperfections and a crooked stick. Meanwhile, one so-what-if-it-lights-on-fire kind of girl eyes the work of another approvingly.

Today's the very last of July's One Word: life. Show us a photo-metaphor for how you like it.

beach love

My favorite antidote to months of racing through the demands and commitments of daily living. An irresistible invitation to slow down, let in a little joy and savor a better pace of life. And probably my favorite thing about summer. I can't really explain what it is about that vast expanse of sand, sea and sky that helps me re-discover that feeling of inner abundance and brings me back to a place of peace and calm. I can let my cameras sit on a shelf and forget about them for weeks, when presented with the opportunity to spend time at the beach I will always pack as many as I can, giddy with anticipation and excitement.

Today share your love for the beach. Let’s celebrate the sense of freedom, connection, the pure and unbridled joy, and the beauty of the ocean.

escape

Do you ever wanna escape? run and hide? disappear?  Even for just a bit?

Some days, life can be a little much! I catch myself moving too fast, doing too much at once.... and I know it's time to slow down and breathe. Even if it's just for a few minutes. 

Recently we painted our guest room in shades of white. Everything including the bedding, the curtains and the furniture is white. It's fabulous. And because it's our guest room, it stays fresh and clean... orderly.... and so peaceful.

Often, just a peek inside can fill me with calm. And, my oh my, if I step in, lie down on the big fluffy (always made) bed, everything seems to stop! Ahh.... I can b r e a t h e, again. 

Where do you go to escape, be and breathe? Maybe it's your bedroom, a tiny corner of your home, a park bench, maybe it's an open field, under a tree, a window seat, the beach... Share your 'space' with us today.

life in a day

The other evening I had the honor of seeing the unique documentary Life in a Day. It is the project that brought National Geographic and YouTube together with a mission to tell the story of one of day on earth. Let me tell you, it was wonderful. You can read more about the concept of the film and how it was created (the idea in itself is totally inspiring) at the Life in a Day site. Once you watch the trailer and all the hair on your body stands on end, you'll know what I mean when I say wonderful.

The points of view, the perspectives, the subject matter, the video shorts themselves; all totally unique and even still, there was a Universal cohesion, beauty, and honesty that left me feeling so grateful to be alive on this planet.

With our One Word Project wordthis month celebrating life, today I ask you to pick up your camera and capture yours in way that's both everyday and unique. Capture a moment of your life, just as it is, that you never ever want to forget.

And be sure to visit Ali Edwards this week as she's inspiring us to document our life all week with her Week in the Life. Talk about sweet sisterly synchronicity!