Happy Thanksgiving!

Prismatic :: VT

(Above: One of my favorite photos taken last year, pre-covid, on a trip through VT to Montreal, CA)

Like most things American, this holiday comes with grim historical context. Colonization, at its core, is brutal and pretending otherwise does everyone a disservice. That said, I am not a historian and will not wax on about it, though I encourage you to research if you’re not familiar with the complexities of America’s past. However, what I can speak to is my experience with the holiday, and why it means so much to me.

I am not a “stuff” person, so holidays centered around capitalism are lost on me. I think commercialization takes away from the importance of what a holiday should be–a time to appreciate and celebrate your loved ones and a time to reflect on life. So Christmas is not my jam. (Sorrynotsorry!) But Thanksgiving?? Its a holiday where we are expected to EAT TOO MUCH and spend time with loved ones. And those are two things I excel at!

It’s also a time where people are encouraged to shift their perspective, and focus on the blessings in their lives, and I can definitely get behind that. 

So this year–despite it being 2020, the lost year–I would like to give thanks. My entire routine was upended and my anxiety, understandably, has been through the roof. But despite that, I find myself grateful. If I hadn’t been forced to stay home, I wouldn’t have learned to bake. I wouldn’t have worked with my brother to start a weekly video call for our extended family all over the country, and gotten to interact with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandfather as much. I wouldn’t have taken up biking, which it turns out, is MUCH better for my knees than running. I wouldn’t have learned how much I enjoy photographing the birds at my bird feeder. I wouldn’t have focused on my garden, and in turn, realized how much better food can be when you start with fresh ingredients. In the grand scheme of things, these are little joys. But in a year with so much sadness, and anger, and fear, I’ll take what I can get.

This Thanksgiving is going to be different. We’re not having big family dinners, laughing all day together jammed into someone’s house–and that sucks. But I know I’m not alone in my situation. Many are sacrificing now to keep their loved ones safe, and I’m hopeful it pays off. Better days are on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to celebrating twice as hard together once its safe.

Many thanks to all of the people who have spared me a kind word and supported my creativity over the years. You’re the best. Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving. ❤

A Million Thanks

My heart is full of gratitude today. I’m wrapping up the print sale shipping/delivery, and *we* raised over $730 for Liam. ❤️ I’m so proud of my tribe today. I’m so thankful for all of your help, and I know Liam’s family is too. Cancer is such a difficult thing to face, but truly, the support, the hugs and prayers helps. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and have a happy & healthy Thanksgiving. 😘

An Attitude of Gratitude

Vortex

Having a positive outlook on life can be hard, but intensely rewarding.  It’s easy to say a glass is half empty.  It’s much harder to say, “Thank goodness I still have half a glass to drink.  I’m thirsty, and that will help.”  Like anything else in life, seeing the silver linings in life is a skill, and when done faithfully, can become a habit.

Imagine a life where you exchange your expectations for gratitude.  The disappointments in life become much more manageable.  And there are fewer of them.  It’s easier to feel like you have enough, to appreciate the gifts you’re given and to see the blessings in life.

That is what I love most about tomorrow, Thanksgiving.  It’s yearly encouragement to be thankful for the things we have already accomplished, to see how far we have come, to appreciate our families and friends, and to see that often, we are lucky to have so much in our lives.  Most of us have a roof, even if we don’t own it.  Most of us have food, warmth and a computer with which to read this awesome blog…  We have life.  Even when it’s hard, it’s precious.

Tomorrow is a day to appreciate the positives.  Spend a few moments between tofurkey and pie reflecting on the good things in your life.  In the end, we can’t keep the gifts, the wealth, the stuff we surround ourselves with…but we can remember the path we took in life, the moments of joy and accomplishment, and be proud of how our experiences shaped us, and the choices we made because of them.  We can practice an attitude of gratitude.

The photo above was taken on a hike with my friend David (an awesome photog from Cali, check out his work!) while he was visiting in CT.  The leave whirlpool reminds me a little of the way water drains from a tub.  Felt appropriate as we make our transition from beautiful, beautiful Autumn….to very cold Winter. haha

 

❤ < 3 ❤

For those of you interested in helping me raise funds for the victims of Typoon Haiyan in the Philippines, when the time comes for holiday shopping, go here.  50% of profits through December 15 go to Care.org and the Filipinos in need.

For those of you interested in winning a holiday gift, go here, “like” the page and leave a comment on the contest poster letting me know which image you want.  Winner announced on Friday, so you only have a few days.

Completely, 100% Grateful

Over the past few days, I’ve been dealing with a wicked cold…I can’t tell you how grateful and cheered I was to find out I was nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by mydailycreativity, a therapist who talks about her ups and downs over the past year and her progress with what she calls a Personal Creativity Challenge.  Many thanks to Angela for the recognition – I’ve always felt her blog was very open and inspiring.  Check it out! =)

inspiring-blogger-award

To accept this award, I am required to nominate 7 other bloggers whom I feel are worthy of the honor, and tell the world 7 unknown facts about me.  Let’s start with the other bloggers that inspire me.  Please, check out all of their sites, I’m sure they’d appreciate a comment or two!

1)      Where to Willie – Will is a photographer-friend who creates stunning images, and who’s passion for life comes through in his images.  He has personally been very supportive and helped stoke my creative fires more than once.

2)      Nick Exposed – Nick is a photographer-friend with inspiring drive to be not just a better artist, but the best person he can be.  I find that to be incredibly impressive.  Please make sure to check out his blog – I promise you will enjoy his thoughtful posts.

3)      Douglas J. Hoffman Photography – As you can probably tell, I’m drawn to photo blogs…there is so much beauty in the world, and I am passionate about seeing as much of it as possible.  Douglas J. Hoffman Photography produces evokative images which are doubly impressive to me, as someone who does not know how to dive.  I may never be fortunate enough to see the ocean from this perspective first hand and I am thankful to at least share his experiences via the blog.

4)      Daniel Feidal Photography – Daniel Feidal’s travel photography instantly caught my attention.  He has produced some incredible landscapes in the countried he has visited.  I truly enjoy going through his images when I need to “get away” from the pressures of day to day life for a while.

5)      When T=12 – Another photo-blog, I find this bloggers view of the world refreshing.  I have always believed that photos aren’t just an image of the world.  It’s also an insight into how the artist sees the world.  Details and macro are the name of Helena’s game – the photo work constantly reminds me that sometimes, the little things in life can be the most important.

6)      Chameleonic – This is a fashion/photo-blog with fantastic style!  Justyna’s street photography captures some great moments, and her edits are interesting/appealing.  The fashion work is a great inspiration for me when I’m in portrait mode.  The commentary pulls the whole blog together, and I really enjoy looking through her posts.

7)      Incito Photography – This photographer puts a distinct stamp on her work, and is very open with her blog content.  I can’t help but enjoy looking through her images! She creates beautiful event portraits, which are inspirational when I’m in wedding-photographer mode…but on a more personal level, I found her travel images (which I am very passionate about) to be striking.  She didn’t just capture the beauty of the place, she captured the soul.

Ah, so now that I’ve told you a little bit about who I’ve found for inspiration…I should tell you a little bit about who I am.

1)      First and foremost, I value honesty, kindness and humor.  I respect people with drive, as it motivates me to work harder.

2)      I’ve always been an “artsy” person, but it wasn’t until I found photography that I found my calling. Now…how to pay the bills with my passion, right? =)

3)      I collect good karma points, and I’m a sucker for charities.

4)      I am a terrible cook.  Like…awful.  But I love to eat new, exciting foods.  It’s one of life’s great tragedies.

5)      I’ve been to 14 countries.  It only makes me want to travel more.  We can’t learn to love the world until we experience it.

6)      I’m not a stuff person.  I don’t need a fancy car or house or [insert toy here]. The only thing I know I’ll have with me for my whole life is my memories.  It’s what shaped me.

7)      I truly enjoy meeting new people.  Please, say hi!  Tell me your story, tell me what you’re passionate about and please tell me what you think of my art. I want to keep growing as a person. =)