“Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow”
Norman Vincent Peale
The anniversary in which I spoke of in my last post is connected to my neck surgery. Saturday, Jan 31st marked two years since I had 3 discs removed from my neck. I can tell you that my healing is far from over because I continue to struggle with pain every single day. Luckily, some days are better than others. I know I don't expose my daily issues with you on a regular basis, but I think that this passing is worth acknowledging.
After deciding that my anniversary wasn't going to be spent focusing upon where I have been, but upon where I wanted to go, I needed to find some inspiration. Something that would propel me out of this funky-dunk I have been in. What better way to do so than to take steps in the direction of where I hope to be. I have been thinking a lot about my photography and who I am as a photographer. More importantly, I have been giving much thought to where I want it to take me.
So far, I've had some great things happen for me in terms of photography and believe me, I am eternally grateful, but I want to go beyond what I have become comfortable with. It's easy to enter photos in a contest, but what about really putting yourself out there? That's what I aim to do.....put myself out there! And what better place to start than in my very own community. It's not that I haven't given thought to it before, but back then I wasn't fully equipped to follow through with such notions. But I'm ready now!
Cody and I spent Saturday galavanting around town visitng local galleries and shops. Galleries and shops where I could potentially sell my offerings. I mainly wanted to see what else was out there and whether or not I could compete. I determined that I could and that I would. Even though I wasn't prepared to show them anything, we couldn't resist talking to the owners/shopkeepers about how to go about doing so. We did, however, spend this weekend getting some things ready so I can return prepared. This is something that will benefit the both of us. Cody can make the frames and I can take the pictures! We are the perfect combo :o)
I don't think that I have to tell you that I was beaming after such positive encounters, but it really did feel good to just do it! I should be more proactive in "putting myself out there" without fear of being rejected because it's gonna happen no matter what. It's better than not doing anything at all!!
~
I really can't thank you enough for the boundless encouragement and support this wonderful community creates. I truly feel lucky to have folks like you to share and draw inspiration from.
Thank you.
If you're interested (links):
- More insight about my surgery.
- Good things that have happened to me in photography so far: here and here
- The cards we made to sell in the local shops: Etsy shop
Beautiful shot with just a perfect quote to go along with it!! I too am a photographer; although totally amateur and interested in selling some of my work in local stores, and maybe do an Etsy store! Do you have a MySpace? There's a great photographers community on there that I frequent! Maybe you'd like to join us! If so...you can write me at cherokeefeathermom AT ATT Dot NET and I will give you further info. Congrats on your published photo! That's so exciting and the deer photo is just awesome. Recently one of my photos was selected to be published in Nashville's Capture Music City Photo Book! I was thrilled. Blessings and wishes for continued success with your photography and sales! Lisa
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain as I type this, only I think yours was more severe. My prayers are yours.
ReplyDeleteGrow. Grow. Grow. A theme by which I orchestrate my life. I smile when I see it in the lives of others. It is inspiring and refreshing.
Best wishes to you on your continued recovery. It sounds like it will be a long process, and has been a real trial in your life. I hate that we have to go through these types of things. You are very strong (even the days when it doesn't feel like it). You are. I can tell even over the intertubes. :)
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to hear about your new projects. Wonderful! You will bring sunshine into people's lives even more now. Good luck with this endeavor!
Gorgeous image and quote.
ReplyDeleteI love the fence ... I want one :)
ReplyDeleteGoodluck, well I dont really need to wish you good luck as I beleive you have the passion and the talent to step forward into that beautiful sunshine.
My friend you have a beautiful spirit!! It shines through in your photographs and your writing!
ReplyDeleteGod luck to you.. wherever life takes you!!
Well done you! Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteYou are tremendously talented and I am glad for you that you are taking this step.
Good luck my dear :o)
That's so cool. Damien and I have talked about the exact same thing: Selling photography with handcrafted frames. We already had a taste of that this Christmas, except we gave them as gifts, and they were gorgeous. I was so pleased with how it went.
ReplyDeletehttp://fimby.tougas.net/Christmas-Happiness
Good luck to you. So glad you are moving forward in exciting ways.
cliche I know BUT true in this case for certain:
ReplyDelete"when one door closes another one opens"
yea for good combos ;))a helpful and supportive partner can mean so much to success...
I will be here cheering you on WW!!
congratulations on stepping out and making a way for yourself. your photography is gorgeous and I'm sure that it will be a great success for you. I wish the very best and warmest things for you.
ReplyDeletethis will absolutely work ... I just know it! congratulations making these hard and scary decisions.
ReplyDeleteJessica NOW YOU ARE COOKING WITH GAS.ABOUT TIME. OLD POD.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your new endeavors! I loved the fence..perfect lighting and composition.
ReplyDeleteYey! Good luck getting your first exhibit. :)
ReplyDeleteWay to step out of your comfort zone! And no matter what happens, you've got a lot to be proud of, in just taking that leap!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your photo and the quote! PERFECT!
You go girl!
ReplyDeletethat's fantastic! I totally agree--it's so scary to put yourself out there, but worse still to do nothing. Good for you!
ReplyDeletehugs to you, sorry for the pain.
ReplyDeletealso, great photos, i am so happy for you.
that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI saw the shot and said out loud, "Oh that's beautiful Jessica!" You know when people talk their computers about your work that it's definitely time to put yourself out there.
ReplyDeleteIf you lived around here I'd open a shop up just to show your photography! (well, if I could afford to open up a shop.......:)
My prayers are with you. I like you, am very glad to be part of this community. I am also in the part of putting myself out there. Your photography is truely amazing and inspiring. In times of relaxation I have found myself thinking back on some of your photos. So thank you for being part of this community and sharing your beautiful photography. Hang in there, time always puts us in the right place, even if we don't realize it.
ReplyDeleteA wind wandered
ReplyDeletethrough the fence
and back again
and wondered___
about it's purpose.
I can only imagine the constant pain in your neck, and everytime it hurts when you shift your body for another shot. It makes me appreciate your pictures even more, for now I know they are presented beyond mere effort.
ReplyDeleteI'm well acquainted with pain in many ways, all my life, and I pray that your neck will be completely healed.
And I wish that you will accomplish your new goal with fruitful rewards! I'm sure that your talent will be well recognised. Go WW!
What a gorgeous image... so lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image. Beautiful saying. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteWay to be proactive in pulling yourself out of your funk! You go girl. Best wishes with the galleries.
ReplyDeleteThat's such an amazing picture. I almost tempted to print it out and put some motivational reading with it!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't think my company like me to spend their ink for this.
You are such a gifted photographer & artist. Your work flows, it never seems forced or contrived. You are going to kick some serious butt!
ReplyDeleteThey are great people aren't they. I have decided to push forward with my writing based on what some of these people have said. Wish me luck too. You are a great photographer.
ReplyDeletei am so happy for you. umpteen reasons, one because you are moving on past the climbing, time to have good memories of it and try not to miss it so much. and because you had the guts to go out a look for a market for your art. and it is art. yay.
ReplyDeleteHow about we thank YOU for just... being? And inspiring our lives everyday with your words and art!
ReplyDeleteLovies! xxx
Sometimes we just have to give ourselves a little push from within. I always struggle with finding (and keeping) the motivation flowing. Sounds like you've hit your stride :-)
ReplyDeleteI always LOVE your photographs! I think they are wonderful and you could totally sell them.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your future endeavors!