Pacing Myself

Pace Yourself.

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use. ~Earl Nightingale~

I came across a rather thought provoking post today, something that is congruent to the thoughts that have been swimming around in my head lately. Until I decided to reply to this particular post, I hadn't really thought about forming my thoughts into any sort of conclusion about what my "deal" is right now, but I did.

Explaining that I have found myself in a slight respite when it comes to photography. Currently, I am not putting a whole lot of emphasis on that aspect of my life. It is not because I don't think it's important, because it is-very. But, I am coming to recognize that there are equally important things going on in my life that need a lot more attention than my camera. Deciding to let it be what it is (for now) because I don't want to force it. Otherwise, I am putting myself in exactly the opposite position of where I would really like to be.

Jokingly, I admitted that I hadn't a clue as to where I really wanted to be. That's not entirely true. I do know. I'm working on it. However, it is not going to happen overnight and I can accept that.

Lately, my focus has been on:

~Preparing for a garden
~Rebalancing household duties
~Going to bed & waking up earlier
~Actually doing things with other people (flesh friends)
~Lending a creative hand to PACT (Newsletter, flyers, t-shirts)
~Design ideas for a book containing remembrances of our last trip
~Organizing piece by piece (Currently working on my bedroom--clothes)
~A Cooking Class that will teach me various ways to prepare what will come from the garden and our CSA.

This week has been especially busy, but I'm enjoying it (I will also enjoy my 3-day weekend!). I am really making an effort to open myself up for new and interesting experiences. Things I have been foolishly sheltering myself from for far too long now. If I take a few less pictures because I'm too busy thinking about other 'stuff', so be it--my harddrive will thank me!

Posted in Photostory Friday, Hooked On

Reminder {1}

Be Light.

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Light of Mine

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~


Let it shine.

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Hope is like *Magic*

The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes
a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
~Henry Miller~


At the moment I am focusing on being more conscious of happenings.
So far, I have discovered some fascinating things!
{see above photo}

What are you noticing?
please share

In Light

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

~Louisa May Alcott~


I can't for the life of me determine why I have, at the moment, turned in to a woman of so little words. I am relying heavily upon inspiration from others who quite often enrich my life. This week, it's in pictures and textures, as well as thoughts and dreams. Bringing me to reality is a nearing anniversary that is so very hard for me to come to terms with at times. I can't help but miss the gal I used to be despite the fact that I am happy with who I am. Times are hard, indeed. I really think that this is the time of year where I revert to quite spaces that only I can reach. I'm taking steps and making plans, but the progress shows otherwise. I know these things take time and a willingness to keep on going no matter what, but patience is just not my strongest virtue. I feel like there are some great things marinating at the moment and will reveal themselves in good time, but what about now!?!? I have so much to share, but no energy to properly introduce my news/ideas. But, I will. Cross my heart.


p.s. thank you for the wonderful response on my previous post, I know I can be very cryptic at times, but believe me, you should be so happy not to hear about all my grumbles and gripes.
Besides, this is my happy place!

Posted in Hooked on & Photostory Friday

Collecting Light

I found some sunshine...

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.
You have to catch it yourself.
~Benjamin Franklin~


After a lazy day on Saturday, Cody and I redeemed our weekend
by going to a Renaissance Festival today, we had soooo much fun!
I hope to have some photos from todays excursion by the end of this week.
I also have a field trip to Chimney Rock in the works - that was last weekends outing.
Between getting all these photos together, I have other preparations that need to be made
for a trip back to my hometown for Thanksgiving. I am really looking forward to seeing my
family and friends......its been a year since I've been back home!!!
It's going to be a busy week!

In other news:
The giveaway will be closed as of midnight tonight.
I will most likely announce the winners on Tuesday.

Also, take the Ecological Footprint Quiz.
I did - click to see my results!

Article: 7 Misconceptions about plastic & plastic recycling.

Interested in learning about various green alternatives available to you?
Here is a list of projects that offer recommendations based
on a particular area of your home or simply explore.
Low Impact Living : Green Projects


I hope you all found your own bit of sunshine this weekend,
I know I did :o)

Moments : Shooting the Moon

Illuminated



it cast a haunting glimmer



everlasting light

The night sky is a miracle of infinitude.
~Noelani Day~

Etc.

• The prompt for this weeks haiku: Never-ending.
  
• My intent was to go to Bass Lake to get some fall color shots last week.
• We didn't make it before the sun started going down.
• We stayed to shoot the moon because of a suggestion from another photographer.
• I was glad that I took the strangers advice - even if it was cold & I was hungry.
• I need to practice night shots more, I don't do them enough.
• The days are getting shorter. I barely make it home in time for good light.
  
• Maybe I need to make a lightbox so that I can take photos inside!
  
• Speaking of inside, we have gutted our laundry room, it looks so much better.
• I forgot how big that room was......it was so cluttered. Now, it's a brand new space!
• I will work on more excursions this weekend, so look forward to some fresh outings!!
  

I hope you all have a terrific weekend!

Posted in
Haiku Friday , One Single Impression , Photo Friday & Sky Watch Friday

In Nature

For Lydia

Wordless Wednesday


Where do you find silence?

Golden Insight

Haiku Friday



Lovely morning light
casts an incandescent glow
I am filled with warmth



I really enjoy having a bathroom window to peer outside
when the morning light is at it's best.
This particular morning was like no other.
The morning light filtered through the trees
captivating every bone, and molecule in my body.
I rushed outside to record the splendor,
and watched it fade as the sun continued to rise.
I wish that's how I could start everyday......


How do you like to start your mornings? Comment in haiku form if you'd like :)

If you're interested, there's another shot over on my {366} blog. Link

*Luminescent Essence*

Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought. Our brightest blazes are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.
~Samuel Johnson~

A couple of Cody's friends are in town this weekend and they are staying with us.
After breakfast this morning we headed to the disc golf course in Ashe County.
We were only able to get through half of the 18 hole course since they were holding a tournament.
It was a very scenic course, we had a fun-filled day.

On the way home, we took the scenic route through Todd.
Bordering the New River almost the entire way,
it was a leisurely drive that we all enjoyed.

We ended the day cooking out.
The kabobs were delicious!

Hope you're all having a great weekend so far.

...:::The Shining:::...

There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.

~James Thurber~




This week I plan to hold the BIG giveaway!!
I have finally prepared the six magnets to send out to their new homes.
Thanks again to everyone who played along with the first giveaway!

Other than fireworks on Friday, we haven't been anywhere this weekend.
The weather was not very favorable, it rained quite a bit.
Good thing it held off for the festivities, I love fireworks!
I'll share some photographs with you soon.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend :o)

-WW

Splendor of the Sun

View Large On White


May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.
~Irish Blessing~



Today, I took it easy....under doctor's orders,
well, the people who administer my Acupuncture treatments.
I have gotten into a very bad habit where I stay up to late, so I've been exhausted lately.
Although I made up for that by sleeping in until 11!
Initially, I felt like we wasted half the day, but since we just sat
around anyways, it didn't so much matter.
Tomorrow I think we'll go on a good long hike,
and I'll take some, or a lot of photos.

This is going to be a BIG week....
It is is nearing my blog anniversary,
and I am also getting ready to take a new step.
During this transition I plan to do some giveaways,
please stay tuned during the week to see what's in store!

Hope you're all having a great weekend so far.

*Stellar Sphere*

A human being is part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole [of] nature in its beauty.

~Albert Einstein, 1950

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For Those Open to Awareness:


The Story of Stuff: Do you ever wonder what lies beneath it all? Or how our consumption may impact the world around us? With over 1.5 million viewers this very informative eye opening video will give you all the facts and more. There are some alarming details that you may not know, but should. Please, take the time to watch this video and pass it on to others who may benefit from it as well.


and while I'm on the subject...........


Chris Jordan's
Running the Numbers Series: (Once on website, click "Running the Numbers" to see pictures) Each image portrays a specific quantity of something: fifteen million sheets of office paper (five minutes of paper use); 106,000 aluminum cans (thirty seconds of can consumption) and so on. "This project visually examines these vast and bizarre measures of our society, in large intricately detailed prints assembled from thousands of smaller photographs. The underlying desire is to emphasize the role of the individual in a society that is increasingly enormous, incomprehensible, and overwhelming."



*I really wish that I could see this exhibit in person, so that I may fully comprehend how colossal the numbers really are. Some of you may not be the type to take information of this sort to heart but it truly affects me in a big way; the most that I can do is make sure that you are exposed to the same information in hopes that it may have a similar influence. Thanks in advance for taking the time......and please let me know your thoughts on these ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Formula For Living

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world.
This makes it hard to plan the day.
~Elwyn Brooks White

Quick Review

• My most favorite 'freedoms' are WEEKENDS.
• I'm trying my best to find inspiration in the ordinary.
• My {366} Photographic Project is keeping me enthusiastic about taking photos.
• I have a new technique that I've been dying to try out. I finally have all the materials, and hopefully I will have something new to share soon.
• We've stayed close to home this weekend; I hope to get outside today.