This chair was abandoned on a bridge near my house and I thought of the Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge (2020 Week 12) when I saw it. It’s an interesting setting with all of the metal bars on the bridge; so many lines and shadows!
Normally that bridge is open during the day for pedestrians, but since it’s locked up right now (no school kids walking by) the chair has taken up residency.
As I said before, this social distancing hasn’t really affected “my routine” since all of my classes are online right now, but the eeriness of it all is still so odd. I have no fears, but I DO wonder how the ending will play out. There will be so much fall out; domino effects, ripples, repercussions and consequences. Life will be changed for so many.
Anyway, I think the dilapidated chair surrounded by bars says it all.
I’m interrupting the Alphabet Game for a little abstract fun. A big thank you to Brashley Photography for the challenge, and for the extremely useful instructions on “How to Twirl in Photoshop.”
This is my submission for Photo of the Week-53-Abstract, and how fun it was to make!! These are a few of my favorite fuchsias, incognito, with a little country twang to help them twirl in rhythm.
It’s been REALLY hot this week. I’ve been spending my time inside, trying to stay cool—and thinking of ways to be creative.
I went through my archives, looking for ways to use old images in new ways. I stumbled on an old family photograph, and I couldn’t help but notice that the whole clan was wearing sneakers.
First of all, I took this photograph yesterday while riding with my son. I noticed the yellow lines in the mirrors and the Which Way Photo Challenge instantly came to mind. I realize I’ve already used the “rear view mirror” idea, but I had to do it again because I really enjoy how the lines repeat, but they don’t line up.
One of the things I love about word and photo challenges is that they provide you with a little direction. The blank canvas isn’t quite so “empty,” because you’ve been given a prompt to draw upon.
I found several old road trip photographs while (still) sifting through my archives. I believe this one was taken in Utah. My boyfriend (at the time) wasn’t one to make pit stops, so my head was hanging out of the window most of the time—taking pictures—when we traveled together.
I thought this was a good candidate for the Which Way photo challenge today. The fact that you can’t see where we’re going; only where weare and where we’ve been was the inspiration for the Haiku. Maybe road trips really ARE a bit like life. And relationships.
The rain did, indeed, arrive today and we had some exciting lightning and thunder earlier this afternoon. That being said, I’ve put off my errands for now, and hope to get to some of the word challenges soon.
This photo challenge seemed like an opportunity to make some art out of an image I’ve had around for a while. These seats are/were located in the small (and beautiful) town of Buena Vista, in Colorado.
We were lucky to have three months ‘without‘ snow when we lived high in the Rocky Mountains, so taking the 35 mile drive was like going to heaven for a day. As we made our way down, the sun would start to shine, the air would warm up… and the snow along the highway would dissolve.
It was a pleasant surprise to spot this outdoor seating arrangement, and sit for a rest just above the Arkansas River.
Late last night, as I pondered what to write about in my next post, the question âwhat are you trying to accomplish here?â came to mind.
I thought about how my blog started—how I wanted to share the story of my recovery, and offer words of âhopeâ to other people who were still suffering—and then I thought about how the subject matter has twisted, turned, and evolved over time. Â
I wondered if certain words that Iâve written were (or were not) necessary; whether or not they conveyed anything âpositive or upliftingâ to the person they might reach, or if they were just âfiller.â
The bottom line is that I want to write words that matter, and I critique my words harshly⊠reprimanding myself at times for being hasty; not thinking things through carefully, or failing to do my very best. I think it boils down to two things: impatience and perfectionism. I always feel rushed—like there’s some ‘imaginary’ deadline I have to meet—so I zig zag around to get things done at warp speed and then, sometime later, I look back to question everything and point out the imperfections.
Needless to say, the only thing that emerged from all of my overthinking was a bunch of unnecessary stress.
As I laid down to rest, I did what comes naturally now…
I surrendered.
I listened to my music, turned everything over to God… and I allowed my body to relax… as the tears rolled down my cheeks. They werenât tears of sadness or frustration, mind you; they were tears of peace, tears of joy, and tears of love. Surrender will do that.
For todayâs Which Way Challenge, I decided to use this photo because it reminded me that striving too hard, or failing to surrender, is like trying to force your way through rush hour traffic. You can push and prod, change lanes frequently, honk your horn⊠and even shout obscenities, but the fact of the matter is you wonât really get too far. Plus you’ll suffer from self-inflicted stress, and probably piss off other drivers in the process.
Surrender, on the other hand, reminds me of my road trips. I know it will be a long journey, I know I’ll run into traffic, and I welcome the unexpected detours. I relax, play my music, go with the flow… and soak in the scenery.
And if anyone asks me which way I’m going, I answer “hmmm… I don’t know… wherever the road takes me…”
There are so many awesome photographers that I follow, and each time they post their beautiful black and white photographs (and color too) I get inspired… so for that I want to say “thank you!”
Your images brighten my day.
Anyway, I thought this photograph from my days in Colorado was perfect for this particular challenge. The sign is obviously confusing once the snow has finished thawing (Snuck the Word of the Day challenge in there too).
That’s about all for now. I’m going to work on the weekend writing prompt: Foundations, and that’s a great word so I’m going to take my time on that one.
