Reflections

PART ONE

The first thing that I noticed about my featured image—once I finished it, uploaded it, and was able to see it up close and personal—were the imperfections. Some lines too thick, some too thin, and a few that need smoothing. I think some of that happened when I added the lighting effect. Regardless, I had to laugh at my nitpicking because that is my default response and my writing prompt tonight was leading me right in that direction. It was like some weird kind of self-fulfilled prophecy!

Tonight my prompt is to imagine myself looking at my reflection, and to describe what I see and any emotions that it evokes. I was excited to try another stained glass image, so I found one that was fairly simple so I could do it quickly. When I pondered what I would say when I saw my reflection, I thought about the things that I normally tell myself… “damn girl your hair looks bad,” or “wow, is that a pimple?? Another age spot??” I know I’m not alone when it comes to this kind of “reflection self-talk,” because a lot of women are prone to it. At least the women that I know.

When I noticed the line imperfections in my image I had to laugh. My mind was churning in the same fashion that it does when I notice a wrinkle!

Anyway, I don’t think this prompt should be about outer beauty. That’s too easy. Or maybe too cliché. So… I’m going to think on this one for twenty-four hours and then write it. I think PART ONE was about realizing how quick I am to find fault in myself, or my work, or my art. So PART TWO will be to write the things that I would like to say to myself, or the things that I need to hear. I think I’m worthy of that. We are all worthy of that. As I read earlier this week…

“You are amazing…
Own that shit.”

See you tomorrow for PART TWO. Feel free to use the prompt if you feel the urge!

I’m Reminded

I’m reminded,

Of my younger days…

Growing up,

Was on my mind…

A house,

A yard,

And picket fence.

The perfect mate,

I hoped to find.

I’m reminded,

Of growing older…

Staying young,

Was my desire…

Smooth skin,

Thin shape,

Longevity.

The extra income,

That this required.

I’m reminded,

Of how far I’ve come…

Looking back,

With peace today…

Presence,

Wisdom,

And awareness…

That I’ve been wishing,

My life away.

My poem is my brief version of what’s been on my mind lately. I’m tired of thinking. Ha! I’ve been focused on my Quarantine Collection and pondering the things that I’m coming to appreciate through all of it, and it finally hit me that what I really need to do right now is just STOP.

More often than not, our best ideas and experiences come to us when we’re least expecting them. We need to keep our thoughts positive—and that I truly believe—but we can’t manufacture joy or gratitude. These things come through living, not through thinking.

Anyway, the phrase “wishing my life away” has been circling round my brain and driving me nuts. My poem (and my featured image) was my way of finally expressing it. I’m leaving tomorrow to visit my sister for a week, as my summer semester has ended, and I’m not only looking forward to hanging out with her, but to her wonderful A/C. All I can say is… Yahooo!!

I may or may not post while I’m there, but I will definitely have my camera in hand while I’m enjoying some new scenery.

Until next time,
Peace & Love, and Thank You for Reading!

Word of the Day Challenge: Reminded

_{My featured image is a new portrait piece that I experimented with this morning. I hope you’re able to make out the girls in the photograph. It’s always hard to know. I see them because I know they are there, but fresh eyes may or may not recognize them all.}

Looking Back

Looking at your past is not a bad thing. Not to brood over it, but to cherish fond memories; see what you’ve done right (and wrong); and to learn from your past mistakes. When you take it all in and reflect, you figure out what’s worth repeating, what you should do differently next time, and—more importantly—what you should never do again.

Continue reading →

Into the Unknown

Haiku #5

Enigmatic Path,

Shadows and light intertwine,

Past and present merge.

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 we are 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.

Which Way Photo Challenge: January 31

New Perspectives

Oftentimes I tell the people I meet about my transformation; how much I’ve changed since entering recovery and coming to believe. The way I usually describe it is that all of these changes are internal… they can’t be seen. Well, aside from the fact that you won’t “see” me drinking anymore.

Sometimes I refer to it as a “new attitude,” and other times I say that a lot of it has do with “gratitude.” Even so, I still find myself complaining or whining at times (especially when I play softball), but I’m able to recognize my behavior, pull out my tools, and work on fixing the problem.

While pondering the word angle—I realized that looking at life, myself, and others from different perspectives is probably one of the KEY factors behind my transformation. My new attitude stems from seeing things from new angles, and the ability to do so keeps me grateful.

One of the greatest things I learned in recovery was that I need to look at my own reflection when something is bothering me, because… as they say: No matter where I go, there I am.

It’s easy to feel discouraged, hopeless, irritated or angry when you believe that everything ‘outside of yourself’ is the cause of your condition. When you learn that YOU hold they key, and that you have the ability to change how YOU feel or react to these things… well… suddenly the world looks totally different!

—Janet

RDP Tuesday: Angle

Life is good and God is GREAT!

Late Afternoon Stroll

I haven’t given up on my new series, but I really wanted to do something today to chill out. I finished the second of my three weekly graphic design quizzes, and those tests really stress me out!

This is Bricktown, Oklahoma City again. A little darker and more dramatic than the last photograph I shared of this town. The heat here in the valley today makes me feel like I’m melting, so it’s been nice to imagine myself here, sitting on that bench in the picture.

It looks so shady and cool!!

Hope you are having (or had) a beautiful, blessed Sunday!

Life is good, and God is GREAT!