All the Difference

by Kelly

Friends I cannot even believe that I am sitting here writing this blog post for Focusing on Life…as part of the FOL family no less!  Honestly, it is such a thrill and an honor to be a part of this amazing group of women.  All such talented photographers whose work has inspired me so much on my own journey in photography.   

Today I thought I might share a bit about photography and community.  But first I guess I should tell you a little of my story.  Now I have to confess….I hate writing about myself.  So here is the abridged version:

•          My daughter (my only child) went off to college
•          I suffered an empty-nest induced, mid-life crisis
•          I took a photography class
•          Everything changed

I know…great stuff.  I mean, how could these gals not want me to be part of their family right??

Seriously though, there really was a time when I worried that the best days of my life were coming to a close.  And so began my journey to explore my life.  Look for all that was good.  Learn to find joy in other places besides just motherhood.  

And that’s where I found myself one late summer afternoon.  Sitting at my computer when I see an email from Big Picture Classes announcing the Picture Fall month-long class.  And although I was a little unsure at first, I figured ‘why not?’

Best. Decision.Ever.

So I get my first email prompt and I take my pictures and I upload them to the gallery.  And then whoa…I get an email that someone had commented on my photo.  And then another one.  And they are the nicest compliments.  I couldn't believe it.  And let me just tell you right now that I took some really bad photographs back then.  But yet this community of ladies (many of whom also happened to be in that class) seemed to get what I was trying to do.   I can honestly say that their encouragement and support made all the difference. 

Since then, photography has become not just a way to document my family's life (although I still love that aspect immensely), photography has become the lens through which I learned to see my life differently.  And perhaps even more importantly…see myself differently.

So here I am…a couple of years later, and I swear if you had told me that I would be a regular contributor for FOL I would have either a) started bawling, or b) asked you to make me one of whatever you were having.  And while it’s true that the actual taking and sharing of photographs brings me an immense amount of joy, this community….well I will tell you it has been one of the biggest (if unexpected) blessings of this whole journey.  And I thank you with all my heart.

Love, Kelly

P.S.  In the spirit of community, perhaps you would indulge me in saying an extra prayer for my fellow Okies who have suffered tremendous losses in the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through our State.