Thursday, January 28, 2016

On Faceless Selfies and Difficult Decisions

by Judy



 I have loved this month's theme of faceless selfies, and not just because I really dislike being in front of the camera.  I've realized that one can learn a lot more about a person from a faceless selfie than from a "regular" selfie. We've learned that some of you are dog lover's, tea lover's, scrapbooker's and butterfly farmers.  Without ever seeing your face, we know you!

Faceless selfies are a creative way of telling our story, and is probably something that we should all continue dabbling in throughout the long winter to keep our photography muscles flexed. The above photo is my faceless selfie. Hot, black coffee (no sugar please), piles of files and paperwork, notes to myself,  empty wrappers, well, just a horrible mess that unfortunately is engulfing me. Right now I'm working at the end of my kitchen table because the desk in my home office is so overflowing I had to move to a new spot. I couldn't bring myself to photograph the actual mess that is my desk. Ugh.. Which brings me to some sad news to share.  

I have been juggling a lot over the past year, juggling more balls than I am skilled to juggle.  Over the past few months, I've been dropping a ball here, a ball there, my rhythm has been off, and of late I feel like I'm trying to juggle with one hand tied behind my back.  

Sometimes in life we have to walk away from things that we love till we get a better grip on all the stuff of life.   This will be my last post here at FOL .  I am so blessed to have been a part of this group, and so unbelievably blessed to know all of the women here at Focusing on Life.  I consider each of them a friend for life.  It's been a joy getting to know all of you too, through your kind comments and photos that you've shared.  Thank you.  

No, life doesn't always go the way we want it to, but even throughout my stress and turmoil, I know that I am a lucky woman in so many ways.   My FOL sisters have told me that if there comes a time that I can collaborate with them again, I am welcome to do so.  I am keeping that warm thought in the back of my mind as I say so long, for now. 

XO  Judy




12 comments:

Dotti said...

This makes me and everyone of us sad that this day has come. I hate it that life has gotten to be such a challenge that you have to make this decision but I quite understand. It's been a joy getting to know you, to soak up your beautiful photos and your lovely words. But it's not 'good bye', it's just 'so long' until life has enough sense to get its priorities straight. Love and big hugs to you, my friend for life. xo

Carol said...

This just makes me so sad. It is beautifully expressed, and I am sending all the love and support I can! you are very wise to recognize what you have to do. I hope life gets easier for you and that you can keep in touch. I will miss your writing and your beautiful photography skills, and you!

Cathy H. said...

Judy, I've followed your writings and photography since your first post. I am going to miss you greatly. I'm praying that life will settle for you and hoping that you'll be able to return to posting with these wonderful ladies.

leigh said...

You will be missed Judy! Love you!

terriporter said...

As long as this post hadn't been written, I could fool myself into thinking it wasn't going to happen. But it has and now we have to say so long for awhile, but definitely not goodbye. We all hope we will see you around this space and also hope that things calm down for you. Know that you will always be a part of FOL. We will miss you but are all praying for your happiness and peace. Lots of love coming your way from your FOL sisters. xoxoxo

kelly said...

I am sorry that the stuff of life is forcing you to take a step back. I will miss your voice and your photos here. But I take comfort in knowing that I will always have you for a friend. Sincerely hoping that life settles down for you soon. Sending you lots of love my friend. oxoxoxo

Linda said...

I hope you find your balance soon. xox

Anonymous said...

When I saw the title I say to myself uh oh…I will really miss you too Judy -- your words and images and genuineness. I've been in your position and had to rebalance at key points in my life when things got too much. I feel sure the day will come when things will be different…in the meantime I hope you don't let your camera be lonely. Pick it up for yourself, if not for us...

Sarah Huizenga said...

You have to do what is best for you Judy. I always respect people making difficult but well thought through decisions.

Roxi H said...

Your comment about moving to a new spot because the desk was overflowing made me laugh. Been there before. When I actually STOP and clear out all my messes I finally can breathe and think more clearly. It can be hard to just stop tho. I've loved all the faceless selfies.

AFishGirl said...

Ah Judy, your posts and your photography have been a great joy to watch. I applaud you for listening to yourself and knowing when you need to get some room and not keep all the balls in the air. Take good, good care of yourself. Thank you for the joy you've brought me by being here. Pam oxoxo

Deanna said...

Shoot, I don't want you to leave. I know that life is tough right now, but I am really hoping you return when your life settles down. I so enjoyed meeting you in Galveston and hope that you can join us in the Fall.

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