The Pathway of Life

by Linda

After too many months, my BFF and I went out for a little walk about. In this case, my BFF is my camera. She has been sorely neglected but she never complained. She waits in a very visible place that I pass everyday, always ready, always waiting for the moment I pick her up and take her out.

She was ready. I was ready too. The impetus for this was some other friends in my life, this blog and the amazing women behind it. I continue to be inspired by each one of them in many different ways.

I believe people and things are put in our path on purpose, for a reason. It wasn't an accident I came to know these women. They were placed in my path at exactly the right time and I will be forever grateful for that.

Leigh, who could be my daughter, shares my love for Santa Fe. She owns a successful landscape business and is mother to two wonderful children. Her photography style is uniquely natural and focuses on nature. She captures nature in new and beautiful ways. I couldn't be more proud to know her.

Dotti is a grand mother, like I am, that is blessed to care for her treasure after school like I do with mine. I have come to learn we share many other things in life too. How comforting it is to know there is another person who understands the different things life can throw at you. Her photography reflects her life. Sweet and unpretentious. Just like Dotti.

Terri is a pillar of strength and grace. She is a touchstone, a sounding board, someone you know will always be there to listen and offer her heart. She is kind and compassionate, she is the one with the knowledge to make this blog look so seamless and put together. She makes me want to up my technology game. And visit a butterfly or botanical garden!

Kelly is just as sweet as she appears. Always ready to offer an encouraging word and a big smooch hug, her photography style is unique to her and impressive. You know it's a "Kelly" before you even read the byline. She is a wizard at capturing the golden hour. She makes me want to be a better photographer.

Cathy, although I have never met her in person, I have known her for many years online through various photography endeavors. Her photography style is simple and stunning. She uses what is around her and finds beauty in overlooked details. From her, I learned to keep my eyes open and appreciate the beauty around me.

Judy is another busy, hard working mom. She also pays attention to the details in life. Just as she is, her photography is filled with color. She has a way of showing me the little things in life in bold beautiful color. Her pictures make me happy.

Carol is a force of nature. There isn't anything she can't do. She is fearless and it shows in her photography style. She will find something remarkable, photograph it and tell you in great detail what is so remarkable about it. She always make me think.

Deanna is delightful. I have great admiration for her. The way she has handled the struggle that became part of her life when her dear husband began his battle with dementia is nothing short of pure courage and strength. Her photography style reflects her perfectly, strong and courageous and beautiful. She makes me aspire to be a better person.

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All of these women are remarkable. All of these women would give you the shirt off their backs in a heartbeat. They make the world a little sweeter.

I am blessed to know them.

I am blessed to be in their company through this blog.

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Thank You for Sharing My Journey

By Carol

I am not great with details. I am probably the worst proof- reader around ( as anyone who receives my text messages can attest.) Usually its because my mind is minutes ahead of my current thoughts and lightyears ahead of my fingers! If you had asked me how long I had been knocking away at this blog, I would have answered - 'oh......roughly 3 years....." Well, it recently came to my attention , from those who pay more attention, that we have been collaborating here at FOL for 5 years now! Aside from the rewards that we all write about frequently, ie the wonderful friendships that have developed here, I think one of my greatest benefits has been the development of a creative habit.

For many crazy-busy, young years - years with marriage and children and work and friends - I said I was "interested" in art. But being interested in something and practicing it are two different things. Finding a way to actually incorporate art into my life has been life-changing, enriching, enchanting!

It started by learning my camera through and through. It progressed through joining communities here and online to share methods and ideas, which was actually making time for practice and familiarity. My progress took a huge leap the year I did an online picture a day series about my kitchen table. Seeing and documenting the same scene daily was hugely instructional, both mechanically (using my camera, studying technique) and creatively (coming up with something new, seeing things in detail.)

FOL has forced me to sit down and write every other Monday for 5 years. That meant that I thought about photography and creativity at minimum twice a month - but in reality so much more often, as I began to keep journals for ideas, and to think about my posts. I went from the specific to the generic as concentrating on photography blossomed into interests in writing, sketching, watercolor, multi-media. Trying many of those things has led me to be back in touch with old friends who are artists, and helped me to meet new friends from all over the world with common interests. I am continually amazed at the individuality of art. Everyone sees things differently and  loves different aspects of it. People can see art in their breakfast, in a rock, in textiles, buildings and raindrops. Its so inspiring to see an idea that is completely new to me!

There is nothing more stimulating for me than cross-pollination.
I am increasingly interested in the Urban Sketch crawls, in the same way that I have been traveling to my photography workshops and gatherings all these past years. A friend recently opened a studio and mentioned that one of her goals is to have an artist night weekly where people can just come and work on their various projects together, over wine and conversation. I predict great success from this idea - and I would bet money that it will result in amazing creations!

So thank you FOL! My wonderful friendships with my fellows here at FOL, and the people within our extended FOL family are thoughtful, supportive, loving, loyal and deep, but they are also instructional, inspiring, enriching and expansive. I am eternally grateful for this part of my life! Thank you one and all!