To See with Fresh Eyes

In still moments by the sea, life seems large-drawn and simple. It is there we can see into ourselves. ~ Rolf Edberg

“What would you think about taking a long weekend trip to Costa Rica for our anniversary?”  This was my husband’s question to me several weeks ago.  At the time, I was knee deep in taking down the decorations and getting the house back together after the holidays so I didn’t give it too much thought…I responded with, “Sure, dear, that sounds wonderful!”

As our trip got closer though, I got more and more excited. And as I expected, it was a perfect weekend in every way. Time alone with my husband. A beautiful resort located by the beach. Warm and sunny weather. A relaxed atmosphere. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would appreciate this time away…how much I needed this time away.

I have always maintained that there is beauty and magic and joy to found in my ordinary life. It’s the driving force behind all of my creative pursuits.  And I still stand behind that statement wholeheartedly. But to be honest, lately it has been a struggle. I have been struggling. It feels like real life has been chipping away at my soul and clouded my vision.

This is why I think it was so refreshing to get away for a few days. To allow for some time and space from the routines and responsibilities of everyday life. To allow for some perspective.  To see things differently.

To see with fresh eyes.

This is what photographers do.  And in my own experience, everything good in my life has been a result of seeing things differently.  It was the answer to my identity/mid-life crisis.  It was the new-found abundance in my empty nest.  For me, this ability to see life differently has been the greatest gift of my journey in photography.

Thanks to our time away, I was able to see my present circumstances with fresh eyes.  But whereas in the past, the hope and encouragement came with seeing how things could be, this time, the comfort and peace came with seeing things as they truly are.

I don’t want to leave you with the impression that this is a negative thing, because the truth of the matter is that I feel quite liberated.  It has allowed me to identify some specific actions which have already helped bring some quieting to my emotions.  The other areas of my life which are causing me some anxiety…well, it’s not as simple.  But because I am now able to see more clearly, I am resolved.  I am at peace.  And I am grateful. 

Until next time,

Kelly

Come Away With Me

by Judy

I know, I know.  In my last post I talked about the joy of coming home, but now I'm ready to take off again, and I want to bring you along. 

This past summer I visited a special place that I want to share with you.  While on vacation, my family and I dragged ourselves away from our beautiful beach in Ocean City, Maryland to visit Assateague Island. 

Assateague Island is a 37 mile long barrier island that is located off the DelMarVa coast (Delaware/Maryland/Virginia coast).  The Northern 2/3rds of the Island are in Maryland, and the Southern 1/3rd of the Island is in Virginia.  On this island, with its beautiful white sand beaches, salt marshes and pine forests, live up to 150 feral horses.  

Some people believe that the horses arrived on this island when a Spanish Galleon ship sank offshore in the 1600's. Others believe that early Colonial settlers brought their horses to the island to graze and to avoid paying taxes on them. In 2013, a Spanish ship wreck was discovered in the waters off of Assateague, which lend credit to the first theory, and in my opinion, is by far the more 'romantic' theory of the two!

If you read Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" as a child, then you read about the horses of Assateague. Chincoteague is an island on the Virginia side near Assateague Island.  As part of the population management, each summer there is a Pony Swim. Some of the horses on the island are rounded up and swim across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island where they are sold in auction.  If I visit again, I'd love to photograph the horses as they swim across the channel!

The horses enjoy the marsh and sand dune grasses, rosehips, bayberry twigs, and persimmons. They wander all around the island.  They can be seen feeding near the marshes, strolling the beach, or sleeping under the shade of a big pine tree.  They may walk right beside you, without seeming to even notice you!  

The dune, marsh and forest habitats also provide feeding and nesting for shorebirds, songbirds, raptors and water fowl.  

This is a special place. These horses have learned to survive severe storms, intense heat, abundant mosquito's, and a sometimes limited food supply.  As visitors to this island, one must remember to give the horses all the space they need to be "wild."  Keep your distance, no feeding, and no attempting to pet the horses!  

Assateague Island is carefully managed by both The National Park Service, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Visiting a place like Assateague can be a great learning experience, and certainly a great way to see survival of the fittest up close and personal.  At the same time, the more visitor's places like Assateague have, the more danger of damaging the important habitats, and disrupting nature at its best. 

The National Park Service, along with the Fish and Wildlife Service, ask that all visitors to the island tread lightly and respect the horses and other wild life on the island.

 

I love visiting unique and special places like this island and I know that the world is full of wonderful gems like this! What are the little gems near your home?  Is there a unique and special place that you enjoy visiting? We'd love if you'd share some photos with us on our Facebook page or our flickr group.  Add a link, or some information about the place. Who knows, one of your little gems may inspire one of us to visit!

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."

-Kahlil Gibran-

Here We Come

by Terri

Taken in November, 2015 at the Love Sculpture in Scottsdale, AZ

Today I am looking back to almost a year ago when a few of us gathered for our annual FOL retreat. Unlike our retreat in 2014 where we had a 100% turnout, last year there were only five of us but that didn’t stop us from having a wonderful time together!

I’m remembering last year especially today because tomorrow morning I will be boarding a plane to Chicago where I’ll meet up with Deanna and Dotti and from there we’ll fly to Newport, Rhode Island for this year’s retreat.  Again, not all of us will be there but the ones who can’t make it will be sorely missed. We plan to make the most of our time together, laughing, talking, shooting, eating and enjoying each other’s company, as we always do whenever we’re together. This trip has been in the planning stages for it seems like forever and now it’s almost here! 

Taken in November, 2015 in the Barrio Historico, Tucson, AZ

This group of women is so special to me and I can’t wait to spend time with them. It seems we grow closer as the years go by. This year I’ll be joined by Carol, Deanna, and Dotti.  Also along for the ride will be a long-time friend Michele Yacovello.  We have many things planned but the thing we always look forward to the most is being with like-minded women who really understand the photographic passion. That “meeting of the minds” is so rare and so precious. 

Taken in November, 2015 at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ

So look out Rhode Island!  Here we come to take on all of your wondrous beauty, your lighthouses, mansions, beaches and whatever else you have to offer. Here we come to share in this beautiful friendship we have built and to delight in just being together. Stay tuned because I know we will all have a lot to share when we get back!