Adrift in a bubble

I've never thought of myself as a very passionate person.  Probably the only thing I'm close to passionate about is my photography.  I realize it's because I can see the world through the lens and not have to be directly involved in it.  I can be on the outskirts blurred into obscurity.  Unnoticed, uninterrupted, under no obligation to respond or interact.  Maybe that's why I take more pictures of objects, scenes and animals rather than people.

My imagination can be set free through the lens.  I come up with a "picture" in my mind then hope to capture or translate it onto film/mega pixels.  It's fun to see the results.  I'll admit it can also be frustrating when the end result refuses to mimic the image in my mind's eye.  But those so called failures are only avenues to new successes.  Several dozen pictures typically lead to only a couple keepers.

Photography is my way of leaving this world and going adrift in my own bubble.  Capturing the big picture then absorbing all the intricacies contained within.  Time slows and sounds wither near to silence, my breathing relaxes and my mind opens up.  Colors seem more vibrant, the tiniest details appear larger than life.  Or perhaps today those colors would be more luring if showcased in varying tones of black, grey and white.  Or maybe stepping back blurs the details and showcases the towering mountains in the big picture.  The possibilities are endless!

It can be the perfect hobby for a person with a short attention span ~~ subject matter can change moment to moment.  It can be a never ending challenge for the perfectionist ~~ beauty in the eye of the ever critical beholder is hard to attain.   It can be a curse for someone who refuses to give up ~~ just one more angle or exposure or shutter speed.  Well, I'm all of those things rolled into one.  I know it can be exhausting if you're unlucky enough to be around me in my photographer mode.  Which is why I reign myself in and rarely take photos any more unless I'm alone or with someone who knew the purpose of the day was to explore and take time to really see the world with me.  My imaginary bubble bursts, loudly, when I know my passion is an inconvenience for those around me.  And, you're right, I sometimes don't know when to say when.  Sometimes I don't want to.  Sometimes it's my way of finding me again.  And if I ask you to come along with me and my camera it's because I value your company and have allowed you into that part of my world.  If I don't ask you to come along, it just means I need "me" time.  Nothing personal.

Anticipating the end product is like being a kid on Christmas morning.  It's a great feeling to see the frozen image come out exactly the way you envisioned it.  For all the seemingly selfish "me" time spent out in the field, I have to admit there are a number of photos taken because I know someone who'd love to have them.  THE BEST FEELING of all is seeing the smile a simple photo can bring.  Like when, without knowing,  I captured the happy essence of a little girl fishing for the first time, eyes bright, smile beaming.  Her mom got a little teary eyed with happiness as she held the photo.    It's those moments that make my passion worthwhile.

Soul Mates

It lived there alone.

In a small room

Warmed only

by a dim light.

Needing to be noticed.

Seeking to be understood.

Knowing it may wither

in the echo of silence.

Without warning

another

came along.

It entered.

Unannounced.

The golden glow

of the warmest light

now filled the once tiny room.

This visitor was not a stranger!

One had not lived alone

but rather apart from

the Other for a lifetime or more.

The minds and bodies long ago

returned to the Earth.
Physical lives long forgotten.

But what of their Souls?

Spirited away

unto the wings of time

Quietly given safe harbor
until

Fate released them into new forms

Perhaps never to meet again.

Yet

On this night

They did meet again.

Their eyes gazing into one another.
Never parting

Two danced as One.

A perfect dance.

Unrehearsed.

Floating,
twirling,
stepping
in perfect time

to the melody of

Her heart.     

His heart.

Her soul.      

His soul.

Intertwined as One
as they were meant to be.

Residing no longer in a tiny room warmed by a dim light.

~~PJ

Start with a Whisper

You found your words. You found your voice. You grow with each experience you're able to voice into those words.

Let go of little pieces of pain and two things happen. 1) You have room for more good things inside of yourself. 2) Those little pieces you set free fill voids in other lives who receive them.

They float away in each word you whisper, like seeds blowing in the wind, softly touching down on other lives as they go. The pain, hurt, anger, disappointment, disillusionment and God knows what else has been held in your hands, heart and soul for more than long enough. Because you choose to be in touch with Our World, you've molded, polished and beautifully shaped dark moments into shimmering points of light. Sun. Solara. You. The light of day burns brighter than any darkness. It's the light of day that gives tiny seeds the strength to sprout when no one notices them doing so. Before long the most brilliant green of a tiny leaf appears, unfolding. Blink again and there's the most beautiful blossom where once only dark Earth lived. You've brought so much into the light of day for so many people just by whispering. Light. Understanding. Permission. Hope.

I count myself lucky to be your friend. Again. We knew each other somewhere before this life and our paths have intertwined once more. I love you. Sister spirits. You and me.

Baby steps, frog leaps, snail pace or lightening speed. We're in this together.

(This was written for a friend of mine.  She found the courage to write about a part of her life that had caused her pain for years.  Although her story which prompted this posting is private and has found an appropriate forum in which to be told,  I wanted to share these encouraging words with you too.  Sometimes life's experiences, good bad or otherwise, need to see the light of day.  No one has to go it alone.)