I've been quiet for quite some time. I've been doing a lot more listening and a lot less storytelling. Lately, however, I've been feeling that call to action that I can't ignore. It's a scary calling because I don't feel as if I can eloquently communicate what is trying to get out. My words these days are pictures.

I often hear “I want to go on a photowalk with you!” I don't think people really mean that because I'm fairly certain my "walks" would bore them out of their mind. My walks are less about walks and more about stillness and awareness. They’re about first being aware of what’s happening in my inner world- how I’m feeling emotionally, physically, spiritually in that moment, and then how I’m connected to the world around me. I see things that reflect my inner state of being. Nature somehow symbolizes what I am unable to put into words and there’s a peace that washes over me when I feel this relationship and knowing of “Yeah, girl. I get you.”

Another thing I often hear is “you have that fancy camera to help you take great pictures.” I feel like that’s like telling the artist her painting is beautiful because of the brushes she used or the chef his food tasted delicious because of his high-end utensils. Sure, I love my cameras and they support me in freezing some amazing moments in tough conditions. Most of the photos I’ve taken when I hear this response, however, are with my phone. I have an iPhone 11. I don’t use any apps or filters. The world is magic enough without them. The art of seeing or noticing has little to do with the instrument used to freeze the moment and everything to do with the eye of the beholder. When I compose an image I get in touch with the feelings I want to express and the story I want to share. I'm patient. I take time to see the dance between light and shadows, to let lines and shapes pull me through a narrative, to open myself up to all of the information being revealed to me. I'm curious. I play. I believe this is what connects viewers to my images.

When I look around, I am often lost in awe and wonder. I know my way of seeing and being is different. I can’t have conversations about the latest tv shows, sports events, or what’s happening on social media. I would much rather sit outside and be wowed by the natural world. There’s overwhelming vibrancy and aliveness. In the apparent stillness one can notice the constant change that we miss when we are not paying attention. Where most people see the mundane, I witness miracles. In this space I am filled with an abundance of love and gratitude. Though I am often alone, I feel connected, seen, heard, and known. I often feel like Alice in Wonderland wondering if I'm insane or if I'm one of the few sane ones living in an insane world. When I'm caught up in "the real world" I get lost in the weight of stress. I'm constantly battling the gremlin in my head reminding me of my shortcomings. I get angry at injustices and I feel helpless. When I step back and switch lenses, forget the stories, walk out without the judgments, the labels, the knowing, and just observe, I am reminded of the intricate design we are all a part of. The world doesn't make sense. It's not always kind or calm. There is a rhythm, however, a beauty, a balance and I see all of my uncertainties unraveling into the masterpiece before me. I realize I have so much to learn- and so much to unlearn.

The time that I take to stop and notice a moment and connect with what’s before me is a workout and nourishment for my spirit. It’s breath to my soul. The light that floods my eyes, the vibrations that fill my ears with melody after sweet melody, the breeze that awakens my olfactory nerve and tickles billions of skin cells over my entire body heals me, fuels me, and awakens me. Whatever state of awareness I had about my physical, emotional, and spiritual state when I started transforms into an energy I don’t even know how to begin to describe. There are no words or concepts in our language that explain the power of being in relationship with the present moment. And so, I won’t even try. What I will do is share some of these moments from the past week. These images will tell you more about my heart, my mind, my spirit than my words ever could. I will also challenge you to try this once a day for one week. Take 10 minutes. Go outside. Experience it with all of your senses. Notice what is calling your attention. Sit with it, stay with it, communicate with it, and finally, when you know what needs to be expressed, take your picture. Share it with someone. Maybe if enough of us do this we can slowly turn conversations away from fear, war, and politics to love, connectivity, and gratitude.  Maybe that’s me wanting more people to share this with. Maybe that’s me being a dreamer- and like the man said, I have to believe, I’m not the only one.

Here's to telling the stories on your heart ❤️ 

LOVE BIG. LAUGH LOUD. HUG HARD. WRITE ON.

*All photos in this post were taken with an iphone 11. No apps or filters were applied.