"Lots of people go mad in January. Not as many as in May, of course. Nor June. But January is your third most common month for madness." 

— Karen Joy Fowler

January was full of life and death. It was walks on cloudy, dark days along the shore of the bay, and dinner out on Thursday nights. January was taking inventory of friendships, letting go of grudges and misconceptions, and the feeling of coming home. It was quiet moments with good books, lots of poetry and the sound of Pádraig Ó Tuamato voice holding me mesmerized each night as I went to bed. January was learning once again to pause when I feel overwhelmed, slowing down to notice just what it is I am feeling and taking note. January was full of Percy time, understanding the importance of play by allowing him to lead, knowing I am privileged to be along for the ride. It was Frosty the Snowman, made up games, looking for deer, noodles at every meal and so many stories. It was also the month of his 3rd birthday. January was making peace with my camera and this creative outlet that fascinates me so, and understanding that if a photo moves me I am doing it right. January was leaning into life head first, coming to the conclusion that there really is no other way to do it, and still feel alive.

January kicked my butt, and yet, I feel as if I have finally stepped into my life on solid ground.

“A flower does not use words to announce its arrival to the world; it just blooms.” 

― Matshona Dhliwayo

The blooms of this winter daphne always catch me off guard. I noticed the tiny, pink buds a couple of weeks ago, and then forgot about it. But there it was yesterday, blooming. It grows in the yard of a neighbor, so I don’t see it every day. But I have to tell you, when I saw that splash of pink yesterday, my heart did a little dance.

This is three . . .

dinosaurs and blocks, excavators, and garbage trucks, animals, and strong options, lots of opinions.
pasta and fruit, mom’s tofu and dad’s bread, snowmen, which have no season, and books, lots of books.
he brings a deep joy to my life, a tenderness I have not felt before, sometimes the blessing is almost too strong.

This is three, and time flew by so fast.

“One very important difference between color and monochromatic photography is this: in black and white you suggest; in color you state.”

-Paul Outerbridge

Early morning, all alone in the kitchen, getting ready to feed the dog and make my latte.
It wasn’t quite pitch black outside, but as the photographer, I feel I can take liberties.

“When you approach something to photograph it, first be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence. Then don't leave until you have captured its essence.” 

― Minor White

For years I scolded myself for not getting out more with my camera…
Out of my back yard, my neighborhood, my little town.
But no more . . .
Nowadays I make it a challenge to see what I might find of interest right in plain site.
Something I might walk by daily, something that tells a story.
Even if that story is a bit confusing at first glance.

“The restlessness and the longing, like the longing that is in the whistle of a faraway train. Except that the longing isn't really in the whistle—it is in you.”

― Meindert DeJong, The Little Cow and the Turtle

I always stop to listen what I am doing to listen to any train whistle, always paying attention to what arises inside of me as I listen. What is it I am longing for, what do I grieve?
Taking a moment to answer these two questions, is always enlightening.

“...I would never choose a subject for what it means to me. I choose a subject and then what I feel about it, what it means, begins to unfold. ” 

― Diane Arbus

We take photos for all kinds of reasons - these two are for hope.