This is my 366th post in this space. On January 1, 2017 I will have been blogging for five years. I honestly never expected to make it this far.
We are only a few days away from entering the last month of 2016. While this year has been filled with change, loss, and frustration, those things have also made me stronger and more determined than ever to do something with the gifts and talents I have been given.
As much as I dislike change, I am also feeling the need for it. I always harshly judge others who stay stuck in the same rut, doing the same thing year after year, so why should I be the exception to my judgement.
I am not sure I want to continue in this space in 2017. Five years is a long time, maybe it is time for a big change. Maybe it is my renewed focus on photography this year that has stirred this need for change. Maybe it is the unexpected joy that my 52 week photography project is bringing me.
Maybe it is seeing how good my photographs look in a story telling space like Adobe Spark. Maybe it is my need for more photos and less words.
Maybe it is signing up for a year of Kelby One photography training, or a year of Vivienne McMaster's self-portrait photography classes that fuels the fire for change. Maybe it is reading an e-book like Stories of Home by Kate Densmore that makes me want to explore documentary photography.
Maybe it's a deeper exploration of self. Maybe it's just that time of year.
Maybe it is time to create my own website. Maybe it is time to finally get that portfolio done.
Starting Monday, December 5, I am going to be Celebrating Impermanence with Kim Manley Ort for three weeks. I am going to explore the resistance to change, the need for change, and some of these "maybes".
The end of December could have me exploring a new space, or slipping back into this one. Either way I will continue to change.
19 comments:
Lots of lovely images, Sarah to go with your word of 'maybe'. Change happens, whether we resist it or not. It will be interesting to see where all these thoughts and plans lead you! I am also doing 'Celebrating Impermanence' with Kim. I know I shall enjoy the journey!
I guess I am just plain selfish. I don't want you to quit. I enjoy your photography and the commentary that goes with it. When I see a blog like yours I always get inspiration to try harder to to improve my photo experience.
PS: I am one of those people in a rut. I have been doing my blog since 2005. I got off to a very slow start but I now know where I am going.
Lovely photos Sarah and will watch to see where it is you are heading. Growth is always a necessity for creativity and you certainly have lots of great ideas here
Ditto Andy (the part about your blog). I'm also enjoying your 52 week project, although I'm not sure if there is a way to add it to a feed (which would be really great). I love following along on your photographic journey and projects - hoping I'll have the time to do one someday, also. Your photos are beautiful for this post - I feel like I'm on a journey. You need to do whatever feels right for you - I hope you'll continue to share pieces of your journey in some form whether it's on this space or another.
Ummm - I think I overused the word "journey" - but you know what I mean...
The best part is inviting and reflecting on it all.
It brings ones soul into "spark and light."
Excited to see and hear where "change" leads you . . .
Love ~
I think 2017 is going to be a year of changes. Whether those changes are positive or not, I hope to be able to respond to them positively. I'm hoping Kim's "Celebrating Impermanence" will be an inspiration in the right direction! I'd hate to see you give up your blog, but I know you'll still be around in some version or other. You've gotta do what you've gotta do!
PS - These are gorgeous photos! I love the light.
Sarah, I hope you continue to blog. I love your posts. You inspire me to pull out my own camera and explore. I have been posting a photo a day in November on Instagram. I have just been using my iPhone camera but am longing to pull out the big girl camera and learning how to use it all over again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kate
Sarah, I have to add my hope that you will continue to document your days in your blog, or a new space... but to keep images and words together. You weave your stories so eloquently, and your photographs are an inspiration to me (and to many others, I'm sure). I enjoy checking in to see where your camera has taken you. But I understand the need for change: just as we change and grow, so does our voice, and the things we are inspired to record in words and photographs must follow along. I look forward to hearing how you like Scott Kelby's class; I've been a fan for years.
Sarah, I'm also one of those who hope you will continue to blog, to share, to inspire, to bring us into your world so beautifully. Your blog is a like opening a special note from a friend, one who shares her thoughts and words, illustrated with images that twine joy into our lives. Inspiration is a talent, and you definitely have that. Where ever you decide to go, I hope we get to share it with you.
Jen
It's always so hard to lose blogging buddies...but at the same time we've all gone through these feelings of change. Sometimes you just know. What ever you decide to do Sarah...I'm rooting for your success xo
I must make a case for you to stay. When I first discovered your blog the first thing I did was go back and read all your coffee shop chronicles. I guess you will never know your influence unless someone tells you so I am telling you how great your blog is. I love seeing your pictures and getting inspired to create photography on my own. I also love that you have such a good way of writing and expressing yourself. I realize that you must grow and change but I implore you to keep up with this lovely blog.
It seems change is in the air. I've always enjoyed your blog, but I also enjoy your storytelling at Adobe Spark. When you find your niche and make your decision, I'll be there! Now, saying that, I do hope you continue your blog!
It seems like an exciting time, Sarah.
Whatever you decide, I will look forward to visiting you there.
Hello, it is always the end of the year that makes us pause and reflect. I believe in doing what makes you happy, if your heart is not in it, it becomes a chore. In time you will know... I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I am very excited for you whatever you decide. Change can lead to wonderful adventures. I am always inspired by your posts but I know you need to follow your heart rather that leads through blogging or some other means....
Wonderful images to go along with your inspiring words.
I may be selfish but I hope you opt to stay.
It would be a great loss if you left.
diane @ thoughts&shots
I love reading your blog and learning about books, classes, and the new projects you are or have worked on. Your photos shine with love warmth and a creativity that capture your unique style on that day. No matter how you decide to share a part of yourself I hope you will continue your creative journey.
You have done a wonderful job of capturing an early winter walk and its beauty. It is that time of year isn't it? Thinking about changes we want to make and the coming year. I have felt the need for change this whole year, but in December it seems more urgent. It is definitely a time to reflect. Whatever direction you decide to take I will enjoy following along. You keep me inspired to go out and have adventures, even if some days they are just in my backyard. :)
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