I try to be open to receive photos in overlooked places. The coffee shop that places little vases of fresh-cut flowers on each table and the morning sunshine that is their stage. The flower farm that tosses the spent zinnias into a compost heap in a haphazard way that happens to look like art.
Braehead Farm, Friday Morning, Summer 2026
One of the most effective strategies I have for letting things go is to turn my focus outside of myself. Photography, like most creative work, strengthens the observer brain, shifts focus, and helps us to get out of the rumination loop. It just feels good to receive pictures in this way.
Slow Fade, Summer 2026
There were days when I all did was wait for this bouquet to decay. I checked on it each day over the last 2 weeks, but did not add water, did not trim dead petals, did not rearrange. I just watched and waited and noticed the changes. A sustainable life makes room for days when I have lower energy, days when things do not go as planned, days when an afternoon nap is required. Sometimes the new arrangement is simply to accept.
I am not a fan of forced optimism. I need time and space and ways to process disappointment and heartbreak. But I am also deeply aware of the many things in my life that bring meaning, and in that meaning, there is an abiding joy. The flowers continue to inspire me; they lead the way and I try to follow.
I talked to a flower farmer today who assured me that she would have beautiful varieties of fall flowers through October. So I guess this project will continue through until first frost.
It’s taken me a while to find my footing in the still life work, but I’m finding my groove now. Well, except for one area—leveling the tripod. Help! I can see straight by looking through the viewfinder (which I usually do first). BUT, I cannot seem to replicate what I see when I look through the view finder using the tripod. There are so many things to adjust, and it’s all a bit wonky. I have an ongoing search online for videos to help me learn this basic skill. I’ll let you know how it goes.
