Evolution of Habits

As I scroll through former posts, I realize that the decisions I have made recently are not new. They are reverbertations of previous thoughts. My new thoughts, I believe have more wisdom or clarity. The need for actions feels imperative and freeing simultaneously.

I have decided to take a social hiatus. Maybe fast.

Purpose:
Make time to be healthy in my relationship with God, Sam and myself.

To Do:

Eat well
take time to shop
prepare tasty meals
enjoy eating tasty meals with conversation and laughter

Exercise often
pilates
walk briskly
cheese-tastic exercise videos
exercise classes at local gym on weekends.
eliptical machine

Reflect creatively
journal
blog
do something with my pictures
collage

Think originally
read essays-novels and poetry
read friends blogs
talk to family
listen to NPR
listen to Keller's marriage series
discover new music
discuss ideas with Sam

When I think about these changes I see that they are an evolution of habits I have already begun to put in place. These are not revolutions. I have aspired to these things for a long time.

I am especially excited because Sam is excited. I started to eat healthier yesterday (meaning that I started the South Beach diet- I function better with hard and fast rules when it comes to losing weight). We had no food in the house and went to BJ's with the idea of the food I would need for the next ten days. Sam is excited about the new tastes and combinations and this makes me happy. I am not doing my own thing-or trying to cajole him to eat what I cook.

Identity

Over Thanksgiving break my sister-in-law inspired me to "do something" with my photography.

I am now wondering what to do. And asking myself, "Who am I?" In one sense I am asking myself who I am as a photographer but I am also wondering about the rest of myself as well. Maybe the New Year brings about this type of reflection...

Some initial thoughts on me as a photographer:
casual
I don't take a lot of time setting up shots. I don't enjoy arranging people to get the right shot. I would rather people act like themselves and I am a bystander. Maybe in some senses an intimate bystander- meaning that the people I photograph feel comfortable to be themselves in front of me and allow me to capture glimpses of them.
the distance between people
I have long been fascinated by the space between lovers. It seems charged and magnetic at times. But I have grown to realize that it is not only the space between lovers that is extraordinary but between family members and friends. Even the space between strangers is telling. I enjoy playing with and preserving this space.
light
Currently, I am enjoying photos infused with light- light drawing out texture- light making the mundane mystical.
still life
While I don't enjoy moving people around, I do enjoy manipulating objects to reflect light, let their boldest colors shine or to have a setting that reveals a new or familiar aspect of the object.
juxtaposition
Opposites attract me. The differences between objects, people, places defines each subject. The differences can anchor a photograph and can communicate irony or deep saddness.

This is my brainstorm. Maybe one of these days I will start a blog designed for me as a photographer only :)

Snow!

Small Moments in Tennessee

family