Last year, I expressed my intent to stop procrastinating, and to begin doing some of those things that I’ve always had a longing to try. One of those longings was photography. Now, I never desired to be a professional photographer; no, I simply wanted to know my way around a camera in order to take pictures that I can be proud of. During the latter part of 2010, I unpacked the relatively beginner’s Canon SLR camera that I’d purchased 18 months before, and began the laborious process of learning by doing. At this rate, it’ll be years before I can even claim amateur status, but that’s okay. Although I have scores of photographs that I’d be loathe to show anyone, there are some, like the ones that I used to create the above collage, that make me proud of my efforts. It may not be enough for some, but for me, it makes my heart happy.

“There are moments in life that define us and determine the degree to which we are willing to allow the vital essence of our being to dictate the direction of our path. It can even feel like life is spent waiting for these pivotal moments that lead us down the road to discovery. The connection that we awaken to may be the inner world of our own beauty, the love of a lifetime or the freedom of a realisation to change your life’s course. Some connections are so deep that they take you by surprise. You do not see it coming and suddenly you feel your heart opening, your body relaxing and your mind filled with joy. One day we wake up and realize that everything has to change, our job, our house, our career, everything. It is not always the things you feel immediately attracted to who find their way into your soul. Sometimes you realize that a hobby is actually your life’s work. Or a long-term friend suddenly reveal themselves to you in a smile or a glance so that you see the true depth of your connection. These small moments can be the disarmingly powerful epiphany moments that take us into the arms of our destiny. Once encountered, it is something that we cannot walk from no matter how hard we try.” ~Kino Mac Gregor

“Listening is a creative force. Something quite wonderful occurs when we are listened to fully. We expand, ideas come to life and grow, we remember who we are. Some speak of this force as a creative fountain within us that springs forth; others call it the inner spirit, intelligence, true self. Whatever this force is called, it shrivels up when we are not listened to and it thrives when we are.” ~Kay Lindahl

Blessings and peace, Lydia