Seeking Balance by alophoto

Seeking Balance

I am so needing better balance these days. Especially during the move and all that comes with it and the holiday season. I'm not doing a great job keeping up on here. Please forgive me for my lack of comments, replies and participation.

Trying to work out whether or not to continue with year three in another month or so, too. Part of me thinks I should quit, part of me loves it too much. The too much bit worries me. At least it is not alcohol, drugs or something harmful to my body, but...I need better balance here. And don't know if I am capable of it going full time again.

At Paul's fabulous suggestion, I posted a flipped version in my other album: http://365project.org/amandal/themes-challeng/2013-11-26
Beautiful shot
November 26th, 2013  
Looks soo cold but beautiful muted colours.
November 26th, 2013  
Love the tones here, you could always go part-time?
November 26th, 2013  
@aslessknownsu I think that is the only way. And I will probably need to keep myself to 3 days a week or less. Something. One thought is only posting when I have something I think is amazing or particularly inspired. I don't know... Thanks, Susa!

@fueast Thank you, Alison!! It was lovely out...and cold!

@ziggy77 Thanks, Jo!!
November 26th, 2013  
Gorgeous image.
I too am considering my options on year 3 - still undecided.
I hope you have better luck making that decision than I am.
November 26th, 2013  
You won´t quit. I can feel it! You´re a fighter, a winner.. and a talented artist. LOOK AT THIS PHOTO!!! It´s gorgeous, dear! take it easy, ok? We all love you! xoxo
November 26th, 2013  
Hi Amanda, I can so understand how you feel. I am a lousy commenter as well and on friday I will travel back home where the same weather awaits me … I like this capture for many reasons (NOT for the weather) but it is authentic and you found a great pov. The reflection is great and it IS a capture :o) Relax and make yourself a hot cup of tea (or whatever will get you warm).
November 26th, 2013  
Amanda don't beat up on yourself so much. You have too much going on in your world. And don't make big decisions while in a dither over everything else. My year two is my way. Sometimes I post and sometimes right now life just gets in the way. I think that is OK. I would hate to see you quit all together - and so would you. We can start a group, Hi, My name is Cathy and I'm a shotaholic!
November 26th, 2013  
Love the atmosphere, the reflections and the 'grayish'
November 26th, 2013  
wonderful! i love the reflection and wintery feel to it! amazing capture!
November 26th, 2013  
very beautiful winter photo
November 26th, 2013  
Beautiful reflections
November 26th, 2013  
What a lovely shot. If you were to turn it ninety degrees counter clockwise it would make rather a splendid tree shape!
November 26th, 2013  
@steampowered Oooh, I like that idea. Perhaps, I'll add that to my other album. Thanks, Paul!!
November 26th, 2013  
Beautiful reflection - love the muted colours too. I'm going to cut back next year (year 3). Def not doing a photo everyday and I'm going to upload a few photos at a time. I need to stop spending every evening on here. Enjoyable for me but not so much for my OH.
November 26th, 2013  
@rachelwithey Yeah, I feel that I am way less present for my family and life than I should be. I want to start figuring out how to get paid, and write, and...Thanks, lady!!
November 26th, 2013  
stunning Amanda
November 26th, 2013  
Cut back, but don't leave... please! :) A few comments and posts will be far better than none. It would be sad of you disappeared....

I love the stark beauty of this shot. Beautiful image... and I agree with Paul's fascinating suggestion.
November 26th, 2013  
@gailmmeek Aw, thanks, friend. I think I will just be very sporadic. I did post Paul's suggestion...such a good one in my other album. See link above.
November 26th, 2013  
Great shot Amanda and just love the flip version! To complete two years will be an amazing achievement!! You could have a much more chilled out approach next year - comment and post when you want - no stress - you have such a busy life at the mo! I love this project, but it can kinda take over your life and free time!!! We must be mad! LOL : ))
November 26th, 2013  
Ah, the original of the Christmas tree -- a beautiful photograph on its own. I know what you mean about better balance and whether or not to continue into year 3. It's a hard decision. So of course I've put off making it.
November 26th, 2013  
Jo
What a great shot, comp and reflection, but it looks mighty chilly out there!
November 27th, 2013  
Meg
Very nice
November 27th, 2013  
Caz
Lovely shot, love the flipped version too :) I'm having the same dilemma about going onto year 2....not sure yet.....
November 27th, 2013  
Kev
Wonderful composition, Amanda. Top draw.
November 27th, 2013  
Stunning capture and love the dreamy feel of it. I totally agree with you about finding a balance. It's certainly not easy.
November 27th, 2013  
What a gorgeous shot, Amanda. Love the reflections that you captured. You can always post once a week or comment once a week, but up to you. I wish I could stay consistent but I cannot so will post as I can and try to keep up with others photos as I can. FAV
November 27th, 2013  
If you look back at my project, you will see a big hole in April and May. My wife was having serious surgery, was in the hospital 13 days, and had a long recovery period. So, I put the camera away and thought I was done with 365. Now I'm back in a more relaxed role. My point is, when you have something big going on, like a move, it is OK to set stuff like this aside. You will probably come back to it eventually in some capacity. You would sure be missed, but it isn't worth stressing over.
November 27th, 2013  
You're not alone. My current project is very spotty but the photos mean a lot to me and I still enjoy posting the few I can upload.
November 27th, 2013  
@darsphotos Thanks so much, friend. I loved this one, too. Really appreciate the affirmation. I also changed my profile photo to the zebra shot. Thanks again for liking that!
November 27th, 2013  
Everyone loves you and your photos too much, Amanda! However you must pace yourself and not feel threatened! This pic reminds me of holland somehow!
November 27th, 2013  
Amanda, this is just so lovely! A Fav for me!! You are such a big part of this community and would be terribly missed if you were gone forever. You know that it is okay to pull back after having given so much!!! Your inspiration is so amazing!! This is a tough time with your move and the holidays. Take to time to enjoy the process if you can.
November 27th, 2013  
Fav instantly! Commentary on the flipped version.
November 27th, 2013  
very nice
November 27th, 2013  
Lovely reflections and balanced shot. Don't feel bad if you can't comment all the time - I have days when I just post and run away too... People understand. If it becomes a chore we'll lose you forever, so we don't mind losing you for a few days.
November 27th, 2013  
love this....the color...well, lack of color is fabulous!
November 27th, 2013  
Lovely cold looking reflections. I wouldn't agonise too much over 365. My solution is to cut down the number of people you follow and comment on in Y3. I went from following nearly 300 to around 70, and I can cope with 365 so much between. I regularly unfollow anyone missing for too long, or who follows me and then stops commenting on my photos, and it keeps it manageable. You have to live with less trips to the PP and TT (though that may be because my photos are crap!), but it does mean a lot more when you get there. I also rarely comment on people's comments on my photos. preferring to save the time to comment on their photo's instead. I think 365 without my quirky, zany friend Amanda would be a far lesser place, and I hope that we can find a way to keep you whilst giving part of you pack to yourself and your family. Take care, funny lady!!
November 27th, 2013  
Great misty reflections & I love the atmosphere!
November 27th, 2013  
Beautiful scene. Easy does it! I too myself now dont comment very much its jus too much for me. I do believe it could eat away at my time. I cut down the number of people I follow too & post on the photoes I wow at most
November 27th, 2013  
Perfect reflections, wonderful composition, so atmospheric. Beautiful
November 27th, 2013  
That is a wonderful composition! Gorgeous reflections. Didn't think grey could look so good.
November 27th, 2013  
PS i am full of admiration that you managed (will complete) 2 years, let alone a third! Just don't know how you do it, but you would be greatly missed if you weren't here.
November 27th, 2013  
Very calm place!
November 27th, 2013  
I like the symmetry and the hint of colour. We would all miss you if you gave up completely - why not just take a break or cut back a bit?
November 27th, 2013  
Once the move has happened you should feel more yourself I'm sure. It'd be a shame for you to stop posting but don't feel compelled to comment. Relax and enjoy Thanksgiving. This shot is certainly very calming xx
November 27th, 2013  
Lovely shot. Moving is very stressful, you'll find your balance once the dust settles.
November 28th, 2013  
Sweet reflection shot. Really nice :)
November 28th, 2013  
Well talking about balance. You have capture quite the balance in this shot with amazing reflections. Don't quite I'd miss you, your wonderful smile and your wonderful talent. Just take it one day at a time, when you have time. FAV
November 30th, 2013  
Here's my take. It's the photos that matter most. I love commenting when I can, but the level that I see most doing, well, I count how long that takes, and most really just don't have that time. I don't at least. But I don't think anyone feels like you have to comment on everything. I don't and I know my friends know I care about their work and that I see it! I'm not completely absent, of course, but the pressure to "keep up" is so self-imposed in the end. Take your breaks, breathe, and take care of business at home. Don't stop taking your photos. Do what you can. Here endeth the lecture...(stepping off box now...:)).
December 2nd, 2013  
@cathrinemitch Thanks so much for the fav, sweet lady!! Hope to stick it out and maybe go part time as needed. Thanks, friend!
December 2nd, 2013  
@darylo Love you lecture. Thank you for that!! I need a good slap to my senses sometimes;-). Here I thought I'd take a break and posted the next day.
December 2nd, 2013  
@seanoneill I've been hacking at my list like crazy. It's rather agonizing, sad and fun all at once. Hope that helps and just letting go of the commenting when I don't have time. And I will post when I can/when I feel like it, too. Thanks so much for your great comments!
December 2nd, 2013  
@eyesmile Thanks so much for the fav, lady!! Just cutting back and we'll see if I can finish. Maybe, I can after all...just a few weeks to go:)!
December 4th, 2013  
i love this....especially the additional triangle shapes it creates in the negative and positive spaces! and the desaturated look as well!
Hats off to you for staying strong for 2 years!!!! i am behind and barely have enough gumption to complete my first year. I love it, but posting and commenting is killing the people i live with and around! I LOVE getting to know people here and telling and hearing everyone's stories, but i will be backing off on year 2. my husband misses me and thinks i went "crazy" for a while there. it increased the love of photography in me, and for that i am ever so grateful!
December 5th, 2013  
@moreyoulessme I can totally relate. I go through times where it causes tension between my husband and family and I. I just wish I could do the balance right on my own. Next year, if there is a next year, will have to be majorly different. Thanks for your kind comments, Jerri!
December 5th, 2013  
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