I was pleasantly surprised with not one, but two blue jays on my back deck this morning when I had just adjusted the settings on my camera and was holding it and aiming at the window. Perfect timing. I only captured one of them, but man, how gorgeous are these guys? LOVE their pretty blue color.
Yesterday, I left the first intentional space or hole in my project. First one in 2+ years that I am going to leave and not fill in. And to be honest, it is really hard for this perfectionist to do that. Thinking about Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season that is upon us, I decided to cut back on 365 for lent. I've never participated in lent before and thought that this year would be a good time to try. A time to refocus myself on what is important. A time to take a break from the stresses of looking for photos, and editing and posting daily. I've gotten to where I am resenting it and not as much enjoying it anymore.
Time for a break. I've said it before and then don't take one. This time I intend to force myself to lay off, to rest, to recharge and to get my life and priorities back. That is what I intended this year to look like with my project, but it hasn't yet. I still post daily and even started up a new group, Mad Hatters.
I will still be around, I will still post if I have something to share that I love, or that I feel is important and I will still be posting weekly on Mondays @madhatters. If you are not following us, check us out. It's a really cool project where seven of us are doing different themes and trying to tell stories with our shots. I am loving the team effort and different takes on the stories and themes. I also like that we open the themes up weekly for anyone who wants to participate.
Thank you your support and wonderful comments this year. Sorry for my lack of replies and maybe less commenting than before this year. I really am trying to put my family first, but it kills me at times that I can't do it all. I appreciate you.
You sound as if you have too much on your plate and I think you are very wise to be doing what you are! You have captured the sweetest colours on this bird - almost like a budgie!
Such a sweet photo and poignant message in your narrative. I admire your decision. 365 and photography is wonderful and all consuming ...but you and your family must come first. I'm a perfectionist too; you've given me much food for thought. Let's leave some blanks ...there's no 'blank police' :0) x
I love this shot! Fav! I know where you are coming from. I was going to try to just post when I have a picture but haven't been able to have an empty spot either since I started back. When I finished the first year I stopped cold turkey but seems like it's all or nothing. Do what's best for your family. We will all still be here. Really enjoy your pics!
Love those little wispy feathers on his side! Gorgeous capture of a beautiful bird.Have fun doing the things that make you happy Amanda! See you on Mondays!
What a beautiful bird, Amanda. I love its colors and detail. I admire you so much for all that you do and all that you have brought to 365. So glad to have connected with you and happy you will still do the mad hatters posts. It takes a lot of time and energy though it is hard to keep away from here as we all know. Enjoy your family. FAV
These were one of my favorite birds back in the old days in Connecticut. Beautiful photo with him checking you out. I'm way behind on everything, thanks largely to 365, so I understand. Good idea using Lent as leverage. Good luck!
Wow, Amanda, I totally empathize with the time issue but will be sorry to see less of you. You are super talented and have so much personality. Take it easy and I'll look forward to your next picture, whenever that will be. I'll just sit her patiently.
Beautiful shot and the bird is gorgeous. You are such talented photographer with such a creative mind and I have enjoyed tremendously your posts and looking forward your next post. Enjoy your break and I will see you on Madhatters :)
LOL.....just saw you gave up 365 for lent. Too funny. I get a bit OCD about leaving blank spaces, so I'll have to think of something else. Well actually I did yesterday ---- do a good deed a day. Anyway, what a beautiful shot of this blue jay and it's a fav!
i'm concentrating now on just one album, except if i have to participate in a theme like the macro-march. i didn't get much use of my camera when i was in manila and that sort of set me back and lost my photo mojo as you call it. in hindsight, i should've just followed my guts and used my camera in the streets, to hell with being mugged. but i gave in to my fears and it didn't help that i got sick.
you are great with this so while trying to balance family and what you like to do, try not to give this up altogether. nurture yourself as you nurture your family. you're doing a great job all around, kiddo.
you are great with this so while trying to balance family and what you like to do, try not to give this up altogether. nurture yourself as you nurture your family. you're doing a great job all around, kiddo.