I walk here so often, that it does run the risk of feeling ho-hum, or even, dare I say it, ordinary. When I feel this, it’s time to bring my camera. It’s time to notice.
🐦
“Effie…I will not be pigeon-holed.”
Sometimes I like to imagine birds having conversations.
Especially pigeons. These were far off, but body language still talks.
the details at 1.4
The discarded things, the tiny moments.. how light hits, how hair falls.
How time outside is magic for anyone noticing.
at 7am
Small things seen at sunrise, are so easy to miss in the morning midweek rush.
to beg
Finding myself
who normally rejoices
in the darkness of winter,
never one to need anything to come alive
on my behalf,
begging for Spring
the hope of Seasons.
3 Variants
I recognize I am air in varied states of holding and letting go. At times, too much is contained which forces the release. Other times I am light and free, invisible, having let go of the weight. Often, as is today, I am holding things, unable to rest, unable to release, a mist seen but not felt. The idea is there, but it is both too much and too little to transcend.
Shoestring #5
To end this fun series, I chose my favorite portrait, and possibly the most recognizable. Britt Lower (aka Helly R) playing “Queen” at the Shoestring circus, after filming season 2 of Severance. Dope that I am, despite being a huge fan of season 1, AND being very braggy about never forgetting a face, I had no clue who this was. My mind was in circus mode. I simply snapped this image of a pretty woman playing ukulele on a tent.
I may have even accidentally bumped into her while she welcomed people and showed them their seats before the show, but I can't be sure 🤣. Had I realized, I would have told her just how much I appreciate her work, because good art is good art, regardless of the medium. Still, I'm thrilled to have caught this portrait of an artist I admire.
For now, this concludes circus week. I’ve set the reminders in my calendar to purchase tickets April 2nd, and you can bet I’ll be attending again, camera in tow!
Shoestring #4
An acrobatical abstract,
where the performer isn’t
the only one holding her breath.
Shoestring #2
Being a pure spectator is difficult.
I spend so much time looking at the world in photographer mode, thinking about what I see and feel, and how to convey it to others visually. The process of shooting images is a process of remembering for me. In the age of everyone having a camera, living distracted, moving at breakneck speed to the next thing via a screen, that can seem counter intuitive.
Photography is a practice of slowing down. Of examining feelings, moments, and light. I struggle to do this without a concrete tool, something in my hands to remind my brain to calm itself and be in the moment..but I’m working on that.
ANYWAY, these ladies were amazing. This is looking directly up in the air, while they performed a gorgeous physical duet. The costumes, the smiles, the flawless execution.. Golly I love performance art!
Shoestring #1
One of the interesting things about living in a semi-small, liberal arts town is that you get access to quirky goings on. Many things have changed in Bellingham over the years, but thankfully there remains an undercurrent of artists, performers, creatives, and the like, people interested in making investments in our community through creativity, talent, and fun. I’m more than happy to support these events. Having kiddos makes it extra fun.
In honor of tickets going on sell in about a month, this week I’m sharing a few photos from the local/regional 2024 Shoestring Circus. A friend of mine invited our family to the inaugural performance two years ago, (thanks Teizeen) and we’ve been hooked. This year they’re expanding, again, because guess what? People love the circus. People appreciate exceptional talent, goofiness, cotton candy…Check out the link above if you’re in the PNW, looking for a fun summer activity.
Hopefully you enjoy this visual departure from my normal mood. It’s spring, after all!
inscrutable
the Galvanized woman
who sees it all, spread before her,
the necessary intuition,
the overwhelm that comes from being
unable to compartmentalize.
Galvanized woman
who moves to find her heart beat in anything,
in ultrasound focus.
oh the inconsistencies, oh the insecurities.
Inscrutable nothing.
Inscrutable everything.
a song
the music of this mist is such
that what can’t be seen,
can be felt and most certainly
will not be forgotten.
Lake Padden, Washington, via iPhone 15
CYH No. 1
The blue heron makes a sound like the world is ending.
Ripping like doomsday through the air.
a regal beak, a torrential sound.
I thought life might be over, if you’d heard it too, you’d know.
Don’t be spending winters staring at ghosts.
Get out and talk to the living.
Winter Morning
Softly, softly.
🕸️
Webs on a trail in Washington State
partner, confidant, friend
We act in our own best interests when we…let them guide us, because in the eyes of those reflective, open hearted creatures, we can never be too joyful, too beautiful, too free.
-Linda Kohanov
Sessions like this are at the heart of why I love photography. Connection, nature, camaraderie, and golden light. All of it good for the soul of both the photographer and the subject, no matter what either is going through. Beyond grateful to have spent this evening with these two.
the gateway
the feeling that you might end up somewhere else entirely,
depending on where you step,
to veer off trail is to find yourself losing yourself,
which, depending on who you ask,
can be lovely
or alarming.
Fall Fire
Red
Red, existing in extremes,
unable to be anything but itself.
Commanding passionately at the far end of this visible spectrum.