This past year and a half has been life changing to say the least and I’ve been absent while trying to sort it all out; and that absence includes an absence from joy and peace in life as well.

My ability to do as much as I could even six months ago has been drastically reduced. Even holding a camera for more than a couple of minutes is challenging at best. Having no idea if this is permanent, temporary or even what is causing it in addition to the long and frustrating journey to find out – I’ve had to work my way through many difficult emotions as well, and I still am.

But last month I reached my limits. My birthday was approaching and I was shocked that so much time had passed with me sitting in offices, being scanned or being sleep deprived due to pain – instead of outside with nature. My husband, knowing my sorrow and frustration, surprised me one day by coming home with the backseat of his truck full of flowering plants and bushes.

His kindness and the brightly colored flowers were the final piece to light a spark in me. So I set a goal for myself and told no one. I would spend one month capturing as much of the beauty of nature as I could, whenever and however I could, right in our own backyard.

That month ended today, on my birthday – that was my plan. So last evening at 11:45pm I got up, made a cup of coffee and stepped out under the full moon. As the clock struck midnight and in the split second I officially went from being sixty-five to sixty-six, I watched the full moon rise over the trees and took a deep breath of fresh air to start a new trip around the sun, grateful.

With the moon casting shadows across the hills and yard, the fairy lights twinkling under the flowers, the sounds of owls on the hill, the scent of roses and the breeze gently blowing… it was exactly what I needed; that and a little midnight-moon-meditation.

While I sat there, multiple quotes about time came into my mind and I knew, it was time to openly return to my photography even if I had to alter things a bit; after all that is life, always and forever changing whether it’s our choice or not; and this morning a smile came back to my heart as I gathered the photos and sat down to write.

 

Cheryl