The Evolution
Posted on 14. Aug, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in Life Dream, Outdoors
I started blogging in 2001 (back when blogs were called diaries). I began incorporating photos into my blog in 2003.
I do not pretend to be a photographer. I do not know how to use the settings on my camera, nor do I particularly wish to. I do not aspire to amass a dark room full of tripods and flashes. I don’t think I even take particularly good pictures. But what I do pretend to be–and aspire to be–is a person who understands people, and, above all, I aspire to understand myself.
I am always searching the faces of the people I meet, trying to understand how it is that they are feeling–and the same goes for myself.
Cameron took the above photo of me a few days ago. I like this picture because it captures the essence of how I’ve been feeling. To me, I look happy but dazed and a bit overwhelmed. This photo sums me up perfectly.
I’ve not been writing here lately for a variety of reasons. I can feel that I’m going through a life transition, and, when I read back through my hodge-podge of blog entries over the past six months, I know that this is true. (I love blogging. It’s my barometer.)
I feel that in order to keep my love of writing and blogging happening, I am going to write more freely. I’d like to post more frequently. I’d like to let my mind meander freely. I’d like to close my eyes and let my mind flow through my fingertips. That’s what works best for me and that’s what feels so good about writing these words.
I feel that I’ve boxed myself in, and I don’t want to feel boxed anymore.
Please stay with me as I continue this journey and investigate life’s big questions.
Kerry
Aug 14th, 2009
hey, we’re with you on this journey, neighbour!
Michelle
Aug 14th, 2009
You’re so cute! ….like a breath of fresh air (just remember to come up for some yourself, which it seems from the photo that you were doing just that).
Freda
Aug 14th, 2009
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Your meanderings have brought us into your world and life with such joy and happiness that we all want the best for you. Your health, physical and mental, must come first, so let the words wander and meander like the cows coming across the pasture. Life is not a straight and narrow path, detours are nice sometimes. Let the words flow freely and be at peace again. Hit the refresh button on the enjoyment of your home and beautiful plot of green land, wander thru the green grass, inspect all the critters hiding there and snap away with the camera.
Whenever and whatever you choose to put to the blog-o-sphere will be perused with enjoyment.
Give Cameron a big hug and go for a walk!!
Naomi
Aug 15th, 2009
I can totally relate – minus the blogging part. :)
Danielle
Aug 15th, 2009
The journey you’ve embarked upon is a big one, with so many changes and experiences. Reading your blog has brought me in to your world and allowed me a greater understanding of some of the changes I’ve seen in my own life and also have felt a kinship with you as we undertook the same journey from the same place and ended up somewhat in the same area. I too have been feeling overwhelmed and also caught up in life. Working, working and working some more and losing sight of the dream that brought me here in the first place. I applaud your ability to share your feelings with others and think that by allowing yourself to write freely and honestly, it’ll be good for the soul. Thanks for doing it and keep it up……..
Kim
Aug 15th, 2009
Phew. I thought you were leading into an “I’m NOT going to blog anymore” bombshell.
My husband and I finally went to Buffalo Land (as per one of your entries.) Didn’t see any of them but we drove down your road and I yelled, “Hey, that’s Laura-Jane’s house!”
I think.
Anyway, it’s rather funny that I probably was as excited thinking it MIGHT be your house as seeing a celebrity. :)
Gads, must go. The chickens are having a major collective nervous breakdown.
P.S. Keep writing. We’ll keep reading!
Michelle
Aug 16th, 2009
You know, Laura-Jane, you have gold where you are. This is something, albeit challenging. I walk in similar shoes as you but at a very different season of life.
You’re just starting out in terms of home, career, etc. I’m looking at the end of my career in a bilingual province and no desire for a 40 minute commute to the nearest city to do what I’ve lost my passion for, but it’s not bleak.
We didn’t know that my hubs would be rendered ‘disabled’ at 45 which brings even more challenges in and of itself and that even though I have 20+ years as a prepress technician, I’d find myself going back to school for a diploma so I’d be considered employable (I got honors, by the way). I had to deal with a lot of anger over these situations but the beauty and gratitude I feel for realizing the goal of owning a home has been achieved – a dream has become a reality, well, it just cancels out all the negatives.
I see Vancouver on the news and various HGTV shows and I miss the Vancouver of “yesterday” (meaning when I lived there in the 70’s – I was your age) but I have never missed the Vancouver of today with it’s road rage, violence, pollution, high cost of living…. STRESS!!!
When hubs and I take our two dogs for a swim in the river that’s just across the street, I’m grateful to be where I am. Sitting in the yard looking up at the night sky and watching the Perseids meteor shower makes me sigh with gratitude, eating veggies from our garden, the list goes on.
We’ll always face challenges in life but we press on, we learn, we grow, we find balance. It’s important to reward yourself… do things that have nothing to do with work and/or responsibilities. Take in the beauty that surrounds you on a daily basis and make that your focus.
Sheesh… when I was your age I was floundering, not at all grounded and wandering about – province to province – in a daze. You are in a great place.
Gary Gray
Aug 17th, 2009
Hi L J
You say “I look happy but dazed and a bit overwhelmed. This photo sums me up perfectly” and then you say “I’d like to close my eyes and let my mind flow through my fingertips. That’s what works best for me and that’s what feels so good about writing these words”
I say “Go for it!” Find your spirit, use whatever works best for you to express yourself through your writing, blogging, photographs or any other medium that feels right for you.
I found this poem titled “The Artist” by Randy Ramage ©1996 that I thought you might enjoy.
“The passion grows, emotions swell,
Such desire must release!
Reach for palette. Where is my brush?
I feel my strength increase!
The vision forms, I see it now.
Brush captures it with speed!
I can’t resist, the urge is strong.
The paint fulfils a need!
Stroke by stroke my brush displays
The beauty I perceive.
I love the way it captures all
The thoughts that I conceive!”
Finished now I feel released!
My passion turns to pride.
What a gift to so create
All that I have inside!
We all love you as an artist, writer, communicator L J and we wish you success in capturing your creative passion and sharing through your chosen medium with your faithful companions.
Smiles :o)
Gary
Gary Gray
Aug 17th, 2009
Oops Hi again L J
Found a couple of short cartoon videos to also share with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeGjTGWzFh0&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrWnXllf1JY&feature=player_embedded
Hope you enjoy them.
Smiles :o)
Gary
warren
Aug 17th, 2009
Heck yeah I’ll stick around…and please do write more freely! This is such a great journey you’re on and I like to sort of tag along whenever and however I can!
N&M
Aug 17th, 2009
Be free as a bird with your entries….That way us at home will feel a little closer to you knowing that we are taking part in your journey through your words…..
x’s and o’s sister….
John Quimby
Aug 17th, 2009
Hmmmm.
Maybe you’re just facing the wrong way.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Aug 18th, 2009
Thank you dearies, as my mother would say.
Love,
Laura-Jane
alison
Aug 28th, 2009
Good for you for being honest, real and true to yourself. There’s a song I like by the Grouch called “Simple Man”. It has a good simple steel drum intro, an easy steady beat, and the last line is something sampled from somewhere: an old man’s voice saying “Don’t you be just something on a shelf/ just always be yourself”.
from the other coast,
A