Week 1 ~ Flowers (2/365)

Today felt like a black and white day.  Weather here brought a blustery wind from the Northeast, some rain and much-welcomed cooler temperatures.  With gusts of 20+ mph, I knew trying to capture flowers outside might be more challenge than I wanted to face.

In addition, with the utterly devastating news of the shooting tragedy in Colorado, my spirit needed to stay in the safety and calm of my cozy home.  As a highly sensitive person (HSP), empath, and emotional intuitive, days of national shock and mourning like today take their toll on my Being.

I stayed in meditative, contemplative silence most of the day.  The cats seemed to reflect my mood and maintained a mellow, close presence throughout the late morning and afternoon.  When I looked over at Tanner sleeping peacefully curled up on the couch, I soon realized, "Hey!  There are flowers on my couch!"

Thus, the subject for today's image.

* * * * * * * * * 

It is in tribute to ALL those affected by horrific violence across the globe, I offer this photo, divine prayer, and beautiful video:

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

And may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life

contribute in some way to that happiness

and to that freedom for all.

Week 1 ~ Flowers (1/365)

Red Hibiscus at Lakeside Pavilion

We had a much-needed soft, cooling rain this morning.  I ventured down to the lakefront Pavilion for a foot reflexology session.  It was cool and breezy enough that I chose to cover myself with a fleece blanket during the relaxing release of tension and toxins. Ahhhh...

The landscaping in front of the Pavilion is one of my favorite places to find these majestic flowers.  They have been my source of study for perhaps the past three years.  I find them endlessly fascinating!

Little did I know that this one in particular is named Alicante, after a city in Spain.  Which is, of course, very serendipitous because I have an afternoon phone chat scheduled for later today with my magical friend Gail  ~ whose soul is most at peace on Spanish soils.  Perfect!

Arm's Length Studio

Sunset on the evening of the Venus Transit across the Sun ~ 6/5/12.

Back in 2006, when I started taking photography more seriously, I began using some of my shots to create photo greeting cards.  I had seen others market and make money in this simple yet powerful way, and found myself saying, "I can do that!"

Wanting to come up with a catchy brand name for my work, my husband brilliantly suggested "Arm's Length Studio".  It fit perfectly!  Since most of what I was capturing was indeed, just a mere camera extension of what could be photographed within my arm's reach, this new mindset provided a refreshing perspective from which to intention my artful hobby.

Amazingly, I sold many of my greeting cards ~ and gave away probably an equal number to friends and family.  It was an exciting time of creating something uniquely mine and sharing it with the world.

As the wheel of Life has turned and the years have passed, this branch of my entrepreneurship has waned, in light of more pressing demands on my time and energy.  However, in the past week, my kinship with and fondness for Arm's Length Studio has been rekindled.  When my blogging friend, Rebekah, suggested a 365 photo project (in honor of her birthday!), I again found myself thinking, "Hey, I could do that!"

The timing seems right, as my creativity has been all but absent in recent months.  I need to get back out  into the world, so to speak, and see with new eyes what stories and pictures my trusty little camera has to share.

So...in honor of this month's New Moon ~ and the day of two birthdays of family members (my sister and uncle) ~ I will launch my very own 365 days of Arm's Length Studio photo project this Thursday, July 19th!

In order to give myself some structure, it is my plan to have a weekly theme.  Tomorrow, while waiting for new brakes on my car, I will cut up 52 small pieces of paper, each marked with a theme word.  They will be folded nicely and then placed in a shoebox (which might even need its own decoration!) to serve as my version of a weekly drawing 'magic hat'.  :)

It seems funny to be starting on a Thursday.  (Of course, you KNOW I toyed with the whole Sunday/Monday starting day approach!)  But, given the unpredictability and massive-transformation quotient of my life these days, it seems rather fitting.   I need to continue to challenge myself and shake things up a bit!

(Oh yeah, you're invited to join in if you're so inclined!)

See you back here on Thursday!!!

The Way Forward

Since words are not coming easily to this space these days, I've decided to accept an offer by the lovely Rebekah to embark on a 365 photo journey.  I know in my heart that my creative spirit needs to be rekindled and allowed to emerge, so I am hopeful this will jumpstart that process.

I hope you'll stay tuned!

Day 18 ~ New Discoveries

source

One of the things I love best about traveling is discovering newness!

Today's sojourn around Erie took me past this amazing shop.  My radar immediately went off and I had to do a U-turn to investigate.

Oh my goodness!  What a wonderful array of beautiful, exquisite pieces made from glass found along the shores of Lake Erie.  Neat!

I just might have found a new hobby!

* * *

Today I am grateful a multitude of new discoveries while visiting Erie, PA, just one of which is Lake Erie beach glass.  :)

Days 14-17 ~ The List Grows

I'm writing this from Erie, PA ~ where I've come to spend some fantastically fun & adventurous time with some dear friends.

Needless to say, my gratitude list is growing exponentially!

~safe travel
~new sights & sounds
~good food
~Romolo's chocolates
~cats!
~rabbits!
~amazing art by Marcy
~buying incense in a cute local herb shoppe
~bubble water
~espresso, espresso, espresso
~Nutella
~learning to explore and empower my body in new ways with Christine's dance classes
~time away to rest, renew, and refocus

* * *
Mmmmm...definitely basking in sunny gratitude today. :)

Day 13 ~ The Clean Scene

There is a car wash here locally ~ one of those new-ish versions with a laundromat in the same building.  It is a top-notch outfit, let me tell you.

For the low, low price of only $3.00 you can ride your car through the automatic wash & rinse.  It does a really good job. And on certain days, you can even get a token for a free vacuum session!

It is one of the best deals around!!

And....on top of all that...when you drive away, there is a sign that reads:


YOU LOOK FABULOUS IN YOUR CLEAN CAR.

That cracks me up!!!

* * *

Today, I am delightfully grateful for The Clean Scene car wash.  :-D