It’s been a tough week.
I have been discouraged by the negativity that sometimes seems to dominate our world. There are times it brings me down. Like all I see around me is madness and it makes me crazy, and sad, and I begin to feel like I am losing hope for people, for life.
Then this morning I reached out to a friend and told him how uninspired I felt. He told me to take three photographs of anything and send them to him with a caption.
Anything.
I sat and thought about my assignment and in a flash it came to me.
So out to my backyard I went.
This is my little three photo essay of what gives me hope.
I am grateful for…
A pile of debris from the deck Neal and I demolished, for not only do I have the strength and confidence to remove the barriers in my life, but I have the creativity to see what can be in their place…
Recognizing that change can come in a form as simple as a can of spray paint and that change can make what was once old and ready to be discarded, fresh and useful once again…
That fertility takes on many shapes and that I can forever be part of bringing new, nourishing life into this world.
And of course I am grateful for a friend who helped me remember, despite all the negative stuff that is going on, hope is still everywhere, I just have to see it and then be part of sharing it, just as he did with me.
Charlotte, I love the photo of the wood scraps. How wonderful is that? And perfect for just about any metaphor that is leaping to mind. Clinging to scraps of wood in a sea of doubt or making beauty from that which has been discarded, or seeing the beauty in letting go… okay that’s enough of that, because I could just go on and on and on. Also love the tomato plant and by the way, for us New Yorkers seeing a real live plant bearing fruit is almost like spotting a wild bear in Central Park, okay not quite, but you get the idea. Felt a little envious of that tomato plant of yours! If I could send you a photo of a hug with the caption that reads (must be read out loud and in a very thick French accent) “A hug for your dear friend, to lighten the load, to brighten your day and so that you will not forget you are not alone.” Did you say all of that in a VERY heavy french accent. Because that part was really key to this whole message!
Ariane,
Okay, so I busted out laughing, trying to do the whole French accent thing, then I stopped, looked around, I was alone in the house and I was just like, “Girl, let it go.” And I did. And it felt good! Thanks for the laugh and your comment. I too like the wood scraps photo, especially since the demo is done! Wasn’t so fond of it though while we were still doing the work.
I shall toast you (in a French accent, of course) when I make this summer’s first BLT!
Have a great weekend.
Charlotte
ps Typos? What typos?
I don’t know, weren’t there typos or did I just make that up?
Hey I had to try and return the favor, babe. You made me feel so much better when I was in the midst of overwhelm and the whole Monty Python heavy french accent thing turned things around for me, so I figured I’d throw it back at you. Kind of like a game of verbal volley ball! And what the hell is going on this week anyway? Me, then you and I just read Lori’s comment and went over to her blog to comment and give support, though I don’t know her, so it seemed inappropriate to start suggesting she try the whole heavy french accent trick, I mean she’d think I was completely nuts! You, on the other hand, already know that, so it’s okay. Mon dieu!
(Second attempt on this message because my computer zapped the first message almost as I was done with it. Let’s hope I can repeat the genius!
)
Hi fellow nut,
Again, thank you for the whole french accent thing for it has brought nothing but laughter to my life since your original post. And speaking of that post, it also inspired Meg and I to watch Holy Grail while making a Periodic Table for her AP Chemistry class. (Nice balance there don’t you think.)
Well my week has finished much better than it began and I hope that you can say the same and it was indeed the laughter and the friendship that was the deciding factor in the outcome.
Now, for the whole typo thing, denying their existence was my attempt at trying to not be nearly as obsessive (me?) about receiving messages as I am about composing them. For you see a 200 word message usually involves a 20 minute block of time, 40 trips to my speller (a 1:5 ratio), fact-checking at wikipedia and a complete rewrite when I move my mouse in this weird way that makes the screen go to some other page and zaps what I have written. Okay, 30 minutes!!!
Have a terrific weekend. Zoo plans???
Your internet nut friend,
Charlotte
Just proof read and saw all the typos, but do your best to muddle through, I am racing off to a meeting!
This week has been hard. I’ve been feeling drained and very sorry for myself. So, I pulled my bones to my computer and read your post.
I feel a weight sloughed off my shoulders. I connected with your photos. I read this:
“Recognizing that change can come in a form as simple as a can of spray paint ”
This made me feel so… new. I can paint. Blop down some colors or even scrub some old thing clean. You reminded me that even the smallest effort can cleanse and restore.
I feel better. Thank you.
Lori
Lori,
You have the nicest way with words, they are a gift to those who receive them and I feel fortunate when I do. Thank you.
What was in the air this week??? I mean really!
Hope you have a happy weekend indulging in what brings you joy.
Charlotte