"Whatever happens.
Whatever what is,
is what I want.
Only that. But that."
Galway KinnellAn a-ha moment happened for me over these past few days because I have realized how rarely do I actually live in the moment I am living. I know that my love affair with photography started (and has continued) because when I have the camera in front of my face, the rest of the world falls away from me... nothing else invades my mind or my heart except what was right is front of me, and OH what an intoxicating thing it is to experience. I thank God for giving me this gift... this experience of true single-minded focus and joy.
But what about the rest of my life - am I really living in each moment or do I mostly live in a state of half-distraction and anticipation for the next best thing rather than simply enjoying and truly experience the NOW? I want to enjoy the richness of what is in front of me at any given moment. Whether I'm driving, eating, working, spending time with Ross, talking with a friend... I want to be doing JUST that.... to the fullest extent to which that is possible.
True happiness: Wanting only what is. May you find yourself wanting just that. Only that. But that.
My time with lovely little Ila made me go back to a quote I scribbled down in my journal and that I've made a "theme" of sorts for this trip:
"We step on more than we look at. We do not see as a child. A child, who hasn't been told what is pretty and what isn't, just looks at everything and its a new experience. And because it's a new experience, the child sees differently. It behooves one to try not to lose vision, objectivity and interest in seeing things anew.
We tend to get bored with what we've seen before. We don't see with a fresh eye and me miss so much that is right in front of us. It's a challenge to keep your eye and your mind responsive - in a child-like way. We become so sophisticated that we become dull in our own thinking. " - BIll Bulter
OH! I did YL with Ila's mom in college. I LOVE small worlds. And how CUTE is SHE?
(03.29.10 @ 07:30 PM)Amy-noon-free - you are amazing! What beautiful pictures - ila must love you very much to look
that pretty for your camera:-) Thanks for taking these and thanks for posting them. I can't wait
to keep up with you as you travel. Drive safely and have fun.
Love you lots, Regina
she is simply precious!!!
(03.30.10 @ 03:00 PM)Thanks again Amy for grabbing a few shots after lunch! It was so good to spend time with you. Love to you and safe travels!
(03.30.10 @ 06:43 PM)This is a story I want to keep reading.
With the sprinklings of the moon
Every night paints a new design
That smooths across like puddled wine
Evaporating just as soon
With pallette of rainbowed hue
The sun splashes the eastern sky
Painting over the shadow's blue
Which however remains in view
Absorbing the more brilliant dye.
- Luann Pfost
I did not know anything about 29 Palms when Deb and Leah announced that it would be the location for their workshop, and I'm thankful that I had no expectations for this tiny town that sits on the edge of the Joshua Tree National Park, because it is such an odd and perfectly magical place.... and I think that my childhood connection to the deserts of New Mexico carved out a sweet spot for this kind of harsh, rocky and dramatic beauty.
I do want to share and write more about the workshop itself once I've had some more time to process everything knocking around in my head and heart, but I will say that the experience of this trip has been life changing and I just feel so grateful. Until then, I hope that this provides a flavor of my surroundings in 29 Palms.
Beautiful!!!
I can't wait to hear all about your experience! And I really I hope to see you SOON!!!!!!
Beautiful!!!
I can't wait to hear all about your experience! And I really I hope to see you SOON!!!!!!
i adore these...
makes me extra sad that i only took a few pictures.
i agree...life changing....
(03.16.10 @ 05:17 PM)These are amazing! I love the first one! It has such great depth and clarity!
(03.16.10 @ 05:56 PM)You are truly so talented - your images are amazing - the light beauty- your eye for capturing things others don't see is truly amazing. I too had a magical time - it was life changing. I can't wait to see more of your work.
(03.16.10 @ 08:36 PM)You are truly so talented - your images are amazing - the light beauty- your eye for capturing things others don't see is truly amazing. I too had a magical time - it was life changing. I can't wait to see more of your work.
(03.16.10 @ 08:37 PM)You are truly so talented - your images are amazing - the light beauty- your eye for capturing things others don't see is truly amazing. I too had a magical time - it was life changing. I can't wait to see more of your work.
(03.16.10 @ 08:42 PM)ohmygawd.
wow wow wow wow! these images make me long for this place!!!
(03.17.10 @ 07:13 AM)What beautiful photos of a beautiful place! You really captured 29Palms perfectly and make me wish I had taken some while there....
(03.19.10 @ 01:36 AM)amy your words are so sweet and the photos are again, amazing!! you are such a talented photographer and i am certain you are going to go so far. i loved meeting you and am so glad i got to know you, even just a little bit, over our weekend together. xxoo
(03.23.10 @ 02:22 AM)A-mazing photos Amy! It was so wonderful to meet you at the retreat. It looks as if you've been busy shooting since the retreat too. Beautiful work! And how did I miss the art gallery?! Darn it!
(03.26.10 @ 02:04 AM)
Love this sweet boy man. This photo is absolutely priceless. He's as sweet as his cupcake. HB Charlie!!
(01.01.12 @ 09:57 PM)Happy Birthday Charlie! We can't believe it has been one whole year!! Amazing! You are such a gentle, sweet spirit. We loved getting to know you a little better during Christmas. Hug your mom and dad for us! Family Friends Forever - the Tharps
(01.01.12 @ 10:58 PM)Happy birthday, Charlie boy! You are so loved!
(01.01.12 @ 11:26 PM)Love this photo! I thought about Charlie at 12:34 on 1/1/12 and how special that day was a year ago as matt and I rushed in anticipation to the hospital to be with you! Can't BELIEVE how much a year can bring in change - now we have our own little peanut and Charlie has been such a blessing in y'alls lives! Hugs & Kisses to you, mama free! Charlie is the luckiest to have you as his mama.
(01.02.12 @ 10:51 AM)Super happy we got to be there to see him enjoy his num-num! I delighted in watching him delicately 'dig in' to his cupcake!
(01.02.12 @ 07:00 PM)very sweet. happy birthday to your little boy.
(01.12.12 @ 10:01 AM)sniff....he's so big - and so adorable! These pictures are truly amazing!
(02.03.12 @ 08:04 PM)