Simple Gifts

Very often I find inspiration for my photography in the natural world. But sometimes an ordinary object that I’ve seen over and over again catches my eye. Those moments remind me that

surround us daily.

It’s up to us to notice the beautiful and sacred wherever it shows up.

Becoming a photographer and looking at the world through the eyes of a photographer has helped me to notice these special moments more and more.

The photo above is of an old white wooden chair that came from my grandmother’s house. I got it when I moved into my first apartment after college and was scavenging furniture wherever I could find it.

I love that chair. Not only do I enjoy it’s shapes and curves, but it reminds me of my Grandma, who was a bright light to all of her family.

The Gift

Be still, my soul, and steadfast.
Earth and heaven both are still watching
though time is draining from the clock
and your walk, that was confident and quick,
has become slow.

So, be slow if you must, but let
the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.That the gift has been given.

— Mary Oliver

I view every day as a gift and memories of loved ones who are no longer with me are also gifts. And now as I grow older, each day has become an even more precious gift waiting to be unwrapped. Will I fill it with presence, joy, and gratitude? Or will I fritter it away with worries and unhappiness?

Listening to the news of devastation in Florida, war in Ukraine, violence, poverty, hunger and more, I wonder how it is that I am so blessed in my life to live in this beautiful place with relative peace, warm shelter, beauty, and all that I need. I am truly blessed.

Simple gifts, my friends, should not be taken for granted. What simple gifts are you grateful for?

May you walk in beauty.