From where I sit

Last week I took a real break from this virtual world. Karis and I flew up the coast a few hundred miles to a region that feels like the center of the United States right now, the beltway. We spent the weekend with the "cousins in the north." It was a great adventure, and I was glad for the break from my daily routines and habits.

In the time away, I spent some time reflecting on this little corner of the cyber world that I inhabit. I like blogging, and I hope people feel welcomed to sit back and enjoy the stories and pictures. I guess it's kind of like story time, but instead of a rocking chair and a persnickety librarian, you have me, in my pajamas, wielding my mouse and keyboard.

Well, there is also this other little goal. It's personal, but I'll share. In fact, I already have shared a little bit here. I want to improve my writing and photography skills. Eventually I would love for these homegrown passions to flourish into a financially satisfying gig.

Photographer and blogger Peter Carey is passionate about traveling and capturing the beauty he sees around the world through photography. I've been checking in on his travels for some time now. He is generous with his advice (having left a few kind and helpful comments on my blog). He is also a photographer's photographer--he is really out to help other photographers reach their highest potential. A few weeks ago he offered to feature one photographer's work for a whole week on his site. Seeing that the risk was minimal (a.k.a. I'd never hear from him), I commented that I'd love the opportunity.

In my inbox last night sat a little email from Peter saying he had decided to feature everyone that left a comment, myself included.

Wow!
Exciting!
What fun!
Really?!

I guess there was a part of me that didn't think my work would appeal to him. After all, his photos are grand, breathtaking views from around the world. I, on the other hand, shoot photos during my daughter's nap time. Truthfully, when she finally stops her incessant squirming and those little eyelids shut, I steal away into my little creative world. I pull out my props and set everything up by the northwest facing window in the home. The light is always gorgeous by that window. I love taking my homespun photos, but these are no panoramic beauties from around the world. They are ordinary glimpses into my ordinary life as a wife, cook, baker, home decorator, and mommy.

I guess that is what has made blogging so wonderful, though. It allows me to find the beauty in my day, no matter how simple and commonplace. If I open my eyes, I can find it...anywhere. Even in my bathroom. Both photos in this post were taken in my bathroom on the day that I commented on Peter's site. I had gone into the tiny, 4x8 'water closet', and as I was in there thinking these thoughts about how my photography wouldn't appeal to a "real" photographer, I noticed the light hitting the shower. The simple, soap scummy, white shower was aglow with the afternoon sun. And then directly across from the shower was the little window from which the sun was beaming in (behind the mouthwash and shower radio!). I ran and got my camera and watched as the sun set...from my bathroom.

I realized that for the time being there will be no South American mountains to scale or European towns to explore. Ancient ruins will go untouched by my feet. Instead, I tread this carpet and tile and capture the beauty in this 1100 sq. foot home. And Peter will share it with you in one of the weeks to come. I'll keep you posted!