Photo Walking
It’s been a tough bunch of months. There are more tough months ahead. I know how privileged I am to be having, personally, a “not too bad” pandemic, as far as pandemic experiences go. I’ve been lucky to have writing projects on the go that are engaging my heart and mind. And I enjoy photography and sometimes turning photos into something resembling a painting with the help of photo-editing apps. But it feels insensitive to say that, when so many are having the worst year of their lives.
My daughter has been having a rough year, living alone in a big city, with a job that she knows she’s lucky to have, but which has been more aggravating than satisfying lately. I urge her to take walks, not because they solve anything, but they can help relieve stress, especially if you can find a pocket of nature to walk in.
When I suggested taking a walk earlier this month, my daughter said, “I will. It’s just hard to get out of my head.”
I told her I’d like her to take a picture on her walk and send it to me. It could be of anything. I thought looking for something to photograph might help give her something besides what was in her head to focus on.
A while later, she texted me a photo of sunlight shining through some trees. She said, “Not the most remarkable photo (it was lovely) but it seemed appropriate that the light came through the trees just after I got a text that the election was finally called.” (I hardly need to mention which election, and as if covid wasn’t giving us enough to stress about this year…)
I digress. Let’s not go there.
I think I’ll go for a walk instead. Will you join me?
With the shorter days, my dog walks are in darkness or near darkness more often than not, so it makes taking interesting pictures a bit more challenging. Instead of moping about it, I’ll try to keep my eyes open for interesting possibilities. Thanks for the encouragement – I’ll see what I can come up with!
You have taken some wonderful night time photos, Janet, so you must be doing a good job of keeping your eyes open already, but happy to know my post may have renewed your interest in looking some more. And if it doesn’t, good to have a dog to get you out there!
I loved this post, Kathy. I’m a huge fan of walking as a way to stay sane, happy – thanks to endorphins when I speed it up – and (coincidentally) healthy. It’s also a wonderful way to feel more connected to everything out there. (To say nothing of keeping our dogs happy, too.) Karen ———- Original Message ———-
Thank you, Karen. Happy walking — to you and your dog!
Beautiful message and photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Wendy.
Kathy,
I find your posts very encouraging in these tough times. Thank you for continuing to write honestly in a way that’s meaningful for you.
Thank you, Pat. I’m glad to know that. I will try to keep doing that! I hope you and your loved ones are all doing okay.
Hi Kathy!
Rob & I are walking our way thro’ this mess, too. Good to know you’re doing ok & that Trump isn’t!
And good to know you and Rob are too, Val. Happy walking!