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.

photo-unedited
photo-edited

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?

10 Comments

  1. Janet Barclay on November 25, 2020 at 10:27 am

    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!

    • Kathy on November 25, 2020 at 7:15 pm

      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!

  2. niknar on November 25, 2020 at 10:37 am

    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 ———-

    • Kathy on November 25, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you, Karen. Happy walking — to you and your dog!

  3. wendy mason on November 25, 2020 at 11:18 am

    Beautiful message and photos. Thanks for sharing.

    • Kathy on November 25, 2020 at 7:22 pm

      Thank you, Wendy.

  4. Pat Bourke on November 25, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    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.

    • Kathy on November 25, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      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.

  5. wickit54 on November 25, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    Hi Kathy!
    Rob & I are walking our way thro’ this mess, too. Good to know you’re doing ok & that Trump isn’t!

    • Kathy on November 25, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      And good to know you and Rob are too, Val. Happy walking!

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