Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Jumping In


I thought the comments from my last post were some of the most interesting I've ever received.
I loved what lagirl had to say: Everyone has fears... it makes us feel weak & vulnerable...Truth is, it should make us feel like Kindred Spirits since we all experience fear at one level or another. Doncha think?!

Kindred Spirits, yes. That's what I'm counting on.

Be gentle now. When I tell you my brave thing some of you are going to roll your eyes and say, "That's it? That's what she went on and on about?" Just remember, you might have been doing this kind of thing for a long, long time. I've been avoiding public failure for decades.

Gulp. OK, here goes.

I plan to be a photographer. A good one. Maybe even a great one. I plan to someday have people asking me where they can buy my pictures.

There. I said it. Publicly.

I told you some of you would think, "What's the big deal? These days everyone wants to be a photographer." And maybe it's not. Maybe it's only a big deal to me. A big deal because for years I've been a dreamer. But this year, this beautiful 2010, I am putting feet to my dreams. And, so, I told you. It was my first step in a brave new me. Here's the next step: I'm gonna show you. And, while this might be an exercise in public failure, I'd like to think of it as a chance for growth.

Every day since January 1st, I've been taking and posting a picture. My own sort of private 365. Today, I'm going to show them to you. I'm going to invite your comments, your input, your encouragement, and your critical eye. Tomorrow I'm going to join a 365 group and open myself up to the wider public. Next month? Who knows? But, maybe, just maybe you'd like to join me on this journey? Maybe we can walk it together. Kindred Spirit to Kindred Spirit.





You can find my daily picture on our family blog here. You can see all my pictures here.

37 comments:

Dandy said...

I've been just loving your family blog ever since I found it. Its simple and heart felt and you know I adore the pictures.

Tomorrow I'm going to sit down and make a list of goals. Because I like lists. Because you inspire me. Because I told myself to learn how to take my camera off the auto setting last June. Because it makes me feel like we are working together for something and the thought of working with you gives me warm and fuzzies.

I also decided earlier in the week that I am going to learn to cook. Which isn't a big deal to most but is a really big deal to me. Oh and I enrolled in an online grammar class. I haven't told anyone because I was scared they would start looking at my writing.

You really do bring out the best in people Relyn.

Dandy said...

Oh and the 1st picture is just so totally me. I adore tree pictures and this is magical.

But my favorite is the 3rd. That should be framed and in your house.

Caroline said...

We are on the same path. I have you as a contact on flickr...go start joining some groups and widening your network of photog friends...you will be amazed at the inspiration.

And you know what...you are going to soar!

Georgianna said...

I'm really proud of you!! I can't wait to see all your photos and I know you are going to be brilliant!! Well, you already are. xo – g

Cindy said...

Relyn, good for you, I love yor photos I have seen, you will be fabulous. I already thought you were.All the best and yes you are an insspiration. Take care.

Yiota said...

That's exciting! Have fun learning the ropes of photography; love your pictures already.

Heather Mattern said...

Beautiful photo's!!! GO FOR YOUR DREAM!!!

Anita said...

I think everyone should have a dream. Dreams are what inspire us...Dreams are what feed our soul.
Your photographs are beautiful and I have no doubt you will be successful!
Blessings,
anita

Rita said...

Relyn, I'm so proud of you for conquering your fears. The photo's are great, especially the one of Sloane. I love the way you captured her in that picture! Also the one at the top is wonderful! Keep it up!

d smith kaich jones said...

Relyn - I had no idea you weren't a photographer - oh, I know, not for a living or anything, but the images I've seen over at Flickr are wonderful and all of these are also, so you are doing something right! :) This is so wonderful, you chasing a dream. I am in your corner!

xoxo
Debi

oz said...

I completely understand how big of a deal this is for you. Mainly because there's a part of me that has the same dream, I just haven't had the courage to say it like you have :)

Your images are beautiful. I look forward to seeing more of them and watching your photography evolve!

SE'LAH... said...

follow your dreams...you are a great photographer already. you can only grow.

one love.

S. Etole said...

looks like a lot of reality in your dream ... your photos are full of life

beth said...

oh sweetie....you've had those wings all along and now you are just going to soar !!!

I'm on this path with you...and it's fun and exciting and scary at times....but if you hold my hand, I'll hold yours !

In the Light of the Moon said...

Congrats to you!!A favorite poem "The Journey" By Mary Oliver.When I started my creative journey... "I just knew what I had to do and began.."


The Journey by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice

though the whole
house began to tremble
and you felt the old tug at your
ankles.."Mend my life!"each voice cried.But you didn't stop.You
knew what you had to do,though the wind pried with its stiff
fingers at the very foundations,
though their melancholy was
terrible.It was already late enough, and a wild night,and the road
full of fallen branches and stones.

But little by little,
as you left
their voices behind,
the stars began to burn through the sheets of
clouds,and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your
own,that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the
world,determined to do the only thing you could do, determined to
save the only life you could save.

Jeanne said...

I love you
I am proud to be your friend
Love Jeanne

spread your wings said...

this is exciting. you are great at all you do I believe. photos included.

spread your wings said...

i want to journey with you. this is a path i'd like to take too but i get discouraged. maybe i should just trust myself.
I take photos every single day but i don't share them in a 365 group. maybe i should. i don't know.

Jaime said...

Sweet Relyn....I am back after a long time away and this morning as I opened your blog page I was looking forward to snuggling up with your comforting words...and what a delicious surprise to not only find your words here, but your beautiful images!! I went to your flickr page and saw your life in a way I had only been able to see before through your words. You are opening up your world, for yourself, and for all of us who love and adore you.
What an exciting new path you are on..bravo for being brave and following a dream! I am a part of your vast cheering squad, watching you grow, one picture at a time.
Big hugs and lot's of love xo.

Tess Kincaid said...

You go girl! You can do it! I especially like this first snowy face pic. Very nice.

Operaton You said...

Oh you will be great! We have greatness within us. We are born with it. Sometimes our thoughts overtake us. Being born is a big leap of faith that you decided to take so enjoy your life in photograpy! Have fun! Shoot until it makes you leap high off the ground! Creativity is your birthright.

Your photos are personal and invites me in. Great job!

Anonymous said...

I just got a new digital SLR last month and I too have been dreaming about where it could possibly go. I have a long way to go, but it's nice to know someone who I can virtually walk beside while trying to do so! Tell me where to go for this 365 day thing!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you were brave. Being a photographer is my secret dream that I don't share (whoops I just did) too! I would buy that photo of the road that you did in a heartbeat btw, let me know if you plan to sell it :)

xo Mary Jo

Sue said...

Good for you! I don't think anyone will laugh at your dream...we all them. I think you just inspire us to find them and live them!

Sue

Anonymous said...

relyn, i know that you will do great things with your dream! i love your pictures! and my heart is always with you!

Erin Wallace said...

Relyn, you are wonderful. You already are a good photographer, and I do believe that if you continue to practice and continue snapping away, you will become a great one! Dreams are never silly, so don't be worried about sharing them!

GraceGal said...

"If I had my life to live over...I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. "Nadine Stair
a quote a friend sent to me today. Thought you might enjoy it. You go girl!

Jessica said...

I think a photographer goal is perfect for you, the one who sees the world through eyes whose vision is clear and beautiful, honest and loving. I cannot wait to see these photos of yours.

Char said...

you are fantastic and will do beautiful. fly little bird, fly

Marilyn Miller said...

I love know this is your dream. I don't dream of being professional, but just getting better and better at it. You are definitely on your way. Way to go! Saying it is the first thing to being there.

robin-bird said...

i am sooo happy to be your friend. i came over here to sit by your fire and to acknowledge that i had fallen off on my promise to myself (and you) to be more in touch, to remind myself (and you) that you are a soul friend. A lifelong friend as you have said. and look here what i find.. a post about your dream, your intentions to take your photography to an all new level. you are a friend who always challenges me to be more. by that i mean to fill myself to overflowing with with joy, with trying things that are new, with self confidence, with rich interests. i adore you for that and for the way you can make me laugh out loud. if there is anyone i can follow to a commitment of 365 it will be you. the photos here give us a tiny glimpse of what we can look forward to as you channel your passions for living into the viewfinder. i do so love you. i do.
xo

Patti said...

HI Relyn! Visitng and catching up with you was on MY list for today; glad I am keeping to it! I LOVE your idea. First of all- I have so many fears that I am afraid to say them ( one more- lol); so I can relate. One of my BIGGEST is to be photographed which is WHY I LOVE TAKING the pictures. I am NOT any good, but probably take pics 5 out of 7 of the days of the week. So, maybe I WILL join you on your journey to take a picture a day. I will check that out; anxious to check it out. That is one of my goals- to fiddle and create more artistic pics. Mike is already there and ppl have actually bought some of his pics- lucky him- certainly not enough to call himself a "photographer" but he's proud of what he does. One of my fears is that I will be forgotten (did I say that out loud?)...and maybe with my poetry and pictures I will not be. Have a wonderful day- thanks for the great post!

Elizabeth Halt said...

I love this! To me, you are a photographer. I love when you share your images with us, and cannot wait to see more and more of them.

To your dream!

Dutchbaby said...

You are so brave!

I really like how you framed the next-to-last photo with the fur hood and trees.

I promise you that you will enjoy your journey! I wish you the best of luck in your quest!

Jac said...

Wow Relyn that's fantastic, you should always follow your dreams, just to see where they lead... i did a 365 project the year before last and really loved it, I'm also thinking of starting one at the end of March to co-incide with my birthday, so that I do a 365 of a year I've lived. I'll be checking in to see your progress - enjoy!

Amy said...

Congrats on following your heart! Those pictures are wonderful. Now, just remember the words of Churchill: "Never, never, never give up."

gkgirl said...

sweetie...go for it!!
i know you could be great at this!
and have fun with it...
i can't wait to see what you do!
:O)

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