Sorry about my absence from the blog over the last two weeks. About three months ago I learnt that my position was to be eliminated in restructuring exercise where I currently work. For those of you who have been through this kind of turmoil, you will know how challenging life becomes overnight. Sometimes the choices you are given don’t feel like a choice at all; nevertheless decisions have to be made. Even though the temptation to follow my passion for photography was something akin to gravity on Newton’s apple, I decided to take another position with the organization to remain employed for now. I dream though of the day when I can just spend all of my time on photography. Maybe that’s a bit like dreaming I can fly to the moon but I hope not.
OK so here’s the first story from my San Francisco road trip because I know you are dying to hear more about it–well at least a few of you might be. The first night I stopped off in Sequim to try to recover from the cold I’m toting around these days but the next day we drove 10 hours straight through Oregon. Sadly I was relegated to just waving to all the factory outlets along the way. We stopped in Redding, California for the night and grabbed a bite at the Black Bear Diner. As we headed back to the car, a woman ran out of the diner and stopped me. She had done a drawing before coming out for dinner and felt she had to give it to someone but didn’t know who. Then she saw me and felt it had to be me.
I had arrived in California, no doubt about it. Here’s the explanation she gave. The star at the top of the hill is me and the circles around me are protection. Apparently I’m on a journey symbolized by the rolling hills but it’s a good journey because all the squiggly things in the sky indicate a celebration.
To be honest, I am not a New Age thinker but I admired her ability to approach a total stranger and do what she did. It wasn’t until we got back to the hotel that Ray and I realized we didn’t do the Mark Krajnak thing and get a photograph. Sometimes though photography is not about getting the photograph. It’s about being present in the moment, observing, listening, reflecting, even dreaming. I believe time spent on all these things are important to making good photographs. There is an undeniable urge to make images with my camera but I’ve come to realize that to find your voice, the images we make without a camera are just as important.
Well said Sabrina. A lot to learn in-between shutter clicks.
I like how you put that, Matt!
love the drawing. LOVE the symbolism. you are a raspberry star!
great post, looking forward to learning more about what you learned during your trip.
I’ve been called a lot of things, Anita…never a raspberry star
I’ll be doing a few more posts that’s for sure.
From here, it looks like a great journey.
You’ll get there… not because of dreaming, but because you so consistently work on your craft.
It’s a real joy to be working on it Erin. I couldn’t imagine my life without photography. Hope you’re doing well?
Ironic the lady somehow knew that you were on a journey…. maybe it was the BC license plate?
Seriously, those random acts of kindness make me smile.
Could be Chris. Maybe she saw us come in because when she stopped in the parking lot we hadn’t made it to the car yet. It certainly did make both Ray and I smile!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Stuart Sipahigil, Matt Connors. Matt Connors said: @sabrinahenry's post On journeys, auras and lessons without the camera: http://sabrinahenry.com/?p=3596 [...]
What a great random occurance. It’s often completely unexpected, out-of-the-blue things like that that make me think magic’s not completely gone, we’re just too closed for it to really work in our daily lives.
“Sometimes though photography is not about getting the photograph. It’s about being present in the moment, observing, listening, reflecting, even dreaming.”
Well said. And with that, I am going to put my camera down and continue dreaming.
Life is all about the little moments, shared or otherwise. Glad to have you back on this journey. I’ve been missing the posts and links to the great stuff you find and share.
Interesting she chose you! I have a great feeling about your journey. Save that picture she drew.
I’m almost home Sue and so far, it has been a wonderful trip with some ideas that will hopefully bear fruit in the future.
I think you nailed it well by your statement, “It’s about being present in the moment, observing, listening, reflecting, even dreaming.” I enjoy this journey you are on and the fact you share some of it with us. As for your work situation I can relate, gone through that twice in my life. I think it would be exciting to see photography become your daily focus and provide you with a sustaining life. Onward young lady!
Good luck with the new position. These disruptions to our plans make life a challenge. A nice chance encounter!
What a wonderful story. Enjoying your blog and your photography. TY!