Braehead Farm, Friday Morning, Summer 2026
One of the most effective strategies I have for letting things go is to turn my focus outside of myself. Photography, like most creative work, strengthens the observer brain, shifts focus, and helps us to get out of the rumination loop. It just feels good to receive pictures in this way.
Slow Fade, Summer 2026
There were days when I all did was wait for this bouquet to decay. I checked on it each day over the last 2 weeks, but did not add water, did not trim dead petals, did not rearrange. I just watched and waited and noticed the changes. A sustainable life makes room for days when I have lower energy, days when things do not go as planned, days when an afternoon nap is required. Sometimes the new arrangement is simply to accept.
I am not a fan of forced optimism. I need time and space and ways to process disappointment and heartbreak. But I am also deeply aware of the many things in my life that bring meaning, and in that meaning, there is an abiding joy. The flowers continue to inspire me; they lead the way and I try to follow.
I talked to a flower farmer today who assured me that she would have beautiful varieties of fall flowers through October. So I guess this project will continue through until first frost.
It’s taken me a while to find my footing in the still life work, but I’m finding my groove now. Well, except for one area—leveling the tripod. Help! I can see straight by looking through the viewfinder (which I usually do first). BUT, I cannot seem to replicate what I see when I look through the view finder using the tripod. There are so many things to adjust, and it’s all a bit wonky. I have an ongoing search online for videos to help me learn this basic skill. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I can only do what I do, so I photograph what I actually notice. Trusting that my way of seeing is worth sharing.
Lisianthus, petals and leaves
Food is expensive these days. As we aim to live within a reasonable budget, I try to come up with creative ways to use what we already have in the pantry. I make hodgepodge meals for dinner, find a few new recipes for eggs, and let go of outdated notions that meals must be perfectly balanced to be good. The constraint gives freedom.
It’s much the same with fresh flowers. Like food, they often expire quickly. Because I pick and pay for the flowers myself, I try to photograph them for my current project in as many ways as I can imagine. Some ideas work out; others do not. I spent a good while this morning adhering the lisianthus leaves to white paper with double stick tape. Then gently placing withering petals over the backdrop. This might seem tedious, but it was actually very calming. The casual cascade of petals upon a bed of leaves, and the deep joy that comes with being used fully.