Coming of Age

“Growing, ripening, aging, dying — the passing of time is predestined, inevitable.

There is only one solution if old age is not to be an absurd parody of our former life, and that is to go on pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning — devotion to individuals, to groups or to causes, social, political, intellectual or creative work… In old age we should wish still to have passions strong enough to prevent us turning in on ourselves. One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation, compassion.”
— Simone De Beauvoir, The Coming of Age

Florilegeium

I love to read the class descriptions for photography classes taught at Maine Media Workshops. I wish I could attend one of these workshops, but there are many reasons why this simply isn’t practical for me. I don’t own a laptop and this seems essential for a class away from home (but not essential for my usual creative work where my desktop is truly a gem). The cost is prohibitive for folks on a budget. I don’t travel well. Nonetheless, I enjoy learning what there is to learn. This workshop led by Sal Taylor Kidd really sounds wonderful.

Maine Workshops

>> NEW! The Photographers Florilegeum

June 15 - June 19, 2026 Maine Media Campus.

In this class we will bring the tradition of the florilegium into a contemporary photographic practice. Participants will learn about the history of florilegia and spend the day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, as well partake in some local walks, gathering inspiration and images among its landscapes and seasonal blooms. Back in the studio, we will work on printing, sequencing, and editing our photographs, and then crafting them into a beautifully bound handmade book—our own photographic florilegium!

I had to research the word “florilegium.” Wow, it’s a beautiful word with a beautiful origin story which leads to a lovely activity: collecting, gathering, culling flowers. Now, I’m letting my mind wonder how I might make my very own florilegium, and whether this might be my next photo book project. I would like for this project to be new work, and I’m thinking it might be fun to feature floral portraits from my weekly flower deliveries from Westwind Flower & Farm Studio. I’m picturing romantic photographs like this.

Beauty Is Its Own Excuse

For me, one of the most useful things I can do when I find myself caught in a swirl of thoughts and feelings, is to notice my physical surroundings. I find something beautiful or striking and this gives me a few minutes to pause, even when that’s the last thing I want to do. Taking pictures can ground us, slow us down, and help to lift anxiety. It’s a way of taking a breath without telling yourself to take a breath; it just happens naturally.

Abandoned Methodist Church, Doswell Road, Spring 2026