The Changing Seasons, July 2017

/ Su Leslie
Staying aloft. Single crimson daisy bloom -- no stem visible -- in focus against green background. Image: Su Leslie, 2017

Staying aloft. Image: Su Leslie, 2017

It seems that July just hasn’t been a photographic month for me. Which I think is really a way of saying I haven’t felt inclined to lift my eyes and gaze upon the world.

It’s not that I’ve totally abandoned my camera. More that I’m disappointed in both the quantity and quality of the shots I’ve taken. Knee pain has kept me from the morning walks that provide both inspiration and some inner calm, while the struggles of those I love best have occupied my consciousness and spilled over into the darker recesses of my own psyche.

My July has not been a visual feast, but I’ve reached August knowing that I have enough. Enough strength and enough sunlight and enough support to stay aloft.

Like the flower, I am attached — though neither you nor I quite see how.

The Changing Seasons  is a blogging challenge hosted by Cardinal Guzman with two versions: the original (V1) which is purely photographic and the new version (V2) where you can allow yourself to be more artistic and post a painting, a recipe, a digital manipulation, or simply just one photo that you think represents the month.

These are the rules, but they’re not written in stone – you can always improvise, mix & match to suit your own liking:

The Changing Seasons V1:

Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery.
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.

The Changing Seasons V2:

Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons
Each month, post one photo (recipe, painting, drawing, whatever) that represents your interpretation of the month.
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!

23 thoughts on “The Changing Seasons, July 2017”

  6. I am surprised to read that you are disappointed in the quality of your shots; I have found your recent photos exquisite and full of sensitivity. I hope the lightening of the days will flow through to your heart.

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    • Thank you so much. I think that as I learn more about photography I look at each shot with a more critical eye and perhaps I’m going through one of those stages where my aspirations are exceeding my abilities and I need to “catch up.”

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  8. I´m so sorry that your knee is keeping you from your morning walks, I know how important it is to get out and air your brain. And don´t be too harsh with yourself when it comes to your photography – it´s just as brilliant as always, it´s just your perception that is changed. When you feel down, everything looks different. I went for a little photography tour yesterday after a very long time and wished for at least one decent shot – it wasn´t as lovely as I hoped, and I think I have one shot that´s ok, but although I don´t know much, I know that creativity can not be forced. Of course, you can draw, paint, photograph or do whatever it is you normally love doing, but if your heart isn´t in it, the result feels often so disappointing. Best not to think about it too much, just know that when life gets better for you and your loved ones, the old energies will come back flowing too. And I wish I could wish you a soon summer to lighten your days, but honestly that would mean it´s getting winter around here which I´m not particularly fond of 😉 And since it is entirely out of my hands when the seasons change, I don´t feel to bad admitting that 😉
    Wish you a lovely day, Su! Many hugs and kisses! 🙂 xxxxxxxxxxx

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    • Thank you Sarah, for your kindness and wisdom. I’m not in too much of a hurry for summer — it gets so humid here. I would like to live in a state of perpetual autumn.
      The weather here has been really sunny (but cold) for the last few days, and yesterday I found the most beautiful little beach in a place I’d never explored before. It’s a bit remote to visit often, and that probably made it even more special. Amazing how something so simple can work magic on my mood.
      I hope you are well and not suffering the heatwave I’ve heard about. Much love and hugs xxxxx

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      • I´m so glad you found that perfect little remote beach, Su! I often think that it´s the small and simple things that help the most to lift one´s mood – which are also more likely to happen than a win in the lottery or inheriting a beautiful chalet from an aunt or uncle you never knew you had 😉
        The heatwave´s more centered in the south, up here it´s very sunny but breezy and best of all the nights stay relatively cool so sleep´s possible 🙂
        Have a good start in the new week! Much love! xxxxxxxx

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