In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
On the way up to Santa Barbara last weekend, Ray stopped so we could check out this area.
A quick grab.
Rushing to get ready to go hear Quincy speak at the Cornfield meeting tonight.
Back home from a long day in LA and found this photo and message from one of the MHCC hikers in my inbox:
“I just couldn’t resist sending this to you…gottagolinda!!!
Sandy C.”
click on photo to read the text.
(For those who don’t know, my trailname is Gottago.)
Once a month 26 of us have a teleconference call. There are 8 of us who live in the desert. Some or all of us drive into Milly’s, where the we meet with the girls from LA. The remaining ladies, out of towners, those who are sick, or work prevents their timely arrival, all call in.
This night we all read a wrap-up of how we did on our 2009 Ideals. We also read our 2010 Ideals. Near the end of the meeting, I took the following 5 shots. We felt lucky Milly didn’t go off to her regular meeting and got to join us for our meeting at her house. Milly has allowed us to use her place to meet for the last year or so. Once I moved to the desert, where we’d meet was a concern. Thank you Milly.
R-L Milly reading, Quincy, Lena and Debbie.
L-R Tina, Paula and Cindy.
L-R Joanna, Sandi, Trish and Heather.
L-R Taye below, Lena, Alima and Susan, whose eyes always close.
L-R Trish, Heather, Tina, Ange (hidden) and Lauren (on the floor).
By the time we return from LA, it’s 11:20pm or so. Mary Kay had emailed Connie while we were in the car driving home asking if anyone was hiking the Bump & Grind. I didn’t want to get up at 5:25am to meet MK at 6:30am but knew I’d feel better about myself if I did.
Mary Kay on Bump & Grind.
A photo of me taken on January 2, 2010 at the Stella Mare restaurant in Santa Barbara.
Accountability has always worked for me so here goes:
Linda’s 2009 Ideals wrap-up
What I’ve learned is how much awareness and discipline play an important role in my happiness. And conversely, a lack of awareness and discipline take a toll on my emotional well being.
Proof that consistency, structure and discipline are my friends.
My trouble areas are:
1. Staying with a project until its completion. I’ve noticed I get bored with “the” project if I don’t consistently work on it until its completion. I take on way too many projects and the newest “project” gets my attention, as the new one always seems more fun…..until the next newest project.
2. Staying connected to my family on a consistent basis. What I’ve learned is that it’s easier for me to give time to sponsees and friends than scheduling time with family. Not staying connected to my family is insane.
What I’m happy about, as the result of one day at a time daily consistency:
1. Scheduling myself into the day more often: Photography: shooting, learning software, taking online classes, organizing my work, workshops.
2. Website: Really happy I had a front page developed so that my Blog, Portfolio and Adventure site are now all linked together on lindajeffers dot com.
3. Exercise
4. Eating clean
5. Photographing daily
6. Blogging daily (mostly)
(As Ray said, “You’ve made the items you used to have on your Ideal’s list habits.” YES!)
Linda’s 2010 Ideals
Thoughts for the new year:
What will leave me feeling best about myself by staying ahead of the curve? (To avoid the guilt produced by procrastination and avoidance)
Here are some of the new next actions I hope to take. These next actions are based on what I have learned about myself this past year:
Open the mail right away.
Keep my inbox and desk free of clutter.
Do the thing I don’t want to do first.
Shower, dress and makeup earlier in the day than just before I leave for “the” scheduled activity.
Shower directly following exercise.
Shower and dress after breakfast and before I get on the computer after breakfast.
Do Artist Way morning pages.
Generate and follow a daily schedule.
Get all sponsees through the steps.
Enjoy the process of learning rather than comparing myself to others.
Refrain from offering or volunteering myself. No new commitments for the year.
Goals/Projects
Finish Ray’s 30 year special anniversary book. (It’s 2 years later!)
Set up a section of my Portolio with only my best photos.
Continue adding previous photography class work to Portfolio.
Make myself available to play golf with Ray.
I wish I were: free of pain
I wish I had: a studio with lighting
I wish I could: make money at photography (yikes, am I really saying this?)
I want to have: a new expensive camera
I want to be: safe and comfortable to be around
I want to do: an RV trip with Ray
Ok, no more keeping pace with the ladies. It’s time to burn some fat!
Starting out.
It's the good shadow light time in hike.
Our two magnificent peaks: San Jacinto and San Gorgonio.
I'm at the top and not that winded.
A cairn I hadn't seen before at the top of Bump & Grind, handily pointing west to SJ.
At the top: Connie, Mary Kay, Linda and a neighbor friend, Carol.
Ray and I walked to the pier Saturday morning. I brought the Canon 40D with the Sigma lens (in case you were wondering LR). I had a ball talking to people while I was shooting. Talking helps me feel more comfortable when I know they know I’m shooting photos and they are likely to be subjects.
Artist who creates daily art. He works just under the pier at State Street in Santa Barbara.
Honesty is the best policy. This fellow’s towel is about 6 feet long.
What a sense of humor. This towel is about 1.5 feet by 1 feet.
Ray waited while I chatted with this man.
Allow me to introduce you to Cindy and Michael Swain.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Swain.
Cindy and Michael at Jane's Restaurant on State Street the night before their wedding.
I have uploaded more dinner photos you may view here. All photos were shot with a small point and shoot camera, the Canon Powershot A650 IS. I learned a lot in reviewing these photos. Closeups turn out ok. Low light distant shots are impossible.
I’ve never seen Cindy happier. She and Michael looked calm and ready for the big day tomorrow.