The Third Act

almost December

Still celebrating this tree for a little longer.  I came downstairs the other day and the living room was glowing orange.

 

 

 

Friday after Thanksgiving

They say it's "Black Friday" but I did no shopping today.  I walked the dog.  I brought in firewood.  I put out another submission (it was free so for sure!).  I visited with friends.  I took down the autumn decorations.

Now...I might watch a Christmas movie.

It was not a bad day.

 

 

Thanksgiving dorkiness...

No, I wasn't actually in Manhattan for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Yes, I did actually use a bunch of Instax film to take pictures of the parade from my TV.

You have to admit, some of them might fool you into thinking I was actually there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

it's a hard nut to crack

It's a hard nut to crack...

Living life with integrity, authenticity and openness.  

Forgiving one's self, for not being perfect, for not knowing enough, for unwise choices.

To break down that shell created out of fear, out of coping, out of loss...using tenderness and curiosity...to find the center still remaining intact.

 

 

 

in her glory

While she's in her glory, I had to take more photos of the Japanese maple.  Weather forecasts indicate we may be getting lows into the lower 20's over the next week or so.  When that happens, the leaves on this tree just sort of shrivel up and don't change color any more. 

Enjoy (I sure am)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

time to shine

The Japanese maple's time to shine has arrived.  It's always a little behind in change than the other trees.  But that's okay because it makes the seasonal color last longer.

Sometimes I come down in the morning, when the light is at the perfect angle, and the whole living room glows gold.

 

 

 

 

still chilly

I've been loving this cold weather!  Further north and west of here actually had snow yesterday.  Very exciting...especially since it feels like we've not had a real winter in a few years.

A few morning Instax photos...

 

 

 

 

My first pająk

This wasn't a craft my mom learned.  I'm not even sure if her mom learned it.  But it's a traditional Polish folkcraft that I've seen and been interested in for many years.  

I was recommended this book for instruction.  Of course, I started with the simplest design.  Of course I changed that design a bit (because...reasons!).  

My efforts were a little clumsy.  I'm not used to working with paper in this way.  But I'm pleased with this first effort.  The use of the leaves is my own idea.  The thought of creating seasonal variations of this craft is very appealing.  

It's always good to change up what creative projects are in the works.  Or at least I tell myself that.

 

 

 

 

Thursday

Not much to say this morning.  There are projects I need to dive into.

So...here are a couple motley frames from the last set of Holga negatives.  

 

 

 

camera shake...it's a feature, right?

Inappropriate speed film in the camera (Holga), no tripod (using bulb setting), sorta freewheeling it just to get some practice in.  I don't totally hate it.  And yet?  I know I could be a little more technically rigorous.  The story of my life?  What is it about my brain/personality?  Anyway, not gonna overthink this.

I'll just slide on into the vibe...whatever that may be...

Kentmere100 in the Holga, late afternoon on an already dim-ish day, down in the woods at Pony Pasture Park.