I was trying to create a still life last week, for a photography challenge over at Kacey's blog, Wine on the Keyboard. I love those very lush Dutch master still lifes, so I tried to take those as my inspiration. Here is what I came up with. Click to enlarge it, because the details are the fun part.
I am struck by the thought of a still life -- a moment in everyday life captured, pinned down like a butterfly to a board. I've given a lot of thought lately to moments -- choices, really -- and how they lead us to where we find ourselves today. Some choices I have made blithely, without much thought given to the consequences. Others have been made with eyes willfully closed, as if to refute ownership of the consequences should the decision prove to be wrong. And a few have been not really my choices at all. Serendipity, kismet, my guardian angel watching over me. I have been blessed.
When I was in high school, I thought about majoring in Art in college, but decided that English would offer better paying jobs. (Yes, I was really that stupid.) Then I got married right after college, and never really pursued a career at all.
But I think I also considered a life in search of beauty to be somehow not valid or meaningful. That to be driven by the visual would be shallow. That pictures are not as important as words. And so I got on with life, and gradually the need to create something beautiful became a distant memory. It occasionally surfaced when choosing a paint color or a fabric, when planting some flowers, or setting the table. Always when setting the table. :)
But now, when I can suddenly see more years behind me than there are ahead, I have begun blogging. I have met countless creative people, and watched their talents bring forth one beautiful thing after another. And suddenly, there is a need in me. It is real and compelling.
Does anyone else feel this way? I guess a large part of it is a function of the aging process. Greater self-awareness, less time, the road not taken. What a cosmic joke, huh? So from now on, I will give in to the need for beauty. Is it important, is it useful, will it pay big bucks? Who cares. Maybe I'll put my photos on note cards or make a Little Red House calendar, and open an etsy shop. Maybe I'll paint house portraits on tole trays; maybe I'll even paint still lifes.
Wish me luck.
Posts
Go for it, Mary! Your photos are always well composed and you have an eye for color and arrangement. I've gone for the better part of my life wondering what I'd "be" when I grew up...still don't know, but, as I hit my middle 50's this year, I know that money doesn't make me happy, but lack of it has its disadvantages...and doing what I love and puttering around creating things in the downtime does give me a sense of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI think you will find that you strike a chord in many of us. As time goes by, I have found myself acknowledging my need to communicate - either by word, artistically or action.
ReplyDeleteI do wish you luck. I think you are well on your wait. You are making your mark every day.
Yes Mary, I know exactly what you are talking about. Too much to put down here, so I will be posting about it today. I am having tea with you right now, grab a cup and come have some tea with me:>)All I can say is, pursue your dream. Life is too short not to!
ReplyDeleteGood Mroning Mary!
ReplyDeleteI think your still life is wonderful! I love the lighing in the photo. You have white whites and black blacks.. and everything in between. Can' wait to see more!
Very nicely done!
xoxo~
Abbie
Yes, yes, yes! Do all of that!
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful eye. I love to see how you put things together. And your photography is wonderful! Remember, I told you you should put your bird pictures and narrative in a book....for children or a coffee table book.
Now is the time......grab the brass ring!
((hugs)) Rosie
That is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm not certain why it seems turning 50 causes one to look back like it does (as well as realizing there IS less ahead).
One thing I've had to do is give the younger Brenda some slack. I do think I'm getting more creative... or perhaps I just realize time goes so fast that I have to choose to do all that creative "stuff" today for next week will be here before I know it.
Once again... LOVE that still life.
Good luck! Your photos inspire me all the time. The way you see things is unique - don't underestimate that!
ReplyDeleteI was pondering your "reluctant housewife" sig - if you don't want to be a housewife...don't! (Easy-peasy for me to say, huh?)
I DO wish you all the luck in the world. It is not a case of trying to please anyone other than yourself, I think. As long as you are filling a need in yourself, it doesn't matter if money is made in the process.....As much as we all enjoy your photography, I think others will, too.
ReplyDeletehugs and luck to you,
bj
You go, Mary.!!!! You have such a wonderful gift. Your photography is outstanding, you have a great eye. Go for it!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been home now since my kids were born for about 12 years. I do work from home now, but not doing what my heart would like to do. So in my free time, I just started to create primitive crafts and finally started to sell them on Ebay and just recently opened an Etsy shop. At least i feel like I am doing something to create. All my best, Janie
See, once again. Beautiful, classy. Go for it. When I began collecting glassware, my dream was to have a shop one day. To be able to display it, because to me, it is beautiful. I may never have my shop. Friends that know me have said over and over that I would never sell any of it anyways. :):) Don't know, but I have given some away. Thanks for the inspiration to do better.
ReplyDeleteMargie
You go girl! I am on the exact trajectory...don't know where it's going, but the field trips and carpooling is done. Time for Mental P Mama to spread her wings!
ReplyDeleteHi there :)
ReplyDeleteI had you in my list of blogs that I wanted to sit down and read, but I hadn't gotten to the L's on my list yet, so I'm so glad you came to see me :)
I love your blog and I want to read more of it in a minute, but when I read this I just wanted to say... that I am right there with you in your feelings. I have a need for more beauty in my life too :)
Speaking of beauty, the still life you created is wonderful! I'm going to have to work on that myself.
Anyway, thank you for coming by. You've found yourself another fan.
Hugs,
Rue :)
I think you can do anything! I love the idea of a calender. You are a wonderful photograph and writer.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Hi Mary, just browsing and found your blog. Your photos are beautful and you are very creative! I thinks note cards and calendars are a wonderful idea! Good luck and follow your heart! Blessings, Kathleen
ReplyDeleteOh Mary, I *so* envy your ability to put together still lifes or vignettes! That one is gorgeous and I still covet those acorns. I think many of us of a "certain age" are contemplating our lives past, present and future, No one ever talks about the female mid-life crisis, but it is certainly real, at least for me. I find myself trying to reconnect with friends from long ago and reaching out for new friends. Is it a crisis? No, but certainly some kind of re-awakening.
ReplyDeleteJanet
PS. I will certainly buy trays from you for clients (if I ever have a client again!!) and for myself.
Follow your heart, Mary. You won't be sorry you did. I was able to do the same over two years ago and I have never been so happy and fulfilled. A friend from my former office told me I should have done this years ago! ~Adrienne~
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI think most of us in the "autumn of our lives" search for that "something." I started blogging because everyone else seemed to be and yet it has given me a creative outlet. I always wanted to write a book. In many ways, I am now a published author writing little small chapters a day.
I lovely gentleman left me a comment a few weeks ago after reading my profile and a statement that I was pursuing a creative journey that had been put on hold for so many years. He said "don't ever, ever put a dream on hold."
Follow your dreams Mary and best of luck!
Wonderful photo -- yes -- do really should post your photos in an Etsy shop! And any of your found treasures from your wanderings too! For more examples of excellent still life in art history -- look up "Jean Baptiste Chardin" at art.com. LOVE his work! Along with the Dutch painters -- of course! The tulip-based artworks are wonderful -- down to the last minute bug painted there!
ReplyDeleteJan at Rosemary Cottage
Go MARY~ Yes you need to pursue you art. How could you not. When it is speaking to you so softly. How exciting this is going to be for you. And I am glad I get to share it along the way.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Mary
ReplyDeletePhotography really is your calling...I see you pursuing this? And why not? Finally there's time in your life to devote to it!
Blogging has brought out in me a confirmation of how much I enjoy writing. Kari just emailed me that she sent off in the mail her painting that i won when i wrote about being 40...I just wrote how I felt never thinking of anything else! It feels fulfilling to know I can say something someone else finds relevent.
You pics are just gorgeous, an etsy shop is the way to go for you...they are just so frameable and joyful...please sign me up for a LRH calendar as soon as they come out! Hee-hee!
:0)
Tara
xo
Go Mary!! You have such a talent. My life followed the same sort of path as yours...I began in art and then veered into something that seemed more *career-worth*. Then,married a Navy man and never got that *Career* fully off the ground. I love the creative process and blogging has opened my eyes to so much. I am not yet over the hill and so want to try this. Writing and photography...and the desire to combine them. I too have considered an etsy shop. Ebay, etc...
ReplyDeleteI wish you great luck. You have a delicious talent dear Mary. Go for it.
Love,
Sue
Mary, you'll be a natural at this pursuit. Your eye is so good; and your words are well chosen, thoughtful, and flow beautifully. As they say, "You go, Girl!"
ReplyDelete(And, yes, I hear you and I get what you're saying. I, too, feel that time is slipping by too fast without having accomplished whatever it is that must be accomplished.)
I'd love to see where your artwork takes you!! :)
ReplyDeleteJust go for it! Your work is lovely
ReplyDeleteMil
Love your still life, Mary. Great composition, I could see that in a magazine. I totally understand what you are saying, since I'm just behind you in age, I think. We do go through a lot of changes reaching 50 and looking back. I too realize that time is short & I must do what I feel passionate about, whether it pays a lot or not. I spent way too many years in a corporate office & am so glad to be away from it now. So, that's why I started my own little business. It may not make me rich, but hopefully it will allow me to do that I love & enjoy along the way.
ReplyDeleteYes, go for it! You have nothing to lose, that was my motto! I think you're very creative.
xo,
Rhoda
When I just arrived here, I was really concerned about you because I'd seen this picture before. I thought "is she sick?" and "why hasn't she posted in so long?" and then I started reading the copy under the photo (sorry I call words copy . . . it's leftover from my newspaper days, I guess) and it was a new post. Silly me, I should have checked the date first! I saw this beautifully composed photo last week over at Kacey's page when you entered her composition challenge. I knew you'd be good at it!
ReplyDeleteYou are echoing exactly my feelings of late. Perhaps it's our age. Perhaps we're just coming into our own. Because that's how I feel.
What I'm planning on doing, once I've been blogging longer, is to put my posts and pictures in a book. Let me go back and find the URL for you. I'll be right back.
Someday, I'd like to have all the comments you have. I don't think I've ever gotten to 25! Maybe 22. Once. BRB.
Found the URL. If you go to Christine's site at the Hogue Chronicles, she writes about a site called Blurb, and then lists 3reviews from people who have turned their blogging pages and photos into hardcover books for memories. They're beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think!
Now, this is age showing it's properties, right?
ReplyDeleteDoya think I could have included the URL?
Here it is: http://hoguechronicle.com/2008/03/04/link-of-the-week-blurb/
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to send a note and thank you for your comment in the May issue of Romantic Homes magazine. It's a wonderful feeling to know that somewhere out here in blog world, there are people who feel the same way I do. I wish you much continued success! Your photography is beautiful~xo
Mary,
ReplyDeleteLove your still life photo! Yes, I can understand how you feel. Go with your feelings. I am sure you will be sucessful in your endeavors.
Mary, this was a wonderful post and it really made me think.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder what would have happened if I followed another path other than the profession I did choose, but since I'll never know I do feel it's never "too late" to do what we dream about.
Your photography is always so beautiful and you have such a way with composition that I think you should explore that medium as a creative outlet maybe by taking classes, and yes, certainly make things from it that you could offer to others.
You also have a wonderful way of expressing yourself with words so I think that major in college did "pay off" :-)
Anyway, there is no better job in the world than raising children to become productive memebers of society. I'm sure you'll be appreciating the fruits of that labor soon, too.
Hugs, Pat
I could actually have written the comment made by Teresa at Plumwater Cottage. It's a little scary how closely what she wrote echoes things I've written in the past about not knowing what I want to be when I grow up. Well, there's not a whole lot of time left to make up my mind.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I think the choice about art was probably made for you, and not by you, back then. It was accepted that one not pursue the artsy things they were interested in because of the necessity to pursue something more lucrative. Many professions such as art had to come of age and be recognized as a viable source of income.
Blogging has opened up so many more interests and opportunities than I'd ever expected it to. I've met blogger friends in real life, pursued new hobbies, and I think I'm on the path back to a professional life that I was once good at and enjoyed but got away from and couldn't find my way back to -- that of a writer and photographer. The motivation to jump back into those two occupations hasn't hit hard enough yet, but the blogging has caused it to bud. I'm hoping that someday soon the bud will burst into bloom.
So, it sounds to me like I've had an experience very similar to what you are having. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your art. Lots of people have done well creating little cottage industries around their talents, or you could even end up as a well-known painter.
Who'd have ever thought that blogging could provide such motivation?
I did it! Even with countless interuptions and cooking dinner, I read your whole blog and during the process you wrote me on mine :) I adore your blog, your home and you (well, what I know of you LOL) I'm sure you think I'm crazy, but I couldn't stop myself from reading the whole thing :)
ReplyDeleteOh and thank you for your kind words about my husband. I swear that last post is not in the norm of what I share on there, so I hope you really do come back.
Hugs,
Rue :)
I'm SO glad you said to click on the pic. The details are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAs for going after the beauty in life now, instead of going after something "that will pay the bills"? I'm so with you there. I got a business degree because it was practical. Right, that's the way to happiness. The practical choices.
I think it's a great idea for you to do something with your beautiful photography!
I think it's this stage of my life where I realize I can/need to go after the things that I value and make me happy. Instead of practical or putting everyone else first.
This was a beautiful post today! I have not visited in a long time! Glad I stopped by today. Good luck with the next chapter!
ReplyDeleteGo for it, Mary~~
ReplyDeletelife is short, and we should enjoy the blessings before us. We have a choice to be happy or miserable. You are choosing to make the best of your time and using it to share with others...that's wonderful! I would love to see you do a little red house calendar, etsy store, etc..you have amazing talent and so much to offer and share...Can't wait to see what you do!
xxxooo Ruth
Mary, you are a very creative person. Love the still life.
ReplyDeleteThe skys the limit as far as creativity goes ~ I say go for it!
Hugs,
Donna
I know exactly how you feel! The older I am getting the more I need to express my needs, thus the blog.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is wonderful and so warm and inviting, I love coming here! Keep up the good work, you have so much talent, express it and allow us to relish in your words as well as your pictures!
Your words have caught the blogging populace, including me. You have so much talent & appreciation for beauty & workmanship. . .you have to press on to the next level or you will implode! (I'm sure the attorney can grant a plea of insanity if it's neccessary!) LOL! You raised your children, you have a beautifu home & amazing taste!!what more do you need for a green light!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Mary, I have thought all the things that you mentioned so often this year. Blogging has really helped, because I know now that so many women feel the same way. Whether it is a chapter, a passage or a new beginning I so appreciate the beauty around me more as I get older. Creativity is such a blessing, and your writing, photography and decorating truly shows how blessed you are. Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteMy comment is:
AMEN SISTER!!! Jump in the boat with the rest of us!
Sherry (Edie Marie)
Yes, I had the same feelings at age 40. I left design school, went into editorial and marketing work, got married, had babies (and that took up the past 20 years!) and then I turned 40. Suddenly, I craved what I started back at age 19, my passion for design. And suddenly it made sense for me as a way to be able to bless other people. And somehow in getting older, that became my focus rather than the design itself. Age has a way of refocusing and refining us, doesn't it!?
ReplyDeletePursue your dreams,
Melissa
Enjoy the moment of "Inspiration" follow your heart. I think from time to time we as women do through an evaluation process. Just as you are cleaning your closets you do the same to yourself. Weed out what is not working and make room for new things that bring you joy. Know that you are worth it.
ReplyDeleteHeather
(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean...
What I've told myself is there is a "season for everything" and yes, now it is our season to be gentle to ourselves and nurture our spirit - to do whatever our heart is calling us to do. Just remember that you've been creating beauty and joy all this time and EVERY THING THAT YOU HAVE DONE so far has been something special and meant the world to those that love you and to those that you love. Your time here on earth has been precious. And YOU are special.
Love,
Kim
I love that photograph! I hope you don't mind if I printed it off to have near my computer as inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCould I ask what kind of camera/lens/settings you used? If you have covered that in another post, lead me there. :D
I don't comment often, but I love your blog. Thanks for sharing.
NonnieM
I love your still life! So happy to have found you through Shutter Sisters :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Love Thursday!
Beautiful, thoughtful post Mary. Age does seem to give us permission to just, or really, appreciate beauty in all its forms.
ReplyDeleteOh Mary,
ReplyDeletethese flowers look gorgeous! May I step in line for a Little Red House
calendar also?
Thank YOU for bringing such joy into our lives with your wonderful blog! Can't wait to see where your dreams take you!
Amazing still life and "AMEN" to your words.
ReplyDeleteIt's all a process. Like mining for gold. I think it's most important to enjoy the journey and not focus on the destination. I went back to school for the last year and a half and loved it. And this Christmas I suffered major burn out from the balancing act that is school/kids/home/life. So I slowed down this semester and find myself nesting. Paying attention to the small things. Remodeling. And cooking. And raising chickens. And the kiddos. Just enjoying the journey. I think you'll find what you're looking for because you put it out there in the universe and obviously you have lots of blog support! Cheers to YOU! Shine your light!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful still life, wonderful words. Go for it
ReplyDeleteHappy LT!
You go girl! I'm all into supporting your creative bent. In my family the credo was, "Do something creative every day". So get busy Missy!
ReplyDelete(Don't worry about the road not taken, it was a dead end anyway)
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Mary, I believe that the little dish you are asking about is a "finger bowl" which held water to clean off your fingers, and most likey a small towel to wipe them afterwards. Each person had their own at the dinner table.
ReplyDeleteRose
Hi there!
ReplyDeleteCountry girl made a comment on my blogsite and told me to visit yours. I love your Still Life and have really enjoyed reading all these comments. This year I CELEBRATE my 50th birthday. Wow, alot of these comments are my sentiments exactly. I have always been artsy and after raising 4 kids I am ready to enjoy creating and basically just (pardon the language) fiddle-fartin' if I want to.
Come visit my site if you get the chance. I am putting you on my favorites list so I can pop in occasionally and see what's going on in the Little Red House :o)
Kelly
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteStopped in by way of one blog and then another blog and then another…..so happy to have found your site. Your photography is lovely; I found this post and really like the still life. While reading along, what you said really struck a cord. I understand the need, almost an underlying desire to be creative. For me it has always been a gnawing desire in the pit of my stomach. I love working with my hands and making things for people. I cannot say what I like to do most because I enjoy so much.
I became a Registered Nurse after High School as I had always dreamed of doing since the age of 5 because my aunt was a nurse (and because it was something that I felt would best support a family and pay bills). After 14 years I was working the night shift so that I could stay at home during the daytime with my 3 children. As much as I loved my job and my patients I still wanted more. I would sometimes step out into the cool fresh air for a break from all of the seriousness of life and thought to myself “I know that there is more to life than standing outside at 3 in the morning watching the ambulances, newspaper trucks, and occasionally the police rolling in”! Oh, how I wanted to be home with my family and be my own boss! To own a little shop and make floral arrangements, home accents, offer vintage treasures to people and maybe even have a little tea room!
After a particularly bad night/morning and leaving work at 8:30 AM I finally made the leap, I opened an antique shop with my mother, and quit my day (night) job! I have been the happier for it. Now I can be as creative as I want - when I want plus I get to work my own hours and have the chance to share more time with my kids and husband all on my schedule! It has made all the difference in my home and family life. And I hope it will also change how my children will look at life and careers and opportunities to be taken (especially for my daughter). I always tell them “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”. I turned 39 on March 30 and I love it! Everyone picks and asks "how do you feel?"...like I should be heading to a geriatric ward or something….but I don’t feel old, I don’t feel any different actually! I just feel like there are still so many opportunities, I want to do everything it seams and I just don’t know when I will get them all done!
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteStopped in by way of one blog and then another blog and then another…..so happy to have found your site. Your photography is lovely; I found this post and really like the still life. While reading along, what you said really struck a cord. I understand the need, almost an underlying desire to be creative. For me it has always been a gnawing desire in the pit of my stomach. I love working with my hands and making things for people. I cannot say what I like to do most because I enjoy so much.
I became a Registered Nurse after High School as I had always dreamed of doing since the age of 5 because my aunt was a nurse (and because it was something that I felt would best support a family and pay bills). After 14 years I was working the night shift so that I could stay at home during the daytime with my 3 children. As much as I loved my job and my patients I still wanted more. I would sometimes step out into the cool fresh air for a break from all of the seriousness of life and thought to myself “I know that there is more to life than standing outside at 3 in the morning watching the ambulances, newspaper trucks, and occasionally the police rolling in”! Oh, how I wanted to be home with my family and be my own boss! To own a little shop and make floral arrangements, home accents, offer vintage treasures to people and maybe even have a little tea room!
After a particularly bad night/morning and leaving work at 8:30 AM I finally made the leap, I opened an antique shop with my mother, and quit my day (night) job! I have been the happier for it. Now I can be as creative as I want - when I want plus I get to work my own hours and have the chance to share more time with my kids and husband all on my schedule! It has made all the difference in my home and family life. And I hope it will also change how my children will look at life and careers and opportunities to be taken (especially for my daughter). I always tell them “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”. I turned 39 on March 30 and I love it! Everyone picks and asks "how do you feel?"...like I should be heading to a geriatric ward or something….but I don’t feel old, I don’t feel any different actually! I just feel like there are still so many opportunities, I want to do everything it seams and I just don’t know when I will get them all done!
Wow, Mary! This is so beautifully and perfectly said and do I know what you mean!!!
ReplyDelete