k8tography

Evolve

At this very minute, I am immersing myself in an online photography course called evolve. This course runs for four weeks and we are in our first week. It is facilitated by the fab Sheye Rosemeyer, whose work and words I greatly admire.

I did the explore component last April. Loved every second of it. ‘Met’ some wonderful women from all over the world and learnt a lot about myself and photography.

evolve is the 2nd component and for some reason, my confidence in my abilities is not that high at the moment. To see the work this group produces, well let’s just say, I sit here in awe.

The first assignment is Soul Happy. What makes my soul happy? When I saw the topic my heart sunk. I am not good at introspective stuff. I don’t like delving too deep into myself. at. all.

Too hard. Too personal. Too much.

But today, an idea evolved!

Below is the post that I wrote accompanying my submission.

So, I decided to simplify. I decided to try to not ‘over think’ the task. I almost decided not to do the task to tell you the truth.

Yesterday was my birthday. I was so spoilt by family and friends. I was loved. I realised THAT made my soul happy. But how to show it? I took my camera to Morning Coffee. Spent some time with friends that I have known for ten plus years. While I had a lovely time I didn’t feel it ‘right’ to bring out the camera.

I went out to lunch with another group of friends – one of these friends and I share our birthdays – again – took my camera. Had lots of laughs and great food. Received plenty of gifts and hugs. No photos.

Dinner up at our neighbours place. Nice food. Nice company. Nothing camera-wise.

The day was a total dud in the photo department.

Today, I was looking at my cards and gifts and feeling very loved. Standing in the kitchen, I was holding up this gorgeous ceramic bird that my daughter, Bronte, gave me yesterday. Admiring its imperfections. Admiring its ‘redness’‘, for I do love the colour red in my kitchen!

Bee walked in and said do you want to take a photo of the bird? I could hold it if you like? I was pleasantly surprised at her suggestion as now, she normally runs from the camera. Yes please! So she went and changed into something that she thought would ‘match’. And it was perfect – a cream hoodie with red accents and embroidered red birds. She thought it all through. for. me.

This. This made my soul HAPPY.

Thoughtfulness. Not only of her gorgeous gift to me but her volunteering and getting changed. But wait! There’s more! She was even agreeable to posing suggestions! Wowee!

So, here is what made my soul happy today. A daughter, a red bird and winter light through my kitchen window.

That was a revelation to me – that such a simple gift of time, love and a bird was soul happy. I was looking too hard and too much before. I love how this just came to be.