No Update, Home Healing

I missed out this week because some shrimp got the better of me. So, my planned update on recent work has turned into insight into the importance of flexibility and regrouping.

I spent time on the computer, but I also stayed in bed resting. We tend not to take the time to heal. I am speaking in general; although, I am sure we can all apply this to our lives. I had time to read some books that gave me new ideas for projects. I found that I still love to read in bed-something I rarely do with a 3 year old ruling the house. Reclaiming parts of ourselves is important for artists who tend to live wearing more hats than most. And we need to feed that piece with a lot of nothingness.

Gloria Stein said something to the effect of, "To be a real genius, you have to do nothing, really nothing."

Go read. Go rest. Go be genius.

Just Write It! (this statement is copyright and trademarked)

One of my all time favorite spaces is in this old kitchen chair.

I have to guess that the chair is almost an antique, which is why I juxtaposed the antique shaker chair on the right side of the frame. This once white stepping chair was in my grandmother's (in Center City, Philadelphia) kitchen next to the window AC unit and fridge. I felt secure in the tight corner next to the bread box, which fascinated me since in Florida the bread was in the fridge.

As I hibernate through this hot summer, I imagine what Florida's pioneers and native residents experienced without the luxury of air conditioning. I am remembering the words of Robert Frost(sorry I just can't help myself) taking the roadless traveled. My journey down the road of a photographer is not less traveled just more about persistence and endurance. I am just not me unless I am holding a camera, clicking, home, and extra $ potential, I am still creating. So to this, I implore everyone to write down your personal history, draw, photograph. Perhaps this act is just like authentic creation because, well, in the psychology of journaling the creator exists in a undefinable space that as a viewer we try to imagine.

Make a journal, find an old sketchbook, use that Barnes-n-Noble giftcard from your birthday last year. Might I also mention that writing, the act of making letters into words on paper, is an essential skill. Find an inspiring pen, pencil, marker..."borrow" one from the doctors office. Find a comfy space and with just paper and an writing instrument you can be making history.

Rita Island, Lake Okeechobee

In the apple blossom trees, I thought I could hear ancient voices telling of Florida's history. I was amazed by the thick clusters of roots all around. That and the numerous spiders. The crazy part of Lake Okeechobee's history is that each of the three islands, on the southern rim, were settled with working communities. Rita Island is the first of the islands that I have seen. Only rows of banana trees bare witness to a passer by; the water levels are a little too high for much to be seen. My two guides told me that in the height of the drought they walked where we had to use an air boat to explore.

Little remains telling the story of Lake Okeechobee and her history. Perhaps, we should do as the Seminole tribe and speak nothing of those past. For now, my choice is to meditate in the tree hammocks trying to figure out how my history and the Lake and my photography all meld together. Maybe I go there to escape, maybe I go in search of some truths or enlightenment; maybe I go for curiosity. I will share the epiphany when revealed to me. Until then, I am busy working on images and creating the story of this part of the Glades.

What we can do to help restore and preserve the Everglades

So, what can we do as everyday folks, visiting or residing? I am a firm believer in the power of cumulative efforts producing positive outcomes. Even if we chose just one thing in our daily lives, we can make a large contribution to preservation of our natural landscape.

Check out this link on common things that we can easily assimilate as part of our daily routines.

https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=2814,19613828&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Keep posted as I travel into the Wilds of Lake Okeechobee...

New Project on Lake Okeechobee

I am fascinated by the ecosystem and water ways of the Everglades. A major piece of the Everglades and water comes from Lake Okeechobee, the second largest body of water in North America. In the 1980's I did a science fair project that confirmed my middle school theory that phosphorus was present in the Lake and effecting its ecology. How many years later now, I am learning of both new issues with Lake O and her history. As I learn more, I will certainly share not only historical points, but the significant steps taken to preserve the area, revitalize communities, and restore the Everglades.

Many Thanks to Boots and Chris for my first day on Lake O in a long, long time.

Red Dog Journal

Have you heard about this great online resource? With so many places, sites, blogs, and what not out there today, I believe that this online Journal, a div of Cygnet Press in NM, has a load of info for all levels of photographers. I enjoy their humor as well. Recently, they had a call for entries for new work, and I was accepted! The announcement I believe will be official in September. The work continues to be focused on water conservation, south florida, and the Everglades.

On a side note: New Mexico is was on my favorite places on earth. I encourage every artist to visit just to learn about their light. And, I admit, the best food! My short time as a resident in Santa Fe had loads of memories from smells to sunsets. I miss those mountains and dear friends.

Here's the link to the Red Dog Journal:

http://www.reddogjournal.com

New Work with Women and Photography International

The Summer 2009 Juried Show by Women in Photography International has accepted a Sarah Brown original image in the Children Category! I am especially proud of this one because after a formal shoot with 2 siblings, the eldest ran outdoors to play at the first possible moment. His mother just gave him a look of permission, which was all he needed. I was lucky enough to just follow him out the door and capture the moment.

Click on the link:

http://womeninphotography.org/wipihome.html