“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.” — Elsie de Wolfe

Saturday 14 January 2012

Reflections and Realisations. . .

"Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth." - Rumi

This week has been one of reflection and realisation. Now that the festivities have passed and there's a new year with a blank slate in front of me, the thoughts of what I want to bring into my life, arise. They float around the edge of my consciousness, half formed and shadowy. They wait for me to give them form, to understand what it is I need to do. Where it is that I need to direct my energy. . .

When the words don't come
I look for them.

I shine a torch into dark corners,
- dig down into the silt.

Looking for letters that have fallen
from my mouth as I was speaking.

And there, half buried in the sludge
I find them.

Carefully I dig out each one.

Only to discover that they
spell out one word

. . . W R I T E

And I understood that that is exactly what I need to do. I have a book waiting, one that is finished but for the final polish. But there is procrastination involved, I can feel a sense of holding back - because saying 'it's done' will involve taking another step. I will be setting out on the next part of the journey and there will be decisions to make.

So, instead of writing I have been following my usual distractions - taking photos, changing my blog look etc. etc. In fact I spent a great deal of time putting together a some of my poems with some of my old digital art images. It is still a work in progress but you can find it here - Under my Skin

But as I HAVE been taking photos, I thought I would share some of them here with you. :-)

Above, I was so pleased to catch this bird just taking flight
and below, these house names caught my eye on a walk around the village


Down by the canal. . .
I love the different surfaces, colours, and the lovely moss edging!

Such beautiful reflections in the canal. . .

When everything had gone,
I found I still had myself.
The grand continent of me,
still existed inside my skin.

I took freedom in exchange for possessions.
I filled the space with trees.

I quickly discovered other truths.
The infinite possibilities of darkness,
that sunlight glinting has its own rewards,
and that things remain lost until they are found.
- S B
The beauty of sunlight and shadows

And back at the car. . . Joe and reflected trees

I hope your week has been a good one. x

Thought of the week
"We each have a choice, and with each action we either feed
or starve our life force. "
- Debbie Ford

Words and Images - Susannah Bec.

14 comments:

vivinfrance said...

This post has everything that I most admire - interesting thoughts, well turned words and gorgeous photographs. Keep on keeping on!

Paul Andrw Russell said...

Lovely images, Susannah.

I too understand the need to re-evaluate and reflect. I have also been procrastinating; doing anything and everything to avoid the hard work that needs to be done on my novel.

2012 is going to bring big changes in my life, and at my age they're not necessarily ones I would have wanted.

So it is with excitement, trepidation and fear I am proceeding into an uncertain future. The only certainty, writing. It may well keep me sane. :-)

Barb said...

Susannah, Such a good start to 2012! Your poem about self is so astute. Don't procrastinate anymore - though I do love when you take photos to share. So much talent.

Maude Lynn said...

Beautiful shots!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Your words flow like an enchanting melody line through this post! And in between, a beautiful series of images of your world!

none said...

Oh, these are gorgeous, Susannah! I, too, am reflecting on future projects in this "blank canvas" time. :) :)

Susan said...

I love the crisp blue sky, especially in the photo with the reflections in the canal.

Morvah said...

Susannah, I wish I could procrastinate as beautifully as this! Thankyou for sharing so much with us - I am sustained and inspired... Much, much love to you for the seasons ahead xxx

Anonymous said...

Your digital art images are amazing. You are so creative. I am very excited to hear about your writing projects and understand about the procrastination. I wish you well with everything - you deserve much success!

Susannah said...

Thank you all for your lovely words and good energy. It is wonderful to see you and share this space with you.

Much love to you all.

Susannah x

Isabel Doyle said...

Lovely photos and lines Susannah. I am at a similar mental place of struggling to 'finish' a novel which I fear actually needs to be thrown out and started again ... ho hum. I have a carrier bag from theNational Gallery that says 'Art is never finished only abandoned'. Perhaps it is the fear of abandonment that is holding me back.

Best wishes for your endeavours.
Isabel

Susannah said...

Good to see you Isabel and thank you for your wise insights. x

Jennifer said...

I understand, I share your tendency to finish creative projects. Once I wondered out loud to a friend, "fear of failure?" He suggested, "or fear of success?"

Love your photos - again. Especially those cobblestones and the moss. And that glass-like canal. I love going for walks with you.

Susannah said...

Hi Jennifer, yes I think there may be something in that 'fear of success' thing. :-)

It is always good to see you and a real pleasure to have you along on my walks. I am enjoying experiencing your city through your photos too. x

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