Thursday, July 19, 2007

SPT - Zoned Out

Hello friends.

This picture is my entry to the flickr group Self Portrait Thursday. I took this using the Fireworks setting on my camera without a flash. I've been experimenting with that setting and the lightwaves I can capture from artificial light. In this case, I turned on our tv and put it on a snowy channel - the computer monitor is captured a little on the right, too.

I call this shot "Zoned Out" because I'm finally back in the zone after a break of a few very OFF weeks. To use a word I've become fond of in the past year, I was feeling quite wonky. Not myself.

After much reaching out and reaching in, I'm out - this baby's back on track! Sometimes you just need to take a big gulp and move on.

"I know it's true. Into each life. Oh, some rain, rain must fall"
Ray Charles - Drown In My Own Tears

I like to paint the world in bright yellow colors that shine with optomism and hope. When all I can see is blue, I panic.

Eventually I stop squeezing my eyes shut and open them again.
And see.
I'm okay

In fact,
I'm stronger

That IS the beauty of life, of age, of the experience of growing as a person. We keep meeting bigger challenges. The universe seems to raise the bar as we go along, and we could give up at any point, but we don't because there is so much to gain from pushing forward. The times that test us will come - that is for sure - but you just have to keep on keepin' on. It's so simple and lame in a way, but it's true.

Now that I'm feeling inspired again, I created a few new prints for both of my Etsy shops.

www.livefunky.etsy.com
www.IllustrationStation.etsy.com

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post Jess! My thoughts exactly,I could not have said it better myself. I swear whenever you write something I feel as if I have written it. I can relate soo well to you.
The self-portrait that you took is OUTSTANDING! It is amazing how you captured that moment so well Jess! :)
*HUGS*

Marissa L. Swinghammer said...

Great to see you back and inspired!

HomeGrownLife said...

Oh, I have so seen that "zoned out" look on you before! It's inspiring to read about you being inspired. Let's be in touch soon... Love your non-artistic mommy blogger friend Jill

Cynthia said...

Cool self portrait!

I think I get that way every so often myself.

jafabrit said...

I know the feeling. Glad you see your back on track, like the pic.

Paula Manning-Lewis said...

I can totally relate to that! Good to see you back and inspired!

Peace :)

Meghan Henley said...

Hi Hon! Sometimes it freaks me out b/c you write just what I have been thinking or feeling! I was too "out" for at least two weeks. I haven't quite experienced a time in my life like that before...either way, I am also "back on track" and glad to hear that my kindred spirit is feeling better. Much love to you!