I’ve passed this arrow on the road where I walk many times. I’d never stopped to take a picture of it until this day. I’d been doing some pretty heavy thinking for two days. You see when I took this picture I was 60 years and one day old. The day before had been my birthday. I’ve never given age any thought at all. Each year I celebrated the day and that was that. I didn’t care how old I was. I never felt as old as the numbers said anyway. This year was different. Sixty is a major milestone and it had not started out too well. On the morning of my birthday I woke up with a stomach virus. Now, I’m telling you that is NO fun on your birthday. That means no visits from family, no party; not even a cake. Looking on the bright side though, I lazied around in bed all day. My daughter and her three boys called and sang Happy Birthday to me. My son’s oldest boy drew me a birthday card, his mother took his picture holding it, and emailed it to me. I received birthday cards in the mail, several phone calls, and also enjoyed birthday wishes on FB. Seriously, that’s a pretty special day. Just think what it would have been like with no phones or internet service!! Thankfully it was only a 24 hour bug, so bright and early the next day I was out walking.
I always walk with my camera, so when I walked across the arrow I backed up, stopped and took a picture to represent a start of a new year. Where will this year take me? What will I do? Where will I travel with my camera? Will I use my year wisely?
To celebrate this year I’ve started not one, but two 365 projects. One is called “where I am.” I’m taking a picture each day of my feet and what I’m doing. The second is “seeking the light.” I want to capture all the small things that bring me joy and photograph them paying special attention to light. I also started a “joy jar” where at the end of each day I jot down one moment that brought me joy. You see, I want to celebrate this entire year. I’m so very grateful to be 60, to be healthy, and to be loved. I want my life to be a reflection of that.
To celebrate this year I’ve started not one, but two 365 projects. One is called “where I am.” I’m taking a picture each day of my feet and what I’m doing. The second is “seeking the light.” I want to capture all the small things that bring me joy and photograph them paying special attention to light. I also started a “joy jar” where at the end of each day I jot down one moment that brought me joy. You see, I want to celebrate this entire year. I’m so very grateful to be 60, to be healthy, and to be loved. I want my life to be a reflection of that.
I saw this blog post the other day but in feedley but when I clicked on it, it was there.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to say Happy Birthday and sorry about your virus. I really like the shot and your thinking.
A lovely photo-heart connection, Cathy. I like your feet on that arrow and all it represents for you in your life right now!
ReplyDeleteThis is just wonderful. Love every word, every sentiment...and rejoice with you for the great plans you have for this coming year!
ReplyDeleteLove what this represents in your life! Great photo-heart connection! And so love your "joy jar" idea!
ReplyDeletei really like finding little unexpected signs when i'm out and about. it's almost like they were put there just for you.
ReplyDeletehappy late birthday, and glad to hear you're feeling better!
I am so excited to see where this year takes you :) Two 365 projects, you go girl. I will be happy if I can do #fromwhereistand for the whole month of July. If I can do that maybe I will continue it for a whole year?? I have seen so much growth in you just since we became friends in January, so I have no doubt that you will make this an awesome year.
ReplyDeleteA little to late but... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cathy! Great capture to start a new year you should use it in an art journal. Everyday I'm writing down one thing in a tiny note book that makes my heart sing, almost similar like your joy jar. It's a fabulous way to keep positive and counting your blessings. I can't wait to read where this year takes you.
ReplyDeletewell shoot cathy! i didn't realize it was your birthday! happy belated birthday!! so glad to hear you are feeling better. and truly, i can't think of a better way to celebrate the gratitude that you have for your life than with a 365 photo project. i love your intentions and can't wait to see what you shoot.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday! 60 is not so bad! And keep working at those 365's. I'll be checking on you. :-D
ReplyDeleteHappiest Birthday Cathy! I love how you plan to celebrate this milestone year - what wonderful ideas! I love the metaphorical significance of this image - your determination and commitment to living this year to its fullest. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Visiting from PHC and so happy to have called by. I turned 60 this year and do you know? I feel better, happier, and more contended. I just love your idea of a joy jar. I am going to start one today. I don't think I could take on two x Project 365, I love the one I am doing this year though. Nice to have 'met' you.
ReplyDeleteWell-first off Happy Birthday. I know a lot of people who like to make their birthday a week long event. Maybe some sweet birthday surprises will come later.
ReplyDelete60 Hmmm. I'm guessing that is a milestong. I turned 50 last year and like you, never gave numbers a thought, but that one did cause pause to look backwards and forward and each was scary on its own. I suppose new direction offers promise and richness yet to be found as your photograph clearly is pointing that way.
I applaud you on TWO 365s. Rock star!! I started mine in September, two days before my birthday. I like beginning there rather than Jan 1st. More personal, less pressure.
Stay calm and carry on. It's all good.
What great traditions for turning 60!
ReplyDelete--Michele at Sweet Leaf, visiting from PHC
Well Happy Birthday to sweet, sweet you. I wish you a grand year, Cathy, and look forward to all you have to show us.
ReplyDeleteHope your year improves and improves.
ReplyDeleteYou are so inspiring. And your photograph is awesome.
ReplyDeletelove this shot! the white arrow and the white sneakers on the charcoal grey asphalt, awesome! seems you have quite deliberately entered your 61st year and are planning to enjoy it all the way. good on you! have just started my 59th today and your image has really inspired me, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo-heart connection post. Best wishes for the coming year!
ReplyDeleteI love the positivity that exudes from this post, Cathy. You are an inspiration! Good luck with your 365's (I can't even start one!!) and revel in the joy each day brings. You know what I think this arrow means? You will always be moving forward, no matter what is happening in your life. Remember that if you get stuck! Happy Belated Birthday! Thanks for sharing in the Photo-Heart Connection, and sorry for my delay in coming by. I'm catching up on June along with July!
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