I took a small series of her reading to herself, and each shot had a completely different expression. I look at the top one and it hurts my heart. I want to say, "What's wrong? What's confusing you? What don't you understand? Let me help you." She's obviously trying to process something! But three seconds later, she's off to something else, something that seems to be amusing and pleasing.
Silhouette
The light that floods through the front door in the evening is soft, especially as the daylight gets longer as we reach summer. I tried to capture the silhouette of the three of them, but also captured such a sweet moment between them.
Going to Grandma's
I love watching this scene take place and I've seen it many times, but today I stopped to take it in. And it's the exact same sequence every time: He walks up the driveway, toting his suitcase behind, stops at the stairs, yelling, "Grandma! I'm here!" hands her his suitcase and runs inside to play with the toys, only found at Grandma's.
Hands
Their hands captivate me. And now that they are getting older, I find myself staring at them. Looking at these photographs, the chubbiness of her hands stand out against his thinning hands. And when did that happen? I swear his hands were just as chubby last week. And those dimples, the creases. Oh, the amazing things these hands can and will do.
Oh, the Light
Today, she had the playroom to herself. No one to take toys from her, push her out of her chair, tackle her. It was just her, the playroom, and the beautiful afternoon light.
Grandparents
I've always admired my grandparents, but I have never really looked closely at the relationship between a child and grandparent until I had my own children. Could it be a window into how my parents were with me as a child? I have started looking closely at the special bonds my children have formed with my parents, watching the dance that happens with each grandparent, the routines each child brings to them. I only hope to document these dances for quite some time to come.
The First Step Begins the Journey Forward
And a first step has been taken. I have been thinking a lot about my photography lately. Where is it going and why is it headed in that direction, if in any direction at all. I sat down at the beginning of the year and mapped out a small goal to participate in more online workshops. Not my favorite style of learning, but the easiest for busy mom. But I came across a notice from a photographer who would be hosting one last in person workshop before her family moved overseas. I had followed a little of her work and was quite excited to meet her when I attended another workshop (that I wasn't crazy about). So I took the plunge and booked my spot for her Tampa workshop. Scared to be in a small group of professional photographers, I dug right in, completed the pre-workshop assignments, and showed my work to the group. That one weekend changed how I want to move forward with this journey. This journal is just the start...