Emergence

The past year has been the toughest trial of my life. Taking time and making the effort to blog has fallen to a low spot on the to-do list of just living and trying to thrive. I did enroll in two terms of photography classes. They proved to be challenges I could focus on outside the realm of my new alone life. The curriculum was intellectually stimulating. Who knew taking a picture involved so much math and homework? Going to class six hours a week, forced me to leave the house and meet new people. Each term ended with the presentation of a portfolio which included a statement of what the artist hoped to convey through the photographs. Thursday night I presented my portfolio.

"Three hundred sixty-two days ago I lost my husband of 41 years. The grief of widowhood dulled the colors of life. Learning photography has been self-therapy to help me once again vividly see the world around me.

The natural world has always been my solace. In nature wondrous beginnings emerge each spring. New growth with its vibrant hues, brightens the dull uniform green of winter’s foliage. 

Flowers delight with infinite shapes and colors.

Both tears and rain bring forth a renewal of life. 

As in nature, my life is emerging anew. I rejoice in the colors, patterns and, textures of spring along with the transitions of Darkness to Luminance. 

Within this portfolio I tried to capture the emergence of new life blossoming forth upon the old. Life that was restored through tears and nurtured by rain."

After presenting my project, I came across a poem from 16th century poet Herbert.

And now in age I bud again,

After so many deaths I live and write:

I once more smell the dew and rain,

And relish versing. O my onely light.