Living inside out...

So far my improved focus is paying off. The list in my project log is getting ticked away day by day. My photography business is doing great. I just sold a framed print at the Sundog and am taking three more there this week; I am in the process of scheduling two portrait shoots (if it would just stop raining!); I just started offering my photo boxes at Ashes' Boutique; and I am completely redecorating a doctor's office. Sure, it happens to be my father's, but hey, business is business! And the more I put my work out there, the more people will be exposed to it.

In other inspiring news, my trip to Mexico for the Dia de los Muertos festival is in its last phase of being finalized. I am certain I will get tons of amazing shots- and inspiration for my writing- there, with all the colors and celebration, and the magic of the ruins. And, fingers crossed, I may be traveling over to Hawaii for New Years! I can't wait to go hiking in both places, and see landscapes and people so beautiful and full of spirit.

Following up on yesterday's post, I made a conscious effort throughout the day today to stay in the present. Whenever I caught myself thinking about what I needed to get done, I stopped myself immediately and did whatever I felt in that moment. And, the strange thing is- I got more accomplished today than I have in a long time. I guess it's like I mentioned in my post on guilt- when I think about everything as an obligation, I feel guilt, which makes me useless. When I just do what I feel at that precise moment, whether it happens to be cleaning the house or sitting on my duff watching tv, it just feels better. It feels natural and not forced. It just so happens I like cleaning the house. But only when its on my terms and not because I am forcing myself. It's so remarkable how something can completely change depending on your point of view. Life isn't just a string of obligations. It's a string of experiences. Only it doesn't feel that way unless you live it from the inside out, and not the other way around.



This is one of the lions that guard our neighbors' house. I've always loved them; don't ask me why. Maybe it's because they remind me of Grograman, The Many Colored Death, of The Neverending Story. He was a lion who befriended Bastian and who changed color depending on that of the sand around him. So, today on my walk I snapped a quick photo of him. I had fun playing around with the Gaussian Blur filter. It took some time to make sure everything but the lion was blurred. But I think it turned out pretty cool. I guess if the lion represents strength, and Grograman represents change, we could gather from the story that strength comes from the ability to change depending on your surroundings. I like that.