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| image by crilleb50 |
He didn't look up as I approached but slid over, making room for me on the bench. I caught a whiff of Eternity.
"I can tell you're having a time," I said, "and I am, too. My renters are late, again, and my older son has a 'D' in science. The baby's teething and keeping me up at night. My toddlers are, you know: toddlers, and no offense, but my husband is, you know: a man. I'm worried about my brother and a half dozen other people. I guess you could say I'm just flat-out overwhelmed."
I took a deep breath and asked: "What about you? Why are you having a time?"
"Because you're here," he sighed, "talking my head off. Interrupting the time of my life."
It's been a while since I've linked up at The Mag, but when I saw the image above, I felt like I had a story to tell. I wanted to remind myself, really, to refrain from interrupting others' peace with my bellyaching.
In tricky seasons, it doesn't hurt to tap into my creative self. As you can see (below), I was blessed to incorporate photography (along with creative writing) into my weekend. I like to give Jim a hard time, but he and the children are all generally very patient and supportive. I photographed a family of eight (or ten, depending upon how you look at it), yesterday, and Jim--after tying a ladder (that I didn't use) to the roof of the minivan--played with the little kids while I snapped away and Cade trailed behind carrying props (that I didn't, for the most part, use). I give thanks for my family. The photos below were all taken today, at home.
They are super, Brandee.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! Means a lot, coming from you; you're such a great photographer!
DeleteTalented in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you're rubbing off on me.
DeleteYou have an eye, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marlece!
Deleteso beautiful! You are quite a photographer. These moments are captured forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Friend. On a steep learning curve with my little machine.
DeleteI recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal about talking vs. listening and how we tend to talk more than listen ... you poem matched up perfectly with the article.
ReplyDeleteYour family is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd this piece? Super cool.
=)
Enjoyed your words and photos...
ReplyDeleteI loved your story (way more once I knew it was creative :) ha!...I felt a little protective of you when I thought it was true!!). I have to remind myself to be quiet and listen. I usually pray before meeting up with people that I won't talk too much...not because I'm ashamed of my gregarious spirit or anything, but I don't want to miss opportunities to listen! And the other thing I have to say is OH MY GOODNESS!! These pictures are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are gorgeous! Great post too I think we are guilty of it
ReplyDeleteThis Mag made me laugh. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are beautiful.
Most of photos are really nice...last few pics show quite the model (age 5 or 6). ALL are cute.
ReplyDeleteYour MAG--I liked the "whiff of Eternity..." Each character had their world interrupted by totally opposite happenings. Good perspective you gave the prompt.
PEACE!
I really enjoyed seeing your girls be themselves as you captured them. There's no end of character in that first shot of your redhead. To say your hands are full is an understatement. :)
ReplyDeleteI tried to comment once already, but my phone misbehaved and I don't know if the first comment took. Suffice it to say I thoroughly enjoyed the photos. How is there room for a camera with your hands so full of energetic children?? Glad I finally made it to this post.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm just determined slash on fire with it, although it's definitely easier with Jimmy's help. These were taken on a Sunday, and Chip was mostly either in the stroller or in Jim's arms. Thanks for the compliments; I'm on a steep learning curve. I got my camera for Christmas and have been allowing myself to learn how I learn best: slowly, and one thing at a time so as not to get overwhelmed or discouraged. I do feel like the pieces are falling in place, now.
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