Photo by Teri Johannes

WOW. So this is my blog. One I wrote at religously for well over a year. And then down to a couple times a week. To now, where weeks will go by with no new words or thoughts added. I’d like to say it was due to something in life that actually kept me from my keyboard. But that isn’t the case, entirely.

I joke often about my imaginary ADD. (I don’t think I have it) But like the impatient and easily distracted girl of my youth, some things don’t seem to change. Something else has captured my free time to the point of obsession. Much like this weblog did for well over a year. Although both past and present obsessions have one thing in common. They serve as an opportunity to express myself creatively in small ways. Being creative I believe adds color to everyone’s world.

Being creative appeals to our souls. Whether thru drawing, painting, sculpture, words or photos.

Growing up, I was never one of those students who took an art class to bring their grade point up a little when trigonometry took it down, a little too far. Art classes would have taken my GPA to never-before-seen new lows. (Much like French did my last semester) Drawing a completely round circle was a skill I never could quite master. I just assumed I wasn’t a person with any artistic creativity. Sticking it in the same category that singing was under. (My rendition of Barry Manilow’s “Feelings” at age 13, was one none of my family could forget, but that all wished they could.)

My obsession of late has been photography as well as my little place on the web to show my latest results at; Flickr. Now my mind wanders to just about everything around me visually. Would that make an interesting photo? Or how about this unique angle? Or how that gorgeous rose or my adorable rugrats and their day-to-day activities would translate thru the lens. And every now and then something beautiful comes of it. And this feeds a part of my soul.

I am in no way suggesting my obsessions- or creative outlets- are something that I’m exceptional at. I may never be an Ansel Adams or John Steinbeck. But what I’ve finally learned is that it doesn’t really matter. There’s something to that cliche line, “personal best.” At least for me there is.

I would suggest that those who enjoy photography look into Flickr as a place to not only store your digital images, but receive feedback as well. Just like our many blogging “communities” Flickr has a wide range of photographers; from the novice amateur, to the professional photographer. Just as blogging fed my creative side, so is photography.

Now my goal is to find a way to make time for both my loves, old and new. Balance. Always just a little bit out of my reach, but my never ending pursuit.

Since my previous post, I have spent all spare time downloading and editing the photos from our trip to Niagara Falls and New York City. Throwing out the photos that didn’t quite turn out and editing those that just might communicate what I’ve seen thru the lens. Behind those photos lie three full memory cards waiting for me to do something with them.

And of course I stare at my sparsely updated weblog, wistfully as one would a beloved past lover. In between my creative pursuits lies the day-to-day life of a wife and mother. I have got to get a handle on this whole “balance” thing. I refuse to give up on blogging or learning more about photography. My wonderful and supportive husband just bought me my first SLR digital camera. OK, he bought it for me like three or four months ago. But that complicated big thing scares me, and I’ve yet to take it out and snap some photos with it. I’ll get there, eventually.

I’ll continue to strive for balance and organizing my time, so I can entertain both loves, and be an attentive wife and mother as well.

To all the fathers:

I hope all the fathers out there had a relaxing and fun day yesterday. Your job as Dad is important, and should be acknowledged as such. And to the unsung heroes, those step-dads who quietly take their role seriously, filling in any gaps they see; and rarely receiving the appropriate acknowledgement, I hope you received some of the honor due you. And say a prayer of “Thanks” for the special man that holds that role in my children’s lives. What you bring to their lives, no other person on earth could. I’m humbled that you chose to take on that role and continue to do so, with love and grace.

Love,

3T