Day 9 - Simple Gifts

Back in 2002 I began keeping a photo-journal of my days but it was more a souped-up diary and it played out as such.  I enjoy looking back now to see what those days looked like.  Now that I’m challenging myself to a 30-day photo blog, it’s become more effort than I initially imagined.  Maybe it’s the nature of a blog – attempting  to connect in a personal  style yet avoiding feeling like you’re in your underwear before 4 billion people (or the 3 that subscribe to your blog…)  

My initial inspiration for the blog was that I received a new camera for Christmas and I wanted to get outdoors and take a moment each day to savor something beautiful and or interesting and share it.  I thought it would be a great way to add a pause to my day.  

In theory, it seemed like a relaxing idea.  It hasn’t been.  The truth of my days is that they are full, I am busy, and taking time out of my routine to capture an image that would be inspiring to me and all 4 billion readers is work.  And what do I encounter in my daily routine that inspires me?  My daughter, who is now sleeping.  My husband who is out in the barn.  My animals that are also sleeping.  The natural world, but, it is dark outside, so in essence she is sleeping.  They are the muse to my grand sentiments and lingering adoration, and they are not available right now when I have time to take pictures!

It’s 11pm, and I’m about to throw in the towel on this challenge when, as inspiration usually rears her head unexpectedly, out of the grey, I notice something that sings to me:  that dang cheese-cloth I have drying in the dining room.  I wash that thing twice a day, each time after I milk our cow.  Everyday  in winter, pretty much all day long, that rag hangs from our chandelier and graces our table.   A flag, hanging listless, telling everyone that enters our home that we no longer try to impress by appearance.  And there it is – my muse.  Suddenly, something seems share- worthy, noble, romantic.  It is perfect!  And like most perfect moments, there is a soundtrack in my head. 

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.