This book arrived last week, and I've been pouring over its pages ever since. Its been keeping itself right by where I sit each morning for a few precious minutes to sip on my first cup of coffee. I think that's the perfect place for it. What can I say about this sweet book that hasn't already been said? Let me try.
My interest in photography was peaked long ago by these two ladies. Constantly amazed that simple captures suddenly looked so much better through their lenses. The daily postings of 3191 mornings made me stop and look when I felt I had no time to. It is quiet and reflective in that little corner of the web, and I think those of us who stop by daily have come to depend on that feeling. The beauty of the photographs speak for themselves, as they do now in A Year of Evenings, but there is always more to see. You see, if the photos themselves make me stop and notice the every day, the comments go a step further, pointing out amazingly obvious, yet subtle similarities between the daily pairings. I read these and then go back to the photos. "Wow, its true, I do see it now".
I have many many favorite pairings, but I made myself pick one for this post and it's the July 11th pair. I remember clicking and just gasping. It just seemed so out in the world, so lived. I needed to get out from behind my computer that day, it was clear. It really resonated with me. There are other favorites... the pairing from February 9th made me smile because in it was an apron I'd given Stephanie. May 30th's pairing of a button and string, beside a beautiful white orchid, was another one I thought about the whole day I saw it. And then this one-
Those cats and that umbrella. Do you see what I see? The stripes on the left, the lines echoed on the right by the wood floor and the umbrella, with an element of cover and protect in both? Now you're getting it.
The irony is that these moments all happen around each of us, every day. We just have to notice. The world is so gross right now. Bad news is everywhere, and it feels so unproductive to dwell on it. Flipping through these photos reminds me of simple beauty and things that are good. It occurs to me that life happens quick around our house if I let it, and if I stop to think about it, I'm pretty sure these are some damn good years my family is in the midst of right now. Young, with our own company a year old, kids who actually want to spend time with us.
I have a copy of 3191: A Year of Mornings, to give away. Just leave a comment here on this post, describing what you saw in your morning today that was beautiful. Most mornings are hectic for us, but what did we take the time to notice? Describe it, I'd love to hear it. I will randomly pick a name and post it here on Friday, when I update the shop.
Enjoy your morning!
