Other Side Of The Lens

B and Me

This is a shot of Beatrix and I, taken the other day at the park. Pictures of the two of us together are rare. Not because we don’t spend much time together. Simply because I’m so often the one taking the pictures.

Yet, I spend a great deal of time with my little girl. I’m fiercely protective of that time too. She is simply one of my favorite people to be around. She’s sweet and funny and a creative thinker. She has an incredibly kind spirit and gentle heart. She’s the sort of kid who greets everyone she passes as we walk to the park. If they have a dog she will politely ask if she can pet it, ask the name, and hold out her hand gently and let the dog sniff before running her tiny hands across its head. She thanks people politely when they give her a compliment. Courtesy and grace are a part of her being.

She’s also wonderful to photograph. And I find myself being so captivated by doing so that it does not occur to me to be in the same frame with her. To show some evidence of being there too.

I think it is often the case that there is that one person in the family who assumes the role of principle photographer. It generally just kind of happens. And, I believe you could always tell who that person is if looking though a collection of family photos. They are the ones who appear in the fewest of the photos.

If you are that person in your family, remember to step around to the other side of the lens from time to time. Let the future know that you were there too.

Sick Again

I have not wanted to make a big deal of it but I’m sick again. This time, I’m not sure what it is. I’ve gone to the doctor and he is not sure exactly yet either. High fever, low appetite, aches and pains, headaches, extreme exhaustion, and a few other unmentionables.

I originally suspected Lyme’s disease as we spent the weekend at the family cabin and last weekend I spent shadowing and taking pictures of a GORUCK Challenge. But this was ruled out because I had no obvious tick marks. That said, West Nile Fever (Mosquitoes are the unofficial state bird of Minnesota) was a strong enough possibility with similar symptoms that this is how they are treating me for now.

So, forgive the (once again) slowness of output and interaction here. Taking what little energy I have left just to feel better.

Love The One You’re With

Our first love must be self love.

To love one’s neighbor as oneself, one must first learn to love oneself. If one hates themselves, then how could they love their neighbor? To love your neighbor, you must love yourself.

First care is self care. If one does not care for self, how can one ensure they will be in an able position to care for others? To care for others, first care for your self.

To be able to give all of ourselves to others, we must first know ourselves fully. How else might we know the depth of that we have to give? In order to give of yourself to others, know yourself deeply.

In order to give, you must first have earned and received. How would one have anything to give otherwise? Receive first, so that you may have something to give.

Place love of self first so that one may know love and have that to give. The action may seem selfish yet the reason and intent is selfless.

This is an unfinished thought exercise from my writing journal. I think it makes the point as is so I’ve decided to leave it undone.