Pressed leaves - - so easy to collect & so simple to compost. National Geographic, not so much. Each year, eleven pounds of images from around the world. But last week, it was time for this collection of stories and images to move on, to mix and mingle with holiday wrappings and old bills. Our children did not plow through them, as I once did, and no library wanted them. This 450 pound collection was, in fact, a burden from another era. When I returned from the recycling center, I was not surprised to experience an increased flow of fresh air in my studio - - The shelves, lighter and more open, an invitation. We were managing the clutter we brought home from my mother-in-law's house, which we had cleared out three years ago. It was time to say farewell to her pressed leaves, National Geographics and her dog-eared rhyming dictionary. The
compost absorbed all of it, including the expectations of creating the perfect turn of phrase in a gift card, thank you letter or speech at the garden club. In our pile, the leaves & this book will nourish new growth in a new year & maybe even inspire new ways of thinking post 2020.
Terri Johnson
2/18/2021 06:38:58 am
I love the title 'Composting expectations'. And, the beautiful diamond shape that your words created. Cant wait to connect tomorrow...I've missed you!
Lucie Greer
2/18/2021 08:09:41 am
Dear Talented Lyn, on a lot of levels this post was grounding for me. It is very interesting for me to hear and see and reframe moving things along. I love that your art and subject matter is so rich with levels and yet sometimes a hat is just a hat! My mind sure takes the spinning route. It is very constructive mindful works that you create in photos and essays. I love that you said how you felt after clearing out much loved items. A welcomed essay as they all are but this one was helpful for me personally right now. I love what you do! Lucie
Rebecca Kvam Paquette
2/18/2021 10:16:29 am
Lyn, this is just what I needed. Reduce, reuse, recycle. And compost. We hold on to so much "stuff" - both physically and emotionally - and sometimes it's hard to let go. But that's just what we need to do.
Betsy Disharoon
4/1/2021 07:09:57 am
Lyn, Our timing is synchronous! With very mixed feelings I had to step back from a beloved organization yesterday temporarily to make space for my own mental health and my art. You give me hope that my stepping back for a short while will not only give me healing space but help the others in the group grow into what my over-involvement prevented them from stepping into. With deep gratitude for you and your inspiration, Betsy Comments are closed.
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Lyn Swett Miller
reframing the narrative, one day, one image at a time Let's ReFrame: By Degrees
A place where photographer Lyn Swett Miller considers wonder, joy and transformation in a complex world. Archive
September 2021
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