Sunday, June 01, 2008

My Best Shot and Kate's Perfect Post




Last summer my family and I traveled to Key West Florida where this shot was taken. It’s one of many that I took on the trip that only touches on the history that exists at this southernmost point. Even simple photos of the architecture give you the feeling that you are not alone there, that there is more than meets the naked eye, that those that came before accompany you with each step.

I hadn’t really reflected much on the trip until a few days ago when I was deeply stirred by a post over at SweetSalty. The photos Kate posted of her peaceful place are sacred, still, and so impossibly hopeful. The quiet calm, the whispering wind, the tranquility she captured prompted me to re-look at some of my photos from our trip.

I began to see things I hadn’t seen before as I poured over the images using her words as a guide. Her offering enlightened me and filled me with an understanding I hadn’t held before. Everything about Kate’s Perfect Post is poetry. Each word woven into the next with some sort of soul string that is beyond anything I can explain. It may be intangible (and something I cannot convey through words) but I can feel it.

The image I share today for My Best Shot is another ode to Kate. To hope and love, to the past and present and to keeping the balance of both. But most of all it's an ode to magic.

I lust so deeply for magic, I swear sometimes I can will it into existence.

These words of Kate's call to me as does the black bird perched on the fence of the ancient cemetery—singing to all of us that our mere will for magic can most certainly bring with it little miracles.
What shots do you have to share with us today and what kind of magic do they hold for you?
--
To see more of the Perfect Post nominees for May, go visit Lindsay at Suburban Turmoil and Kimberly at Petroville where the lists are posted.

45 comments:

Dawn said...

That's beautiful, Tracey!

Here's mine:

flying bats and water tables

Megan said...

My magic today is that my older son is turning eight this week -- where does time go?

8th bday

Vered said...

Beautiful. The photo, and your words!

My magic? The magic of realizing that it is okay to get old... that you can be old, and FUN.

Old, But Still Moving

Bonnie said...

So ... I followed the link to SweetSalty and I've been over there for an hour !! Sheesh ! I'm glad I was able to sit and read for a while.

Our Houseguest

Anonymous said...

Tracey, that was stellar. Going back and reading Kate's words evokes that calm that comes after the storm. Perfect choice for a perfect post.

Here's Mine: De-Cluttering, and our new friend Slipy.

Maya said...

I saw her post on this too...it made me think as well and wanting to go back and look at some photos.

Here's my little man staring magically at everything...
BSM

Maggie said...

Poetic is a great way to describe Kate's post...it's just lovely. And your image is simple and heartwarming at the same time - I've never been to Key West, but that image certainly makes me want to go there!

BSM: All Smiles

iMother2.0 said...

Beautiful shot...love the bird


Best Shot Monday

Andrea said...

Oh, I'm so glad you posted this. It made me go back and take a second look at some shots I took.

Here's my Past and Present

Andi said...

Your magical photos and Kate's magical words conjured up so much in me...beautiful. I LOVE to re-visit places through photos, and how wonderful to have a guide with those words...inspirational.
This week, I continue to sruggle with the fact that my baby girl is not a baby anymore...Nineteen. Like Megan, I am SERIOUSLY wondering where all of these years went!
Perfect Party Post

Christina said...

Oh my, that is lovely. Both Kate's words and photos and yours.

I have pictures of me and my girl this week!

Lara said...

i feel very peaceful looking at that. thanks.

mine is a two-for: Two for the Price of One

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words. Thank you for inspiring. I'm lusting after a little magic myself these days.

Here's mine

I hope the html tag works! If not, here's my site.

www.bigasthesky.typepad.com

natalie said...

Your photos always touch something in me. I think that's why I love photography so much...I'm always touched by it.

52 Card Pick Up

Phyllis Sommer said...

i do love kate's posts. thanks for making me go back and read it again.

here's mine...

chaoticfamily said...

So lovely!

Here's mine - and I still don't add it right - I know! :(
http://chaoticfamilypictures.blogspot.com/

Kara said...

Your words are always so touching :)

My BSM: Girls Night

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful post!

Magic in the beauty....
Spring Fever

Rose said...

Your photo is gorgeous Tracey, as are the others in your Flickr photostream.

And the post from Kate is poetry, thank you for sharing her post and how it touched you. Your words touched me as I think of my
"peaceful place" now gone.

The magic in my life is obvious, I'm reminded daily of how beautiful and magic my child is...

My Playful Boy

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shot, Tracey -- and thanks for the magical link to Kate's post!

Here are my magical BSM Shotsmagical BSM Shots :)

emily said...

My theme is quite different, but I knew that this week had to be about my little girl turning four. So here's mine.

Stacy said...

I just love waking up to see what pictures you've posted.

Here's mine.
http://anothermommymoment.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I love architecture pictures. The details are stunning.

I keep looking at this one. I love it and really think it is my best shot!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shot and post. Mine is more funny than deep this week...

Brittany said...

What a NEAT shot!!

Check out my wedding photos, straight from Charleston, SC!

Here's Mine

Jen said...

Your shot is so peaceful. I also headed over to sweet and salty. That is some beautiful writing.

Here's my little bit of magic:
Almost

Unknown said...

Wow, what a gorgeous shot. Now I have to go over and read this perfect post...

My magic is in my boys playing together...

http://alguires.blogspot.com/2008/06/bsm-boys-playing-together.html

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo, amazing words! My shot is up over here...

Back to the Beach

AbraMichelle said...

I know I already submitted this post for a previous shutter sisters blog but I wanted to put it here because of the first picture on the post. It was taken as my husband and I lay on the grass resting from a walk. It was so nice to just lie there and not worry how you may look to passers by. The wind was blowing in the trees above us and we were at peace.

www.artistryinfocus.blogspot.com/2008/05/tips -for-your-vacay-photos.html

PS I Love yours and Kates blogs so much. They help me escape for a bit.

mandaroo63 said...

I love to sit in my little sanctuary (out back in my little garden) and enjoy listening to the birds sing their lyrical songs to me. What a lovely moment captured. I can just imagine it....
I too love to capture magical moments. Here's one of my girl's moments:
bsm-magical moments

Arizaphale said...

Swinging by late....

Here's Mine

Christy said...

Wonderful post!

Here is mine for the week:

Best Shot

Unknown said...

Ah, the magic! Love it!

Here's my BSM. Cadence provides quite a lot of magic in my life.

Christy said...

Okay, trying this again:


Best Shot

Anonymous said...

She really does have a way with words and imagery.

Magic, exploring and summer:
The Beginning

Bon said...

Kate's post really stirred me too...and brought me here. to your fabulous shot.

sweetsalty kate said...

I know we've been emailing but I wanted to comment here too and say thank you for the linky-love and the incredibly kind words. I'm so honoured. xo

Amy Jo said...

Beautiful!

http://maypapers.blogspot.com/2008/06/my-best-shot-and-kates-perfect-post.html

Kyla said...

I'm in this week. It has been too long!

Anna Sawin said...

So beautiful. Kate's posts remind me that words along can be magic, and your post compliments it with a poetic sense of beauty.

Here's mine today—a different topic, but perhaps magical all the same.

MY BSM

Anonymous said...

I know I am surrounded by magic. I see it in the eyes of my children.

Thank you, Tracey for a beautiful post linked to yet another beautiful post. Your photo gave me chills.

Mine is up

Best Shot Monday

Blueberry said...

wonderful!

here's my best shot

Melissa said...

What a lovely, aching feeling.

Here's my ode to the magic of growing (pains.

Arizaphale said...

A belated thank you for the link to Kate as well. I really enjoyed her post and can see why it affected you as it did.

Unknown said...

question?
what is your favorite lens to shoot with?
what lenses do you take to every session?
thanks so much!
a