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.

In Honor of a Perfect Post

I got the reminder that the Perfect Post Awards were coming up on the same day that Jen Lemen posted this gem at Shutter Sisters. Seriously, how could I not nominate it? Everything about her post is indeed perfect.

The photo alone is brilliantly captured; the image of her father’s hands speaks volumes on its own. But then Jen, in her magical way coupled it with a story that reached down and stole my heart right out from my chest.

As she celebrates her own father, I am reminded of my own. Of what makes him unique. Of what I so deeply love and appreciate about him. I am taken back to my childhood and it seems that the uncertain times, the struggles have become somewhat of a blur however, there is clarity in how he loved me…how he still does love me. That’s all that matters. Everything that came from the past has only helped to build the foundation of mutual admiration and tenderness that we stand on today. I love him so very much.

And then I think of my husband—the father of my children and how steadfast and unwavering he is in his love for them and I melt into a big sopping puddle—part little girl, part mother, part wife and I am so grateful that Jen, through the brilliance of the written word and a single photograph coaxed me into feeling all of this intense, rich gratitude today.

Be sure to visit Suburban Turmoil and Petroville for the rest of the Awardees and lots of linky love.

Thanks for Sharing

Not only is Sheri the mama mastermind behind the latest (and coolest) photo contest out there but she is also responsible for a number of other virtual gems like Mamazine and Today is Pretty. She's just one of those all around creative ladies who shares her talents with the world and we are better for it.

In her recent post at The Little Zygote that Could, (my Perfect Post Award nominee) I felt her ache, her longing for more. More expression, more time, more of her old life. She recognizes that both she and her artist hubby "are stuck. Seeking. Wanting. Desiring. Feeling trapped without time or money for our own creative outlets." Sigh.

Sheri expresses a very universal dilemma among creative people that happen to be parents. I know, I've been there. And it's not pretty. But, as she says in her post, she's got no answers. And I'm not sure I have any either. Taking turns? Scheduling time? Putting it off until the kids have grown? None are ideal. But through the years I have found that subscribing to a little magic (much like her caterpillar dreams and butterflies) helps. Like, if you want it bad enough, and are willing to work together to get there, keep those stars in your eyes and breathe deep that anything is possible.

For other Perfect Post Nominees pop over to the hostesses with the mostesses (huh?) Suburban Turmoil and Petroville.