Capturing Random

String lights in the mist

This week's theme (so far at least) seems to be random, so why not roll with it?

And on that note? I've been phoning it in. I copped out on yesterday's Music Monday with a random shuffle - which is fine, really - except I did it knowing it was a copout. I haven't gotten around to exercising NOT ONCE this year. And even worse, I've slacked off with my gratitudes. (Don't worry, I've gone back and filled in for the days I accidentally skipped) Can I turn this week around? Who knows. But I am sure going to try. It's a little early in the game to be tapping out.

There may be plenty of good reasons (not counting Sons of Anarchy!) that have called my inner slacker to action - oxymorons and defeated purposes, anyone? - but still...it just doesn't feel right. Here I am trying to be present in the present, live in the moment, and live authentically, and I allowed myself to fall back into old, unproductive habits. I know that in order to make positive changes, I have to do things differently than I have in the past. And dammit, I am ready to roll with some positive changes as opposed to another year passing me by where I just got rolled over! On the bright side, I'm still keeping as active as possible on the blog and am still in the process of successfully fulfilling some other personal goals as well. So I'll take that small victory!

This week's Coffee Chat topic is "What was the last thing you took a picture of? Why did you want to capture this image? (Show your work.)">.

The picture at the top of this post? You might have seen it if you follow my Instagram account (link in sidebar). I titled it "String lights in the mist." I took it because when I got home from work yesterday, harried and distracted and a little anxious, I did the first thing I always do when I get home from work: I took my dogs out. While standing on the back porch waiting for them to do their business and run for a bit, I noticed how brightly the orange suns on these string lights seemed to glow. Despite the lights themselves being off. Despite the rapidly-approaching late afternoon darkness intensified by the overcast sky. I loved how they popped against the silhouette of the tree next door, and the mist three yards down. They were bright and cheerful despite the weather and cold temps and not even being on, and I found that delightfully rebellious. And - dare I say it? - inspiring. They had a lot working against them, and still managed to shine and make me forget the day's craziness for a moment. How could I not snap a photo of it?

What is the last thing YOU snapped a pic of, and why did you want to capture a photo of it?

Today's tune: REO Speedwagon - "Roll With the Changes"
Yes, it's an oldie, for sure. But I find the line "So if you're tired of the same old story, turn some pages" something I need to constantly remind myself of. I find it inspiring. And it's from the fabulous, wonderful 80s! WIN!

Today's post is also part of the Random Tuesday blog hop at Stacy's: