Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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:

Stacy Uncorked

11 comments:

  1. Cool pic! Love the orange with the dark shapes around it and in the background! Your right - they stand out! All the best with your staying on track, making changes. No rolling over! :D I hope to do the same actually. After 2 years of "hibernating" (following an unexpected, sudden divorce), I'm ready to take Life on!

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    1. Oh, good for you, girl! I got divorced two years ago this July - it was a long time coming and something I definitely wanted, but still, it was an adjustment. I'm still not ready to even date, but I will do my best to take life on for myself - I have a lot of work to do on myself. I feel another blog post coming on - now if I just don't forget the points I want to make before I make them....

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  2. can I just make "delightfully rebellious" my new motto? I may even get tshirts for us. :)

    What a great life lesson you captured in that great shot: no matter the odds stacked against you; just Shine On! Love it. I may need to put that on the back of the tshirts. LOL

    I am 3 days now off my exercise routine, thanks to this cold. I'm gonna have to suck it up later and at least do some yoga stretching. Can you gain 10 pounds in 3 days when all you consume is soup and tea? IDK, but it feels like it! boo!

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    1. Shine on, you crazy diamond! LOL. You can definitely make it your motto. I should definitely make it mine! Thank you for your kind words. I am so not a photographer, so I love to show off when I get something I'm proud of :)

      I don't know about gaining ten pounds in three days, but the way my hormones are, I can gain ten pounds in three days just eating what I normally do. And lose it the same way. I think that's why it's so hard for me to lose a significant amount of weight. It just fluctuates wildly on its own. I hope you are able to get back to your exercise, though.....lord knows we need something to combat the winter chill and being cooped up!

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  3. First of all, I didn't think you'd copped out with yesterday's Monday Music - I found it quite refreshing. :) And those lights? Like Les said, I think I'm going to make "delightfully rebellious" my new motto! At first glance I thought they were on, until I read they were not. Perfect capture and awesome sentiment behind said capture. And also? You're not alone. It's still early in the year, let's make 2015 phenomenal, shall we? ;)

    Seahawks and the Human Antennae; Christmas is still here; Coffee Chat in an RTT Rebel Kinda Way

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    1. Aw, thank you! I am still determined to make it a phenomenal year. I think what I meant by copped out was that I hadn't put any thought whatsoever into the music before the post. I don't mind doing random playlists (they're fun!), but I just felt lazy because I had to resort to that due to non-planning on my part.

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    2. Oh, and by all means, make Delightfully Rebellious your motto as well! Between me, you, Les, we already have a small rebellion of delight going!

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  4. I concur - 'delightfully rebellious' just sounds wonderful and followed by inspiring - even better. This new year is still young, so definitely no giving up or giving in, even or especially if you feel like you're straying from your chosen path. Just get on with it. I have every intent on making this a wonderful year!

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    1. I am bouncing back....I may even have time for a quick workout before work :) Definitely make it a wonderful year for yourself!

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  5. What a cool picture. I love photos like this. Unique and creative.

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