Compromise

painting - Edisto Marsh II

"Don't compromise yourself. You're all you've got."
-Janis Joplin

________________________

Not so long ago I was given a lot of time, not by choice, to contemplate where my life is going. It has also given me much time to review where my life has been. Having made compromises in the past and not being certain that I had choices, I placed myself into some positions that really did not set well. I dare say some of those times did result in character development. I can say that more than once I have been sold short by employers of my talent and work ethic. I have no fear of work. What I fear is putting myself into a dull routine that provides no growth or appreciation of what my potential is.

I truly appreciate those who have stood by me to affirm that when your gut feeling tells you something is not right, then listen. I am thankful to have made it this far in figuring out that digging until the proper situation is found is very important. I am thankful to have an opportunity to return to school to continue to grow and learn. I am thankful to have had some time to get to know myself better than ever.
Read a lot.
Pray a lot.
To thine own self be True.

Cove Silhouettes

photos by Thomas Hammond

Thomas captures stunning silhouettes at Claude's Cove of family moments special and sacred. Experimenting with old ways of photographing and documenting his own views.

brisk walks through woods and laurel thickets

Sarah gathers remnants of stories and weaves them into her creations to share on the stages of faraway places

Matt is a new dad and holds his precious gem, lovingly and with gentle care

this family is filled with talent and grace

I am so proud of them all

Glowing Thoughts

navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines

mandarin orange tea

Bright orbs of orange for dark winter days

Reading about oranges. Foodie shows about oranges. Oranges and dark chocolate. Just thinking about them is a bright thought. The aroma intoxicating. No wonder they come to us in the middle of winter, to brighten the day, to scent the air, to sweeten the senses.

Cabin fever. excavate. clean the corners. empty out.
Bring the balance back to Life.

Research recipes for comfort foods from the Barefoot Contessa.
Homade chicken stock. Bouillabaisse.

Daffodil leaves are peaking through crispy leaf mulch.
Their glowing yellow faces will show themselves soon.

Finishing projects. pulling out seed packets. contemplating spring and
New Beginnings.

Field Trip - Spartanburg Art Museum. Wolf Kahn - paintings and pastels.
Ahhhhhh...my inspiration...

You've got to love a man that braves snow and ice, hand squeezes fresh blood oranges, shovels out the tiki bar and shakes up a beautiful tastey cocktail garnished with a fresh rosemary twig.

Yum.