I choose to create a different reality, a different way. Sure the shakiness can still be there but I don’t have to attach a label of fear or anxiety or any stories. This spaceousness that is created invites in a sense of freedom. Freedom to be me, to show my colours and flavours and rightly or wrongly to show up in the world exactly as I am.
I no longer need to listen to old stories of how to be and what is good or right or anything. I don’t need to hide just because I’ve had no formal training or anything else. I can take up my own space, without looking to follow others or copy anyone or receive any external validation at all. I am learning it’s absolutely OK to be me.
I have Loved Photography since I was young. My Grandfather set up a darkroom in his bathroom and I remember feeling like a magician watching images appear on the paper. Of course I didn’t pay attention to the technical teachings, I was lost in the wonder of it all, the chemicals were simply potions and “counting elephants” was part of the game.
Now we have limitless freedom with digital imaging. I deeply enjoy discovering the world through photography and discovering myself. It gives me a lot of pleasure and I am interested in doing more of what makes my soul sing.
I have taken photographs as favours for people for years:- I took photos of a Jazz Big Band for a while, I did some publicity and press shots for amateur dramatic companies in a couple of theatres, I took shots at a show in the Churchill theatre and at the Taste of Scotland show at the Prestonfield Hotel. I was asked to photograph a conference and ball in the Scottish Borders and when a photographer pulled out I was asked if I could step in to take some images at a Christening. I’ve also done bits of unofficial wedding work here and there. I’ve made coffee table style books of my photographs as gifts for family. I have an Abundance of images in my catalogue and the ones I’ve put on my flickr page have had over 380,000 views! These experiences have taught me a lot.
My interest is primarily in Nature. I see beauty and wonder Everywhere. I often practice a mindful approach to photography and connecting to the spirit of whatever it is I am present with, asking permission before taking an image. There’s often a lot of medicine in the images and that’s before I’ve done any energy work or sound work with them.
My playful expression found a new outlet recently and more colour has unfolded. I am not really surprised in the slightest as the medicine I carry is Macaw – Bringer of Colour and Inker of Visions!
This discovery of colour in a new way came out of a meditation retreat I was recently at. There was such an invitation to give everything space and to see what else was there in the present moment. I took an image out the back of the cottage I was staying in and I had a sense of - Who says the sky is blue and the grass is green? all of a sudden, I had an image of pink trees and turquoise sky and I feel in love immediately with that!
Over the next few days, without effort or thinking, an Abundance of images emerged. Not from me but through me. I feel this Macaw essence and the Beauty of Colour therapy in a world that often seems to have forgotten it’s own Radiance and Sparkle!
What’s next?! Who knows! I’ve printed up some canvases and I’m getting ready to Share my colour with others. It’s all completely new and exciting and I have No attachment at all to how this unfolds. I Just know I HAVE to create and I Can’t Hide with it any more.
I have booked my very first Exhibition in May in Edinburgh and I’m Up for Playing and Exploring and allowing this intuitive, simple expression to be, in All my abundant colours.
I encourage Everyone to follow your passion, to do what you Love and be Whatever you are. Bring your Own unique flavor and gift to the world. Do not hide, Hiding seems a comfortable option but it REALLY isn’t.
I was very grateful to listen to Wayne Dyer a few years ago in Scotland and what resonated in my soul was his quote “Don’t die with your music still inside you.”
Live this Glorious Life FULLY.