The book is done.
Here is the link: http://www.framinglightphotography.com/one_last_look.pdf
[Note: Designed to view “two-up” (View—Page Display—Two-Up, Show Gaps, Show Cover Page During Two-Up)]
It’s too late to make any more changes. It is what it is. Whew! What a trip. Ups and downs, chug-holes, bridges out, signals not working, detours, and dead ends—and all in all splendid, priceless, and unforgettable.
When I was growing up, I begged my mother to tell me this story more than once. Mom grew up on a farm in Texas and one day, her grandfather took her out with him in the wagon behind a fresh team. Some portion or other of the rigging broke, spooking the horses, and they took off across the rough terrain out of control and with plenty of energy to burn. My great-grandfather was holding on to the useless reins for dear life and trying to be certain that his tiny, screeching granddaughter was staying put on the seat beside him. After what was for the driver a hair-raising, out-of-control race, up and down gullies, scraping rocks, and bouncing off logs, the horses finally tired, and the poor man dared to take a breath. When the team slowed to a walk, he turned pale and shaken, to the tyke next to him and before he could offer any comfort she blurted through a big grin, “That was fun, Grandpa. Do it again.”
I'm with that little girl on the wagon seat. Let’s do it again.
It doesn't seem jumbled or disjoint at all. I enjoyed poking around your garden and walking along the road. The story of your mother reminds me of many Calvin and Hobbes cartoons and a trip I once took into a ice covered stream on a tin tray.
ReplyDeleteI hope your new home treats you well.
Gordon, thanks for looking. I'm glad it seems to make sense.
ReplyDeleteHmm, ice covered stream, tin tray—sounds very interesting.
Anita, I knew that my suspicions were going to be correct and that you were going to make a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteI was certainly sold with the very first picture ... the young pieces of fruit. Also, your opening passage was lovely. I can see why that house means a lot to you. It was your haven for recovery. However, now, as you said, you are probably making the last major move of your life. It will be fun getting to know the new place as you begin nesting. :-)
I'm sure that you'll put down new roots and have a great time doing it. Soon, it will fit you quite well and it will be 'home'.
Don't forget to post your project on the official website. It certainly deserves to be there!
Now, go ahead and admit it: It wasn't so bad going without a project plan, no was it?! ;-)
I'm looking forward to your next book ... the introduction to your new home, or whatever it may be.
Oh, one more thing! I forgot to tell you how much I loved the abstract, impressionistic photos! Great job, Anita!!!
ReplyDeletePaul,I appreciate all your comments. You certainly can see now why I said it's a very selfish book—just for me. It's a personal memory book/scrapbook far than than an attempt at an art project. And, it turned out to be something I rather wish I had done in other places where I have lived. Of course I wasn't involved in photography, so that might have been tricky.
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite part of the creative process is that element of surprise—the kick of discovery—looking back and saying, "So this is where we were going! Great trip." The biggest surprise was the abstracts. That I would never have guessed before I began shooting.
And, thanks for the reminder about posting at the official site. (That's handsome isn't it?) The rest of yesterday I was where you and Gordon were for a couple of days—drained.
I am delighted that you visit. Thanks for finding the time.
Let’s do it again.
ReplyDeleteYes! But not for a few weeks, eh?
Colin, I'm with you. When I wrote that, I was still drunk on adrenalin. Then, I hit the wall. Today, I have been utterly useless. The desire is still there, but where on earth would I find the energy?
ReplyDeleteCongradulations on getting past the finish line. What a welcome delightful bit of news to find this morning. I have not had a chance to look at your book yet, but I hope to this weekend.
ReplyDeleteDoug, thanks. I appreciate the good thought. I am keeping an eye on your blog and looking forward to following the progress of your project. And, congratulations to you on your work with "In Passing".
ReplyDeleteAh, what is better than a photo book of memories? In reading your book, Anita, *I* found it hard to let go -- so I don’t know how you can let go of your home of so many years. Thank you for sharing these wonderful images and thoughts of a precious place! And congratulations to making it to the SoFoBoMo finish line in style and grace. See... it wasn’t so bad, was it? :D
ReplyDeleteAmy, what a lovely message. Goodness, no, it wasn't bad at all. It was wonderful, frustrating, exhausting and all sorts of things, but I will definitely be doing it again.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me the letting isn't done and my husband is beginning to think he will have to drag me away. I am completely "pooped" and we are so busy with Open Houses, etc. that I can't even remember if I left my comments yet on your book, but I will get there.
Thanks again for taking time to visit and for the lovely note.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book.
What a beautiful project you picked!. I really like the format you chose as well as reading the text. It is amazing how sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference in our lives. I particularly loved the photos of the shadows.
Thank you, Rafa, I am delighted that you enjoyed my book. Will you be doing a book soon?
ReplyDeleteAs with all the rest, congratulations on completing your fine Photo book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the images and reading your wording and I though you did a great job of laying it all out with the different themes.
I am impressed that you managed to complete all this and with the busy life that was going on around you.
Deep down I hate deadlines but I shall find a way to make mine.
Niels Henriksen
Niels, I am so pleased that you took time to look at my book and especially pleased that you will be doing a book. I was one of those who found this deadline freeing. Without deadlines, I tend to get mired down in working on projects too long and obsessing on details. I know you will find a way to work within the structure. Have a great time. Thanks again for your commments.
ReplyDeleteOkay, some hand spanking going on! (mine) I read your book and was so engrossed that I forgot to say how wonderful it turned out. Those last images to me are about the memories that will soon be fading, perhaps not totally lost, just not as sharply focused as they are when you are living among them.
ReplyDeleteDoug, you get a pass, because you are in the midst of what has apparently turned into a very challenging project. No hand spanking. Thanks for taking time to look at my book. I am looking forward to seeing yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted that those "fading memories" shots caught your eye. When I started the project, I had no idea I would be doing something like that. That was a fun discovery.