Sony Cyber-Shot. Self-portrait in front of a mirror. {Ok, WordPress, I’m trying.}
My dear readers,
WordPress asked all bloggers to write a post about what inspires us to blog. They wanted photos of us doing those activities. At first I was hesitant. I am far more comfortable behind a camera than in front of it. The other hesitation is my wish to maintain a measure of privacy. I confess the global world of blogging still intimidates me. But I will do my best to strike a balance with both.
WordPress encourages us to write and click. To write about EVERYTHING. To take pictures of EVERYTHING. I’m not a great writer but I love words in the form of quotes, with a dab of writing here and there. I love words that resonate healing, words that echo affirmation in the soul, words that bring joy.
I add photography and sometimes if I get lucky the pictures seem to coordinate with the quotes. Total creative fun.
Capturing another glorious sunset with an iPhone.
Why do I blog? The biggest reason is my family—past, present, and future. And second, the multitude of friends throughout the years that have enriched my life, which now include you. I’m inspired by what makes me smile, that gives me a break in this hectic wild ride we call life and just inhale some gladness. I share to decrease sadness and increase joy … for everyone.
In addition, I hope to preserve a place that leaves words and pictures of my faith, footsteps, philosophy, and focus. WordPress says don’t hold back. But if I didn’t this would be a book. So here goes—in the most succinct I can be.
My mom and dad, both in heaven. Dad—the kindest, most generous man on the planet. Mom—organized, thrifty, clean. Together they gave me the best upbringing one could imagine. I miss them terribly. They were taken so soon. This blog honors their memory.
My parent’s wedding
My sweet grandmother. You lived two doors down from me. How could I ever forget the overnights and morning tea? Jumping on your bed and nighttime prayers? Your fluffy, down pillows? Your gift of sewing. You designed and made all the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses in the photo above. My family says I’m so much like you and I think that’s pretty cool.
My siblings. Amid the rivalry we emerged strong and united to this day. If I needed you at my side today, you would be there. {Dear brother, I’ll never forget when you drove cross-country to bring my Christmas presents.} In losing our parents so soon maybe we don’t take for granted the gift of each other.
Me peeking around for some candid shots at a family event. {Nikon D60 DSLR}
My husband. Wise, smart, funny, kind, philosopher, wizard. You give to everyone the most prized of possessions—your time. Cares for and watches over me with tenderness, patience, and love. Comes to my rescue for everything. Pulls over at a moment’s notice to let me capture another exquisite never-to-be-seen shot. Keeps my gas tank full. So much like my dad.
Taking me up the hill the easy way, after a long sled ride down.
My children. Joy beyond belief. Each finding your way. Each blessed with kind and generous hearts. I know without a doubt that whatever path you choose, it will be done with the highest integrity. Where do I even begin?
A summer job for oldest daughter. {Farm girl}
My grandson—I delight in this crazy notion called “grandparent love”. It is wondrous and enchanting. He is a ray of sunshine in my life.
The grand having a grand time in the mud.
My life-long faraway friends. Glenda, Debbie, Janna, Mary Beth, Peggy, Nancy, Lisa. We just pick up from where we left off.
Morning coffee on the back porch with a friend
My near friends. When I moved here you soothed my homesickness and the pain in losing my mother shortly after my arrival. We share the deepest parts of our lives, the heartaches and joys. You know who you are and I love the richness and trust we share.
My very shy friend. Yes, she’s under the umbrella!
The day job. I work with exceptionally talented people in a very narrow field of medicine. I was stretched to learn a most demanding skill and with tenacity and a lot of prayer I did. And I get to do some really neat stuff that cares for very sick patients. Witnessed a few miracles, too. Every time I walk across the parking lot to begin my day I thank God for my legs and that I get to do what I do. At the end of the day I get to leave and go home. Those who are sick have to stay and wish they could go home.
Stuff I use at the Day Job—not easy to learn.
God. Sunrises, sunsets, flowers, nature bursting forth with color, light, and wonder. Majestic painter and creator you are. You are a very present help in time of need. Your Word, living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword guides me. Apart from you I can do nothing.
Winter sunset out my backdoor. Hand painted by God. Incredible.
And this is just the introduction to my inspiration for the wonderful world of blogging. It’s a peek into my life “in focus”—behind the camera, behind the words. Relationships are my greatest inspiration. And these are but a few. Blogging is a place where I can sort of “hang my heart” in honor of all of them.
As I press on may I leave a legacy of joy.
Peace,
Alexandria
This is just a photo-op. Serious photographers know you can’t take a picture of the moon without a tripod and special lens. I’m posing with the Nikon D60 with stock lens. Like I said, a photo-op to show me taking a picture. It was a beautiful backdrop, full moon rising. One of these days …
All photos taken with Nikon D60 DSLR with AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G lens, Sony Cyber-Shot, or iPhone. Photos of me were taken by my family, except the first—taken by me. 🙂
Other interpretations of the Challenge and related articles:
- Things We Want You To Remember
- Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration
- Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (nenskeifacestheworld.wordpress.com)
- inspiration (riperedberries.wordpress.com)
- Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com)
- New post Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (thebeltanedaily.wordpress.com)
SimplySage 
Amy
/ December 1, 2012Thank you so much for taking us to peek into your life “in focus”! Beautifully written, Alexandria!
Anonymous
/ December 1, 2012This was fun! Enjoyed it.
redeemingrobyn
/ December 1, 2012Oops….anonymous is me!
SimplySage
/ December 1, 2012That’s ok. Haha, I knew who you were! Thanks for the comment. So glad you enjoyed!
laura@eljaygee
/ December 2, 2012what a lovely life – thanks for sharing.
SimplySage
/ December 2, 2012I’ve had my share of sorrows but my family and friends are a great support and source of comfort. I am very blessed.
Where God Takes Me
/ December 2, 2012This is a really lovely tribute and I enjoyed the chance to get to know you better. And your parents’ wedding appears to have been royal!
SimplySage
/ December 2, 2012Sweet of you to say that. God has blessed me with so much and I don’t deserve any of it. This tribute is the very least I can do to give credit where it is due. Tribute’s are usually given at funeral’s. Why not do them while people are still living? I might just have to write that book!
My grandmother deserves the credit for making that wedding look royal. She designed and made all the bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses. How well I remember her making patterns out of newsprint. What a woman. How could I forget to include her! Oh my, I may have to go back and write another paragraph!
island traveler
/ December 3, 2012You passions and joys shines through in the most amazing way…Thanks.
SimplySage
/ December 4, 2012Thank you so much. I want to thank you for all your sharing so many of my posts on Twitter. I’m honored you would do so.
eof737
/ December 4, 2012I love your photos…. They are varied and colorful. Like you, I wasn’t comfortable with the exposure.. Who needs it right? But we’re okay! TY for the ping-back! 🙂
SimplySage
/ December 4, 2012I have heard we don’t live in a private world anymore but I do get visits from some troubled areas of the world and would rather stay less exposed.
Thanks for the visit and compliments. Your post on this topic was great. You always do such a great job.
eof737
/ December 4, 2012TY and so do you… Will be back to read the rest of your posts …. 🙂
journeyman1977
/ December 5, 2012Like that line ‘Inhale some gladness’ 🙂 Now, that there’s inspiring. Really good blog you got going.
SimplySage
/ December 6, 2012Thank you so much for the visits and likes on my posts. Since my purpose is to increase joy may you find that here. I know you are on a journey of renewal. It is my hope that my blog will be part of your healing.
I am honored for your follow, too.
Alexandria
journeyman1977
/ December 6, 2012glad I found you through Arnel’s blog 🙂
SimplySage
/ December 6, 2012That’s pretty cool. I just met Arnel, too. You will have to let her know. And so will I. She and I are new friends.
I’m so glad to meet you! I have walked through a lot of darkness with many friends, and through my years in the medical profession I have seen everything. I have seen many come out of the pit of the deepest dark places imaginable. There is hope. Never give up.
Wake up each day and thank God for another day.
Then give your heart and your day to Him. Release it all. And wait on Him. Pray through every deep emotion. When the darkness begins to cloud you, develop the habit of thanking Him for one thing in your life. A habit of gratitude will move out those clouds of darkness.
One more thing. I always recommend my guest author’s 20 minute speech. There is a four-minute intro but his speech is packed full of some real nuggets of truth. I hope you can take a moment to watch it some time. http://www.vimeo.com/stevedeal
journeyman1977
/ December 6, 2012watched it, Alexandria…wish someone gave me a speech like that when I was young 🙂
SimplySage
/ December 6, 2012It’s never to late to start. I recall a 75 year-old man say after he saw it that he learned a lot. That’s why I titled it “sage for any age”.
There are several lines in it that are my favorite. Here is one for you today. ““Find the joy in your life. Laugh hard, laugh long, and laugh loud. There is something that brings joy to each of us. Find out what it is for you and work hard to get more of it.”
Here’s one back ‘atcha.
https://simplysage.org/2012/10/05/a-sliver-of-joy-weekly-photo-challenge-happy/
Steve’s speech formed the framework of my blog. Many of my categories are from that speech. It started it all, thus I stay reminded all the time. 🙂
journeyman1977
/ December 6, 2012Awesome speech, Alexandria…..like the line that you picked…very much 🙂 unfortunately…what gives me joy is over in the States. But I’m getting there. Soon. Thanks for making the time. Sure do appreciate it.