It’s hard to stay positive sometimes. After my mother passed away, the grey cloud came, both literally and figuratively. It rained and rained and rained. They were dark dreary days.
There were some days that I didn’t even get out of bed – didn’t or couldn’t. But when I did get out for a walk around the campground, I couldn’t help but notice the colours of autumn. All the shades of yellow, orange and red were stunning.
I loved the great piles of leaves on the sides of the roads (my old dog used to love jumping in those), the shape of the one perfect maple leaf stuck on the wet pavement, and the trails with the maple lined paths leading off into the distance like the yellow brick road – except yellow leaves of course.
It’s always beauty that breaks the darkness. It’s when I finally notice the colours, the shapes, the tiny details, the birds, or even the sound of a rooster crowing that I remember that the world is a beautiful place. It’s the beauty that pulls me out of my sadness.
So I decided that even though I have a huge backlog of photos to process, I should get out and make new photos. I should continue to explore and find the beautiful things in the world. I went to a park on the Nanaimo River not too far from our campsite. Oddly, even though I was born here, I had never been to this park before.
Its when I have my camera in my hand that I really look, and I finally see, and I start to feel my spirit lifting.
I guess the explorer in me is back.
Losing a parent is very difficult and you have not only lost your mother but also your father-in-law in a very short time. Take time to heal.
I have found that “quiet times” with my camera are often just what I need to bring me inner peace. I am happy for you to have found some peace photographing the beauty around you. Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts and photos.
My sincerest condolences. Time will hopefully ease your sadness. I lost my mom four years ago and we embarked on an RV adventure in her honor. BTW – I finally completed your Lightroom course and wanted to thank you. I’m no longer overwhelmed by the program and actually enjoying using LR. Enjoy your winter travels!
Welcome back!!
Glad to hear that you’ve come back to nature. Nature always heals us. I’m glad you’re sending out new photos as I enjoy seeing them so very much. I always tell my husband you’re my mentor❣️
Beautiful pictures. Beautiful thoughts. Thank you for sharing, Anne!
Super exquisite Anne. So sorry for your loss, but so happy to see you back out there.
God bless you Anne my thoughts are with you on this sad time, but like your above friends glad to see you back. Cherish the Light.
Excellent to hear you are starting to heal Anne! I lost my birth mother and then a short time later my step mom was murdered. That was a bad time, but you do heal. You never forget (thank God), but you do heal.
Bill
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom, and then about Ray’s Dad. It is, indeed, a sad time for both of you. But I am glad to hear that you are seeing the beauty again! Time will heal your pain, and you will always have those fond memories of your Mom and Father-in-Law. Thank you for sharing your feelings and your beautiful images!
Fondly,
Nancy
Beautiful images and lovely post. Welcome back, Anne!
Yes…Anne is back, I’m excited to see your posts again. I know how difficult it is to lose a loved ones and taking the time to grieve is also a time to heal. take care.
I only found your web site yesterday but already I love it. Really beautiful photos very inspiring. I got my camera almost two years ago but find it very hard to remember all the different settings but have decided this winter I’m going to really try to learn how to use it and I know your site is going to help me many thanks for giving so much so generously
Hey Anne! Sorry for your loss but now you feel better right?
Glad to hear that!
As I was looking at your pictures with the river, I thought that you can mattify the water by using a long exposure for a probably better look. As I am a beginner photographer, I don’t know if this is a good idea but… can you try it?
Thank you! I read all your free E-Books. Nice work! I learned a lot from you.
Every journey begins with the first step. The difficulty so often is being able to take that first step. The beauty of Autumn is powerful and these images speak of the beauty of ordinary places.
I hope the healing is beginning, Anne, but all of us who have lost parents know only too well that it is a long and lonely journey. But you are so right: beauty does indeed pierce the darkness
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and sorry to hear about your loss. I, too, lost my mom when I just turned 21 (a long while ago. I soon will turn 60) but I still miss her, especially around Mother’s Day. You are right, the beauty of nature has a healing power.
Welcome back.
Nature is always where I find lessons and comfort. She is a wonderful companion 🙂
Just be gentle with yourself and allow time to grieve without pressure.
There is always a period of utter desolation after the loss of a loved one (or indeed any other traumatic event) and the important thing is Time – time to grieve and time to heal. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others in your family and take the time to reflect on the good times.
I always find that getting out in Nature with my camera a healing balm that bestows a feeling of peace and tranquility. Reconnecting with your passion in Photography will help that transition time when you find your emotions in turmoil.
I love the 4th image in this post series. It speaks to me of the beauty in Autumn and the composition is so very perfect….. drawing me in to the frame and experiencing the true beauty of the season. I hope you are starting to feel much better now as I look at this post written some time ago.
So sorry hear about your loss, Anne. Photography and nature are no substitute, but the act of creating and exploring the natural world can go a long way toward the healing. You’ve certainly made some beautiful images here.
Take care, Russ
My condolences Anne. You have some beautiful images here which I believe reflect your emotions. They are absolutely stunning.
Hi Anne,
Today while casually surfing the net trying to learn photography downloaded some of your e-books, and, bumped into your blogs. I was in Canada & the US last Oct-Nov wishing to see the autumn colours. Wish I had read your e-books and blogs earlier and that would have helped in choosing good locations and taking some great snaps. Your posts and snaps are super and will be my inspiration to learn photography!