Lovely words and images Erik, I particularly liked the last one with the chair in front of the window - it is really atmospheric.
I think an adventure can be anything that takes you somewhere new, gives you a new experience or something new to learn. It doesn't need to be a multi day trip to exotic landscapes. Some of my best photography adventures have been day trips around my local landscape.
Sharing adventures make them special too and it was lovely to read about this trip you took with your mum. I am sure it will be something you remember and treasure. 🙂
Thanks Gil! The chair photo was something different. It was right in front of me and the light was hitting it just right. I knew it had to be a photo! Now, I'm wishing I photographed the bookshelves in the room, too.
You're absolutely right about adventure. Its all about a change in perspective!
I echo what Gill has said, Erik. I also particularly like the last photo of the chair by the window - a wonderful sense of all encompassing peace. And adventures begin the minute we step over the threshold of our home and sally forth 🙃
This was beautiful, Erik. I could feel the peace and reverence you felt in this time and place, out of the ordinary for you.
There’s no “of sorts” about it, in my opinion: you’ve written about a pilgrimage. One your mother made for herself, and one you unknowingly made alongside her. You may have got different things from the experience, but that’s pretty much always the case. Having been on ‘traditional’ pilgrimages before, both as a practicing Catholic, and accompanying my parents after I decided that following the church’s dogma wasn’t for me, I can tell you that everyone takes something different from the journey, even if it is just the time out in a peaceful place.
I think your words, photos and video capture the feelings I remember having really clearly. Peace, awe, reflection, looking at the world differently - all wonderful outcomes from a pilgrimage of any kind, and I hope you take them with you back into the rest of your life.
You've stated this perfectly! The details of the experiences may vary, but the feeling of sacredness transcends them. I'm glad to hear that sense was conveyed!
🥰 You expressed it so well that I found myself feeling homesick for Walsingham (England’s National Shrine and Pilgrimage site, in Norfolk). I might see if my parents fancy a trip down there soon, once the storms pass. 😊 it’s about 2.5-3hrs from their house, a little longer from mine, so it is possible in a day, but difficult at their age, making it a real pilgrimage. There is accommodation, but we usually just share the driving.
Wow, what a journey you just took us on! Wanna know my favorite photo in this post? It's the rocking chair. It say SO much without saying a word. Also, the clouds in the time lapse are sublime 😊
You're a good son, Erik. And you'll appreciate the time you've spent with you mom long after she's gone.
This whole post reminds me of that quote, "Collect moments, not things."
Thank you, Kristi! It is a time I will always remember. The chair was such a serendipitous find! I had no intentions of photographing indoors, but as I saw it I immediately knew it was special!
“.. given an awareness of the sacred existing in every corner of this world”
That’s kind of what all journeys and meaningful experiences are ultimately about, I think. This post is very suitable for Boards of Canada vibes, by the way. My mom died when I was 25, so I won’t get to have these experiences with her, but I often think about channeling my adventures through her spirit and what she would say or think of what I’ve been up to.
Oh man, I'm right there with you! I'm 47 now, but my Dad passed when I was 19. I'm always thinking about how he would react to what I'm up to. I'm sure you're making your Mom proud!
Erik, beautiful story, filled with the love for your mother. Everywhere (and every person) is special, and you were prepared to be open to seeing what makes that place special.
Lovely, Erik. I often wonder too what qualifies as an adventure - I think it can be subjective, what feels mundane to some, may be the adventure of a lifetime to others. For us I think an adventure, big or small has the capacity to change how we feel about something, or helps us to grow in some way, or helps us find meaning. Sometimes the smallest, most unlikely adventures we have been on have been the ones that have affected us the most. I can definitely relate to running to catch the light with my camera too - I have been there many times! Thanks for sharing this adventure of the soul.
Lovely words and images Erik, I particularly liked the last one with the chair in front of the window - it is really atmospheric.
I think an adventure can be anything that takes you somewhere new, gives you a new experience or something new to learn. It doesn't need to be a multi day trip to exotic landscapes. Some of my best photography adventures have been day trips around my local landscape.
Sharing adventures make them special too and it was lovely to read about this trip you took with your mum. I am sure it will be something you remember and treasure. 🙂
Thanks Gil! The chair photo was something different. It was right in front of me and the light was hitting it just right. I knew it had to be a photo! Now, I'm wishing I photographed the bookshelves in the room, too.
You're absolutely right about adventure. Its all about a change in perspective!
I echo what Gill has said, Erik. I also particularly like the last photo of the chair by the window - a wonderful sense of all encompassing peace. And adventures begin the minute we step over the threshold of our home and sally forth 🙃
Thats a great point! I'm working on not letting my expectations get the better of me!
This was beautiful, Erik. I could feel the peace and reverence you felt in this time and place, out of the ordinary for you.
There’s no “of sorts” about it, in my opinion: you’ve written about a pilgrimage. One your mother made for herself, and one you unknowingly made alongside her. You may have got different things from the experience, but that’s pretty much always the case. Having been on ‘traditional’ pilgrimages before, both as a practicing Catholic, and accompanying my parents after I decided that following the church’s dogma wasn’t for me, I can tell you that everyone takes something different from the journey, even if it is just the time out in a peaceful place.
I think your words, photos and video capture the feelings I remember having really clearly. Peace, awe, reflection, looking at the world differently - all wonderful outcomes from a pilgrimage of any kind, and I hope you take them with you back into the rest of your life.
You've stated this perfectly! The details of the experiences may vary, but the feeling of sacredness transcends them. I'm glad to hear that sense was conveyed!
🥰 You expressed it so well that I found myself feeling homesick for Walsingham (England’s National Shrine and Pilgrimage site, in Norfolk). I might see if my parents fancy a trip down there soon, once the storms pass. 😊 it’s about 2.5-3hrs from their house, a little longer from mine, so it is possible in a day, but difficult at their age, making it a real pilgrimage. There is accommodation, but we usually just share the driving.
That sounds like a wonderful trip!
Wow, what a journey you just took us on! Wanna know my favorite photo in this post? It's the rocking chair. It say SO much without saying a word. Also, the clouds in the time lapse are sublime 😊
You're a good son, Erik. And you'll appreciate the time you've spent with you mom long after she's gone.
This whole post reminds me of that quote, "Collect moments, not things."
Thank you, Kristi! It is a time I will always remember. The chair was such a serendipitous find! I had no intentions of photographing indoors, but as I saw it I immediately knew it was special!
“.. given an awareness of the sacred existing in every corner of this world”
That’s kind of what all journeys and meaningful experiences are ultimately about, I think. This post is very suitable for Boards of Canada vibes, by the way. My mom died when I was 25, so I won’t get to have these experiences with her, but I often think about channeling my adventures through her spirit and what she would say or think of what I’ve been up to.
Oh man, I'm right there with you! I'm 47 now, but my Dad passed when I was 19. I'm always thinking about how he would react to what I'm up to. I'm sure you're making your Mom proud!
Thanks. 40 for me this year.
Erik, beautiful story, filled with the love for your mother. Everywhere (and every person) is special, and you were prepared to be open to seeing what makes that place special.
Lovely, Erik. I often wonder too what qualifies as an adventure - I think it can be subjective, what feels mundane to some, may be the adventure of a lifetime to others. For us I think an adventure, big or small has the capacity to change how we feel about something, or helps us to grow in some way, or helps us find meaning. Sometimes the smallest, most unlikely adventures we have been on have been the ones that have affected us the most. I can definitely relate to running to catch the light with my camera too - I have been there many times! Thanks for sharing this adventure of the soul.
That is such a great point about the subjective aspect of adventures! Maybe it all comes down to mindset and being open to possibilities.