Unfolding

[vaneramos]

This has lapsed into a written journal almost entirely. I love doing photography—sometimes I need to do photography—but I'm in a different creative mode now, and this is what I need now. I follow the path as it unfolds.

Yet my eyes are full of things that rarely translate into words. Here is a photo taken almost two months ago, a view from my apartment on a January morning. It is one of the quintessential images that comes to mind from the previous two months of my life. It must have been taken about the time I leave for work, because even now the morning is still dark when I begin my routine.

I am grateful again for the light box. No question, it has helped me navigate the circadian shock of daylight savings this week. Now that I've moved onto the next of 6 changes for 2010, I won't talk much about the morning writing routine other than an occasional update, but it continues. It is comfortable now. I think only a serious calamity could shake it.

Last night I took a passage of Pilgrim's Cross for critique by the writers' circle and received some valuable feedback. I've been struggling forever to find my narrative voice. H. said, "You need to grab this story by the throat!" She meant that I spend too much time revealing the thoughts and motives of my characters. I should instead concentrate on the action, and their inner worlds will naturally reveal themselves. This is basic writing wisdom, but it's easy to lose perspective, which is why I love having a writers' circle.

Comments

[champdaddy.livejournal.com]

it's a beautiful image, Van.

[hankdmoose.livejournal.com]

I came across your journal years ago because of your photography. I occasionally miss seeing the world through your eyes, but I enjoy seeing it through your mind's eye every bit as much.

I completely understand what you mean about seeing things you can't translate into words. My world for the last year exists in my mind mostly in images and sensations. It has made talking through things very difficult at times, but has made processing them on my own much more fruitful.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Chas.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Once I read that early childhood memories cannot be recalled using language, only by drawing them, because as small children we think in images without language.

[abendstille.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday, Van! May all your dreams come true!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks Mia. I had a mighty enjoyable weekend!