I hadn’t intended to take off the last few weeks of August. I thought I had all the back-to-school stuff under control. I had ordered uniforms and school supplies online weeks ahead of time. But somehow, despite by early preparations, we were still left scrambling the week before. Doctors appointments, haircuts, open houses, half days and early dismissals…all these things conspired to keep me on my toes, running back and forth around town.
But now…all that is behind me! After Labor Day, everyone will be in school, all day, all week, allowing me a chance to put my feet up, during the day. Or rather, turn my computer on or pick up my camera. It will be nice.
Yesterday, I had to run to the garden to check on my tomato crop. The early evening light at the community garden is just fantastic! All the flowers and vegetables and grasses are just doused in that beautiful golden light. I was a bit overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Where to start? How was I going to capture this wonderful scene? I was about to start just clicking away like I normally do when I forced myself to stop. I sat down. I tried to be still and quiet for a moment. What, I asked myself, am I feeling right now?
The late summer air was warm and heavy with humidity. The fields were still green, but not the fresh and new green of Spring — rather a tired and brownish green. I do like summer. For me, it’s an escape from the tyranny of the clock. I try to keep our schedule open so that we can be more spontaneous. With the start of school that all changes. So the end of summer brings a mix of emotion too: a little melancholy, a little excitement, newness and loss.
Knowing what I was feeling, I now turned the camera on the scene and with a few clicks, captured exactly what I was after.
Slowing down. Amazing what you can do, isn’t i?
Sharing with Kat’s Photo-Heart connection. It’s been awhile!
Oh how well does your photograph expresses it all! Melancholy, excitement, newness and loss, all captured in that golden light. So beautiful!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lovely Jessica welcome back , such lovely thoughts and photo Autumn is such a gorgeous season ….
Thanks, Viv! Fall is my favorite! I’m itching for the orange and red leaves. : )
So very beautiful. Came over from the group. Your words are peaceful and yet your living life to the fullest. Enjoyed your blog
I love your capture of vine leaves for your photo heart-connection. The lighting is beautiful and I love the little tendrils that we can see against that soft golden light!
Lovely capture! This season always exhilarates me. Partly as it starts to cool and being outdoors becomes much more pleasant. Wonderful post! Denise
“newness and loss” – that is perfect way to describe that back to school feeling that I can never quite put into words!! This year will be my middle child’s last year of high school so it will all be bittersweet!! Beautiful post!!
Your post is a great reminder of what I aim to do when I shoot, but tend to forget…Slowing down and getting in touch with our feelings and senses almost always produces a better shot — or at least a more meaningful one. Thanks!
What a lovely image to celebrate the beginning of a new season and new routines!
Hi Jessica,
so beautifully written.. i could feel what you were feeling even though I am far away 🙂
that’s a gorgeous photo too
xxxx
Lovely post and that image is beautiful. Love the light – and love your description of summer greens – so true.
The result of your slow-down-and-think-strategy is gorgeous.
Wonderful, Jessica. A perfect way to connect your images to your heart – slow down, connect with what you are feeling in that moment, and then click the shutter. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post in the Photo-Heart Connection!
I, too, enjoy that late in the day summer sun on my little garden. You really captured that amazing light in a beautiful way. And I like your example of slowing down and listening. Really makes a difference, doesn’t it?
Your photo does perfectly capture that mood of end-of-summer-start-of-fall. That beautiful soft light gives the green leaves the perfect golden glow. I’m so glad you took that time to sit and listen, and that you shared it with us.
Beautiful image! So many years of one’s life involve going to school and getting children ready for school. It seems years are measured by the start and stop of the school year. This is the first year I’ve not gone to work for Provo School District. I retired and moved to Texas. I really miss that “new” year feeling…
Your image also gives me the feeling that fall will be here soon. Very emotional photograph all around!
I like the dreaminess of this image. A new year of dreams. Wish you all the best for this ‘new’year.
Amazing image and great post, so nicely writing. I can relate to that mood, the need to be still and quiet for a moment and simply staying present. Fantastic photo-heart connection
you so captured the spirit of late summer and the 1st days of back to school hustle…both in the picture and your post. thank you for sharing this special time with us