I’m Still Here
December 30, 2024
The year 2024 has not been a good one for this blog—and not much better for my photography. But although I have not posted since February, I have continued, off and on, to take photographs. The subject of most of them has been the grounds of the retirement community where I live. Despite not blogging, I have been faithful in my practice of emailing a photo a day to fellow residents. Their responses have been fulfilling. The quality of these photographs has been uneven, but people like seeing photographs of where they live. Several recipients have told me they now look at our surroundings differently, more intentionally, more mindfully. This pleases me immensely.
Below are 11 photographs taken since February and sent to friends here at Kendal at Oberlin. I’m hoping to blog more before the next February.
I frequently have trouble sleeping. About a week ago I read that 45 minutes a day spent outdoors could promote sleep. But what would I do for those 45 minutes? You know. I have taken my 45-minute walks six of the last eight days, and I have taken the camera with me each time.
So now I’m building quite an inventory of photographs. Do you know the story about the clay pots, relayed in David Bayles and Ted Orland’s book Art and Fear? At 82 I’m still hoping to improve, and a daily photography practice just might help.
I’ve slept better on the days I’ve been out with the camera for 45 minutes. Maybe it’s the time; maybe it’s the photographing.
Romancing Reality 
I’m so happy to hear about your new plan, and to see these photos. I
also look at some things differently based on your love of … let’s see
if I can remember the word… seniscence? the falling and fading of
plants? I have not cleared out my garden this year, and I’m enjoying
letting it go (for now)
Mary Ellyn
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December 30, 2024 at 8:50 PM
Thank you, Mary Ellyn. Yes, senescence it is. And I’ve been photographing a lot of it lately. Keep enjoying your senescing garden. Good to hear from you.
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December 30, 2024 at 9:57 PM
Welcome back. I’d been wondering about your absence. Even though you haven’t been posting, it’s good to hear about your e-mailed photo-a-day routine. Your fellow residents must understandably be grateful for the daily gift. Pictures 3 and 4 here are particularly colorful.
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December 30, 2024 at 9:24 PM
I have roughly 70 people on my photo-a-day list. Some I hear from daily some monthly, some every once is a while, and some never. Only one person has asked to be removed. I hope that means people are enjoying the daily photographs. It’s easy to get color in the fall. We don’t have much of it now. Thanks for writing.
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December 30, 2024 at 10:05 PM
what a welcome surprise to read that you are back to your camera walks. I have missed you and your special photographic moments of the natural world.
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December 30, 2024 at 9:38 PM
My dear anonymous, I’m so glad you are happy about my return. Hope you’re doing well.
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December 30, 2024 at 10:07 PM
So nice to see this update, Linda. I like the photos, but I liked even more to read that you’re making an impact on your community, and how people look at their environment, thanks to your photographs. That’s wonderful! Cheers & all the best for 2025.
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December 31, 2024 at 1:07 AM
Thanks, Alex. My best to you, too. It is a really good feeling to know how I’ve touched others with my photographs. I’m sure you’ve had the same experience.
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January 5, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Good to see you’re ‘Still Here’, Linda! A fine set; the B&W is my favorite. Best wishes for the new year!
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December 31, 2024 at 3:47 AM
Best wishes to you, Harrie. Glad you like the B&W. It didn’t work in color, but I was surprised it worked this well in B&W.
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January 5, 2025 at 8:51 PM
What a treat!!! Your photographer eye has not lost it’s magic. And it’s nice to hear that you are doing well. There are some outstanding shots here. My favorite is #2. I think it might be a great poster. Here’s wishing you the best in the New Year.
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December 31, 2024 at 8:44 AM
Thank you, Ken. I saw the trees in #2 as I was walking home from our little gym. Not that I don’t see them five days a week, but I really saw them then. Grabbed my camera and went back out.
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January 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Good morning Linda, Here we are at the end of the year. Your blog post has come to me at a good time as I consider my art plans and goals for 2025.
As always your photos are stunning and inspiring. I am especially drawn to the images of the dead or brittle leaves at the end of the post. I am currently working on some paintings inspired by my garden and the woods around our house. I have taken a few pictures but photography is not my go-to mode of operating. But everything I have been reading and learning this past year tells me that it should be part of my regular studio practice. So that will have to be one of my New Year’s Intentions.
I have recently reread Art and Fear so I knew that story although it was so good of you to provide a link for your readers to go directly to it. I am working on my January Newsletter, which is about New Year’s goals and plans so I might have to “swipe” that particular story to include in my newsletter. (With your permission of course). I am in total agreement with the idea that quantity is the way to growth and finally reaching work that is of higher quality. This has been my experience during the past year with the 2 online courses I took.
I know this past year has been difficult for you. I am glad to read that you are sleeping better and that walking and photographing is helping. Spending time outside for even 15-20 minutes can be valuable and should also be a part of one’s regular art practice. Another practice that was encouraged during my course work in 2024.
I look forward to seeing you in the new year and to more of your posts. Take care of yourself. You and your work inspire me. XO Clare
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December 31, 2024 at 9:33 AM
Thank you, Clare. With the weather so cold these last few days, I have consoled myself about not spending 45 minutes outside with your comment that 15 or 20 minutes “can be valuable.” Dead or brittle leaves are so very appealing to me. Maybe they have taken the place of Leptothrix discophora films now that I no longer get down to the river.
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January 5, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I find numbers 3 and 4 spine-tinglingly beautiful, Linda. :-))
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December 31, 2024 at 10:37 AM
Thanks, Marjorie. I think I prefer fall leaves when they are just a few on a tree rather than a mass of them.
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January 5, 2025 at 10:05 PM
I wondered how you were doing. I recently viewed a salon which sells Ansel Adams prints and I thought I was viewing your website.
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December 31, 2024 at 10:44 AM
What a nice thing to say, Gerty. A few days ago I finished reading a book about Ansel Adams the man and his photographs. The work he went through to make his photographs! I have a mere fraction of his stamina, persistence, skill, and eye.
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January 5, 2025 at 10:10 PM
You clearly recognize beauty.
Taking photographs keeps my eyes on the world and it beauties. As for walking, I know for a fact that it helps me sleep.
I wish you a beautiful 2025.
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January 1, 2025 at 9:19 AM
We’re certainly in accord, Caroline. Have a beautiful 2025 yourself.
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January 5, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos!!!! A little sane serenity
and beauty in these crappy times…..
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January 2, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Thanks, Nina. Crappy times is when we need beauty the most, isn’t it. To say nothing of serenity.
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January 5, 2025 at 10:15 PM
I missed your photos…
Welcome back!
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January 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Thank you, whoever you are. Glad to be back.
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January 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM