Monday, January 5, 2009

two roads


early morning on the lake

It's been a week since I posted on my blog. For most of that time I have been up north with Sophie and we both loved. every. minute. of. it. We walked. We squinted in the early morning sun. We breathed in cold, fresh, winter air. We welcomed the first few days of 2009 with a renewed spirit and the notion that it was going to be a good year. A year for the soul.


my soul dog

For years, I have walked a road in life that ran parallel to another road....a hazy whisper of another road. And from where I walked I would often glance over wistfully and longingly at that other road....and at the different, better version of myself walking on it. The girl on that other road was the person that I always wanted to be....the person that I desperately wanted to be reflected in other people's eyes when they looked at me. And, man, did she shine.


reflection

I don't know all the reasons why I have never been able to make those two roads merge....laziness, insecurity, fear, uncertainty were all definitely part of it. But I also know that I was never really able to articulate how to get to that version of me....how did that girl live, how did she spend her time, what was bringing her such joy, such a genuine sense of self? And that's the difference now. Now I know.


sunrise over the lake

Those two roads started to come closer together when Sophie arrived in my life. She started changing the way I viewed the world and my place in it. She also led me to writing. And now she has led me to photography. Each of these things has brought those roads closer together....and I can see now, for the first time, the rest of the work that I need to do to be that girl that shines.



shining sophie

21 comments:

SusanD said...

Hey Andrea, Welcome back from you journey. From your writing it seems you are more at peace with who you are and where God is leading you. Your pictures are magnificent. Moving between work, school, and home is currently limiting my photo opportunities. But I know that will change w/time and effort on my part. Blessings, Susan

SusanD said...

Oh, I forgot to ask you....what kind of camera did you get?

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Andrea, Very peaceful photos from your and Sophie's visit. So glad you enjoyed yourself and I wish you much peace and joy in the months ahead.

Libby's Library said...

Wow this is deep - you are a wonderful writer. That first picture is breathtaking!!!
I look forward to more.

Sherri said...

The first step to anything is self-awareness, Andrea. The second step is developing a positive image in your mind of where and what you want to be. Your post sounds like you mastered those steps and you're ready for the changes you want to make.

Loved the photos...and Sophie.

Barry said...

Hi Andrea,

Great to "meet" a fellow Canadian. Lindsay would say hi to Sophie too if she wasn't so focused on reminding me that it's past time for her nightly walk.

Lindsay has taught me quite a bit too, her unabashed love of life and people is inspiring.

Flower said...

Hi Andrea, I really appreciate your voice in discribing how you want to live. Getting out to see the beauty that was created for us is a wonderful huge step! Isn't a digital camera inspiring! I love being able to see the picture over and over! Dogs love so thoroughly...no matter what...and that is another huge step to understand unconditional love.
I will remember you each day as you journey into this year! God Bless!!

Pam said...

What a beautiful post Andrea. It sounds like you had a wonderful soul searching time away with Sophie. Excellent writing and photos.

Jeanne Estridge said...

I'm so glad you're back -- I've missed my regular doses of pooch-inspired inspiration!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

What a great way of seeing the person you want to be. You've given me inspiration to walk a bit closer to my "other girl."

gigi said...

LOVE the pictures. I want to visit where you were. Seems so remote and isolated. No wonder you and Sophie had a great time. I too want to know what kind of camera you have. I've had a new one since August and am still learning how it works. It frustrates me more than anything. Glad you are back safely.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Welcome back Andrea! Looks like you and Sophie had a wonderful and peaceful trip. I hope the new year is filled with peace, joy and hope for you.

SusanD said...

WOW! A Pentax K200D. I "googled" it and can I just say (again) WOW! We talked about purchasing a DSLR in the future and that one looks like exactly what I'm wanting. Taking a class is definitely the way to go. I'm considering that also. Can't wait to see all the great action shots of Sophie. Blessings, Susan

Kathy said...

Welcome back Andrea. Your photos are beautiful. I am glad you had a great time at the lake.

Hugs,
Kathy

RURAL said...

I am really happy to see you pop up on my google reader this morning.

Glad to hear that you had a good, and thoughtful time. What absolutely beautiful photos you have captured.

Looking forward to more.

Jen

NKP said...

What beautiful photos, the world looks so serene through your lens.

pam said...

I'm so glad your back, I've missed your posts..and Sophie!

Hilary said...

Welcome back, Andrea. Your photos are stunning and your introspection even more so. Looking forward to much more of your wonderful posts.

laurie said...

dogs. they teach us so much more than we ever teach them. but i've never had one teach me about f stops and apertures! truly a remarkable dog.

kidding, of course. but not kidding. your pictures are really gorgeous, and so is sophie.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Stunning Photographs Andrea! I love the one of Sophie looking right at you..she loves you so! I am glad you are back too, but I am also glad you got some time to just enjoy Sophie! :)

Joanne said...

Great story. Isn't it amazing how roads converge, our own and roads with others? They're always there, but it takes another influence to sometimes bring them together. Enjoyed browsing here.