Monday, June 1, 2009

the courage to share

I am hosting a booth at a local festival this weekend to showcase the Charlie Project. I am hoping to find some more participants for the project, to sell some notecards a friend and I created, with some of the canine photos I have taken, to raise money for the OVC Pet Trust and generally to create some awareness for this wonderful charity. And I am butterflies-in-the-stomach, knees-shaking, nervous.



I have found that sharing one's creative work...whether through blogging, through writing, through photography, through any medium...takes a lot of guts. You are putting yourself out there...and many of us can often feel that our work is too inadequate to be worthy of sharing. I can remember working on my first post for this blog...I actually felt a wave of nausea pass over me as I pushed the Publish button. But I am so glad I did...because what a wonderful world I found...a world of encouragement...and a world of inspiration.



All of my blogging friends are people who are put themselves out there every day...with every post they write, every photo they share. And it is all wonderful, creative, diverse, personal work....it is work that truly shines. Every additional step I have taken in my creative path has come from the encouragement that I have found here through blogging...through all the kindhearted people who take a little time each day to visit Sophie and I and who give me such inspiration through their own blogs.



I realized that it doesn't matter if your photo is perfect or if your writing is publisher-worthy....what is important is that you share it. So thank you, fellow bloggers.....for giving me the courage to share.

33 comments:

Hilary said...

Andrea I wish I was in town this weekend because I think I know the festival (B&H?) of which you speak and I'd have loved to meet you. I have no doubt you'll do great and share that experience with us when all is done. Best of luck to you.. and steady them knees. :)

Tatersmama said...

And thank YOU, darlin' for having that initial courage to share yourself with us.
Your blog, your writing and your photos have always been an inspiration to me... and I'm oh-so-glad that I found you!

I know it's nerve-wracking, but it will be worth it - so get out there and share!

You GO girl!!!
We're all behind you! :-)

Far Side of Fifty said...

Andrea you have become an inspiration to many people through your blog, through your interaction with Sophie, and your kind and gentle words and photographs. I predict that this weekend will be no different..so calm the butterflies and the knees..you are gonna be GREAT! When in doubt..think of this ..
Old lady in Minnesota giving you a standing ovation..can you hear it? :)

Holly said...

you are most welcome for the encouragement. I hope it continues to give you courage.

I, too, participated in my first art show this year. I did not win anything but....I made it through and learned a bit more about myself. It was not a bad experience at all.

I hope this weekend is a stepping stone to whatever you hope to achieve!

RURAL said...

I love that you had the courage to start the ball rolling. You are a amazing photographer, and writer.

This is going to be a good weekend for you. Sell lots of cards, tell lots of people about the amazing project that you have started, and then after it is all over, share it with us.

Looking forward to reading and seeing everything through your eyes.

Jen

Anonymous said...

What an inspiration you are to so many of us Andrea. I wish you much success!!!

Maria said...

excited about your booth, it will be great and wonderful you keep taking that next step, great inspiration for us all

L. D. said...

Your photographs show your love of your subject matter and also the love of your art. When you put your soul into your work, it makes it harder to share because you are revealing your feelings. But your work tricks you by showing yourself to the world anyway and you just can't stop it. You have to share. You will be a a spectator of people who will admire your work and all of a sudden you won't even notice your jitters. Good luck with you project. It is a wonderful cause.

septembermom said...

Good luck! I'm excited for you:) You'll do great!

Joanne said...

Creativity is such an intricate process, moving us through a range of emotions. You do beautiful work, be assured, with Sophie's photos and your words communicating with poignancy. Best wishes this weekend!

Sharon said...

I have no doubt that people will love your work, so go ahead & be courageous!...and have some fun too:)

Jan said...

Awwww you will do great.

Libby's Library said...

You know, Andrea - I often feel like people must think that I'm wasting their time, with my silly little blog. I go through phases of feeling as if nothing I write is of value to anyone! But darn it all, people just keep on coming back.

I'm so glad that I came across your blog, and have been able to enjoy your wonderful photo's and your uncanny insight into the minds of so many 4 legged creatures.

Good luck this weekend!

Emma Rose said...

You are right Andrea. It is a bit intimidating when you first take the plunge into blogging. But you have simply blossomed! Your pictures and your writing have already opened exciting new opportunities for you. We think you will do very well and at the same time enjoy yourself. We are looking forward to a full report!

Kisses for Sophie,
Emma Rose and The Duchess

PS We would like to see the cards you are selling. We have always loved your photos.

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Oh, really.....I don't think you have anything at all to be worried about....everyone is sure to instantly fall in love with your beautiful photos and writing....and the Charlie project will touch many more people, you are providing a public service by sharing your work, i'm so glad to have found your blog even though I don't visit as much as i'd like to!
Good luck and enjoy your day!

Sabine Peters - Artwork & Photographie said...

Again and again i love it to read your storys and your thoughts. It makes my happy to see your great pictures. So much love to every detail!
Thank you very much for sharing and inspiering.
Wish you much success!

Carolynn Anctil said...

I think everything you do is wonderful and you do it with such grace and beauty. You'd better bring A LOT of notecards with you because I have a feeling you'll sell out. ;o)

I've been doing the nervous little pee-pee dance as I get closer to submitting some of my writing to magazines. It's scary stuff, as you well know. You may find this surprising, however, you act as an example of courage and success for many of us out here, too. :o)

gigi said...

I've have been so amazed at how you have just taken off! There is no stopping you! You 'rock'! Good luck this weekend.

WildBlack said...

Hey Andrea, well said! Everyday, every post, just to share with you all! Sharing gives more value for everything! Its good to have a friend like you. :)
If you need any of my photographs for your charity fund raise, I'll be more than happy to send it to you! :D
You are an inspiration too! Keep up the good work!
I like the photo works btw! Very Cool! :D
I like Odie's photos from your charlie project! she is gorgeous!

Welcome To Wilmoth Farms said...

Your photos are really awesome! Great to take a chance and play around! So good to catch on ya!

DogsDeserveFreedom said...

I agree - it's hard to start blogging. Personally, I find it a good form of release - otherwise I may end up venting at others around me!

I just wanted to pop by and thank you for taking the time to come by my blog in the month of May and leave a comment. I appreciate your input. Hope you come by again soon!

DogsDeserveFreedom

SusanD said...

Those butterflies are just the indication that you are taking off and flying. Blessings, SusanD

Robynn's Ravings said...

You have talent in both writing and photography. You grace us with both and enrich us.

Barry said...

Bloggers are a great breed of people who bring out the best in us.

I'm sure your booth will do very well indeed!

LoMo said...

People will love what you share - because it comes from within. Trust.

The Write Girl said...

These are wonderful sentiments Andrea. You will do great this weekend. May you have more success in your endeavors. You are already inspirational and blessed : )

b&g girl said...

its ALL SO AMAZING! the 'stuff' looks spectacular....so so excited for you!!!

Sherri said...

I hope your butterflies have flown now, Andrea, and that you are thoroughly enjoying the weekend. I'm positive it has been a wonderful success.

Paula said...

Oh I so hope you had a wonderful time and it all went better than you could have hoped.
I absolutely love that last photo of this post. The one with the rubber boots sitting beside the creek. Beautiful!

gigi said...

Thinking about you and wondering how it went this weekend at your booth? Missed your Sunday Stills too :)

Have a great week!

Annie said...

I love seeing the world through your eyes. The photos are beautiful. I hope you sold a bundle at the festival.

Girl Tornado said...

It is so true, we are all nervous about sharing our personal work, be it photography or anything else creative! I know I am always rather insecure about any of my creative work...

But you are right about the encouragement we receive from fellow bloggers. It's a wonderful world here in blogland. :)

Are you selling your note cards online anywhere? Zazzle perhaps?

Carolina said...

And.....? They must have liked your beautiful photos and the Charlie project. I'm curious how things went...