Alison Bents Photography

so inconceivable often I barely can speak

2012-01-30T20:59:00.001-06:00

so inconceivable often I barely can speak, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

If I know only one thing, it's that everything that I see of the world outside is so inconceivable often I barely can speak.
...fleet foxes, "helplessness blues"

305:365
30 January 2012

into the earth again

2012-01-30T20:58:00.001-06:00

into the earth again, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

That’s what they mean by the love that passeth understanding: that pride, that furious desire to hide that abject nakedness which we bring here with us, . . . carry stubbornly and furiously with us into the earth again.
...william faulkner, as I lay dying

304:365
29 January 2012

never would it say anything else

2012-01-30T20:57:00.001-06:00

never would it say anything else, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

"Tish-ah!" said the grass. "Tish-ah, tish-ah!" Never had it said anything else—never would it say anything else. It bent resiliently under the trampling feet; it did not break, but it complained aloud every time—for nothing like this had ever happened to it before.
...ole rolvaag, giants in the earth

303:365
28 January 2012

response tunes

2012-01-28T08:23:00.001-06:00

response tunes, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Album club night! We get together to listen through and discuss the album that had been assigned for that month. There's some love, some hate, some ambivalence, some passion, all feelings welcome! Then we all take turns playing our 2-3 response tunes to further depict how we connected to the album. This month we were assigned Vol. 3 of the Minnesota Beatle Project. Our blog tracking responses isn't completely up to date, but you can at least check out some of our previous albums and responses: originalalbumclub.wordpress.com. If absolutely nothing else, we have a great time sipping beers, listening to tunes and talking about music.

302:365
27 January 2012

a soak

2012-01-28T08:22:00.001-06:00

a soak, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I'm on the tail end of one of those 3-week colds that have been going around. A much needed soak was on the agenda for the evening, and heading to bed early will be soon to follow. Almost feel like a regular person again! Also, clearly in need of a new pedi. Seems silly in the winter though.

BAM 04 | 52
301:365
26 January 2012

pink beer

2012-01-25T20:38:00.001-06:00

pink beer, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Happy hour out with my favorite lambic-lovers. Need to repeat this one again soon.

300:365 (just 65 left on this go-round!)
25 January 2012

and losing it

2012-01-19T22:00:00.001-06:00

and losing it, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Winter finally decided to show up here in Minnesota. Today's high was 1. Maybe. Probably only 0. I had it all planned to be intentional and take a bunch of photos that really made me remember the day. They were going to be artsy and lovely. And then I got home after the gym after work and it was dark. Now, this is not a surprise. It's been dark after the gym for months. I just always have this completely irrational hope that maybe today will be different. There will be a beautiful moment or two of golden light that I can nab before heading in for dinner. Of course not. That's dumb.

So the plan got changed. The plan moved to portraits. I was going to ask my darling husband if maybe just this once he would be willing to sit for me. Hey, it could happen! He, however, had a rehearsal. Convenient, no? So, self portraits become the final plan! Woo-hoo! And I got a bunch that I actually really really like! Even better! Exclamation point!(s)!! So there are a bunch here. And I like them. So look at 'em, will ya?

Many thanks, lovelies,

self portrait mania
BAM 03 | 52
294:365
19 January 2012

memo

2012-01-16T18:17:00.001-06:00

memo, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I threw a very expired roll of Seattle FilmWorks film in this jobbie... First, I need to figure out who will develop it. Second, I need to keep my fingers very crossed that something will show up at all! Really fun to play around with it, though. Thanks for letting me raid the basement, mom and dad :)

BAM 02 | 52 (a little late. already. I'll catch up, though)
291:365
16 January 2012

reaching skyward

2012-01-15T19:33:00.001-06:00

reaching skyward, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Dear Damen -

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to put two important piece of my life together. Your confidence and trust in my ability and skills truly means the world to me.

290:365
15 January 2012

discarded

2012-01-12T19:15:00.001-06:00

discarded, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Home sick today from work but needed a brief escape from the house. I usually walk the dog past this point in the dark of the morning, so I made sure to bring my camera along in the daytime.

290:365
12 January 2012

toward the light

2012-01-08T21:30:00.001-06:00

toward the light, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Another warm afternoon in January - walking west with the sun in my face.

286:365 | 08 January 2012

belated

2012-01-07T07:20:00.001-06:00

belated, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

A late addition to the fence Friday madness, but added nonetheless. I've shot this fence before, kind of sticks out in the neighborhood, but I can't stay away from it. Happy fence Friday, folks - most importantly, happy Friday! Woo!

284:365
06 January 2012

cookie pants

2012-01-06T07:15:00.001-06:00

cookie pants, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

It's one of the things I look forward to most of the day - getting home and putting on my fuzzy pants (which have somehow come to be known as cookie pants in our house... beats me). They make me happy.

283:365
05 January 2012

haircut!

2012-01-04T21:56:00.003-06:00

haircut!, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I was growing it out to see if I could grow it out. I did. I made it half way between my chin and shoulders and that is dang good for me! Thanks to a visit with an old friend and the advice of a new one, it was time. As the hair began falling to the floor, the smile began spreading on my face. I feel like myself again for the first time in almost a year and a half. Welcome back, self :)

282:365
04 January 2011

a soak

2012-01-04T21:56:00.001-06:00

a soak, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Came home Tuesday after a long rehearsal and needed a soak in the tub. Which then turns into trying to actualize the shot that was haunting my head. I hit close, but not quite there. I think I like it anyway, but it just isn't exactly what I was aiming for.

281:365
03 January 2012

etta.

2012-01-04T21:55:00.001-06:00

etta., a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Etta, as usual. When I finished my 2010 365 project I tallied what percentage of my shots were of her, the only thing that beat her total was my neighbor's garden. Between those two... most. We'll go with that.

She's my little sweetheart though. Always there with a willing tail wag, anxious for a w-a-l-k or a treat, and snuggles like she's getting paid for it. I absolutely love her. Very much.

280:365
02 January 2012

New Year's breakfast

2012-01-04T21:54:00.001-06:00

New Year's breakfast, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

A few pinches from the giant cinnamon roll brought in from Chicago, a little mimosa, and made to order eggs, potatoes and onions. No better way to kick off the year.

279:365
01 January 2012

gather your thoughts/leaving textures

2012-01-04T21:53:00.001-06:00

gather your thoughts/leaving textures, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

What have I learned in the past month? That there truly is beauty all around us. That sometimes, even those grey + brown days hold the greatest moments of gorgeousness tucked in the oddest of places. That changing your viewpoint can make the most difference. That a walk with a good friend in the woods can be the exact thing you need, the perfect way to round out the year, the perfect way to bring in the new, and the greatest hope for all that is to come.

Picture the Holidays 31 | Picture Inspiration 39
278:365
31 December 2011

ted

2012-01-04T21:52:00.001-06:00

ted, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

277:365
30 December 2011

a toast!

2011-12-29T21:56:00.001-06:00

a toast!, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Can't do Christmas tree, sparkly bokeh shots for a whole lot longer as the tree's really starting to kick the bucket. And it's definitely still the holiday season, right? That's what I thought.

So I raise a glass this evening, and propose a toast:
A toast to a quiet celebration of self, a glass raised from the comfort of the easy chair, crime shows on rerun, and the heat vent close by. A toast to my sisters across the world enjoying even the tiniest moment of calm and quiet, of space for them to breathe with their own lungs and own that breath. A toast to some glitter, a toast to some mud, a toast to holding onto the moment, whatever that may be, however it may present itself. A toast to living in the here and now.

Picture the Holidays 29
273:365
29 December 2011

2011-12-27T20:18:00.004-06:00

It seems to come with the holidays - so much is happening and so quickly that some of the more everyday things seem to fall by the wayside. And so, four, four days in one! Wha-bam!

enchantment

It's fun to have my niece and nephew around at the holidays - theyhave the kind of energy that I didn't even know existed. I love how Vis quickly darting out of the frame, how he's not in focus right, andthe most you can see of him is that corner of his smile.

Picture the Holidays 24
268:365 | 24 December 2011

this magic moment

For me the magic moment was a spare few minutes where I snuck awayfrom the hubub of family meals and gifts and catching up to soak inthe golden hour light. Merry Christmas to all, and to all some goodlight!

Picture the Holidays 25
269:365 | 25 December 2011

a breath of fresh air

Record highs in our area the day after Christmas lead to a long longwalk with the pup - and all sorts of exploration to be had, and it wasfabulous to spend so much time outside before three more days of work.Certainly a time to breathe deeper, a time to find the hiddentreasures all around, a moment of calm, just Pat, the pup and me.Breathing deeper for sure.

Picture the Holidays 27 (working backwards a bit)
270:365 | 26 December 2011

the day (or so) after

Got a new photo book (the Chris Orwig on top) from Santa and I'malready finding it really good and helpful. It's making me take thetime to really consider what it is I like about what I shoot, what Iwant to shoot, and how I want to approach it all. Definitely recommendit. It has also made me pull out some others that I've loved andhaven't read lately and want to re-study.

Picture the Holidays 26 (working backwards a bit)
271:365 | 27 December 2011

(Photo on the left is from the ever amazing Sartorialist. I amcontinually inspired by his street portrait work.)

down low

2011-12-23T10:22:00.001-06:00

down low, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

My friend Alison and I headed over to the Como Conservatory Friday morning to do a little bit of shooting before we headed off to the holidays. No better way to start it than completely immersing in a field of poinsettias.

266:365
22 December 2011

a love hate relationship

2011-12-23T10:21:00.003-06:00

a love hate relationship, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

It's a finicky little machine now - requires a solid punch down on the shutter. When I get this roll back I'll have to see if there are any where the shutter speed was high enough to maintain some kind of focus through the process!

265:365
21 December 2011

a serious bunch

2011-12-23T10:21:00.001-06:00

a serious bunch, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Our annual office Christmas photo.

264:365
20 December 2011

season of lights

2011-12-16T21:33:00.001-06:00

season of lights, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I don't tire of these shots. They make little bokeh-part of my soul glow.

Picture the Holidays 16
260:365 | 16 December 2011

2011-12-15T20:07:00.000-06:00

Despite being busy with all sorts of prep for all sorts of events, I'm truly trying to take moments out of each day to enjoy some of the smaller moments of the holiday season that tend to fly by without a second glance. I'm really and truly trying to be a little more mindful (she says while double checking the lists of tasks remaining...).

whole lot of happy

Sometimes it's not an obvious grin, but a comfy spot in front of the tree, your favorite toy, dinner cooking on the stove - all indicated by a more subtle raise of the ears when you're called by name.

Picture the Holidays 12
256:365 | 12 December 2011

party prep

We're having our annual Christmas Party on Saturday so we've started stacking up the sweets! Hard to keep away from them until then.

258:365 | 14 December 2011

baubles

Some of our prettiest things are the little baubles that come out to hang on our tree every year. This particular one was a gift from my aunt and uncle's travels to Egypt. Someday, someday, someday I'll get to Egypt...

259:365 | 15 December 2011

catching up

2011-12-08T12:45:00.001-06:00

While I haven't fallen behind on getting my Picture the Holidays shots taken, I have become dreadfully behind in getting them up here! So, dearest readers, my humble apologies. Please take these as a token of my thanks for your waiting it out!

Reframing the Season

I've been finding myself completely smitten with tree and bird silhouettes lately - and what better frame for the setting sun? If I have to work till it's nearly dark out, at least I can sneak a quick few peeks at the sunset from my co-workers' windows.

Picture the Holidays 02
246:365 | 02 December 2011

all you need is love

As if on cue, we received our first "real" snowfall Saturday afternoon and evening. I don't think I'd feel complete if I didn't have this transformation - it really makes it feel like winter and the holiday season are actually here now. Even shoveling it this morning I was humming the Beach Boys tune - "All You Need is Love." I truly love the snow.

Picture the Holidays 03
247:365 | 03 December 2011

Express Yourself

I've been a nail-biter as long as I can remember - it's a nerves thing. And, I guess, I've been kind of a nervous person as long as I can remember. I'm learning, though, learning to deal with unknowns and spontaneity. I'm learning to grab the moments as they come rather than waiting for them to show up on my schedule. I think photography has helped with that - seeing a perfect spot of light and being okay with being a bit late to whatever it was I was rushing to. I may be learning to grab those moments, but I don't know that I'll be quitting the biting anytime soon...

Picture the Holidays 07
251:365 | 07 December 2011

27 of 30

2011-11-27T20:39:00.001-06:00

27 of 30, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Grateful that we always have plenty of good, delicious and healthy (sometimes not so healthy but certainly tasty!) food in our kitchen. Having enough to eat has never been something I've had to deal with, and for that I am absolutely grateful.

241:365
27 November 2011

two days

2011-11-17T08:42:00.001-06:00

15 of 30

"The point of marriage is not to create a quick commonality by tearing down all boundaries; on the contrary, a good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude, and thus they show each other the greatest possible trust. A merging of two people is an impossibility, and where it seems to exist, it is a hemming-in, a mutual consent that robs one party or both parties of their fullest freedom and development. But once the realization is accepted that even between the closest people infinite distances exist, a marvelous living side-by-side can grow up for them, if they succeed in loving the expanse between them, which gives them the possibility of always seeing each other as a whole and before an immense sky."
..rainer maria rilke

229:365 | 15 November 2011

16 or 30

Grateful that even living in a city I have the opportunity to witness some of the fantastic displays of nature. There are thousands of crows gathering near Loring Park this time of year. The sound of it all is truly intense.

230:365 | 16 November 2011

14 of 30

2011-11-14T20:26:00.001-06:00

14 of 30, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Grateful for moments of whimsy, dancing around in the bathtub, mugging for the timer, trying to show off the scarf. Because I love it. Grateful, also, for this scarf. And my bathtub. Most of my self-portraits happen in the bathroom. Cause I'm hip like that. Word.

228:365
14 November 2011

10 of 30

2011-11-10T21:33:00.001-06:00

10 of 30, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I am so very grateful for the incredible inspiration and support I have found on the internet, that eternally vast realm of craziness. There are real and good and talented and amazing and generous people out there, and through the magic of technology, we know each other and are fed on each others' creativity, happiness, trials and triumphs. It astounds me daily and I am absolutely grateful.

224:365
10 November 2011

7 of 30

2011-11-07T20:20:00.001-06:00

7 of 30, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

A Monday evening at home, catching up on the household stuff and what do I do? Set up the tripod to try to self-portraitize my ironing. Booya. I am grateful, though, for these moments. It's not that I like ironing, but I enjoy the moment of the steam hitting my hand with my favorite episodes of Sex and the City on marathon on E... Really not bad at all.

221:365
07 November 2011

6 of 30

2011-11-06T18:16:00.001-06:00

6 of 30, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Grateful for my fabulous niece and nephew. It's easy to get a smile out of both of them, and their infectious laughter brightens the room.

220:365
06 November 2011

2011-11-02T21:56:00.003-05:00

I'm joining most of the rest of the flickr and blogging universe in November's 30 days of gratitude. As they say in their introduction to the Gratitude Project group, it is "all about cultivating an attitude of thanks & gratitude" throughout the month of November, and intending it to last even longer than that.

This project, of course, started on a Tuesday. Tuesdays are tight with orchestra shortly after work. Plus, we're into the dark both on the way to and from work period. There's a bit of light in the afternoon commute, but it's dwindling fast. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the daylight savings switch so that my morning walk with Etta will be slightly less nocturnal.

day 1 of 30: My husband's new job this year gets him home quite a bit earlier than his old job did. I've been pleasantly surprised the last couple of Tuesdays to come home to some gorgeously homecooked meals. Not just your quick-throw-together ones, but Tuesday, on day one of the gratitude project, I came home to homemade potpie. I am so very grateful to have a husband who wants to make a rushed day a little more calm with a special meal.

day 2 of 30: A photo of the computer taken with the phone sent from one to the other via a satellite in space. Connectedness - holy hannah! I am incredibly grateful for all the easy and creative ways I can stay in touch with friends all around the world.

And speaking of connectedness - my friend Carl from up at Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota put together this video that immediately transported me back to so many starlit nights wandering among the trees with some of the most amazing people I've ever had the pleasure to know. Give it a minute, and give it some dear loving. I miss this place every hour of every day.

Jacks in the Dumpster

2011-10-30T21:11:00.002-05:00

We visited my family this afternoon and were told about yesterday's city-widepumpkin carving and evening party. The remnants were held over in the town park dumpsters. That's right, two whole dumpsters totally full of jack-o-lanterns. How could I resist? For my parents (second-year empty nesters now that my brother's in college), the chance to get some pre-carved pumpkins was appealing as well! You can see some that they chose to take home below. So much fun shooting and shooting these orange orbs. Happy Halloween, kids!

213:365
30 October 2011

sunbeam napping

2011-10-30T10:57:00.001-05:00

sunbeam napping, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

There's something a little magically relaxing about a dog napping in the single sunbeam. Lazy Saturday afternoon, soup on the stove, falling asleep on the couch.

212:365
29 October 2011

increíble

2011-10-27T20:43:00.001-05:00

increíble, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Taking the long way back from the blood-bank because of the hockey game found me at the top of the High Bridge overlooking St. Paul at the most perfect time. I crossed the street and joined a woman and her elderly father exclaiming the beauty of the sight before them in Spanish. I smiled, she smiled back, and I said, "how can you not pull over the car?" She replied, "unbelievable." and went on talking with her father. I stayed a few moments longer, taking a few more shots and a few more deep breaths of the crisp air.

210:365
27 October 2011

somewhere baby it's part of me, apart from me

2011-10-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

somewhere baby it's part of me, apart from me, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

“Someway, baby, it’s part of me, apart from me.”
you’re laying waste to Halloween
you f***ed it friend, it’s on it’s head, it struck the street
you’re in Milwaukee, off your feet

…and at once I knew I was not magnificent
strayed above the highway aisle
(jagged vacance, thick with ice)
I could see for miles, miles, miles
...from Bon Iver's "Holocene"

My new favorite spot, hiding against the fence in between the parking lot of the gym and the railroad tracks. It's this little patch of berried branches and it calls to me every time.

209: 365
26 October 2011

A penny for the Old Guy

2011-10-24T12:48:00.001-05:00

A penny for the Old Guy, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

We did a bit of adventuring on Saturday at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve with Pat's parents and new puppy, Morgan. It was a joy to be able to lag behind the dog-walkers with my father-in-law, the two of us stopping and stooping to grab all sorts of shots. I need to go photo-walking with photo-takers more often.

I processed this shot to attempt a slightly eerier/more Halloweeny feel. And then had to pair it with a little bit of T.S. Eliot (from "The Hollow Men"). Because he is my favorite.

This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.

205:365
22 October 2011

in front

2011-10-20T21:01:00.001-05:00

in front, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I don't go full-bodied in front of the camera very often. I'm not comfortable there and don't know how to move my body, where to look, how to tilt my head, the whole nine yards. But then two things happened:
1. I bought some tights and began plotting this outfit. Because I love this dress and summer is not very long in our neck of the woods and it freaking works with these boots. Word. (Jeez, one appearance on a style blog and it goes to a gal's head.)
2. The fabulous ladies who were able to go to and report from Camp Shutter Sisters 2011 came out brave and bold and daring.

I want to at least aim for that kind of energy. I want to see if I can place myself on the other side of the lens and come out victorious. I want to give myself permission to spend the time it may take to do more than grab a good shot. As Wendy put it earlier today on twitter, it's okay to "give myself permission to spend the first hour of my morning on my passion." And maybe that's my lead-up-to-30 resolution. Spend more time dedicated to my passion - whether that means I go out photo walking a few extra times a week or I bake something fabulous just for the smell in the house. I'm allowed to develop and learn and grow.

At the risk of sounding like a clinger or a groupie or a hanger-on, I do want to thank you ladies who did spend a good chunk of your time at Camp instagraming, tweeting, uploading to flickr, facebooking - it was life-giving to me, on the outside, wishing I could be in. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You make such a difference.

203:365
20 October 2011

She had the sensation of being awake but in fact she must have been sleepwalking.

2011-10-19T21:04:00.001-05:00

She had the sensation of being awake but in fact she must have been sleepwalking., a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

from Jonathan Franzen's Freedom
202:365
19 October 2011

Language tethers us to the world

2011-10-18T22:18:00.001-05:00

Language tethers us to the world, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

“Language tethers us to the world"
...Penelope Lively

201:365
18 October 2011

a moment of fancy #beyondcampsisters

2011-10-17T21:21:00.001-05:00

a moment of fancy #beyondcampsisters, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

For all of us not at Camp Shutter Sisters, we were given the challenge to seek out the unexpected, find the surprises and the unfamiliar hidden nearby. Parking my car at the gym I noticed the setting sunlight hitting these lingering berries just right. Even the five minutes or so that I spent ducking and diving in the parking lot calmed and focused my Monday afternoon. Maybe a little piece at least of my brain is out at Asilomar...

200:365
17 October 2011

tangled up in blue

2011-10-14T21:05:00.001-05:00

tangled up in blue, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I'm sitting at home on a Friday night relishing in a few extra hours of web-surfing. Starting in on Friday Night Lights as recommended by scores of friends, reading some magazines, trying to catch up with some of you fabulous flickr folk, cuddling with the pup. It's actually really nice. The hubby's out with friends at a haunted hayride. I, for one, really can't do those. It makes me all anxious just thinking about him being there let alone voluntarily dragging myself out there. No way. So here I be, and I'm liking it.

197:365
14 October 2011

trapped

2011-10-14T19:17:00.001-05:00

trapped, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Thank goodness it's Friday - seriously. Hope you all have fantastic weekends full of exploration and adventure. I'm off to work meetings on Saturday, but hope to get a little bit of the unexpected thrown in on Sunday. Happy fence Friday!

196:365
13 October 2011

Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up. ...James Baldwin

2011-10-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up. ...James Baldwin, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Heading up north for the fabulous nuptials of Clara and Jim. I'm officiating the wedding and photographing the reception. Busy much? I think so. Not good at saying no? I think so :) So looking forward to it. They have used this quote in their vows and I built the ceremony around it. Turned out pretty great if I do say so myself.

183:365
30 September 2011

Scott

2011-09-26T22:10:00.001-05:00

Scott, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Scott needed some portraits for some applications he's submitting, and the rain held off just long enough for us to get these taken care of. I wish him the best in the process!

179:365
26 September 2011

hung

2011-09-25T20:44:00.001-05:00

hung, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

A little bit of everyday life - Sunday evening, getting ready for the coming week.

178:365
25 September 2011

2011-09-23T11:33:00.003-05:00

I'm guest blogging over on a fashion blog today. Ridiculous? Maybe a little big, but fun nonetheless! Head on over to the amazing (other) Alison's In a Cinch to read all about it!

sunrise, sunrise, looks like morning in your eyes

2011-09-22T06:13:00.001-05:00

sunrise, sunrise, looks like morning in your eyes, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

This is real, kids. No tweaking at all. Behind me was a full rainbow. 15 minutes later it was totally overcast and raining. Fleeting.

173:365
20 September 2011

Cozy

2011-09-21T19:46:00.001-05:00

Cozy, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Fall is really starting to set in in our part of the world. Cooler weather, changing leaves, chili in the crock pot... It all makes me want to cozy up on the couch with a whole stack of good books.

171:365
18 September 2011

ain't she just

2011-09-15T20:08:00.001-05:00

ain't she just, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I had a nice shot of my hubby all set to go. And I rarely have shots of Pat. And I always have shots of Etta. But she was doing THIS. And I am really bad at saying no to her. Especially when she does this. I mean, really? Come on, dog. Of course we'll give you the t-bone after going on a walk...

168:365
15 September 2011

thinking of the pagami

2011-09-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

thinking of the pagami, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

The fire up in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is hitting close to home. For four summers in and after college I lived and worked at Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. They are my second family and it is my second home. As of this morning, the eastern edge of the fire was 7 miles away from the 'bill, and not projected to be doing too much moving today. My thoughts are with the Hansens and rest of the crew still up there. This little painting was left in the mobe the fall of one year I worked there. I think maybe Jasmine painted it? I treasure it. I should probably get it framed or something, but there's something about it being stuck alone to the wall by my bed with a few pieces of tape that takes me back to those days.

166:365
13 September 2011

y-y-y-ya-yay!

2011-09-12T20:04:00.001-05:00

y-y-y-ya-yay!, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

This is just the tiniest glimpse of the laughter that was the best of medicine for all seven of us this weekend. You ladies have truly been the greatest blessing to me and I can't thank you enough for being such a part of my life.

162:365
09 September 2011

2011-09-09T12:56:00.001-05:00

A little piece of lovely for your weekend. I'm off with my ladies - see you next week!

and at once I knew I was not magnificent

2011-09-07T21:00:00.001-05:00

and at once I knew I was not magnificent, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I had hoped today's shot would be from our fabulous seats at the Bon Iver concert in the evening, but alas, any camera with a removable lens is considered "professional" and not allowed in. I was glad I had grabbed this shot in the morning (a 365 lesson learned many times, but followed only rarely). The concert itself was incredible. The sounds produced by Justin Vernon and his eight-piece band totally enveloped the crowd; you could feel it moving through your every cell. Truly one of the best live performances I've ever ever been privileged enough to catch. If Bon Iver is coming through your town, do what you can to grab tickets. Seriously.

The last song of the encore was "The Wolves (Parts I & II)" which has this incredible "what might have been lost" chorus. The whole audience sang along as the instrumentalists swelled to such a cacophony that by the climax we were screaming, shrieking along but couldn't hear any one voice. And despite, perhaps because of all of the sound the tune remained, embedded deep within the sound. It was really a remarkable and touching experience.

"...and at once I knew I was not magnificent"
from Bon Iver's "Holocene"

159:365
06 September 2011

roy.

2011-09-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

roy., a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

It's this climbing, flowering plant that a neighbor has planted at the base of a streetlight and is now gorgeous. Any ideas what this might be?

153:365
31 August 2011

to the right

2011-08-30T10:21:00.001-05:00

to the right, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Focus a little too shallow? Definitely. Processed a little too much? Without a doubt. But I love that my eye goes straight to... well, my eye. And then to my rocking new haircut. My stylist is a prophet. I swear to you.

151:365
29 August 2011

not the father of that last kid...

2011-08-27T21:14:00.001-05:00

not the father of that last kid..., a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Clara sits rapt as Robyn describes a particularly salacious piece of celeb gossip. Super fabulous night out with my girls on Friday! We'll definitely have to do it again sometime :)

148:365
26 August 2011

pick me up

2011-08-25T20:39:00.001-05:00

pick me up, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

We have a fabulous new little coffee shop just down the street from our house. They only opened a few weeks ago, and I totally wish them all the best. We traipsed on down with the pup this evening for a drink and Pat came out with this plate in his hand claiming he just couldn't resist the tiramisu. Really can't blame him. It was ridiculously delicious.

147:365
25 August 2011

and I say, it's alright

2011-08-24T20:18:00.001-05:00

and I say, it's alright, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

146:365
24 August 2011

One misty, moisty morning

2011-08-23T21:10:00.001-05:00

One misty, moisty morning, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

When cloudy was the weather,
I chanced to meet an old man
clothed all in leather.
He began to compliment
and I began to grin.
How do you do,
and how do you do,
and how do you do again?

145:365
23 August 2011

wine, I mean, book club night

2011-08-23T10:12:00.001-05:00

wine, I mean, book club night, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

The women in this club are seriously my lifeblood some days. Like last night. I get so much energy and laughter and chutzpah from them. They call me Rev. I love it.

144:365
22 August 2011

the Brave Things

2011-08-19T09:58:00.003-05:00

At the beginning of the summer I set out to do some Brave Things* related to my photography. At first I didn't have a set list, but as things developed, these 6 Things jumped out at me.
(*Brave Things, def. moments when I will force myself outside of my comfort zone, push myself into arenas that I've been curious about but afraid to dip a toe in, to make myself learn through experience.)

So, here it is, my 6 Brave Things of the summer of 2011:
1. At the encouragement of the amazing and inspirational ladies over at Picture Inspiration, I emailed three local photographers with whom I had some previous connection to see if they would let me tag along/assist/third shoot an event with them sometime soon. Sending a few emails may not seem like such a Brave Thing, but for me it's entirely easier to say to myself, "They don't need me, they don't want me in the way, I'll just stay home and quiet." I sent the emails and heard back from all three quite quickly. Gretchen of Wink Photography said she doesn't do weddings often, but if she gets one, I'll certainly be on the list of folks to get a hold of. My contacts to The Enchanted Image and Monte Swann will be followed up with in the next few Brave Things.

2. My friend from orchestra wanted to surprise her partner with updated photos of the partner's kids - my very first family shoot! I think it went really well, and I definitely had some favorite shots.

3. I entered a photo in the Ramsey County Fair... and won a blue ribbon and $4! I was pretty thrilled. The photo below is the one I entered.

4. The results of one of my email contacts in action! The generous and fantastic folks at The Enchanted Image hired me on as their assistant for a late July Friday wedding. I had the afternoon off of work, so I headed out to Cottage Grove for the pre-ceremony photos, rode along to Centennial Lakes for the ceremony, then back to Cottage Grove for the dinner and reception. Check out The Enchanted Image's posts for the wedding of Bobbie & Chris - a few of mine in there :) Also, a few down here!

5. I entered a photo in the State Fair fine arts photography competition. This is a highly competitive event, so I had all expectations that my shot would be rejected in the first round. And, sure enough, it was. Regardless, I love the image, so here it is! It looks pretty great large and framed, I've got to say. They're losing out - lol!

6. The second result of my first Brave Thing was to assist/third shoot with the gentleman who shot our wedding, Monte Swann. His usual assistant, Scotty, was also there, and I really had a fantastic time - there from the salon with the bridesmaids at 9:00am till the bus left the reception for the after-party. I'm pretty sure Monte headed out behind the bus, but I was plum out of memory and completely tired. I learned so, so much from this experience. Here are some of my favorite shots. Monte doesn't blog his events, but if some show up somewhere, I'll certainly let you know!

Holy Brave Things! Will I do them again? Some of those individual Brave Things, for sure, a whole new batch of Brave Things? We'll just have to wait and see!

en peu d'ennui

2011-08-18T20:25:00.003-05:00

en peu d'ennui, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I've been spending a little bit of time this evening watching an edition of American Masters on Richard Avedon. There's a moment at 8:45 in part 2 that pans over a shot of a hollywood star, staring off in complete boredom. It captivated me, and I had to try it myself. Most of my ennui ended up just looking pissed... But this one wasn't too bad. In fact, I kind of like it.

140:365
18 August 2011

Erin

2011-08-18T20:25:00.001-05:00

Erin, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Erin's getting her materials ready to head toward ordination, and wanted a few updated portraits. She's just about to start her last semester at my alma mater seminary. I had a great time reminiscing about many of the professors and classes I also took while I was there. Good luck with your studies and your ministry journey, Erin!

139:365
17 August 2011

Clean plate club

2011-08-16T20:57:00.001-05:00

Clean plate club, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

My mom and sister came over to my office to pick me up for lunch today. We went to one of my favorite spots on Eat Street, Rainbow, for a delicious meal. This was my mom's chicken and lemongrass rice noodle salad with an egg roll on the side. (I'm hoping to do a couple of larger posts before the end of the week on my six Brave Things and on our camping trip up north. And if I say it here I feel like I'm more likely to follow through with it.)

138:365
16 August 2011

packing up

2011-08-05T21:46:00.001-05:00

packing up, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Getting packed up for a full and long day of shooting tomorrow. Many thanks in advance to www.monteswann.com for allowing me to tag along! Looking forward to it.

127:365
05 August 2011

don't cover yourself with thistle and weeds

2011-08-04T21:47:00.001-05:00

don't cover yourself with thistle and weeds, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I just got out of the best chat with the Picture Inspiration ladies. They have seriously been such an inspiration for all the pushing I've been doing on myself with my photography. It's almost as though I'm holding myself accountable to Tracey, to Tammy, to Holly, to fishgirl, to Debra and Terri, Chelsea, Susan... so many fabulous and truly inspirational ladies.

You have all changed me and challenged me toward a better version of myself. You've helped me to push through the thistle and weeds and into the open.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I promise to be more present in the future :-)

126:365
04 August 2011

that rare thing

2011-08-03T21:29:00.001-05:00

that rare thing, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
"Did you see that thing in me? He signed, That rare thing?"
...The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

124:365
02 August 2011

Sunset Spin

2011-08-01T09:55:00.001-05:00

Sunset Spin, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I did it! Bobbie and Chris were married this Friday, and the fabulous folks over at www.theenchantedimage.com hired me on as their photo assistant for the event. I did a little bit of hauling and holding, but a lot more shooting from the sidelines. I need to do a lot more practicing with the flash before I'm set loose on my own next August, but I had a blast. The couple was totally up for anything and were super go-with-the-flow folks. Congratulations to them!

120:365
29 July 2011

Bent with the weight of it

2011-07-27T20:38:00.001-05:00

Bent with the weight of it, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Our humidity has returned and you start sweating shortly after heading out into it. Even the grasses (totally overgrown... I know) are feeling the weight and sinking their heavy heads back toward the earth.

118:365
27 July 2011

project runway

2011-07-26T06:51:00.001-05:00

project runway, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Sitting around the fire at sundown on a damp day leads to amazing fashion statements in order to keep the bugs from sucking us dry. Love these :)

114:365
23 July 2011

chipped

2011-07-26T06:50:00.001-05:00

chipped, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

You can see a bit of the glow of the sunset in this one's wings.

And please, oh please, take a peek at this one in lightbox.

111:365
20 July 2011

cleanse

2011-07-20T10:41:00.003-05:00

cleanse, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I helped a friend get the last pieces of furniture out of her old place and into her new on Tuesday evening. (Love, love her new apartment!) With a heat index of 114 it maybe wasn't the best idea, but we got it done. We were sweating so much that I think the sweat started to be more of a cleansing pour than a sticky, stinky drip. Either way you look at it, a shower was very welcome when I got back home.

110:365
19 July 2011

gift

2011-07-20T10:41:00.001-05:00

gift, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

My day job is as an administrative assistant - and it's often one that gets overlooked despite a great amount of work done by admin assistants across the board. Monday, though, a small package showed up on my desk. It was a beautiful thank you note from one of our volunteers along with this lovely necklace. I was truly touched.

109:365
18 July 2011

blue ribbon

2011-07-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

blue ribbon, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
That's right, friends. That's my photo with a blue ribbon at the Ramsey County Fair! Pretty proud of this :-) I'm challenging myself to do 6 Brave Things this summer regarding my photography. Entering this photo in this contest was Brave Thing No. 2 and it totally paid off! I'll pick up my ribbon and the photo when the fair finishes up tomorrow night.

107:365
16 July 2011

obscured vision

2011-07-15T19:45:00.001-05:00

obscured vision, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

The south-facing windows in my office building are tinted in an attempt to keep it cooler in the summer, today, it just managed to make the ominous storms even darker and more frightening. A soggy day around here would usually clear a great heat and humidity, but this time brought one. We're heading back into the thick and damp upper 90s for the weekend. Yippee! (Said with utter sarcasm. Rest assured.)

106:365
15 July 2011

refreshing

2011-07-11T20:54:00.001-05:00

refreshing, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

The humidity has broken and now it's just hot - though we expect it to cool down a little for the next few days. Nothing better, though, than enjoying a refreshing beverage barefoot on the front step. Happy summer!

102:365
11 July 2011

panting

2011-07-10T20:16:00.001-05:00

panting, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I know it's not perfectly in focus, but this happy, panting little, tongue has been a good companion to me this weekend. For some reason it felt like I did an awful lot of waiting around for one thing or another to happen or for someone to show up, or just standing in line. It's been super humid and hot the last few days too, so it's been netflix instant watch, with the AC blowing on me the whole time. Etta and I snuck outside for a little while this afternoon, but it wasn't long before she was panting a ton and we both needed to get back inside. Fingers crossed for a break at least in the humidity soon!

101:365
10 July 2011

**edit: and just as I finished typing this up, my husband's brass quintet that practices in our house started in on sleigh ride... :-)

getting there

2011-07-09T08:10:00.001-05:00

getting there, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

Our yard has these black raspberries that just won't give up. They're not in the best place in the yard, but I'm afraid that if I move them they'll stop giving fruit... and they're so so delicious that I'm not sure its worth the risk.

And speaking of raspberries, my parents will be out of town next week and their two large raspberry patches will be perfect while they're gone. Looking forward to heading down and picking and picking and picking!

099:365
08 July 2011

femininity

2011-07-06T20:20:00.001-05:00

femininity, a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

A prompt I missed from a number of weeks back over at Jan's Focus 52. When I was spending my summers up in the northwoods of Minnesota, I kept my toenails painted while I was scrubbing around in jeans and t-shirts, getting dirty and doing a whole lot of manual labor to stay a little ladylike. Last summer I managed to have a pedicure every month or so to keep things shiny on my toes. Today, on July 6th, I'm finally getting around to painting my toes for the first time all summer! Need to keep this up :) They look so much happier this way.

097:365
06 July 2011

A gift to myself.

2011-07-05T21:42:00.002-05:00

A gift to myself., a photo by ajbbents on Flickr.

I have been noticing that the photos I'm capturing day in and day out present my life, but they present an edited version. And, I don't just mean a bit of sliding here and there. What I mean is that my life doesn't consist of strolls through gardens, of a perfectly cooked pie, of bokeh-infused days on the lake, the perfect glass of wine in hand.

I spend 40 hours of my week in a chair (well, usually on a ball) in front of a computer with this guy at my left hand. My voice changes when I answer the phone and direct calls. I adopt my official title as I sign off on emails to heads of denominations. I so look forward to my lunch break where instead of strolling through the gardens nearby, I spend an hour with my friends sorting out all the problems of the world. Lunch is intentionally taken late so the time after lunch is short until 4:30 rolls around and I pack up and head off to the gym.

I am aiming, as I near the 100-days mark, to present a more real view of my life. I believe I am capable of taking decent shots of the underside of my life. I hope to present a more real version of my life, my days, and myself. Logos are going to start showing up. Junk food is going to flood this place. The couch, the tv remote, the dishes piled up, the dog hair on the floor - they're all very real and dominating parts of my life, and I'm going to stop heading to the neighbor's garden to hide those parts of my life.

That's not to say the edited versions are going to stop completely. Farmer's markets, raspberries in the backyard, my ridiculously beautiful dog, friends, family are also a huge part of my life and will absolutely keep showing up. Hell, you may see more of them. I am going to stop taking photos afraid (That said, I took out my camera in my local grocery store this evening, and was accosted by the security guard... won't be doing that again.) and start showing off my fabulous life.

So, there you have it. Bam. Kind of :-)

096:365
05 July 2011

Edit: 06 July 2011

And as I'm looking over this 365 so far, I think maybe I was being too hard on myself, a little. There's a fair bit of "regular" in my set. The duct tape holding the hatch handle on the car, a late night snap of the kindle on my messy desk, Pat's hand grabbing onto his blizzard, tickets magnet-ed to the fridge, a line-up of cellos at orchestra rehearsal... I think what I'm trying to say is that instead of escaping to the easy beauty of flowers, of some idealized version of my life, I'm going to aim to see the beauty in the truth-telling of my life rather than glossing it over when it's convenient. Making the ordinary stunning. That's it.

4th weekend on the 1st-3rd

2011-07-03T20:35:00.002-05:00

On our way out to the cabin we were greeted by a pretty wicked storm. Winds were reported in excess of 70mph. Pretty speedy. I took a little video of the winds blowing grasses at our car and rolling up the freshly mown grass into their own bales along the side of the highway. I'll have to see if I can edit the file size down (video is certainly not my strong point!). Once the storm cleared out, though, the heat and really thick humidity had also vanished. Hooray!

These crazy clouds and colors followed the storm in the evening.

The most beautiful weather entered, then. Sunshine, blue skies, highs in the mid-eighties and low humidity. We spent all of Saturday and Sunday morning just reading books, basking in the sun and playing long forgotten games. We ate amazingly, as is par for the cabin, slept short, and slurped up a lot of coffee for that. Coming back from the weekend I feel both tired and relaxed. It's nice, at least every now and then to be able to come back from a weekend away and have a day to sleep in and recover from the weekend!

A few photos from the weekend:

fancy gin and tonics - cheers to your weekend!

107°F

2011-07-01T11:41:00.001-05:00

I know there are a lot of you who live in places much warmer than I do, but what you need to understand is that our thinned, paled, and cold-adjusted skins just can't handle a heat index of 107°F. We plumb aren't built for it. So for the few days of this we get a year - maybe a week max - we have a house with air conditioning. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Call me weak if you like, but I would counter, of course, with an invitation to visit in February :-)

091:365
30 June 2011

right now/day 090:365

2011-06-30T14:39:00.004-05:00

listening Helplessness Blues, by the fantastic Fleet Foxes
eating raw almonds and bubble gum
drinking icy water
wearing a little shirt dress that could be an inch or two longer
feeling alright. looking forward to the gym, a nice meal with Pat and a relaxing evening
wanting a quick nap followed by a fast escape
needing a massage and a pedicure
thinking it's time to make it work
enjoying the nerves of newness
wondering if they'll like me enough
creating images in my head. hoping they'll come out like I want them to
procrastinating on a phone call. dang it, a phone call
pondering the feasibility of the future. the hows, the whens...
loving all the possibilities
anticipating the long weekend!

Idea from this lovely Canadian who found it this blog.

custodial parking

2011-06-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

We live across the street from what was the last K-12 single building school in the district. With the budget craziness that's been going on lately, the Open School is moving. Their big driveway and loading dock has been full, the past few weeks, of all form of moving truck. I think they're getting close to finished though - it was completely empty this evening, so I headed over to explore the space a little. What a gem I have so close! Who knew?

089:365
28 June 2011

along the cliff

2011-06-24T10:03:00.001-05:00

Take the path that runs along the cliff--that one, the one without any guardrails. Take that path, and know the exhilaration of the ride and the pride you feel when you reach the end will inspire you to take that path again and again. And that experience ... every day, will make you more fulfilled, more complete, and more alive.—
Harry Beckwith

thanks for the heads up, kind over matter

father's day

2011-06-21T20:07:00.002-05:00

We spent a good part of Father's Day/Pat's Birthday at a beautiful local park on the Mississippi with my folks and brother, Pat's folks, his sister, and her husband and kids. I totally love hanging out with all of them - and its particularly fun to have the kids around. A is 3 now and interested in so so much. It's excellent. There were about 89,487,292,201 army worms falling out of the trees, and she started picking them up and naming them Squishy. It was fabulous.

Some favorites from the day:

This was the first time A had let my dad hold her without freaking out. His beard and bouncy personality had been an awful lot for her to handle. This time, though, she was digging it.

siblings

2011-06-18T10:36:00.002-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing these two amazing, smart and hilarious kids. Their new portraits are a gift for their mom's birthday. I had such a great time at the park with them, and they have such a classic brother-sister relationship. They clearly love each other, but not without a little annoyance every now and then. Often in jest. And often caught on camera. I was just eating it up. Thank you so much for allowing me a glimpse into your fabulous family, folks!

a full saturday

2011-06-05T08:58:00.002-05:00

After breakfast we took a little stroll down the street to one of our local antique shops with my in-laws Saturday morning. I love poking around to see what hidden things can be uncovered. This box of letterpress tiles isn't really hidden but always catches my eye. And, really, how can you miss the wheels of these skates so out of place, and so at home all at the same time.

In the evening, then, we went down to the St. Anthony Falls area for the first annual Northern Spark Art Festival - the Twin Cities' first white night. We didn't do a whole ton of exploring (should have napped up for it!), but the night of light art looked like it was quite a success - lots of people there. Here's hoping they do it again next year. I'll prepare appropriately then. I promise.

Memorial Day at the cabin

2011-06-01T20:56:00.002-05:00

We had a fabulous time up at the cabin for Memorial Day weekend. My parents, brother, sister, her husband, her in-laws, our grandparents, three dogs, a friend of my sister's ... it was a full weekend in the little red house in the trees! This was a little trying at times because the weather wasn't the most cooperative. Cool and cloudy, windy, sunny at times, and a fair bit of rain all around. It was still good to be up there - really felt like the start of summer!

Golden, dappled sunrise

Courtney

Jacob

Hillary

legs

...we're not related at all, eh?

Congratulations & Best Wishes

2011-05-25T22:03:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to share some of my favorites from my very first engagement shoot with my good friend Elena and her fiancé Mark. We headed over to the Minneapolis Art Institute and the park around it and snapped away. They are seriously beyond adorable and you can just feel the love radiating off them. I have no doubts that theirs will be a long and happy marriage. So, without further ado...

engaged (053:365)

2011-05-24T06:59:00.001-05:00

My very first engagement shoot... I was honored today to shoot engagement photos for a good friend (who, until Wednesday needs to remain anonymous in her blogosphere presence!). Her fiance proposed to her in the very same place and at the very same time that they had their first date 15 months ago. Looking forward to a summer 2012 wedding in the stunning Sonoma County! Much more to come - peek back after Wednesday.

053:365
23 May 2011

by liberating our bodies

2011-05-18T21:03:00.003-05:00

Day 04 of this Creativity Boot Camp and already it's pushing past what I expected of it. Drawing, sketching, doodling, coloring, photographing, even sculpting and painting, I kind of expected those ends of the gamut, but this morning, the post asked us to get out of our chairs, off the couch and dance.

There's a small part of me that's wanting to say that this is all too touchy feely, that this isn't changing anything, that it won't make any kind of difference for me or for the world. It's that little nagging skeptic that lives in my pocket. This morning, as I read the word "dance", I took that nagger out of my pocket, and locked him in a jar high up on a shelf. He's going to stay right there at least till the end of this course, and hopefully a lot longer than that.

The more I put into this course, the more I'm going to get out of it. It's the old adage that's true with really most anything. And, you know, I really do think that art can change things - art in all of its forms can communicate in ways that words even words repeated and repeated cannot. Art really does have the power to create change in me and to create change in the world.

So this evening, I put on Maegan's playlist, and I danced. I spun until I couldn't see straight. I jumped on the creakiest parts of the floorboards just for the joy of the creak. I maniacally flailed my arms around in a way that just felt right. I leaped and danced and spun so much that I felt as expansive as all this.

048:365
18 May 2011

a blessing

2011-05-15T19:29:00.001-05:00

Today is the start of Creativity Boot Camp, and it's pushed me to journal again. Before we were married, I journaled more than daily, but since then it has been infrequent at best. It's something that I have noticed missing, an outlet that has disappeared, but that I'm certainly looking forward to regaining. So, here's to a renewal of old habits, to self-discovery, to the realization of how much of a blessing we all are to one another. (Lyrics on the left-hand page are from the Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blues".)

For the beautiful and talented Bonnie.
045:365
15 May 2011

an excursion

2011-05-09T09:33:00.004-05:00

My friend Carly and I got up early on Saturday morning after a month's anticipation to head out to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I had been avoiding looking at the forecast for fear of jinxing it, so imagine my delight when I woke up to singing birds, the sun on the rise, and a blue sky as far as I could see.

We met at this really great coffee shop in Minneapolis, the Boiler Room (stop by if you get a chance - super tasty!), and headed west.

I'm telling you, this place is magical.

This whole grove was humming with bees busily working in the blossoms. You couldn't see them unless you stopped and focused intently on a place high up in the branches. Very very cool. And it smelled a-ma-zing. For real.

a touch of whimsy [whimsical]

2011-05-05T06:12:00.001-05:00

See, see?! We are going to get leaves on our trees one of these days! Monday was chilly, rainy and overcast, but I was determined to get some kind of an outdoors shot. This vibrant lime-green stage is lasting a lot longer this year than it usually does, and I have to admit, it certainly adds a touch of whimsy to our block. I'm liking it.

032:365
02 May 2011
...and this one's for the lovely Brooke!

why 365...

2011-04-28T06:57:00.004-05:00

TODAY from m ss ng p eces on Vimeo.

An old family friend posted this as she embarks on her brand new 365 project, and when I watched it I found so much resonance in Jonathan Harris's words. I really think he's onto something when he says that he remembers his life in stories (don't we all?), and that these daily photos are prompts for memory.

I took about a three month hiatus between ending my first [full] 365 and starting this new round. I'm not saying that the three months where I didn't shoot daily are somehow lost to time and forgetfulness, but those daily images trigger stories, they trigger imagination, and they trigger longevity.

I also found it interesting how certain themes came back around, as though those small, individual stories were/are part of some larger arc, some larger hoop of a continuing story. Big sweeping landscapes, quiet, empty rooms, dead birds between feet, deer hunting all came up at least more than once in one form or another. Sometimes the repetition was direct, other times inferred. Certainly an artist has a particular style, seeks out certain things in a scene, certain scenes themselves.

I'm a big and definite believer in the circularity of time and of story (one of the big reasons behind my tattoo). I do believe history repeats itself, that we are all connected and that the places our stories and paths connect and cross are sacred moments that ought to draw some notice. For me, taking at least a photo a day helps to remember this. It helps me to keep a foot in the present and not get too swept up in what's heading down the road.

So here's to the now, here's to remembering the past, here's to living our stories boldly, always with an eye for adventure.

Even if you have just one tree, it is nice too.

2011-04-27T20:38:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the year I resolved to write 100 notes/letters throughout the year. I dropped a note to my TeaSource friend Sarah on a whim and she has been my numero uno correspondent. I saw this perfect little t-shirt that I picked up and sent to her. Today I came home to a lovely little surprise package with Sarah's return address on it. I dove right into it and found this perfect book - A Tree is Nice - I could not love it more!

Thank you, Sarah!
027:365
27 April 2011

p.s. Want some mail? I'd love to add you to my list! Email your address to me at alison[dot]bents[at]gmail[dot]com