Yes, its cold as heck in Lowell, Massachusetts right now. As a matter of fact my phone indicates it nine degrees outside right now. Adjust for a wind chill factor and it’s ten below zero. But like life, when things are freezing all around you, it may be time to get in touch with your inner beauty. I hope this photo reflects the beauty that can happen inside when you shine a little light on it.
All, I’ve been hearing today is that it is “Blue Monday”, reportedly the most depressing day of the year. Well, I say “Blue Monday” is a song not worth singing. I believe on this day, we should remember there is no blue without yellow and orange. Today, we should use those three colors and paint a picture of hope, faith, and of spirits rising. Today, lets lift our voices and sing a different tune.
As part of my third year at the 365 project I’ve decided to participate in the WordPress “Weekly Photo Challenge”. This weeks’ challenge is grounded in the word “BEGINNING”. For me this word brings forth an old quote I remember. (Hope I got this right)“…The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” In my mind that space in between the butterfly and flower represent perfect imperfection growing into its own.
Out on New Year’s Eve just walking around Boston’s First Night events in zero degree weather. Not sure who was colder- my camera or me. I came upon a fire show event.
Another photographer started pushing himself though the large group of people to get his “perfect shot”. He was in such a hurry he pushed a homeless, elderly man on crutches out of his way. I spoke up, and the photographer apologized to the elderly gentleman.
The elderly gentleman thanked me and said “young man let me share this with you, if you have patience you can live a much better life. I wish I had learned that sooner”.
Walking away, I decided I needed to capture my “perfect shot”…His face.
“Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.”
Leonardo da Vinci
It’s 2014, I wanted to share a little something I learned in 2013. Sometimes it’s okay to blow your own horn and you don’t always have to take the bull by the horns, sometimes it’s best to take him by the tail; then you can let go when you want to. Happy New Year!
Thaddeus Miles 365 Project Page 