Hello. Checking In. It's still 2020.
These weeks and months have not been easy. They have been difficult for my family, and I know we are not alone. So many of us are carrying extra worry, strain, and responsibility.
I've been pretty quiet lately as I have been learning how to balance parenting and significant kid needs while navigating the mental health system during a global pandemic. It's a lot to carry, and it often feels like demands coming at me from every direction.
There have been hospital visits, nights spent in ER waiting rooms, MRIs, and appointments that I missed because I completely lost track of what day it was. But similar to coal, some things crystalize under great pressure.
Even though I haven't been photographing as much as I would like to be, my work has transformed in the last 6 months. The more present I have learned to be for my children and my family, the more present I am able to be when I have a camera in my hand. Presence gives rise to more presence, and I believe it is also what allows you to truly seeing.
I just submitted 15 images to the accreditation program I am working on. I feel this is my strongest submission yet, and I anticipate earning my Associates Degree in January 2021. Because of pandemic stressors, I haven't even shared the last round of accreditation images with you (I submitted 15 images last winter as well). But now I have 30 images and 30 stories to share with you, and I am excited to begin that process.
I have also had some beautiful sessions during covid. I've been wearing my mask even as it fogs up my glasses and view finder. I have been realizing that I rely on a soft, kind smile as I photograph people to reassure and to let them know things are going well.
With a mask on, I have to make sure I speak what my smile use to say. But keeping the connection, even with a mask on, feels almost like a meditation. There is a stillness deep inside this pandemic that I am learning to appreciate.
Today the light is getting softer and the sky looks like it has been hand painted with white cumulous clouds. The gardens is full and overflowing and sound of crickets sing the afternoon into evening. As we head into fall, I hope a new season is underway, a new season of life, and a new season of sharing. I look forward to reconnecting and sharing reflections of love and beauty with all of you.
All of the images in this post are details of work I will be sharing the in weeks that follow. Thank you for following along and being part of my journey.
Love and light,
Michelle Massey Barnes
4 Comments
Aug 22, 2020, 10:02:03 AM
Michelle Massey - Thank you Karen. You made my day.
Aug 22, 2020, 9:09:37 AM
Karen - Such a beautiful soul doing such beautiful work. love ya!
Aug 21, 2020, 7:54:22 PM
Michelle Massey - Thank you. I can't wait for that trip to Vegas.
Aug 21, 2020, 10:12:35 AM
Kati - Michelle, You are such a beautiful soul. And talented? Oh yeah, such talent! Love you. ❤️