Back from a very much needed summer break. Which means that I have been off of social media and all things attached to technology. Taking the time to recharge and provide myself time to think, reflect, absorb and digest the first half of the year has allowed me time to appreciate the gifts of the last six months.
Ernestine Louise's photo of summertime evening of the port in Hydra, Greece.
Like any new place, idea, thought it takes some getting used to. But it is the process of getting used to it that I most enjoy – not because it is always fun- but because it pushes me out of my comfort zone. Being pushed outside of my comfort zone has been the title of this year so far. Discovering new countries, people and views were all a part of my time off.
One of the best parts of the break were the environments that I was able to engage with and to take in that were entirely new to me. I spent my time in Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Halifax and small towns in between) and in Athens and Hydra Greece.
The familiarity of Canada, which is similar but clearly different from the United States, coupled with the very unique dual British and French cultures that “co-exist” provided a welcome sense of belonging as well as one of not quite fitting in. Its landscape different in subtle and drastic ways made the drive across it engaging. Nova Scotia, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean provided one of the coldest swims that I have taken in the summer.
By contrast Hydra offered the hottest days, warmest swim. It's Greece – the food was incredible. The island, famous for Leonard Cohen's having lived there and no cars, was a great place to share with photographers during a workshop. Although I am not a photographer the time spent watching the process of project development, techniques to train the eye to see what you know you are looking for through the lens, while forcing yourself to be uncomfortable with vulnerability, was brilliant to be apart of. Seeing how the process for a photographer is related to my own writing process was interesting and encouraging.
These places are percolating thus processing of them is in full force. Curious to see how these experiences will shape or show up in my work.