The Calm Before the Storm

It is the evening before we begin our journey back to Ireland and I am deep in thought. Questions run through my mind, scenarios of photography arrange themselves in mental shapes, and the reflection of what is sacred resonating deep within. It fills me with much anticipation and I keep logging mental notes.

But what is sacred? Is it that place, amongst the grove of trees or that pristine waterfall, which resonated with the people of long lost time? Is it that stone monument jutting out of the landscape, or standing out amongst farms in the area, which so many make pilgrimages to see? Or is it that ornately decorated church, the Gregorian chants in the background, that so many find faith in? Perhaps sacred is a state of being, or one of presence, in that remote field or ancient jungle. In truth, sacred is interpreted differently for each of us and all one can do is respect what others view as sacred, share what one thinks it is, and be open to new experiences.

I am open.

In my mental notes I have this list of items to be photographed. Their state they are in, the time of day, and even where I might take them. The reality is most likely to prove different and I am sure to come up with interesting compromises but it will be fun to see how many I can get. I’d share the list, but then that sort of takes all the fun out of the art.

As I close this out, I leap back to the one thing Jill and I both have – excitement. To go back to a place we have been, along with new destinations, and study it through another perspective is very exhilarating. I am looking forward to what I may be able to produce.