In 525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the life? That is the question asked in the song Seasons of Love from the musical Rent. Love was their answer, and one with which I absolutely agree. As a tangible reminder of this past year in my life I have photographed a flower every single day and experienced many seasons of love including rainy and sunny days.
This Camera Journey began with a single stem of Queen Anne’s lace on August 2, 2016 at a time when my mother was recovering from a fall that kicked her Alzheimer’s symptoms into high gear. I knew I could not magically make the disease go away, so in an effort to do something I chose to pause each and every day to acknowledge the hardships, the happiness, and the love of a year in the life by photographing a flower.
What I did not anticipate was that the seeds would spread and create blooms well beyond my single stem. Through my Flowers for Mom series I have been given the gift of meaningful conversations with others facing challenges as well as kind words of encouragement along with gratitude for the joy in seeing one of the flower images. I am humbled and inspired to continue on this journey.
Tears are in my eyes as I acknowledge this anniversary. There are so many stories to tell that I know there must one day be a book. Join me on Instagram and Facebook where I regularly share photos and stories, and help this mailing list grow by forwarding this message and letting me know who would like to receive my musings. Flowers are so much more magnificent when shared!
Twinkles have returned to Mom’s eyes and she provides regular reminders of finding delight in simple things such as hearing a familiar song, and seeing her favorite flower, Queen Anne’s lace. For this day I ask that you join me in pausing to notice something beautiful. You will find something, I promise. As with my flowers, on some days, I need others to help me find the bloom. I give my humble thanks to all who have joined me in this flower garden. In the next 525,600 minutes there will be daylights and sunset, flowers, and lots of love.