What matters? Where can you find things that matter in your day to day life, in your home? That was the challenge Darrah Parker gave us in the Slice of Life class (which I love!).
“The Slice of Life approach to photography is a way of seeing, noticing, and appreciating the nuances and details that make your life special. It’s a way of embracing and honoring the imperfections in yourself, your loved ones, your messy kitchen, and cluttered shelves. It’s about saying that your life is just right the way it is.”~Darrah Parker
After living away from home for a year, this felt important for me. I love being back home, but also looked around and was frustrated by the messy closets, the stacks of mail, the things I wanted to change to reflect who I was now. In other words…my “to do” list.
Taking pictures around my home turned out different than I expected. I had a new appreciation for the little things,the Slices of life that matter to me in my home.
The view from my kitchen table, with green pastures. We can watch the horses and mini donkeys with breakfast! So lovely.
Light shining in on the wooden floors, creating a perfect spot for Lucy to soak up sunshine.
Family keepsakes. The tea set from my Mom and antique tea cups of my Grandmas’.
The soft light shining through the bedroom sheers. And Lucy with me, wherever I go.
I learned photos of the messy parts can tell a story, sometimes even more than the “pretty” picture. I like to cook and can get very messy in the kitchen! Chopping knives are always handy for fruit and veggies. The silver plate and wine holder were always on my parents kitchen table for family meals together. The bread plate says, “Give us each day our daily bread.” Oh, that makes me teary eyed now.
Morning coffee, with a journal and lots of books nearby. I seem to have 3 or 4 books being read. I am a book nut.
It surprised me that most of my photos were in the kitchen. And of family treasures. The kitchen is a gathering place, for cooking, for sharing meals, for talking over dinner with friends. I also realized how many gifts I have of my Mom everywhere in the house. It made me feel surrounded by her love, even though she is no longer with me.
So, I found a lot that matters. Just by taking time to notice, to see with different eyes. My messy closets can wait for a rainy day.
May you be blessed with many beautiful slices of life.
Nancy
I love this post, Nancy! It got me teary as well. I love all the family memories and keepsakes that you have around you. What a great class that sounds like.
Hi Maryellen.For some reason the bread plate got to me! I hadn’t intentionally had that in the photo, and just noticed as I was looking at what was in the photo. I had to get up and look to see what exactly the words on it were. Lots of good memories around the kitchen table with my parents and family. Maybe that’s why so many of my photos were there. Slice of Life is a great class…not just for photographers. Many people use their cell cameras. Blessings, Nancy
I agree – simple things in our lives can bring so much joy especially family.
Capturing slices of life and the simple things around you are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your bits of bliss.
So weird I was just thinking today that all the pics I take for my site have made me realize how beautiful my life is, what a great concept I love that you shared them with us