Yesterday Bea told me, "Mama let's go sit on the steps and drink our ice tea. It's so cozy." She's so joyful these days, it makes my heart quiver. These little innocent, playful sentences that tumble and roll off of her tongue all day long...how I wish I could bottle them up, record them and replay them over and over as the soundtrack to my life. Ah...but this soundtrack only adds one track after another. It's unable to repeat, so it seems.
I don't think I'm ever without a camera anymore. I usually have my real camera tucked away in my bag or basket. And if not, I've got my iPhone. This is a habit of mine that has changed over the years. Because I went through a long period where I took hardly any pictures. Nothing of the day to day and just a bit of special ocassions or trips. How different from now. But lately (particularly this season), I'm constantly quizzing myself, wondering what it is that I can find to photograph. It's become a mental exercise for sure. Keeping my eyes receptive and open - to anything - and continuously learning how to use my camera to recreate the image I see through my own lens.
I've got so much more practice to do. There's so many more ways that I'd like to improve and expand. But I'm completely fine with it. Because throughout this whole learning process, toting my camera around and matching up the viewfinder to my eye, has never felt like work to me. Taking pictures is constantly fun and joyful. And let's face it - the combination of me and a camera coupled with having an adorable kiddo in my constant presence makes for a serious habit.
I'm here to confess that my DSLR is a godsend. My second pair of eyes. Anything is possible with my little black box and the right lens. And if I had to ponder my most prized material possessions, the camera would be somewhere at the top of the list.
Today I took it with me outside thinking I probably wouldn't use it. But as I was splashing around with Bea in the pool, I kept seeing the big red sun shining down upon us with such loyalty and the gentle blondness of the peach fuzz which graces her little back and the drops of water reflecting the golden light.
And well, I was so glad that I had my camera. Bea let me snap away for about two minutes and I'm so grateful. Because at the end of the day, I simply love uploading and revisiting these little frozen moments in time.
No matter the hardships. No matter the challenges. I'm in agreement with the little one. This life is one to get cozy with.
What will she one day think of all these shutter releases aimed at the tiny moments of her childhood? I wonder.
