I've been thinking a lot recently about British Columbia, I've lived there longer than anywhere, trying to imagine if going back would feel like a homecoming, misguided nostalgia or a new adventure. Probably all of the above.
Oh Melinda! Being a military transient, my husband and I often wonder the same thing. After being gone for so long it seems like we, as people, have held onto memories of things and places; an ability the things do not have. So, over time, I wonder how much is warped in my mind. How much of the imperfect I have made perfect. What happens in our youth that makes us want to return even when it was, knowingly, riddled with problems. Seems as though we are homeless sometimes. The one negative the military life has given me. A secret regret I rarely tell anyone. I wonder about my children. Have I given them a place they'll want to return to? Where is it if I have? Hmmm. I am forever contemplating this. I hope you get the answers you seek. ps. - this is Amy from the picture place! ;) I have never left a message on a blog haha! Hope you don't mind. Your words are like poetry, I was drawn to them. :)
Hi Amy, I knew it was you right away, that unmistakeable warmth in your writing :-)
Yes, I always think about these things too. It really defines who I am - a nomad from a long line of nomads. In an odd way, the path of one's travels becomes its own place, its own shifting and stretching home that includes multiple and different territories/memories. You're right about the dangers of nostalgia though and I recognize that weakness myself, I love loving it all even the problems and challenges. I suppose nostalgia means that you've come through and can look back - and that has its own pleasures?
Amy, I have great admiration and respect for those who choose a military life with such unique challenges. A beautiful quote, read years ago (which I wish I could remember properly) said something about the wanderer who leaves home and travels the world so that in the end the world can then become home. I do set store by that.
So very glad you dropped by this humble blog, which is the place where I try and bring it all together. Feel free to drop by and comment anytime :) And see you back at the other place :) :) - Melinda
Hello Melinda, K here. Finally making my way over to your blog again (I stopped by when I first started following you, but it's been a while)... it's so wonderful here! I adore your pinhole photography, and - oooh! - you have a Pentax, too! (I'm planning to dust my MX off this week, as well.) I did pinhole photos when I was a kid, but haven't since: this might just inspire me to try it again...
Congratulations on the beginning of your month off... may it be productive & relaxing.
Just a few days away from it, I really miss everyone on "the picture place" - funny how attached one can grow to a bunch of strangers. Does this give you my email? If you (or Amy) ever want to write me, you can find me on gmail - just my user name @... :)
OK, jumping back in to read more of your lovely blog!
So lovely to hear from you! We miss you "over there", I hope you're having an inspired and wonderful break. Yes, pinhole, for a few years it was all I ever shot. I was trying to capture time, I think, moments of waiting and stillness. Now have about twelve years of waiting moments to sort through :-)
Hope you enjoy the rest of the blog... it's a slow work in progress. I'll email soon :-)
Oh Melinda! Being a military transient, my husband and I often wonder the same thing. After being gone for so long it seems like we, as people, have held onto memories of things and places; an ability the things do not have. So, over time, I wonder how much is warped in my mind. How much of the imperfect I have made perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens in our youth that makes us want to return even when it was, knowingly, riddled with
problems.
Seems as though we are homeless sometimes. The one negative the military life has given me. A secret regret I rarely tell anyone. I wonder about my children. Have I given them a place they'll want to return to? Where is it if I have? Hmmm. I am forever contemplating this.
I hope you get the answers you seek.
ps. - this is Amy from the picture place! ;) I have never left a message on a blog haha! Hope you don't mind. Your words are like poetry, I was drawn to them. :)
Hi Amy, I knew it was you right away, that unmistakeable warmth in your writing :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I always think about these things too. It really defines who I am - a nomad from a long line of nomads. In an odd way, the path of one's travels becomes its own place, its own shifting and stretching home that includes multiple and different territories/memories. You're right about the dangers of nostalgia though and I recognize that weakness myself, I love loving it all even the problems and challenges. I suppose nostalgia means that you've come through and can look back - and that has its own pleasures?
Amy, I have great admiration and respect for those who choose a military life with such unique challenges. A beautiful quote, read years ago (which I wish I could remember properly) said something about the wanderer who leaves home and travels the world so that in the end the world can then become home. I do set store by that.
So very glad you dropped by this humble blog, which is the place where I try and bring it all together. Feel free to drop by and comment anytime :) And see you back at the other place :) :) - Melinda
Oh, there are the voices I love!
ReplyDeleteHello Melinda, K here. Finally making my way over to your blog again (I stopped by when I first started following you, but it's been a while)... it's so wonderful here! I adore your pinhole photography, and - oooh! - you have a Pentax, too! (I'm planning to dust my MX off this week, as well.) I did pinhole photos when I was a kid, but haven't since: this might just inspire me to try it again...
Congratulations on the beginning of your month off... may it be productive & relaxing.
Just a few days away from it, I really miss everyone on "the picture place" - funny how attached one can grow to a bunch of strangers. Does this give you my email? If you (or Amy) ever want to write me, you can find me on gmail - just my user name @... :)
OK, jumping back in to read more of your lovely blog!
Hello Sweet K!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to hear from you! We miss you "over there", I hope you're having an inspired and wonderful break. Yes, pinhole, for a few years it was all I ever shot. I was trying to capture time, I think, moments of waiting and stillness. Now have about twelve years of waiting moments to sort through :-)
Hope you enjoy the rest of the blog... it's a slow work in progress. I'll email soon :-)