Elle Effect Photography

…can be found on a walk.

My dad used to tell me when I was young to read a small chunk of something and go on a walk - literally to “walk it out/walk it through.” I did just that. I read some favorite parts of Ephesians, some new things in Galatians (some of chapter 5, end of chapter 6). Andrew and Brittany were over, and the weather was perfect. We walked around the neighborhood, with no where particular in mind to go. We ended up at our old house in the backyard, and at my secret spot up on top of this mound/hill where an old cemetery sits. It overlooks a part of our small town…

I have been so bogged down lately with so much to do, so many decisions and really (probably mostly my fault somehow) not many to just sit down, look in their eye and ask for their wisdom - or at least to just hear me out.

Something I’ve been thinking about the past few days:
I wondered when the last time I really looked someone in the eye, and they looked at me right back. When you look someone right in the eye, it’s just as healing and healthy for you as an incredible embrace. And you know… it’s sad when you can’t really remember the last time. I couldn’t. Months, maybe? Something is just different about it - you can look people in their eyes just fine and have a conversation, but when you look deep in someone, you’re seeing their soul. And when that encounter happens, it’s hard to forget or erase. It leaves an impression. It’s scary to me… always has been… I wonder what they’ll see in me, because you definitely can’t stay guarded at that point. So yeah, it’s scary but I need it. Now, don’t come up to me after reading this and force me to stare you in the eye and look at your soul : ) It has to happen naturally and flow between both people. Anyway. Just a thought.

I have a shoot in the morning with a dancer, Kathleen. I’m looking forward to it… putting dance and photography together… hmm, yes, this should be good.

I’ve made it through another day, just a few more to go until I leave Friday/Sat for Nashville (again). I could drive there with my eyes closed, I’m sure of it.

Oh, odd fact: my town had a complete blackout today. Weird. No stoplights, no businesses, fast food, Kroger, Walmart… nothing. It felt like ghost town or well, some state of emergency because all of these bright, flashing, blue lights from police cars directing traffic were everywhere. It was interesting. Funny how you could see the stars sooooo well… we have clear skies tonight. No matter where you were you could see them from your car. Loved that.

my mind is tired.
-lauren