All in a Story

I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and its connection to story. If you think about it, everything we do and experience is wrapped up in memory. Every one of our experiences is measured, evaluated and remembered with both joy and sorrow. Whether it be through song, movies or books, each of us are indebted to this notion of story.

The written word is so wonderfully eternal and free of comparison. I simply love listening to love songs - they are timeless, yes, but they are often nameless as well. Take the song, I Have Loved You Wrong, by The Swell Season. (below) You may wonder who the song is about but really, does it matter? The song is about each of us. The protagonist is us. We may yet be dreaming but that's ok if you ask me. To dream is to remember, to believe in what's possible. This song connects with me completely and summarizes the way I feel towards past relationships, experiences, etc. Consider the songs which make you remember.

To me, there is something so perfect about love songs but also songs of struggle. Below is a posting of Glen Hansard's, The Song of Good Hope. He writes this as a blessing for his friend battling cancer, using metaphor and imagery in such a brilliant way. Truly, songs are the perfect expression of human experience.

Night Life

Sometimes I wish I were living in a big city. Don't get me wrong, Barrie is special (in its own kind of way!) but it lacks the diversity and culture found elsewhere.

Earlier in the fall, a few of us went down to attend the wedding of a close friend in Ottawa. Now, I don't know if you'd call Ottawa a big city but it's certainly beautiful, filled with people and attractions. I loved walking the lit streets downtown and by Parliament Hill. If it weren't for the cold weather, I suspect we would have spent much longer touring these wonderful streets. Above are a few shots of us that night.

Show Some Emotion

I'll admit it...I'm very much drawn to people with a flare for the dramatic. To me, there is something so intrinsically beautiful about human emotion in its energy and overwhelming nature.  Like many things in life, our emotions may be faked or tainted but even still, no one can pretend forever.  Emotion is deep, incredibly raw, representing our present, past and future experiences. Whether it be feelings of intense love, fear, emptiness, or joy, I believe that each of these states bring humanity such incredible beauty.

I'm sure many of you have felt your heart just ache for someone. (Well at least I hope so) When I was around 18 or 19 years old, I remember this first experience so clearly.  Completely torn up inside, there was literally nothing and no one else I could think about for weeks. (Luckily I manned up and told her how I felt!) To me, this experience of heart ache was and is a beautiful thing.

Tears of sadness and tears of joy - these each reflect the inner beauty of humanity. If you ever get a chance to watch a film called "Brian's Song," you'll know what I mean. (This is still the one movie that makes me fight back the tears!) There is just something so perfect about Brian's love for his wife and kids. Near the movie's end, Brian Piccolo (who w

as dying of cancer) calls to his wife saying, "I love you, I love you, I love you..." This was not just any "I love you," kind of phrase.  It came from the heart of a man who knew he would be leaving his closest friend, his whole world. Our hearts are more than muscles. They feel deeply and remind us that we are more than surface.

Cherish your moments of joy and sadness.  Feel deeply. Give twenty minute hugs. Most of all, recognize the complicated beauty of the life you live.

How Are You?

I find it humorous thinking of the common phrases we use on a daily basis. My favorite: How are you? In my experience, most of us automatically throw out this question, expecting a typical reply of "good, how are you?" This exchange occurs so often and continues because it keeps us detached and at arms length.

This exact scenario happened the other day at my grandmother's nursing home.  Several people came by and greeted my grandpa with the typical, "how are you" phrase and to my surprise my grandpa replied, "not so good."  My grandpa had just seen wife pass away that morning and I'm glad he gave an honest response.  We have become so accustomed to getting easy answers that most of us don't know how to respond when the answer is uncomfortable.  Maybe we don't need to fix others problems, just listen and give a sense of solidarity.


 

Against the Grain

While losing loved ones is a reality of life, I would argue that most are unprepared to carry on their lives in the same capacity.  I'd like to share today about a wonderful couple, Jim and Phyllis Robinson.  It just so happens that these are my grandparents and I love them very much.  If you ever saw this adorable couple together, you would immediately recognize genuine love in action.  

These days it seems that heart-felt, committed love is rare in society.  What I respected so much about my grandparents marriage was their example of faithfulness over more than sixty years of life together.  While no relationship is perfect, I am incredibly grateful for their example - I feel a responsibility to carry on this legacy into my future.  

I'm having a difficult time finding words to describe my emotions at the moment.  It has been incredibly difficult today as early this morning my grandma (Phyllis) passed away, marking the end of her beautiful life on this earth.  Passing peacefully, she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. 

The above picture is of my family: My mom, sister, brother, sister-in-law, and my wonderful grandpa (Jim Robinson). Today my grandpa experienced a great loss, holding on to the memory of his beloved wife.  My grandpa is a man worthy of great admiration and respect (although he's far too humble to agree with me) and honestly, my heart feels broken for him at this time.  

As the years pass by, I find myself understanding that life and love do not have to be complicated.  My grandpa taught me that love can be cultivated and held - his joy and happiness grew out of demonstrated love for my grandma.  I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I'm so thankful for my grandparents (both my mom's and dad's parents) and the example they've set for me.  Maybe take a moment today to appreciate the family or loved one's in your own life.  

"True love has a habit of coming back."

Never Too Old

In my opinion, you're never too old to go rollerskating. Sure it can't compete with hockey but it's actually so much fun! Fun because everyone looks uncomfortable...no matter how good you are on your skates.  I've actually been twice over the last few months and it was a blast! The pictures above were from my friend, Melissa's birthday back in November (rollerskating in Orillia). We were also there a few nights back to celebrate New Years Eve.  Moral of the story: find things in this life that bring you joy and relationship with those around you.  Looking ridiculous rollerskating might be worth it if it furthers relationship! So thank you to my awesome brother, sister-in-law, and friends for a night of memorable embarrassment.

Today's inspirational:

"People inspire you or they drain you - choose them wisely." (Hans F. Hanson)

Creative Outlet

Wow, this entry is finally underway! For half a year now, I have been intrigued by a number of blogs out there: lifestyle, fashion, and photography blogs mostly.  I've learned a lot about myself over the last couple years - I'm really excited to write freely and to share my new appreciation for photography.  Well, maybe I shouldn't call it a new appreciation really.  For years now I've loved the purity and impact of images to speak for themselves. 

Essentially, I'm a hybrid of many interests and often...obsessions. Yes, I am guilty of intense interest! It is my goal to write honestly while sharing various insights and opinions.  I can guarantee that posts will be random, that's for sure!  Regardless, I believe that everyone needs a creative outlet and a way to reach out beyond themselves.

Today's photos are of my sister, Dalyce. Three years my senior, Dal is an extremely fit and passionate 29 year-old with big dreams and big determination.  (I believe she was a motivational speaker in a previous life!)  I really enjoyed spending the day with her, catching up and snapping portraits along the streets of downtown Barrie.  As much as we've bickered over the years, our conversations (few and far between these days) are open and honest.  And...she's kind of a big deal.

As I have discovered, people are connected. We find inspiration from one another. No matter how we feel about ourselves, there are always people in the world with relating experiences, hurts, and fears.  It is my hope to be transparent in my writing and to encourage relating readers. Until next time...

Today's inspiration:

"Don't let your happiness depend on something you may lose." (C.S. Lewis)