Q-112: Time Out for Beauty

Looking back, you can definitely concede that you've been busier than usual. You can concede that adapting a new life-strategy has worked out pretty well. Saying yes to the things the old you would have said no to-- including Yourself-- has created a full schedule full of laughter, music, and even... the possibility of something that vaguely resembles an actual social life.

But with all that bustle comes sacrifices. And you're already seeing it in your art. You haven't spent the time you previously did to appreciate the nature around you. No Sunday afternoon rambles for urban scenery, no Saturday mornings at the Arboretum. The sheer volume of your photographic record is suffering from a serious downturn. But even with the sacrifice of time, you've still managed to inject some beauty into your life.

Sometimes it's as simple as finding something lovely in a department store,

And sometimes it's about finding beauty in a coming storm as you make your way home from one of the myriad of events you've been to.

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If all else fails, you realize that nature and beauty is all around you. On the table at your favorite restuarant...









Or in your own front yard...



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During the hustle and bustle a friend's backyard can provide a backdrop to some summer solace.





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And you've made a concerted effort to stop by the lake whenever possible, using your shots as an opportunity to perfect your panoramas.







More than that though, it gets you out into the nature of your local area, reminds you of one of the many reasons you love where you live. Because within a five minute range you have a the middle of the city, and the loveliness of lakes and other waterways.





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If you've learned anything from May and June, it's that even the busiest schedule still has room for peace, calm, and grace regardless of where you look for it.