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#100DayProject: Photography-Week Thirteen

“You don’t have to stay anywhere forever.” – Neil Gaiman from The Sandman

Last night I wanted to see the “blood moon” eclipse. Nobody in my family wanted to join me, so I went outside myself. The houses, trees, and clouds blocked the sky and I couldn’t see anything. Normally, I’d have let exhaustion win out and simply gone to bed. Being an amateur photographer though, changed my mind. I really wanted to try and photograph the eclipse. It felt important to me.

I grabbed my camera and climbed into the van, pajamas and all. At the top of the nearest hill, I found every single parking spot taken. It seems I was too late to the party. Driving and driving, I couldn’t see the moon anywhere and the only places I found to pull over were blocked by trees and houses. Time was ticking away and I was convinced I’d missed my chance, but I didn’t give up.

I put on some upbeat music and followed any road with hills, trying to get as high as I could. Finally, at the very end of my window of time, I found an area with new construction. When I pulled in I found a lookout spot clear of trees and people, complete with a cute little bench. A beautiful breeze greeted me and I spent about 15 minutes taking photos and allowing myself to enjoy this rare moment of peaceful reflection.

Photography and writing are giving me permission to seek out beauty and magic for myself. It’s giving me hope I’m going to be okay when my teenagers leave home, a blueprint for what life after the busy day-to-day mothering has ended.

I’m so grateful for this journey.

If you’re unfamiliar with the 100 Day Project, the concept is simple. You choose any creative project you like and do it every day for 100 days, sharing your process on social media using the hashtag #The100DayProject. This year the dates are Feb. 13-May 24.

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My bonus photos this week are those I took of the lunar eclipse. Although the photos aren’t the best, they are some of my favorites. The last shot was taken as I was walking back to the van, a quick shot I was surprised to find out later not only captured my entire face but also the peace of the moment.

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31 thoughts on “#100DayProject: Photography-Week Thirteen”

  7. Another life begins when the kids leave home. It can be a wonderful time learning about yourself and the things that make you, you! So nice that this is already beginning. So many don’t ever find it.
    I especially love the last shot of you. We can say so much, at times, without even trying!

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    • Thanks so much, Carolyn. I do think my writing, photography and poetry will save me these next few years as my kids move toward making their own decisions and plans. It’s an exciting and bittersweet time.

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  8. Those nighttime images all seen very… dark! what iso did you use? How long were the exposures? Admittedly you can’t expose anything moving for that long but my lunar photos are exposed several seconds.

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    • They are dark. By the time I got there I was a bit flustered and just clicked away in auto mode. By the time I realized I should try something else, the eclipse was over. I’ll definitely know better for next time. I think it’s also time for a tripod!

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  11. Cool and interesting photos. Glad you walked out a got us a photograph of the blood moon. And thanks for the flowers and other cute pics too. The 100day project is my favorite. In fact when it ends, please pick up again or start us a new one similar to this. It keeps lighting up my face. I love photos for sure. 🌺❤

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