words they mean nothing

Inside/a heart of summer soul/don't let them/take it away
Cause inside/something solid gold/don't let them/throw it away
Follow/your own path from here/so don't listen/to what they say
Cause here comes/something wonderful/so don't let them/throw it away

Words by The Doves

Lately For the last year I've been thinking a lot about being authentic not only in my art, but in my life. Being expressive, and having my expression be what I want, and what I seek to put out in the world, is linked eternally to how I am doing in my personal realm. There are a whole lot of factors in our personal lives, no? How we view ourselves as artists, and even just as people, has such an effect on the vibe we send out to others. How we're doing on our own goals of betterment, within our relationships, all of that affects our expression, not just in the arts, but I think in our communication as a whole.

With all of these percolating thoughts, I've been thinking about the vibes I put out there. Sometimes, like everyone else, my vibes are dichotomies. Isn't that just the rub?

So I've been simplifying my life, making my output of energy into the things that really matter (I know my poor husband might not agree, but I think I'm making strides in the simplification department! Learning to say "No" has been so calming.) I've realized that I know what I want my vibe to be. And it was somewhat surprising at first, but makes more sense every day.

This is my vibe. My single word. The description of me that I want to be most prevalent: SMART. I realized that I don't really care, in the long term, if people even know I photograph. Doesn't make sense, right? I know whether people care or not, I'll keep doing it. On saturday I photographed my sister, her husband and baby and I realized, I have literally been photographing her for 15 years. Even did the math to make sure I'm right about that. 15 freakin' years. And I know that in 15 more years, I still will be photographing her, finding truth in expression through her image and what I'm able to clearly express when I'm with her. Our mutual lineage from our self-educating, passionate and empowered mother, is a recipe for taking hold of our communities and influencing them for good. So glad I have a partner in this. (well, four partners. all of my sisters are legit and rad).

What I offer the world is usually not photography. Its a part, and I love it, and the thought I put into it definitely has my full attention and effort when I'm creating, but there are so many other things I do, and am involved in, and learn, that have an affect on my creative expression. And ultimately, the bulk of who I am, a self-educating, book-reading, wordsmith of a woman, has nothing to do with photography.

Realizing this has made creating easier and more enjoyable.

What's your one word?