changes

some of you have emailed me and expressed concern about Finn (we are still waiting for lab results but she's doing better, thank you all so much) and asked me why I am not writing on my blog anymore.

a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a chronic throat infection caused by stress and was faced with difficult decisions about my life. I also quit my job, and thought for a while about what to do with this little place of mine.

when my husband gave me my first Polaroid camera as a Christmas present last year, I had no idea that the little experiment would soon become a source of inspiration. an opportunity to see and express things differently. and that I would enjoy it so much.

I hope that the images that I will share with you here will remind you to take delight in the beauty that emerges from our every day life. I hope that you'll continue to visit me. I hope to become a better photographer, a better writer. I hope that you understand. that it was getting a bit too hard for me.

today I'm taking my writing out of the house, away from the desk, from the frustration. from this blog. in the park, on the bus. in a café while life is happening all around me. I sit musing, pen in hand. I walk, I read. I garden. I cook. I take better care of myself.

today I am able to look honestly into the eyes of the three men who love me and say "you know what? I think I'm happy". and it's the best feeling in the world.

Comments

[La Rêveuse]

I am so proud of you. That was the true you I just heard, and it was wonderful. It's hard to stop trying too hard, to just be. But you are doing it. And you deserve to celebrate.

I'll keep reading, looking, watching, and enjoying. No matter what you do, it's worth it.

[blackbird]

I think this is a wonderful turning point for you - I need to take a lesson from YOU this time...

I'm happy to hear and see your life in any format, you bring wonderful things to my world.

[Heather]

The most important thing is to take care of yourself and your family, I've always loved looking at your photographs and reading your writing, so whatever you end up doing here in this blog I know I'll like becasue it is coming from you. Take care of yourself, I'm glad you are happy.

[PouletteSchmoulette]

I love your pictures! They tell as much of a story as your words do, anyway.

;) Hugs to you, petit chou, happiness is hard enough to find without feeling obligated to write it all down for everyone else to read.

[annalizaV]

i love your polariods almost as much as i love your use of words as you share your intimate thoughts....thank you!

[Susie Sunshine]

That you'll be missed beyond measure goes without saying, but I said it.
(I have goosebumps looking forward to what a less stressed Irene will do with a camera, though!)

Be well, sweetness.

[Chris]

Is your throat getting better?! Ouch. :(

I like to write pen on paper, too - I have some lovely journals and need to take the time to do that, too. For me, it seems that the pen connects my emotions to words in a way that keyboard and screen can't.

[stella]

great post. and great wisdom. thank you!
s

[Elaine]

I'll miss your posts but as long as you chat me every once in a while, I think I'll get over it!

Love to you. Get well.

[wish studio]

happiness is absolutely the best cure. hope you are feeling well again soon, and i can't wait to see your polaroid stories unfold here :) pats and ear scratches to finn...xo, mindy

[sonia]

oh irene, i've been spying occasionally now and then for a few months now. i've enjoyed learning about you in the succinct and sweet little ways you express yourself. love your amazing photographs. thank you for sharing!

[Vivi]

It's amazing what you learn about yourself when you're forced to step back from a hectic, busy life. As frustrating as the last three years have been, I've learned so much about myself that I don't regret a thing. I can't wait to see your new story unfold! :)

[kristen]

much love my friend. xo

[bella]

Hey friend! Taking the time to nurture oneself is almost vital. Our bodies speak to us when they need some extra comforting. Enjoy your days, Irene. I hope your new adventures bring you peace and good health. Oh, and I can't wait to see your life through pictures - how great is that??!! xo

[meredith]

Take care Irene. I love coming to look at your photos.

[Shanna]

irene!! big hugs to you! i know i don't leave comments all that much but i wanted to let you know that i'm still here if you need to talk! i hope that this throat thing gets better for you too!

[la vie en rose]

bravo to you irene! bravo! i applaud you...i love your writing and your images...i totally understand because i've had to be away for the same reasons (well, minus the throat thing) and when i can stop by for a visit i will...i and i will thoroughly enjoy it.

[g.]

Yes, it's definitively the best feeling in the world.
Be happy.
Be happy Irene.
g.

[susan]

Irene...thank you for your honesty and glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself. I absolutely love and am inspired by your pictures. I also have a blog please email me if you would like a peak :)

[Pastormac's Ann]

"today I am able to look honestly into the eyes of the three men who love me and say "you know what? I think I'm happy". and it's the best feeling in the world."
Wonderful! I'm so glad for you. Can't wait to see more of your creativity. Your photos are always amazing.