Torn

Sometimes it happens that there are two things you want to do and they're at the same time. And sometimes there might be a day here or there in the week when there is nothing you have to do, so it seems all the more unjust that on another day just before that day that is blank on your calendar, there are two things and they are both good things and you would very much like to do them both but it is impossible because they are in different places at the same time.

Not one to give up easily, I usually try to go to one for a time and keep a close eye on my watch and then sneak out when nobody appears to be looking and head directly for the other one, where I sneak in hoping nobody noticed I was late and try to catch up to where I would have been if I'd started out there like the others did.

But I end up missing something -- or more honestly -- somethings.

Sometimes the choice is between a meeting for a committee I'm on and a meeting for a group I head or sometimes the choice is between letting down people who'd hoped I'd attend their activity and letting down my husband who hoped someone would attend the football game with him. Sometimes the choice is between a trip and a responsibility and no matter what I choose I will feel bad about the thing that got left out and wish that that time-turner gadget Hermione used when she was overachieving was available to the common (wo)man who also likes to overachieve now and then.

So...I am happy for the days when there is one thing and one thing only at a time on my calendar and I am happy for the times I can fit two things in one evening without shortchanging either one and I am happy for the times when I chose one thing over another and knew it was the right decision and made up my mind not to let my mind feel guilty about not being everywhere all the time.

This is my attempt to write less short and snappy. What do you all think of long and whiny? And no, there is not a photograph to go with this entry.

A long list

This is the season -- if you can celebrate it without jumping ahead to the next one -- for celebrating blessings. For giving thanks.

I have a long list of things that make me grateful. I add to it most nights before I crawl into bed. Three things each night. Maybe that someone's in my life. Maybe that some convenience makes my life easier. Maybe that something happened that made me smile.

If I were adding to the list right now, I would write sunshine on a fall day, technology that gives access to the world, Fritos in the cupboard to go with lunch.

There are little things and there are big things. There are lots of them.

You just have to notice.

Sunshine on a fall day: Utah's State Capitol and its snow-capped mountains.

Answering a call for artists

When they said the theme for next year's exhibits is "Views from abroad as seen from the traveling artist," I knew I had to apply.

That's what I most love to do. Travel and view abroad. And being a photographer is kinda like being an artist -- at least they could decide if I was or not.

So I applied to Bountiful/Davis Art Center's exhibit program.

Along with pictures of my work, an artist's statement was required.

Here's the latest edit of my statement:

Travel is education -- how they build cathedrals in France, how they deal with water in Belgium.

As I've traveled, I've learned -- what they eat for dinner in Japan, what they sell on street corners in Italy.

And I've photographed -- when the tulips bloom in Paris, where the laundry is hung in Venice.

Much of what I've learned of photography has been through "field work." Being there, taking those pictures, seeing what works and what doesn't.

Much of what I share is in hopes of introducing others to the beauties that fill our world -- sometimes as large and encompassing as a city view along the Mediterranean, sometimes as small as a doorknob or a light fixture along a quiet street in a quiet village of Provence.

I am blessed to have seen such incredible sights.

I hope to share them with others, to inspire and delight.

I got accepted. And you're all invited to the exhibit -- it's in January. Details forthcoming...