dudes….this summer is crazy.
i don't know what i did other years?
how did we do craft thursday?
how did i get anything done?
who is this person i have become????
that is how i am feeling everyday. it's getting old.
i miss that lady who made cookies and painted pictures and sewed late at night.
she needs to come back.
i really miss that girl.
this busy, tired, scattered, zoned out person who is living in my head needs to leave.
these pictures have nothing to do with that little pity party.
these are the cows across the road from our front door.
i love to watch them wander around that field.
this day i was sunbathing while all my kids were gone for ONE WHOLE HOUR and there they were.
just chillin' at the only opening that i can get to for pictures.
i have this little voice in me that says "that is the picture you want… take it"
and for so long in my life i have ignored it.
there are lots of reasons i ignore it.
sometimes there are people with me and i don't want to stand out or have someone think "what is she doing?"
sometimes i don't have the right camera for the good shot.
sometimes i am driving and can't stop.
but about a year ago i promised myself that when i hear that voice i will do whatever i can to get the shot.
not wreck my car or anything but if im not running late than i will pull over and get it.
or i just let people wonder why i am taking a picture of something at Target.
because my mind works like that.
i can see the photo in my mind and it feels so good when i get it.
and i like that.
so…. i was lying there… in my swim suit… one hour alone… reading my book… and there come the cows.
i heard the voice.
i said "BUT…. but… it's my only hour"
sigh.
i got up and put on a skirt and flip flops and my big camera and into the ditch to see the cows.
i am so glad i did.
i am ALWAYS glad i did.
and a lot of times it's not a super AMAZING photo but it's really just the process of looking through the lens.
finding the focus.
catching the light.
and i guess on these jammed packed days that send me to bed exhausted, i need that little moment.
a reminder that i am creative…created to be creative.
it's in there.
and sometimes i don't get to it as often as i would like but it doesn't go away.
moo.
Ria - Just wanted to say that I really love this post. And that I’ve been following you on IG for quite awhile, but tonight I’ve got some rare free time to myself and am spending it reading your blog. Really hoping to get a chance to attend your craft weekend someday!
Amy M. - Love this! Too bad you can’t make some cuter tags for the cows at Craft Weekend. They look like earrings that need a better shape and color. 🙂 My little girl would love to give them some big, glittery, pink hoops. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of the rapidly ending summer! So thankful for you and your encouragement, Meg!
Lori Byrne - Sounds weird, but I see those pictures and I can smell them. As a farmer’s daughter, married to another farmer, cows were and are a huge part of my life. So, yes, I know how they smell in the summer’s heat, the sound of them sniffing and the swish of their tails as they swat at the flies. Thank you for getting up, putting on the flipflops and climbing into the ditch for us!! It makes my heart happy!!
betsy - Just last night, I posted the same #trueconfession on Instagram (@betsymck) about feeling embarrassed when I am taking photos of something special that other people *might* think is odd.
I especially feel this way when I’m shooting with my iPhone because to others it may not look like I’m a photographer. I REALLY need to get over this fear. What do I care what other people think of me? That person in that car on the road may think I’m a crazy lady taking pictures of a highway overpass, but I will most likely NEVER see that person again.
I’m headed to NYC for a week in a few days … my personal goal is to let go of the negative thoughts & lose myself in my photography. It is my own version of mediation after all … I deserve to enjoy every moment of it!
beth larson - “I was created to be creative”. LOVE THAT… thanks for putting into words how I feel too!
xo
Rach - It rained today. It never rains in July in LA, so I took that as a sign and sewed two new kid sized bean bags for my kids. We have a total of 5 now. It made me smile. It made them giggle. It reminded me that I am a creative person and when I don’t find an outlet I get depressed and unmotivated. Good for you for shooting the cows! I totally get it.
karen - staring at those cows with tags on their ears makes me sad. a reminder how our culture abuses animal consumption.
“a lesson we learn from literature since the Old Testament — may be the best: although we must satisfy basic needs, a good life is not one devoted to amassing material possessions; what we own comes to own us, keeping us from fulfilling commitments that give meaning to life, such as those to family, friends, and faith. The appreciation of nature also deepens our lives. As we consume more, however, we are more likely to transform the natural world, so that less of it will remain for us to appreciate.”
tinaehb03 - Ive been having a pity party for myself this summer too! This is the first summer i’ve had to work since having my children. I’m not diggin it but trying to make the best of it!
tinaehb03 - Ive been having a pity party for myself this summer too! This is the first summer i’ve had to work since having my children. I’m not diggin it but trying to make the best of it!
Mel - There is a restaurant here in my town, Longmont Colorado, that has this great image on its walls. Makes me want to put up cow wallpaper in my house somewhere. moo indeed!
http://instagram.com/p/acHZfYK95V/
Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Geesh, should say OOOPS! Seriously all I have had to drink today is a Diet Coke, good grief! Okay, I am done now and won’t be OCD about my mistakes.
Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Ooos, should be miss the kids….you’re eyesight won’t be that great in the next season 😉
Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Meg, I could be your really older sister and I am here to tell you this is a season that will pass. I am finally able to create more now and I love it. There was a time I missed it so much. Your time will come back and then you will have a pity party about how the house is too quiet and you iss your kids, yada yada, but you will be the creative Meg that sews into the night again. Glad you caught your cow photos and can keep your smaller moments of creativity where you can.
xo,Valerie
Tiffany - Well stated, the little voice in your head. Hope you find a few minutes to slow it down and enjoy all that there is to Summer. (i read all his books as a kid, here is quick poem about the voice inside your head – http://pinterest.com/pin/134756213823238172/)
shar y - These are some of the best cow photos, ever!! Love, love! And, I love what you said about the photo in your head. I have felt that way so many times while driving and later am so sad I did not take the time to stop. Thanks to you, next time, I will!!
Have a great vacation!!
Lisa - PS- I agree with the person who said you should share the pics you took with the farmer who owns the cows if you haven’t already. I’m really digging the black and white ones this time!
Lisa - Have a great vacation. Hopefully once all the prep work is done and you’re on your way, you’ll be able to relax! And hopefully when you get home you’ll be able to get creative and feel more like yourself!
Lora - I completely get it! When I don’t listen to my little creative voice and do something about it….I get very grumpy. Lately in my prayers I’ve been thanking God for making me a creative person. Sometimes it’s the only thing that makes me happy. Right now my dining room table is SCATTERED with beads and things. It’s a mess, but I love it!
Those cows are cute 🙂
Kelly - I LOVE cows! Glad you got up to get them. They are beautiful. I think you should make a garland and put it on one of them like a lei. Take pictures, and when the cow gets back to the barn later in the day, the farmer will wonder… well, not for long. He’ll know it was you and will understand you got your mojo back!
Donna - I found your blog today….just when I needed to hear what you said. I just listened to that voice last night and left the house and headed to the coffee shop to work on a song…. the process is always worth it! Cheers to capturing the next great image!!
Lisa - LOVE these. I hope some of them make it to your shop some day! I hear that. About the summer. Super mom who rocks summer with lots of awesome activities and energy and joy – totally elusive this year. I think she got lost somewhere between home repairs and work and two rounds of head lice and adoption fundraising and extended family commitments and I don’t even know what else. We JUST made our summer list on Sunday…and my kids didn’t ask for huge and awesome – they asked for simple and together. Here’s to six more weeks following their lead!
Jane - I love your pictures of the cows. I would love to see photos of buffalo! I bet you would capture some great ones!
Vera - I can sooooo related to every single word you wrote here. Every. Word. Looking back and wondering why I can’t be the same creative energetic person I was a year ago. Feeling scattered and exhausted. Ignoring the “take this picture” voice because of being self-conscious or busy. Cows. Love ’em.
Jenny Lynn - love this. and needed it today. i have not had the opportunity to sew or photograph as much as i like. life is busy. but you’re right. i feel the same way…”i was created to be creative”. and i’m so thankful it doesn’t go away 🙂
deb nordeman - I am totally feeling the same way as you this summer and our kids are roughly the same age as yours. It just seems that there isn’t enough time in a day – but I am trying to just relish some time with my kids even in their business and be thankful and remember – this is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad!
PS Love the cow pics!
Mindy - I love that you took the time to get the shot – and I LOVE those cows! I keep telling myself to take the camera when you leave home. And I often don’t. And I often miss something good…I love your take on being creative. You are right, we take a break but it’s still there. Keep enjoying that summer, fall and it’s routine will be here soon.
Corrabelle - Yes, I totally know that voice and always have regret when I ignore it! Thank you for the inspiration.
And I love the cows. So gentle and honest. What you see is what you get!
JennD - Oh my gosh, as I started to read about you feeling zoned out and I was like “yes!”. I think of the things I used to do with them, or for myself and now ….nothing! No hobbies, no festive little parties, just racing from thing to thing.
And then…….your comment about taking picture! YES!!! I always forgo a shot because I don’t want to look stupid or my family will complain and then I feel sad about the great photo I could have taken if I were more brave.
Glad to know I’m not alone in those thoughts. And good for you in chosing to get the shot. 🙂
Lisa - Hi Meg,
Yes, I can relate. This summer is not what I had imagined it to be. I envisioned myself being very productive with lots of relaxing time outdoors. Things have come up to change that, and it’s been very, very rainy in Vermont. So, like you, I just try and take the moments when they present themselves. My husband and I were out for a drive through Stowe the other day, and I told him we HAD to stop at the Ben & Jerry’s factory so I could take a picture of one of their cows. He just went along with it ;), and it made me happy.
Debbie Hargadon - It is the activities that the kids are in — and you end up “doing it with them” when they cannot drive themselves. Lots of driving and sitting. 🙂 or reading. . .It is a tough balance for sure. I grew up on a farm in Iowa. I hope you are sharing your photos with the owner of those cows. If he is a “normal” farmer, he would LOVE to have some. 🙂 They are proud of their cows. 🙂 I always love the peak into your life. Thanks for always making the time to blog and instagram.
Heather E - Cows are so fun to photograph! If you ever get a chance to take pics of Brahma’s, take it! Their wrinkly necks are so cute and create interesting lines!
Bethany - LOVE the crooked cow! also love the black and white of the black cow with the tags. And the one of just the legs, and just the blurred ones. Really love them all. Reminds me of my late grandparents farm. Miss them.
tracy fisher - I wish you could come out to our beach house and relax with me…. oh, that’s right… I have the same crazy life as you!! haha. My cousins wife told me not so long ago that my house would be very quiet in a few years when the kids are on their own. How do we find that balance between crazy and lazy??? Hey, that could be a great song! I wish you an evening of crafting your own things very soon… and I hope the same for me. hugs, tracy
Katherine - Love these pictures! I’m so glad I’m not the only who thinks this way. I just asked my husband other day, “Is it weird I see life in pictures?” His answer was, “yes!”
Katie from MN - I recently looked back at pictures from a couple years ago…I saw a different person there. I had so much energy for my kids, art, baking, going to the park… Now with 5 kids I feel different. But my creativity is still inside! For me it is a season of adjusting and finding a new normal. I appreciate this post! I too hear a picture voice. Thanks for the encouragement to stop and take the picture.
Katie from MN - Hey Sarah, I just wanted to say that I resonate with your comment. We just had our 5th in April and our oldest is 8. We are trying to find our new normal. Also I clicked over to your blog and it looks so great.
Cara Yeh - Love this post! You are amazing in many ways.
liesl - I’m glad you listened to that voice in your head. I’ve been kicking myself for my camera sitting in my closet forever, collecting dust. I feel the same as you but glad you listened to that voice that I’m gonna try and listen to again.
Tracy - Fun photos…love cows! Moooo!
Meg, I wish I had even a teeny tiny % of your creativity!
Becca - I wish I had cows across the road from me! They are so adorable.
Linda - I like your pity party. I feel the same way. And I love that you are listening to that inner voice I need to do that too!
Tere - They came back! Love those cows.
Jeanette in Illinois - Meg,
Thanks for the awesome reminder about being creative! Something to never forget and surely allow ourselves the gift to utilize the blessing at every chance.
The photos are fabulous – love their sweet, soulful face and those eyes!!! I adore the photo where the one cow has her right leg up and bent. Makes you wonder what is she doing?!? Thinking?!?
You are not the only one feeling scatter, you’ve got company. I’m with you!
Sending goodness and blessings,
Jeanette
Megan - “a reminder that i am creative…created to be creative.
it’s in there.
and sometimes i don’t get to it as often as i would like but it doesn’t go away.”
It doesn’t ever go away–you are right. And I’m so thankful for that.
Love this reminder. I need it right now as I’m drowning in (not creative) work.
Thanks!
Mary - love this.
i’m so glad you snapped these beauties.
xo
Val - Oh my gosh, what great photos! I TOTALLY understand what you mean about being so hurried with less time to just BE.
Suzette - I think you made the cows’ day!!! They were all packed into that spot saying, “Ooooooo, I hope she comes to take our picture today! I’m looking particularly beautiful today, Meg, come capture my loveliness!” Do you talk to them? They probably love you!
Sarah Wolfe - I was just telling my husband this very same thing last night… Crazy. We’re running from one thing to the next. Is it because we’re trying to do everything that everyone does with 2 kids but we have 5? We didn’t come to any conclusions, only that we may have to cut some things out so that we can be the family we want to be, but don’t have time to be because we feel so tired. Maybe it’s just the way life is and there is no solution 🙂 Tell me if you come up with any answers!
Love the cow pics!
Rita - Love, love, LOVE the cow pictures….especially the one with the leg up, and the close-up of 28. She looks like she has something to tell you! Your creativity always amazes me – your love of colors and seizing the moment. Thank you for sharing your many talents with us. Have a blessed day!
Kathleen - I see things that I want to photograph…I see the picture in my mind and I don’t stop…thanks for the reminder to do so…..There is a beautiful, old white barn down the road, it has a dutch door that always has the top open and a gorgeous bunch of hydrangeas next to it….I need to stop and get that photo !!
Honeybee Mama - yes! seizing the moment. the little bitty ones. i identify with missing the creativity. i find myself sleepily going after it in the morning while the coffee is brewing and i’m still braless and i step outside to just turn on the sprinkler and find myself weeding the garden for 20 minutes in my pjs, determined to make something lovely. it’s being in the here and now that fuels us living the abundant life promised us. no matter what others think. no matter what WE think!
April R - I’m with you – #28 🙂
And how reassuring and encouraging to know other hear that ‘voice’ and listen <3
Debby Graber - I have those same thoughts! I carry my camera with me a lot! Recently went on a trip to Arkansas and although I did have Al pull over a few times, there were so many cool shots that did not get taken! I don’t have the ability you have, but it is in my head to take these pictures! It would be so cool if we could just push a button on our sunglass/camera and the picture would be instant.
Suzelle - Good for you……..Great photos !!! I see a canvas for sure !!
Janet Ghio - Fabulous photos!
Laura - Are you going to put any of those photos on canvas for your shop?? I am thinking that a few cows would look cute in my kitchen! =)
Lorie - All your pictures are very amazing. Even the simple stuff. Especially the simple stuff. I do the same thing. I pull the car over, stop if no one is around. Of course my kids say, “Mom! what are you doing AGAIN?” Highly embarrassing for them. OH well…. Keep taking your pictures, I look everyday.
Meryl - I think that’s half the battle of photography for me–being brave enough to ask the random (but so interesting!) person on the street if he’ll stop…making my hubby pull over to the side of the road…in short, pulling that camera out of the bag, even when it’s a little awkward to do so.
Katey - So during the stressful times of a busy summer your medium is taking photos of cows instead of sewing at midnight. It’s a blessing you can find creative rewards in many things!! My favorite is the cow with the leg lifted. So funny!!! Awesome shots! You will always remember that hour you had that summer with the cows!!
Jen - Love the cow pics. Love you, Miss Meg!
Marthajd@msn.com - Hi! You deff have a knack for photography! Listen to that voice! Take that pic and please continue to share with your lucky bloggers! Martha 🙂
Gemma - I love your cow photos. They are such a beautiful animal, so pretty!
Have you done anything from the kids summer list yet?
I really enjoyed watching your Instavid the other day, I’ve never heard bugs make a noise like that before!
Much love,
Gemma from London
http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.co.uk/
christy - Love, love these photos. B&W is my fav.
Your view on things is really awesome.
Terrie - LOVE it!! Glad I stayed up late editing!!
Love the cow photos!
Especially #28!
I love that voice in my head…
I really like it when I listen. 🙂
As much as I like it when you listen!
And your schedule used to be more about home…
with all those kids’ activities…they take you away from there.
But, little by little, in time it will come back to you.
I can’t promise when..but it will.
Enjoy this stage..embrace the change,
because what else is a mom gonna do?!
Take your hour when you can get it!
🙂
PS – Got my cow pic & bunting today!!
Love them! Bunting is gonna be so cute for
a bridal shower this weekend!
Thanks!!