The Good Despite The Struggle

The transition to being a family of five is daunting to me. We are so fortunate to have Jesse home this summer, giving our whole family a little time to ease into things - however: having 3 kids under the age of 4 doesn't allow for much ease, no matter how you do it!
I'm trying not to succumb to anxiety, but I find myself wondering how in the world I will manage this. But over the coming days there are a number of times I'll be alone with the kids for partial days or evenings/bedtimes - chances to practice (and perhaps build confidence?) before Jesse goes back to work "for real" in 2 weeks.

During all of my pregnancies I have had basically zero drive to do anything creative/artistic - especially when it comes to photography or writing, two things I normally enjoy a great deal. So now that that apathy is behind me, I'm feeling ready to start treading those paths again. I am hopeful that the attempt to identify a moment or two of peace or beauty each day will help me to stay grounded and also to remember the good parts of an exhausting, overwhelming season.

This practice may, of course, fall by the wayside, but I wanted to articulate the purpose behind the likely mundane, simple things I hope to be posting in the weeks to come.





I came across this quote from a friend the other day, and it seemed the perfect way to express how I feel about photography:

"beautiful portraiture gives us a chance to see beauty in our lives despite the imperfections. it helps us see the good despite the struggle." -Katie Prentiss

Comments

Daniel said…
Glad to see you posting stuff again! This line stood out:
"... the attempt to identify a moment or two of peace or beauty each day will help me to stay grounded and also to remember the good parts of an exhausting, overwhelming season."

It reminded me of a friend of mine who principally photographs children (a total inspiration as my first child should arrive in about a month!). She spoke about her work at a gallery showing her photos and explained that it's all an attempt to steal a moment of calm or peace out of daily chaos. Anyway, you might like her stuff, too:
http://cynthiahenebry.tumblr.com

Also, congratulations on your third child!
Alexis said…
Thanks, Daniel! That is a great collection of work (Cynthia Henebry).

I'm so excited for you and Valerie, can't wait to see many photographs as you dive into the adventure of parenting. :-)
Anonymous said…
Glad you are better, we were so worried and have you on the prayer list at church.

Barbie (Becky's Florida Friend)

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