Counting down

Powering through the pain, originally uploaded by Tipping Point Photo.

Only a few days until race day. Not my favorite 13.1 race, which this photo is from, but a race that has the potential to be a favorite. 13.1 miles + 14 bands on the course + new shoes - achy knee = the inaugural Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon.
The race shown here was a painful one from Mile 6 onwards. I'm hoping that this time things are different, and I'm able to chase down my shadow.
Wish me luck!

Hope derived from one of the happiest places on earth

mondog-11, originally uploaded by Tipping Point Photo.

When we got a dog,our lives changed drastically. There were the standard things, like getting up early and climbing the stairs at least two additional times per day, and making best friends with your broom and your lint brush. But there were non-standard things, too: less TV time and more outside time, for example. And meeting our neighbors, which has been important as we continue to settle into our new neighborhood.

Above all, I am amazed at how dogs truly simplify life. It's all about eating, playing, maybe working hard if there's a treat involved,and spending time with loved ones. This simplicity is welcome on days like today, when I come home with a brain full of work stress, and my wiggly best friend escorts me to the beach, where there's no denying the beauty of the light on the water, and the simplicity of this beauty overwhelms me and whisks my perceived problems far, far away.

In the beginning, I created...

I realized a few weeks ago that my other blog space was a bit directionless. Sure, it was chronicling my day-to-day, and taking up some important "life topics" for discussion, and I don't want to diminish the importance of that type of writing--it has its purpose, and it's fulfilling, but it wasn't accomplishing...well...anything important other than as a sounding board for me. Again, a much-needed outlet, but not what I needed to feel satisfied in moving forward in some way.

After attending the Shutter Suite at Blogher09 this past weekend and perusing some of the fantastic blogs of the women I met there, I realized that I hadn't found my voice yet. But there was something about being among that community that unearthed ideas that had been lurking nameless and faceless in the back of my mind. They've driven me towards this new forum--still a blog, but based in my photography--that will help me explore the work that I love, and the social change I know it's capable of bringing about. I invite you to come along on the journey of this conversation with me. And it's truly mean to be a conversation, even though questions aren't always asked. It's also mean to be a collaborative space--comments, questions, musings and general feedback are welcomed and encouraged!