Slipping Simply into December

The luminous presence of a Hellebore

Another year is drawing to its end.
As I look back, I have been wondering how I could make my life simpler.
I have been musing on this for some time now.
How to simplify my everyday life.

In photography,
I often seek out visual simplicity.
Could I not do this in each moment - even when there seem to be so many things
demanding my attention?

When I look through the viewfinder of my camera,
I seek to strip away the superfluous and capture the essential.
I know what I want to include and what I wish to exclude.
I ask myself:
what draws me in?
What touches my heart?
Do I get an emotional response?
What goes deeper than just a pretty picture?

A tiny rosebud on my rose-bush, unable to open because of the cold
but which unfurled its tiny petals in the warmth of my apartment.

A rose,
is not just a rose
it's sometimes a little messenger
leading us to contemplation.

You may well ask,
why show a part of a crane?
Does it fit in with flowers and bells
and all things pretty?
Of course!
This image speaks to me, it draws me in
and lifts me up above the normal admiring attention I might give
to a classical and beautiful scene.
It carries me beyond the surface of beauty.
It makes me stop and observe for a long moment.
I see colours and shapes
I see balance 
I feel equilibrium.
There is something more to this than meets the eye.
It brings me into the moment
where all else just falls away!

As Christmas approaches,
there is a desire to create.
Simple shapes attract me
and using the colours that speak to me in the moment.

Seeking simplicity in all things
and remembering that
Less is often more!

The pretty star pattern was generously given by

Another link you may wish to check out, and which has been a source of inspiration to me,
is a photographic gathering for the whole month of December
organized by Kim Manley Ort
and which goes under the title of












23 comments

  1. A new header and more beautiful photo's Sandra...... it's really nice.
    compliments for this post.

    Greetings, Joop

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  2. A marvellous meditation on simplicity, Sandra, in words and images. Yes, the challenge is also how to take it more into our everyday lives. I expect you will find creative ways to make that happen in 2014. Cheers to simplicity.

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  3. I like your photos. They are very delicat!
    Greetings
    JetteMajken

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  4. Lovely new header Sandra?....pretty stars
    Hugs x

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  5. I love your new header, Sandra, and what a wonderful post this is.
    Happy day to you!

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  6. A beautiful meditation combined with exquisite images, Sandra. You inspire me. When we seek simplicity in our lives and in our images, we see more - like the beauty in that crane against the blue sky.

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  7. Exquisite shots!

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  8. Beautiful pictures, as always Sandra! I love the gold bells especially, all those reflected lights made cold hard metal look so very cozy. I love your stars too, the metallic thread is a gorgeous touch!

    S x

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  9. such a lovely contemplation. how to simplify.
    this is something i crave too, but i think i would have to be much more mindful to keep things simple, it does not come naturally. I sense it would serve most of us to simplify as the years roll by. so that life is easier and there is more time to simply enjoy life. such lovely images Sandra. Wishing you a wonderful December.

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  10. As usual, you have great photo's on here. Those crochet stars are simply delightful though.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  11. Beautiful thoughts and photos Sandra! I find that the busier I get, the more I crave simplicity. My want for it is always present as I find it very comforting, and perhaps a bit contradictory as I think it lends the potential for greater contemplation. I love your crane photo! It speaks to me the same way!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Kate :}

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  12. I love your December musings and the lovely images to go with your thoughts. Simplicity is such a powerful concept and approach to life. The first image is just perfection, Sandra! Your new header is so pretty.

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  13. I thought the crane photo fit right in....

    Isn't it funny how we can have the single eye in some areas of life but not in others?

    What delicate brushstrokes of colour on the hellebore's petals. Lovely photos all. :)

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  14. Beautiful shots Sandra, can you believe we are nearly at Christmas once again. Where do the years disappear too I wonder.
    I really love your new header shot too, that is such a pretty ribbon :))

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  15. Beautiful images Sandra and I love this new header! When you figure out the secret to making life simple, I do hope you will pass it on! I wish it were as easy as simplifying a shot!

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  16. All are beautiful pictures, but that tiny rosebud is perfection!

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  17. Yes, to seeking simplicity in all things! An admirable pursuit and challenge...if only it were simple :) My fav image is your first - the design, light, focus...all just right!
    Happy week to you. Talk soon.

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  18. Dear Sandra,
    Just stopping back to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
    xo.

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  19. Brilliant post as always dear Sandra. Wish you a Merry Xmas !

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  20. Beautiful images in this post, Sandra, especially the first one. I also love what you are doing with "simplicity." I look forward to exploring your offerings more fully.

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