I have asked my sweetie to just shoot me if I ever mention the word STONE again. My body is rebelling against the 'great idea' that was birthed last summer when Nellie (our 1985 Ford pick-up truck) and I travelled to the bowels of Renfrew County to collect rocks. What was I thinking? Somehow, I thought those rocks would magically align themselves into a stone wall in the distant future. That distant future became the painful present when my neighbor with the back hoe approached me saying that now was the day. Who needs cardiovascular exercise when you're hefting rocks? For five days I have shoveled, wheelbarreled, hauled, lifted, trollied and exhausted myself. In my exhausted state (a week later) I question my sanity at planting 100 pound rocks? Am I nuts? I may not need cardio workouts but I do need yoga. How is this middle aged body ever going to get out of bed tomorrow?
This crucible of creation stemmed from a vision of years past. Like all accomplishments, the seed is planted in the brain and over time, we move towards the goal. Planning, learning, acquisition and action are always a part of achievement. A successful portrait follows the same formula. How to orchestrate the scene, clothing, props and lighting to tell the story that is waiting to be told? It doesn't just happen....it takes planning, communication and action to create a memorable portrait, one that will be a keepsake for decades to come. I feel priviledged to be charged with creating special memories.
Having created a memory for myself with my stately stone wall, I appreciate memories. I also am grateful that it is finished and that I survived. It is said that what doesn't kill us will make us stronger. I know one thing for sure...that this work out has prepared me for the stacking of our winter's fuel (12 cords of wood). It will seem like light work.
Until then