Week 51: Dedication Revisited

Week 51: Dedication Revisited is a bit of retrospection mixed with a trace of introspection...which, incidentally, is exactly where I think I should be considering that this is the second to last of the 52 posts for my first Project 52 undertaking...

I'm tired. This blog has been far more exhausting than I imagined it would've been. In my happily naive pre-Project 52 days, I imagined blossoming photo skills, improved tech abilities, and a formidable portfolio on display for clients and potential clients. I guess those things have happened to an extent, but this Project 52 has turned out to be oh, so much more.

It has prompted profound conversations and improved connections with friends. It has caused me to be more disciplined in more than one area of my life. I've been able to clarify and articulate and prioritize a bit better. I've gone through a series of spiritual and emotional discoveries. This blog revived my inner lyrical poet who had gone dormant for far too long. This blog forced me to vocalize what my eye sees so that all of you could look with me at something I love.

Dedication Revisited is the 51st example of me...trying to stand in front of you with more confidence than I have...asking you to love something with me... Dedication Revisited is a photo of an amazing moonrise that I saw on a Tuesday night after my ladies' Bible study group was over. I was tired. I was very happy to have my car pointed toward home. And I was planning the next few days that were full of this, that and the other thing. I drove home a different way than usual because I was mulling things over in my mind and somewhat distracted.

I'm soo glad I went the "wrong" way and drove through the west entry of my complex because this moonrise stole my breath as I swung around the corner headed for home. Oh, my gorgeousness! I went racing into my apartment and tried in vain to see the moon from my balcony...Then, in spite of being a bit too tired and a bit too warm and wearing shoes that weren't the best choice I went barreling back down the stairs, New Girl in tow, determined to do my very best to capture the sky.

It took well nigh unto 40 minutes before I returned home. I'm not super familiar with my new neighborhood yet. And even if I was, I suspect that the darkness that was waiting to be illuminated would have turned me around a bit anyway. As it was, I'm pretty sure I walked the entire complex 2.5 times trying to figure out how to find the moon and then photograph it. Yes. In and out of gates, round and round the buildings, through a bit of sprinkler water and finally, my place of rest: a dumpster wall. Yes. A dumpster wall. I used it as my brace/tripod.

And, even though I'm pretty tall, I still couldn't see exactly what I was shooting. The wall was too high. So, imagine, if you will, a girl in a skirt and tank top with flip flops...a bit out of breath... tiptoe on the inside of the dumpster wall with her arms extended above her head. No trash in hand. In the dark. Silently begging the guy driving the truck to please, please ignore me and park your truck so your headlights don't interfere with my shot...because, hurry, oh, hurry, the moon is finally where I stand a chance and the moon waits for no one!!

Anyway, as you can see, I got a pretty decent shot. And when I got to see the fruit of my labor, I admit, I was pleased. Yes. This is why I love photography. It was totally worth getting borderline lost and wet and standing next to trash for this one shot. I hope you can love it with me. Or at least love one of the past 51 (give or take) that I've posted in the last year. It's definitely had its ups and downs, but I am soo glad I did this. And I'm glad you're still with me.