week 3: my view

So I have been stressing about how I wanted to interpret week 3's photo project prompt: my view. My first thought was to look to my back yard.  But that doesn't really incorporate me... although snow does seem to impact the majority of the things that I do in a day for a good chunk of the year! Then I thought about taking some photos of my kids playing in the snow, however this digressed into a fight and tears, and while this is part of reality, it wasn't what I was going for.  I tried to get some photos of Cassidy and I dancing together as we like to do but the end result still didn't feel right.  I wasn't happy with the lighting and the shadows. I took a few of the kids getting off the bus, but they aren't as clear as I would prefer.  I felt as I typically find myself feeling this time of year when the light quality is just WAY less than desirable inside and it is just too cold to spend too much time outside. Discouraged.  I love photography and want to keep growing in this area, but dang-it, it is hard!  So I spent last night pouting and wondering why I put this on myself.  I went to bed early and got up refreshed after a good 9 hours of sleep.

After a good workout at the YMCA, I always feel ready to conquer the world.  I started thinking about the project again and some of the other photos I have taken.  I happened to snap a few of Jack  -- not really anticipating using them for this project, but wanting to freeze in time, the way he is turning into a teenager.  He wakes up slowly in the morning typically emerging from his bedroom wrapped in his soft black blanket. He heads to the kitchen table, plops himself down, and tries to fall back asleep most of the time!  His hair is all tousled, perhaps a bit of crust still in his eyes, as his mom nags him to eat some breakfast.

In all of my contemplation, I have decided to use an image of him. I am not physically in this photo of him, but I sure do invest a lot of time in this little individual. (little= still 5 inches shorter than me). He is such a complicated, unique individual.  He has been loving school this year, and has stepped up his game.  He came home first semester with all A's and B's and  Andy and I were on top of the world.  He is getting it!  He is applying himself!  Things are clicking!  As we always have, we received compliments regarding what a positive, kind person he is in the school environment.  One teacher even told us that in his class, Jack serves as a positive leader and roll model to the others in his class.  He has come to love attending church now that he is with older youth and a member of the Young Men's and Scouting programs.  On the flip, as he always has, he enjoys challenging Andy and myself in nearly every arena.  And that 'ugly monster' we used to see when he was a young child has evolved to much more of a teenage-type 'monster'.  He has his strong opinions about what he wants to do, how he wants to do it and isn't afraid to express his opinion.... sometimes to his detriment.  But the sensitive soul that exists down deep inside eventually apologizes, changes his actions and presses on- even if it takes a while.   The words "Strong willed children turn into leaders and hard working individuals' that someone (I wish I could remember who!) told me many years ago still bring comfort as I am doing my best to help mold and guide him.  It isn't easy!!  My view of this child is that of an intelligent, sweet, strong-willed, little boy who wants to be loved (but sometimes has a funny way of showing it!). Each time I look at him, that 'little' part gets a little further from the truth, but the love that I have for him continues to grow.