Its the post that you know one day you’ll write but that day never comes, until tonight. Its the one where I tell you that its time for me to pass the torch along to the newly joined muses. I never knew if I would know when the time was right to leave. Frankly left to my own devices I would have never cut the cord. I would sooner get fired than resign. In the beginning my head swirling with ideas, never a shortage for words the posts just seem to flow out of me. A procrastinator at heart, truth be told many of those posts would be crafted in the wee hours of the night, my family long asleep, alone in the comfort of my work chair tapping along to the music. I was happy then. My favorite part of being a muse was always sharing the things that furthered my love for photography whether it be a book, a new editing tool or a palette found within your photos.
The moment I began to oscillate between wanting to write and having to write a post, I knew the end was near.
My last post was a little foretelling. I talked about wanting to step back from my hurried life. I have spent the last few years in the role of contributor, collaborator and muse all in the name of deepening the connection I already had for like minded women, women who were also mothers, bloggers, and photographers, aspiring and otherwise. I did all of this in order to better understand my place in this world. It was my hope that if I dived in head first and gave freely of myself that I would ultimately find my place in this world.
“For too many centuries women have been being muses to artists. I wanted to be the muse, I wanted to be the wife of the artist, but I was really trying to avoid the final issue — that I had to do the job myself.” ― Anaïs Nin
It’s time for me to rejoin my life, already in progress, with a different set of intentions. I want to write more which may result in shooting less and I’m OK with that. I want to find that balance between kids, work and creating art and keep it there. I’m going to get out of this chair and start physically moving my body and when I’m done I am going to exercise my brain and start writing again on my blog. Things I have put off doing for a long time.
I do know is that I will never be far from this group. You will see me continue to contribute via Flickr group and if I’m lucky maybe a guest alumni post or two. I hope so. I can’t imagine not being a part of the Mortal Muse community as we collectively watch the world of photography continue to evolve.Thank you Kirstin, Christy, Cara, Holly, Meghan, Debra, Jenny and Tammy for creating the Mortal Muses, a place where we can share our vision through the lens in the safety of a close knit community.
Wish me luck and welcome new muses, Nikki, Vanessa and Van as they take us along on a new journey.
Lindsey
Lovely Lindsey, you will be missed more than you can imagine. Thank you for all your inspiration both with your wonderful posts, and also on the blogging front. Stay in touch and know that if I ever make it to your part of the world, that we will meet up and take some serious iPhone pics together. And some polaroids! xox
I would like nothing more and maybe, just maybe I will make it across the pond one of these days. Meeting your kids would be like watching paintings come to life 😀
Oh Lindz, I knew this was coming and this post still made me teary. Thank you for being my friend and cheerleader when I joined MM. Thank you for all the wonderful photos and words that you have contributed to this community. I’ll be seeing you in a few months and stalking you on IG and your blog until then and after. xoxo
Promise to come looking for me if I’ve gone off the grid for too long? I know come fall I will be itching to start shooting again it will be so good to be in your company and glean tips from you! 😀
Lindsey, I can definitely relate to your desire to engage more in life and writing. Balance is tricky and while I haven’t been part of this community very long, I know that you will be missed. Here’s to celebrating what’s ahead for you and thanks for the warm welcome!
I know everyone will extend themselves beyond expectations and make you feel most welcome. I am actually excited to be on the reader side now, when I was busying hustling I felt behind, like I was missing out on some great stuff on our own site. Life will always be a continually strive for mid ground. This I know. I wish you the best, I leave you in good hands.
Dear Lindz – I will certainly miss you here on the Muse pages. Thank your for sharing all your thoughts, photos and inspiration with the community. xo t
You bet, thanks for starting it all Tammy. It’s been a great experience for me.
Sad to see you go from here, but so excited for what will come. Congratulations on doing what is best for you and yours. xo
Corinna you are always there for me with the high fives, especially during the hard stuff. You knew this was a biggie for me. Thank you for the love & support lady. xoxo
Change is sad, exciting, scary and wonderful and so many things all at once. I hope that you get past the ickky parts quickly so that you can really enjoy the good bits.
Thank you for everything you’ve taught me. I’ll miss seeing you here, but will follow where you go.
xo
debbie
Debbie you are so right, I never want to live with regret so I often make decisions that lead with my heart and then I over analyze/paralyze. This one felt more like ‘jump and the net will appear’ I will always be a part of this group, these ladies are more than just fellow muses now, they are my friends. I’m excited to see where life takes me next. Thank you for the kind words, it makes all those late nights worth every missed hour of sleep! Ha 😀
Lindsey, I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. I wish you well in your endeavours.
Suzi, I will be continuing my check in on you and K regularly via your blog and IG, I need to both for inspiration!
Aw, Lindsey!
You will indeed be missed. Thank you for so much inspiration and not least for your wise words in this post. I’m very glad to hear you say you will be sticking around!
I will be miss you Jen although our time together was brief I know you have quickly become an integral part of the group! Good luck with your iphoneography class with Holly!!
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Nelson Mandela
Go out and shine where your light is needed, where you need it to shine.Wishing you amazing things today and along the path ahead.
Oh Vanessa, wow I have no words. Deeply felt and appreciated. Thank you for ending this on a high note for me. I’m humbled. Xoxo
It feels like the end of an era. I have really enjoyed your posts here. I respect your reasons for leaving though, and I KNOW I have not seen the last of you, so farewell, but not goodbye!
Ha! I loved your comment, that made me smile. I’m excited to see the change here, I think it will keep evolving and grow, I am so proud to have had the chance to be a part of it. You’ll see me on Flickr and FB groups for sure.
Oh man, i’ve been dreading this day my friend. You know how much i’ll miss you and how much i’ll miss checking out your words, learning new things (you have always been WAY more on the pulse of the photographic world than I’ve ever been). I’m expecting to see you out here on the East Coast for a change one of these days. You have been such a support to me friend, I know you’re still there/here/around, but will miss you here on the site. I’m looking forward to seeing you kick ass back at Modchik and can’t wait to see what you come up with. xoxoxo
Lindsey, so beautifully written my friend. You will be sorely missed but I know we’ll stay in contact. I hope you find what you are looking for (and if you do, let me know the magic formula!). All my best, xo -Christy
Good luck on your journey, Lindsey! I have enjoyed your contributions to MM. Thanks!
Love your post and the feelings behind it. I feel the SAME on so many levels. Happy journeys, my dear. xo
Lindsey- I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and I know what you mean about the feeling that comes when you know it’s time to leave something behind so that new opportunities can present themselves. I have no fear that your life will take on a beautiful, fabulous sense of rightness once you are on underway! Best of everything! ~Barbara