Six years ago on this very day, I was having surgery. As I lie in the hospital two days after our first Christmas in a new home in a new part of the country, cancer was being removed from my body. This was my wake-up call.
Previous to December 27, 2007, I sat on the sidelines of creativity. Although I had always been drawn to art in its varied facets and forms, I had grown up believing “I wasn’t good at creative stuff” after hearing the harsh criticisms of my 2nd grade art teacher. So, I became a consumer of art and creativity rather than an active player — I went to museums whenever I got the chance, enjoyed plays and theatre, gorged on watching films, and surrounded myself with close friends and dating partners who were artists. I assumed my role on the proverbial bench, watching and cheering on my friends. Until six years ago. That’s when the true realization of “life is short” hit me. I could no longer avoid the question: “what are you waiting for?”
Having been drawn to photography for years, I decided to get my creative feet wet by picking up a camera. Then one camera turned into two, turned into three…and I was fully immersed in the waters of photography. I quickly became enamored with film and all things instant photography. It was indeed, Instant Love.
So today, as we continue to celebrate the season, and I celebrate my health and my creative life, I am giving away a copy of Instant Love by Susannah Conway, Amanda Gilligan, and Jenifer Altman. Please comment on this post for a chance to win this inspiring book on instant photography!
Much love and health to you all,
Meghan of Life Refocused
What a wonderful post! Creativity heals. My mom used to get mad at me for using up all her Polaroid film when I was 12/13.. I took pictures of everything…. 🙂
Oh, yes, please! I love instant film and would love a copy of this book.
What a positive thing to come from that experience. Creativity truly makes me feel more alive, and I am stepping out of my shadow of fear and taking a chance on many creative mediums lately!
I can totally relate to you ‘sitting on the sidelines of creativity’. I have never been able to draw or paint (or anything) despite my best efforts…even my stick-man drawing is out of proportion. Meanwhile my wife is incredibly talented and a brilliant artist and my teenage daughter can just pick up a camera and snap off the most beautifully composed photo.
Last September, at the age of 41, I took up photography and haven’t looked back. I’m hooked…I just love the challenge of composing an image and dealing with the available light. I’m even collecting old 35mm and 120 film cameras!
(And ironically I was in hospital one week out from Christmas having surgery reattaching tendons in my hand, which is making holiday photo taking difficult).
I’d like to wish you the best of luck with your health and creative journey Meghan.
What an inspiring and personal story. I can relate to never been “good” at creative stuff, even though I tried everything from watercoloring, pottery to sewing as a kid – with great interest and passion. I wish you all the best for your (creative) journey, Meghan. Keep inspiring us all!
So glad you’re healthy, and that you found your passion. For me, photography was instant love as well. Happy new year!
What a great post and giveaway!
Would love to win!
What an inspiring story!
My son is so into photography, he would love this book! Thanks for the inspiration!
My 9-year-old son takes pictures of everything! I got him a digital camera for xmas, and he was the happiest little fellow!
I often think about the roads we travel and how we come to find our creative selves. Happy you found your way….
I just got my first polaroid camera and some film for christmas, would love the book for inspiration!
Being a cancer survivor myself, I celebrate every sunrise. Hallelujah. Your words express my feelings too. Creativity is a great way to keep our minds in a positive and happy place–great medicine for any ailment.
So glad you made it through the crucible, Meghan, healthy and more ALIVE than ever. Much love to you on this anniversary.
It’s been such a productive six years!
I’m so glad you embarked on your creative journey. Your photographs are an incredible source of joy for me. Beautiful post. May you continue to be in good health. xo
So glad you jumped in. The world is better for it.
You are an inspiration and gift to this world. You are definitively a gift to me! Cheers to a new year of your creative journey.
So glad you are here today to share your story…thank you! Peace and a Happy New YEar full of more inspiration for all!
I used to have a polaroid camera…wish’d I kept it! This book looks awesome and I’d love a copy of it! Thanks for sharing your story!
Oh dear Megs. You are such an inspiration to us all in so many ways. I will be at your first book signing to cheer to you on. xo
The most amazing thing to me is that someone who believed they *weren’t* creative has blossomed into such a talented photographer with such an incredible and unique way of expressing how she sees the world. So proud at the journey you’ve taken since that day 6 years ago and look forward to seeing where the path goes from here…
Meghan, I love your work and so glad you found the courage to embrace it. I had no idea you battled cancer. I am sure that was a beyond scary time. I look forward to seeing more of your work in 2014.
You did an awesome job turning a negative into a positive! So glad you are healthy today!
congratulations on six years, meghan.
Lovely post. So glad you are healthy, creative, and happy!
Meghan ~ It’s truly wonderful that you find yourself healthy and creatively alive! Thanks for sharing your story. Wishing you continued health and a happy 2014…in pictures 🙂
P.S. I own and love this book, so don’t put me in the drawing as I just wanted to write you, Meghan.
This looks awesome! I too always view myself as on the sidelines of creativity. Maybe I should give myself a wake up call
I have a copy of that book too. Just commenting to let you know how much you inspire me. <3
Just started out in the world of instant film by purchasing my first polaroid! This book and others like it will be extremely helpful for me! Thanks for all your advice and posts!