Chasing Light

     Deadlines-we all have them.  My daughter needed a casual photo for her yearbook. She is a senior this year.   We kept talking about when and where, but somehow between her schedule and mine-it hadn't lined up.  This week was crunch time and we agreed to meet downtown after school, near the waterfront.  I had my sites set on the historical section, wrought iron fences near draping moss trees, old church steps and pillars.  The sun was shining and time was of the essence.   My daughter is a Grits girl=Girl Raised In The south.   I was raised in the north.  Daughter has a slight southern drawl and I still have my New England twang. I sound like I am from Boston-yes wintah and beeah.  Oh, do you need translation: winter and beer.

       I knew she had a site in mind, so did I.   As we started walking she chimed in,  "Let's get coffee at Muddy's-its so cold."  I was all for a cup of joy, but I knew this photo had to happen first.

      "We must capture the light, it is good now,  soon it won't be."  She agreed and we decided after the photo we \would grab our cuppa of joy.  Muddy Waters is a favored coffeehouse downtown-it has a European feel, with burlap coffee bag curtains, small tables of varied heights and in the center of the space a huge sectional couch in the shade of pale Morning Glory blue. Near the ceiling, shelves hold antique coffee items that give this watering hole its charm.  Muddy's brews roasted beans inspired by a Dancing Goat and their names could inspire poetry:  White Cliffs of Dover,  Trainwreck, Crowbar and there is even a Red Velvet brew, but I love their Liquid Brownie.

*No, not this kind-it's fake!*

      I had a special spot in mind, but it was now gated shut.  "Oh, well it is too dark in there anyway," she smiled.  As we strolled along, we enjoyed window shopping and the chill in the air.  Effortlessly she kept smiling-I will miss her next year when she is no longer part of my daily endeavors. She and I constantly bounce ideas off of each other.  We have fun editing each other, as mothers n' daughters often do.  There is an easy breezy feeling between us most of the time, trying to find the calm in our day.  I guess you could say we are always chasing light.  Chasing light means more to me than just snapping a photo-it is about finding the joy in your day.  It can be simple:  a hug, a kind word, a favorite book, and spending times with those you love.  I hope you are chasing light and don't let those with dark clouds dampen your mood.  It is too easy this time of year to feel this spiraled dance downward, as we compare our spending with others.  Remember finding light not only brightens your day-it reminds others to look, besides it is worth the chase.

Sweet rewards the photo, the company and the fun of chasing light!   

Sorry I haven't been making the rounds!  I hurt my back after our photo session Monday and have been chilling in bed with frozen peas.  I guess I pinched a nerve cleaning and my hands felt numb.  It is hard to type when your hands feel like Lobstah claws.  I am better and will be by to visit!  I hope everyone is doing well~