Christmas in Ireland this year was a grey and murky affair, with Atlantic soft weather pouring in from the west. As I write this we are in the twilight zone between years, so after the festivities were over it was time for reflecting on 2018 and thinking about what word to choose for 2019.
I chose the word Threshold for 2018, in love as I was with the whole concept of stepping out into the wider world on a bit of an adventure. I had no idea then, that instead of seamlessly melding from one world to another, I would literally fall off the edge into a whole other future. They say the veil is thin at this time of the year, between us and the spirit world. And it seemed as if the veil was thin for an entire year, walking in my shoes.
I’ve shared some of it here throughout the year. 2018 contained more than a few warning shots across the bows. Warnings about the shortness of life and the strange turns that it can take. More contact with the hospital than in my entire life and the need to put em up and take a ninja stance to deal with it all.
It began with a couple of fractures which put an instant stop to my gallop! Quite a few times this year I have said, thank goodness for modern western medicine!
As at so many other times, I again turned to photography and walking to find some healing. Added to that I was inspired by a young woman called Orla Tinsley who underwent a double lung transplant this year. Her eternal optimism and resilience is always an inspiration. I hung on her every word at times.
So instead of opening out on the threshold of a new beginning, as I had anticipated, 2018 was a year of being confined to quarters, and a fair bit of turning inwards.
Looking back there were of course plenty of creative work highlights too. The Women’s Circle and our first Women’s Creative Cafe in the Copper Coast Geopark. Followed up by our second Creative Cafe in partnership with the Waterford Well Festival.
There was unusual and beautiful weather, from a proper winter freeze in February to a heat wave in June. We had a staycation in beautiful Waterford and also made it to the West coast.
Also because I spent a fair bit of time confined to quarters I had fun photographing, yet again, everything I could find both inside and outside!! In the autumn I won my fifth award for photography at the Irish Blog Awards.
I was on set again with Dream Boat from time to time. I worked with the Women’s Centre for the Bealtaine Festival thanks to the Garter Lane Arts Centre and exhibited in the Rogue Gallery for She Stood in a Storm.
Most of all I wrote more voraciously than before. In particular I was very proud of the four articles I wrote about the difficult subject of women’s right to choose for the Waterford News and Star. Waterford turned out a 69.43% yes vote in the Referendum, much higher than I would have anticipated. While Ireland moves forward, becoming a nation of more open minded and creative people, we still have the problems of homelessness and inequality. The shadow of the crash looms over us. It’s hard to contemplate the pain that some people have endured and it’s impossible not to carry a share of shame about it all.
So 2019? What’s the guiding word going to be? It has to involve something life enhancing and strengthening in my case. For the first time I feel this need of strength physically, in my bones. Mmmmm exciting times ahead?
Are you reflecting on 2018 and a word for your year? I’d love to hear what you are thinking.
Old bones bring interesting times, with conflicting advice from different doctors. Meanwhile I walk and garden, while I can – life can tip so suddenly.
I think what you are doing is exactly right. Keep doing it Diana. The worst of all options is lying down under the weight of “advice” or any tendency to “take it easy.” As a bookish kind of person myself I have to remember not to get stuck in some corner in a fantasy world!! Hope you have a wonderful 2019 in your beautiful garden.
First…these images are so inviting…just beautiful. I have been gathering my thoughts for what happened during 2018 as I find this is a wonderful way to look back and reflect how I spent my time. It’s really a great way to be reminded of the events of a particular year. I’ve never really been into choosing a word, but supportive of those who do! I also don’t do the traditional New Years…as my New Year begins with the winter solstice. It’s all so much more meaningful to me. So here’s to another creative year for both of us! xo
Robin I love that you ignore the whole New Year thing. Funnily enough I feel in synch with that rhythm too. As photographers I think we are very in touch with light. I’m so aware every day of what’s going on up there with the light!! So right now, there’s very little of it around but we are moving towards the brighter days and I feel that. I’ve enjoyed your Instagram so much this year! Seems like a very creative time in our lives. Yesssss!! Here’s to more!!
Perhaps I will have to take your “threshold” word for 2019. I’ve been thinking about “simplify” but it’s not very inspiring, nor is “acceptance.” Breaking bones does make you rethink your life. I can relate to your old posts about the difficulty of chopping vegetables (painful), opening jars (also painful), not being able to reach anything too high, and new fears and feelings of limitations. I’m terrified of breaking bones now and with the ice outside, I’m tempted to never leave the house.
When I complained about being stuck in my progress in physical therapy, my doctor said, “You’re only thinking about what you can’t do, not about what you can do now.” Wise guy… Yes, I went from only being able to use my camera on a tripod, using my left hand instead of my usual right, to normal camera use.
I’ll be retired on January 1st, stepping, like you did last year, from the comfortable, known and secure, to the unknown and uncertain. Here’s to taking small steps over that threshold. And thank you for a year full of your beautiful photos and stories about your life in Ireland that I so enjoy.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw that story. It seems like our lives mirror each other in many ways! I identify totally with your fear of breakages. I am exactly the same. Added to that I have had a very poor result from my bone scan. Did you ever get one? I’m now reviewing the bike and thinking it’s a NO! Hang in there, although we may never achieve perfect healing it can be at least 90% and that’s great. As for the retirement, that is the easier part of the equation. Lots of fun and creative years ahead of us yet girl!!!! Have a wonderful 2019 x
Yes, my bone density test last year showed I have osteoporosis. I’m afraid of the side effects and other problems with medications so I’m trying to build up bone wearing a weighted vest, improving my nutrition and I was weight lifting and running before I was injured and winter treachery moved in. I’m seeing an entomologist in February who specializes in osteoporosis and thyroid disease (which I also have). And yes, here’s to being able to do “most” of the things I could do before and replacing what I can’t do with other interests. I’m never at a loss for having something I’m curious about. Happy New Year to you too!
Ditto, ditto, ditto. I’d love us to stay in touch as we go through all this. If you would like to just send me your email via the contact page here and we can connect xx
I remember that word from this time last year. When you reflect on it, it was a threshold, but maybe not the one you expected?
Here’s to a safe and healthy 2019
I’ve noticed I’m using that word, safe, more regularly now. Politics, environment, social media – I’m becoming more cautious, or is it just my age!?!
Me too Andrew! Safe is right up there with happy and healthy! Here’s to a “careful now” happy healthy and peaceful 2019!! Hope you have another great year Andrew.
These photos are gorgeous.
I have been reflecting on 2019, but I am not sure if I have found a word yet. I don’t know if I will. I have 2 main things I want to focus on next year: 1. be the best version of myself and 2. less is more.
Happy New Year
Well I think you should always just follow your instincts on all this. There is no pressure or anything. I’m a great believer in being free of “have to’s” in life. I especially love the sound of “less is more.” Right up my alley! I wish you a wonderful 2019 Stephanie.
Hey Ca… what a wonderful piece as always and between the lines of fractures I read acceptance, creativity and full on passion as always.. I too don’t hold too much with the new year or resolutions… Whilst reading your post… I thought how I missed seeing you, talking to you and watching you growth an fling back to your creative world from a steady, secure job which you were never totally in love with…. Yeah I guess its scarey when you are limited but continue to do the things you can do and make our world a lovelier place to live in… I take with me your support during all our years working together and hope that I continue to pass it on… so I will continue to pass on ……. Love always Molly
O Molly such lovely memories and so well expressed. Right, enough!!! We have to meet up in 2019!! Would so look forward to a big chat and a catch up!!! Let’s do it!! xx