The Middle of the Road

Perhaps it is an oversimplification to say that life is all about staying out of one ditch or the other and keeping oneself in the middle of the road, but sometimes we don't need complex analyses.  Sometimes we just need a little mantra that sums it all up and keeps us on track.

For creative personalities, this is a constant challenge.  The highs and lows are part for the course.  They may be mild or severe but what you can count on is that they will happen, usually in correlation with starting and ending a new project, but also just because. The options for dealing with this are basically to medicate or be vigilant about monitoring oneself and keeping the emotions in check.  That last route is exhausting and I don't judge anyone who needs medical intervention whether it's temporary or permanent.  Life is a difficult thing and we're all just doing the very best we can to navigate it.  

I've been in a slump for the past.....I don't even know how long.  Weeks?  Months?  Whatever the case, that's where I've been.  It started out quite innocently.  Winter, injuries, work crises, farm mishaps, and as a result I had to take some time away from creativity.  It was necessary.  I was so busy trying to keep things going that I forgot to keep myself--my thoughts, emotions, sleep and exercise habits--in check that I didn't realize things were so bad until they were really bad.  I was focused on this side of the road so long I was in the ditch.  Depression, apathy, the works.  When I realized it, I knew it was time to get to (creative) work and so I began thinking about new projects.

Life can't be all work and no play, but it also can't be all play and no work.  Human beings need a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a purpose, a goal.  We also need permission to sleep in now and then and leisurely piddle at things we enjoy.  It's all about balance.  This outdoor photo shoot with my Matoshi dresses was really the only creative thing I've worked on in months, so it's time to look ahead.  I've made a decision to focus less on the fashion element of my blog and more on the photography aspect (again?).  Gowns like these, need more exposure, but beyond that, I miss the creative work it takes to put together a shoot like this and I want to do more of it.  Also, let's be honest, my bank account has taken a serious hit buying these gowns and it needs a little R&R. 

Most of my favorite Instagrammers live in Europe or the U.K. and sometimes I wish I lived in one of those fabulous places where you can't cross a street without running into a castle, or an epic view, but I don't.  That means it takes far more planning to find and reserve time in beautiful spaces.  Not to worry though, it's just another part of the challenge to my creativity.  I have a few places booked this spring and I can't wait to show you the results of my efforts, but until then we'll just have to content ourselves with the very last of my winter outfits and pics.  Oh, our orange tabby (the one so recently shaped like a mini-basketball) just had a litter of kittens not to mention some of the other proud animal mamas around here, so there may very soon be a few photos of baby animals in the mix for good measure.

Shopping Info: Lilac Dotted Dress from TeutaMatoshi.com, Pinup Couture Heels