Thinking things over

I have been thinking about a lot of things lately, there are a lot of changes going on yet again in my life and this means loved ones on the other side of the world, children deciding one university isn't for them and me deciding a photography group I have been involved in really wasn't for me. My son has left university and reapplied for another one, he decided he had to remain true to himself and knew that if he was to stay at this university he would have to change his personality. I have made the decision to leave mortal muses as I too wanted to remain true to myself and not follow the crowd with my photography. Is this right or wrong? does this mean not being part of the crowd stands you out as someone who 'doesn't fit in'? Harry seems so at peace with his decision and I am so happy today that I think we have both done the right thing and I love that my son gives me a bit of courage to make that leap. I really believe that you have to remain true to yourself, don't you agree? what's next? who knows but for the moment I am very happy taking pictures of flowers!



27 comments:

  1. Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.
    Love that 2nd shot Justine. Thank you for the infusion of color into my lengthy, but starting to lift, winter.
    I think we are influenced by all the images we see in blog land. I try not to consciously follow the in crowd; I try to shoot for myself, but who knows what might sneak in. I've heard a couple people say about their blogs that they post to please their audience of followers. Why? The followers followed because they liked you. I feel I get someone genuine when I visit you.
    How great to get a lesson from your son's peace with change, to dare to make your own. How wise for you to listen to that message. Change is always difficult, unsettling, but wide open for adventure.
    Keep on keeping on. You know, or at least I hope you do, that I love your images.

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  2. Well done to you both for making those difficult decisions. Remaining true to yourselves is absolutely the most important thing - and I love the quote Susan has used - be yourself, everyone else is taken - it's so true.
    Beautiful images, lovely colours.
    Looking forward to seeing what comes next for you. Happy Friday. :)

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  3. Esto nuestra de acuerdo en que cada uno tiene que ser fiel a sĂ­ mismo, en eso reside nuestra originalidad. Tus fotografĂ­as de flores son hermosas. Un abrazo grande y feliz fin de semana!

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  4. From one who has always been a little bit outside the fray...welcome to independence!!!
    Your photography is awesome!!!

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  5. Good for you to remain true to yourself. You shouldn't do anything unless it is what you want to do and who you are. Good for your son too. Wise man at a young age.

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  6. There is only one you, so important to be true to that and let your "you" shine. Love these shots, gorgeous.

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  7. Justine, this post hit home with me! Thank you for sharing some of the things you've been going through. I've always been one to stay true to myself, but sometimes that means feeling like an outsider. Beyond that I think it means that we are fiercely independent and strong women! Stay strong and keep doing the things you love. It will reflect in your work as evidenced by your beautiful flowers.

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  8. Good for you, It's great to be inspired by your children isn't it? Hope Harry is able to get into another uni that fits better with him and keep on taking those flower photos if you want, these are very pretty.

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  9. Justine i am so proud of both of you....I firmly believe that we must take proactive steps in deciding our destiny, otherwise we end up following the paths of others. You should be proud of Harry, but he has a great role model in his mother who always stands up for what she believes and is true to herself even if it comes at a personal cost, which is why she is my lifelong friend!! Bring on the beautiful blossoms xxx

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  10. I am not going to read any other comments before I submit mine, but I have a feeling I know what others may also say. Being an artist is being totally yourself. You can learn from others, but at some point, you need to jump ship and start treading the waters yourself or your creativity will be snuffed out. You don't ever want to be a clone of someone's else's talent. Bring out your own individuality and go for it!! Go Justine!! :-)

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  11. Most beautiful and touching post, Justing. Blessings to you and your family.

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  12. I love your courage, Justine. Sometimes things a good for awhile, but as we grow they just don't fit anymore. Kudos to you for recognizing that. I have discovered the same thing. Sometimes venturing off on our own is just what we need to blossom and show our own colors. Love your pink blooms. Good luck to you. ;->

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  13. Follow your heart -- I really believe we know deep down what our path should be. It takes maturity and guts to be able to recognize what is not right for us and then make the change. How great that your son, at his age, could do that, and that he inspired you. Congrats! I love your flower images.

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  14. Seems like Life has been getting in the way for you also as with me. I think you made the best decision for yourself. It is always so important to keep what we do really us and we will be happy. I am sure it was a good decision even if it was hard to make. Onward and Upward. Have a great weekend. Beautiful flower images as always.

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  15. I'll always love your photography Justine! Be happy...that's all that matters in the end.

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  16. You might have done this already but I'm working through The Artist's Way, a book by Julia Cameron at the moment. I'm on week 5.It looks totally whaca-a-doodle at first glance but I'm finding that it really is inspiring me to get out there, explore and be inspired!

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085B23OC/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title

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  17. Kudos to you for following your heart. I always love your flowers. And proud of your son also for following his heart in his decision. Neither choice was easy to make, but you both did what was best for your inner peace.

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  18. I can imagine what a difficult decision this was for both of you and I know it takes a lot of courage to make such decisions. So congratulations for both you and Harry to do what is best for you and be true to yourselves! Even if I'm not able to visit as often as I would like to, I've always loved seeing your photos and reading how you are doing, so I'll be here whenever possible, admiring you and your wonderful photos!
    All the best to you and your family!

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  19. Your son had a good role model to help him in his decision-making! Applauding your both. It seems the toughest decisions in life are the most necessary. Being true to yourself ... something we all need to remember. BTW, I love shooting flowers, too, so I look forward to more inspiration from you.

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  20. So agree with the Oscar Wilde quote; be yourself, everyone else is taken.

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  21. I think it is truly grand when we tune in to listen to what our hearts are telling us. Bravo to you.

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  22. Justine these images are stunning. The way YOU see things and the way YOU photograph them has always been, and will always be, unique and beautiful. To develop a personal style that is truly representative of you and that is completely original, you do not need to be 'part of the group'. Believe in yourself, and with time, it's the "odd one out" that gets noticed, because the "ones who fit in" are all the same. I know, and my children have found that to follow 'your own' path can be scary, but to achieve a life that brings you personal pride, satisfaction and fulfilment, the challenges need to be met, dealt with and eventually you find your niche. The fact that you and your son can share this "moving on" experience together is fantastic. Good luck, both of you. xx

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  23. This is such a stunning photo. I have always loved your photos my friend.

    I always say "Do what you love and love what you do". And you will always be happy.

    I know it is not always easy making those tough decisions. But it sounds like you are a peace with it. Good for you!

    Hugs~

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  24. You sound like a wonderful mom... and the key is to keep the inspiration alive inside of you for your art. I know you will land on your feet and find the right path. How exciting to realize this is OK... to leave the "popular" path. Age does help with the ability to do that... but your son is so young... he must really be a cool guy! :)

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  25. I've always advised my kids with those very same words. It's important to stay true to yourself. Life is too short. Do what you love!

    As an artist Justine, you know how to express yourself best, you shouldn't have to fit into someone else's mold. You go girl!

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