I started this blog a couple of years ago to, as my tagline reads, find the beauty in ordinary things. A while ago, I lost site of that purpose. I thought that unless I was traveling the world and posting images of far away places, I was somehow failing as a photographer. Failing to grow and branch out. Failing to catch the eye of Lonely Planet or National Geographic so I could abandon my job in favor of more glamorous prospects.
Sometimes, we become so familiar with our surroundings that they become unremarkable, maybe even ugly. My challenge this year, to myself and to anyone else who feels uninspired, is to look at your home with the eyes of a tourist. Pretend you’ve never been there before. What might you see that you’ve missed? There are no magical locations around the globe, only ordinary people with a talent for finding the beauty around them. In 2013, let’s allow ourselves to become enchanted with the places we call home.
Jolene's Life in Focus 
I would like to travel to and photograph the world. However, I can find so much within 10 square miles. Everything from B&W to the unnoticed macro/super macro worlds. Love you photo of simplicity.
There’s beauty all around us just waiting to be discovered. Macro is so interesting to me, but I haven’t done much of it. I always admire the work of others, though. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I look forward to visiting yours more as well!
Macro is my favorite. Thank you Jolene. I too will be dropping by again. 😉
That image did turn out great. Good catch with the background. That place is a must go back to for us. So much more to explore. Thanks for a great time on Sunday!
Thanks, Sarah! I am in love with that place…we definitely need to go back!
Brilliant challenge Jolene! You’re so right. I’m going to work on this one too.
Thanks, Jeanette! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. 🙂 (Although, I am quite enjoying all of your recent recipes…)
Thanks Jolene:-)
So very true! I am also slowly getting out of that frame of mind where I used to pack my camera for months between trips. Now I try to find worthwhile projects locally and it really helps develop the photographic skills. Great post and really nice accompanying image!
Thank you! It’s fun to see that we both had different forms of inspiration with the ordinary today. 🙂
Great thought. You inspire me to love my own townhouse. It’s my garret, with skylights and angled roofs. I wish I had someone like you to photograph it!
Thank you, Ann. One day, when I do my car trip around the US, I’ll have to drop in on you! Are you going to be doing any other writing conferences?