Solitude…

I am one who “needs” to be around others.  Alone time for me has always been difficult.  The first time I lived alone I was a mess.  Growing up in a large family, there were always people around.  For the past 28 years I’ve been in a profession where I am around 200+ people every day.  Being alone has never been easy.

Going out in public alone used to terrify me.  I was older than I’d like to admit when I finally went to the mall alone.  I’ve only eaten in a restaurant alone a few times and it was fast food.  Never would I go to a sit-down place alone.  I have never been to a movie alone.  That is on my bucket list!

Today I found myself home alone unexpectedly.  Normally I’d lose myself in a book or movie… or maybe be productive and do some household chore.  The weather today is absolutely gorgeous and I knew I had to get outside.  Yard work did not appeal to me… although it would have been a good choice!

I decided to hop in my car and head to a local winery to scope out a photo shoot location for tomorrow.  I headed to Arbor Crest with my camera in hand.  It is very strange to be at a place and not know or talk to anyone.  It was an hour of solitude and beauty.  I wandered and shot and wandered and shot.  I did run into my niece and her fiancé, but our visit was short and sweet.  I continued on my way, relishing the quiet beauty and sunshine.  There were several other people their alone with a glass of wine and a book.  Hmmm… I might have to try that!  That is very out of my comfort zone, but worth a try!

I’m learning that I need to be okay being alone.  God has me in a season and I’m  not sure what he is preparing me for, but I’m open to try new things and find another side of myself that I’ve not met yet.  I felt great peace and solitude wandering in a beautiful place with my camera in my hand.  Photography is becoming quite theraputic for me and I’m grateful for the opportunities I am afforded.

Here is a glimpse of what I saw from behind my camera lens…