“Today is…” a kick-back-and-appreciate-life kinda day on my August Break…
And a cuppa tea or coffee (take your pick!) always makes everything better, don’t you think?
And another thing that makes everything better is spending a little quality online time with Dotti Rinehart and Terri Porter and the rest of the remarkable women behind the Focusing on Life blog: Judy, Kim, Carol, Leigh, Linda, Kelly, Susan, Cathy and Deanna.
I always find something to delight me — or inform me — or challenge me — or sometimes even comfort me — on this collective blog. And oh the visual treats! They just keep on coming.
And while each contributing photographer/writer has her own aesthetic and voice, they all blend and complement each other beautifully on the blog.
This past winter Dotti invited me to contribute a guest post. It was quite a thrill to be included in such an accomplished group.
If I were ever to meet Dotti (and you never know, maybe some day I will!), I’m sure she would serve me tea in one of her huge assortment of mugs and we would have a grand old chat about books and granddaughters — and photography, of course. We would sit on her porch and then she would show me her garden. I would be in heaven. I am such a fan of the magic Dotti makes with her phone and her DSLR.
I also feel very fortunate to own an actual piece of FOL herstory. Last year I entered their giveaway and emerged the lucky winner of one of Terri’s collage posters — a striking collection of colourful barrio doors. It is now mounted and hangs on my wall for my ongoing viewing pleasure. (I do so love pictures of doors and windows!)
Here are some recent FOL posts I’ve particularly enjoyed and admired, both for their insights and their imagery.
- Of Transitions and Treasures by Dotti
- The Awesomeness of Aging by Terri
- Pretty in Pink by Kim
- Overcoming the Zeigarnik Effect by Judy
- Ripe with Inspiration by Kelly
- ‘Simple’ PS Summertime Tip by Susan
- Turning Sixty by Cathy
- Summertime and the Reading is Easy by Carol
- The Less I Did, the Less I Did by Linda
- A Look Back by Leigh
- A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words by Deanna
I want to mention Carol Hart here too because she is a former member of the group whose photography chops are also impressive. As is her garden!
So if you’re inspired by women who talk about the joys and frustrations of their creative lives — and all the rest of their lives — with candor and courage and compassion, and take splendid pictures to boot — then stop in at Focusing on Life for a wee while. You can also join in by adding your photos to their flickr pool and participating in their monthly themes.
Sherrygaley.com 
my goodness sherry…this is so lovely. it is such an honor and pleasure to be a part of this family of amazing, talented photographers. and so to read that we have inspired your photography in some small way…well that is just so completely gratifying. thank you for all of your kindness and support. xo
Ah Sherry, So nice of you to mention us. I read every day of your sailing journey and then stuck with you because your photography and your writing, and, lets face it -you – are all so lovely. i am behind Terri certainly in meeting everyone, but I am looking forward to meeting Kim Manley Ort in a few weeks, so you never know! ( party on the boat!!!!!!). ( lol). its just so nice to know that you share in our fun! Thank you! and -we will see you in blogland!!
Oh Sherry, what a delight. Thank you so much for all your wonderful thoughts and words about our little family at FOL. We do so enjoy our group and so happy to hear that you and others enjoy our sweet group. I am blessed to be among this group. Thank you so much!!
Oh, Sherry! I cannot tell you how really touched I am by this post! Those of us who bring you FOL love what we’re doing but wow … when somebody puts into words how we’ve touched her life … well, it’s the ‘why’ behind our whole purpose for being. This post makes it worthwhile. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And the top, too! {And we may meet … I’ve met several internet friends and will be meeting another next month in Nova Scotia. It is always such a treat.} Much love to you, Sherry! xoxo
Yes, they have a delightful blog…but your coffee cup is just too cute.
I’ve seen this name (Focusing On Life) floating around for some time now, but I don’t think I’ve ever been there. Off to do so right now! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, Sherry, and have a beautiful day.
Oh, Sherry, your post just made my day! So very sweet of you to mention us. All of us at FOL feel like family and are always thrilled when we know people enjoy what we do. So glad to be able to count you among that group of people!
Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful post! It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with these ladies and meet new friends along the way! (and follow you on your amazing sailing adventures!) Have a great August break! And say “hi” to Charles from Katy!
Many great friends there, had the pleasure to met several of these lovely ladies and call them my friends. Beautiful photographers as well, a wonderful group of photography pals.
Great post Sherry! The women at FOL are talented, generous, and kind. It was an honor to have been a part of such a wonderful blog. Many thank to you Sherry for that kind mention!
Yes, a cup of coffee or tea is such a comfort, as is Focusing on Life. I too have come to know several of the amazing women at this blog and they are all super talented and generous.
I also love Focusing On Life. The title just says it all.