Turning into Something

Slowly my love for photography is turning into something. It’s come a long way, especially if I consider my first childhood memories as a photographer - being about 9 or 10, I was saving money for the photo developing equipment (to tell the truth even now I’d love to have that, oh, and a secret dark room as well!). Later on I was taking lots of crap photos that would be interesting just for the family or the ones involved and, even though they aren’t of any significant artistic value, it’s always nice to hear my friends say that I’m the one with the best documented school life. Being at uni I got my first digital camera and that’s when it hit me – I can practice as much as I like, as everything I don’t like, can be easily deleted.

At the moment I got to the stage where I’m not embarrassed to show my photos – some are better, some are worse and several can be called interesting. To my mind “interesting” is good, as it means the photo evokes emotions or makes you notice something you wouldn’t have noticed unless pointed to you. I’m still documenting everything what catches my eye and avoiding taking photos of people (although nice portraits is something I’d like to be able to capture; I guess that’s my ultimate goal). This year I’ve managed to compile a calendar using my images and suddenly got a few requests – in May I’m going to be shooting my first ever wedding and in the middle of the summer my first ever christening! But this means taking photos of people, so I guess I’m a BIT worried…

I’m very flattered my friends and family trust me and are sure they will like the results (I’m keeping my fingers crossed). I’ve finally started feeling that my photos are worth something and I’m not talking about money here. For e.g. I was very glad I could help out my friend taking photos of an interior she has designed and created – professionals might do a better job, but I know a few years ago I wouldn’t have taken anything like that. So while my portfolio is growing it’s time to think of the next step… An exhibition? Prints for sale? Why not! The bigger the goals, the more can be achieved. Hey, but first of all concentrating on the two requests.

A very cosy bedroom:

An art lovers office:

P.S. I love the paiting on the desk. It's painted by my friend, the flat owner, who has never learnt how to do that, so I guess it proves that all you need is a bit of enthusiasm and you can perform wonders.

There's Always a "But"

Yesterday the sun was out all day. I think many got confused and actually decided that winter can be left behind. They’ve made a big mistake – although the fields are getting rid of their white coats, today it’s been miserable, foggy and too damp. Oh, and if to believe the latest weather forecast, a huge snow storm will reach us just in a few days. (February is well know for its severe blizzards - hard to believe!)

Althought we couldn’t enjoy the first rays for too long, they’ve already started their job – some of the snow and ice has melted and it’s very nice to be able to walk on a solid ground: without being afraid of slipping, falling off and breaking bones! But (have you noticed how there’s always a “but” in life?) some Lithuanians must be dreading the warmer weather – every spring certain areas of western Lithuania flood and force the locals to leave their houses.

The floods have started and several families have already been moved; vast fields are still covered in ice, but the process has begun… Even the main road can end abruptly and you can cross it at your own risk, just make sure you follow the high white/black poles that mark the tarmac strip beneath the water.

Every day someone has to measure the depth. 15cm isn’t much, but they might have used a faulty ruler or chosen the highest point (the situation looked a bit worse than just 15). Still there were plenty brave ones who managed to reach the other side and plenty curious ones to observe the natural forces or wonder why no one does do anything about this. (By the way, the sign reads "water depth" and the "add", next to the informative sheet with 15cm on it, has been stuck by a helpful person, who is offering something that the English call "chesties" - long waders that go up to your chest. Some have brilliant businessmen in them!)

Twelve Minus One

I guess we already can nearly touch spring – January is left behind and February will be over before I know it, so very soon, on the 1st of March, I will be celebrating a new beginning.

It’s snowing hard at the moment, but the temperature is above zero; huge white flakes disappear just as they reach the ground and even if they manage to form a thin layer, tomorrow they’ll be gone. Simple mathematics comes to mind: twelve minus one and we can add the plus next to the degrees on the weather maps! twelve minus two and it will get even warmer... I'm sure I will keep counting.

Winter activities continue to be something you can do while snuggling on the sofa – knitting wooly jumpers, reading books and watching films. Light deprivation pushes to seek for more colours, so painting is an option too – just on a sunny day, which happens hmm… once a week. As soon as we get more light during the day I will use my green fingers for opening hundreds of seed packets (maybe not so many, but it certainly seems that way) I’ve acquired in the past few months and sowing seeds, that hopefully will turn into big and healthy plants.

I must have missed gardening a lot, otherwise why would a flowering amaryllis evoke so much emotion and wake my sleeping secret talents up? I’m not sure the outcome will be worth bragging about, but it certainly was fun to follow every outline of the stem and bursting buds. The painting hasn’t been finished yet, I’m getting there slowly… It takes hours and hours, but this time flies.

The flower has changed a lot, as it has fully opened up by now, but this will only provide more inspiration for another canvas. Can't wait!