When I got up this morning and checked on a project that I was hoping would get published, I was disappointed to see that it hadn’t been. I had jumped in with both feet and was fully expecting to see it. . . but it wasn’t there. I checked three times.
So I sent an e-mail to see what happened and why wasn’t it published. I think I at least deserve an explanation. I haven’t heard back.
Then I grabbed my coffee and checked in on Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen. Today there are no rules – you just post whatever you want.
So I set up a little photo shoot of my peonies – they are bursting out all over the place in my garden. Pink ones and white ones. My house is full of them. So beautiful. So fragrant.
I edited them in Photoshop – adjusting exposure, white balance, and contrast. I added a blur here and there and then a white overlay. I’m never completely happy with the way I photograph peonies – I think it’s because I just can’t capture how I feel about them. I wish I could send their heavenly scent out into blogland – then I’d be happy!
OK, wait a minute. I just heard what I said. “If I could send . . . then I’d be happy” . . .
I suddenly remembered a video Kim showed us in the “Behind the Scenes” class. The man said over and over again that if you are expecting a certain outcome, you will be disappointed – every time. He went on to explain why, and what to do about it.
Back to my unpublished project. I did my best. I submitted it to the universe and was expecting a certain outcome – and was disappointed. I can see what’s happening here . . . I think I had better go and watch that video again . . .
Photo Art Friday at Flowers by LeAnne
Excellent post, and I love your peonies . . . I can smell them!
I recently went on vacation and had a different expectation and yes was disappointed, it was the last day before we left when I let go of those expectations, and you know, that was by far our best day!! ; )
I hope it still happens for you.
Love the brightness and softness of these pictures! The pink and the white vase, gorgeous!
ahh I am sorry for your disappointment, now you are allowed to be crabby, but how can you be with those beautiful peonies. Mine have been long gone, but I do enjoy them so. And you are right, the aroma is heavenly. Beautiful images. I am off to go shopping!!
Your climate must be a little cooler than ours; my peonies are now gone. ;-( These are absolutely “delicious” images. White overlay? I wish I had tried that on one of my peonies. I wonder if it would work on a rose? Beautiful, Barb! I hope your project eventually gets published as you wish.
The same thing happened to me with Shape magazine. And I never heard back either. So disappointing!
Beautiful photos by the way – I can smell them from here!
Jo
Wonderful soft colors and a fantastic rose. So beautiful !
It’s hard to draw the line between expectations and goals and find a healthy balance. Love your photos! I’ve never seen (in real life) nor smelt a peony so will have to use my imagination.
I’m sorry that you had that disappointment. Although I’m no where near mastering it I’m getting better at managing expectations – in terms of doing a little self talk beforehand. Eg ‘if this doesn’t happen then I’ll be ok’ . While I’m not dismissing your critique of your peonies I have to say they look so lovely – in the beautiful Kim klassen style lovely – and I’m not just trying to say something nice, that’s meant sincerely.
Oh, they look and smell wonderful.
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Your images are gorgeous — I love peonies, too :) We no longer live in our former home, where I had a large bush of white peonies, but where we live now, there are lovely pink ones growing in the yard next door. They are still in the tight, round bud stage, but in a couple of weeks, will be big and fluffy and lovely, like the ones you’ve shared here.
Thanks for sharing your journaling, as well — I too have trouble at times with unfulfilled expectations… I’m learning to place my hope and faith more and more in GOD and less on myself and on the people and circumstances around me. Takes practice, but I think I’m getting the hang of it ;)
So Very Soft and so very gorgeous.
I love how you processed them.
Disappointments are always so hard, aren’t they? Your photos are beautiful! I think the way you processed them is perfect – so soft and dreamy!
Certain expectations will get us every time. My husband and I talk about that a lot. Beautiful photos by the way!
Your peosnies are beautiful and I can imagine the scent.
I can absolutely relate to what you’re saying! Also about taking pictures of peonies – I also always think my captures don’t show their true beauty! But I must say that I love your captures here very much – these are absolutely beautiful!
I can absolutely relate to what you’re saying! Also about taking pictures of peonies – I also always think my captures don’t show their true beauty! But I must say that I love your captures here very much – these are absolutely beautiful!
Lovely presentation! Maybe everyone is just taking a break and you will hear soon! Good Luck!
Sorry for your disappointment. But your flowers are beautiful. We don’t have any of them around here and I’m always intrigued with their petals and beauty. I hope you hear something soon.
Wonderful soft photos of the peonies!
Peonies are beautiful and your editing is fabulous! – love the soft tones.
Fantastic photos! Love it!
Kim,USA
Ever so beautiful peonies, I so love them. I got only few so I don’t dare to cut them in vase. These are really beautiful captures, so well done.
Have a great weekend
Beautiful images! Sorry for your disappointment!
Hi Barb,
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Actually, I have trouble editing photos too and sometimes have an image in my head of what I want, but can’t quite execute it. Don’t give up on being published. I agree you do deserve an explanation. Your peonies are beautiful – so soft and dreamy.
You are absolutely right. I am a writer and I’ve submitted work after work after work, and been turned down more times than I can count. And what I’ve learned is that it WILL come. It will happen, there is usually JUST the right company, place and the right TIME when it will come to be. Keep on keepin on, us creatives struggle with that, it’s how the universe runs, but our work is worth it.
Don’t give up, and you have a great attitude!
Oh contrair! I love how you captured the peony. In fact I’m going over to Leanne’s and voting for it!
So soft and lovely. Wonderful work. Thanks for sharing with Flower Art Friday! :)