16 Comments

It’s funny how I’ve been thinking of “image making” a lot lately, I’m curious to see where that takes me this winter—winter has always been a time when I take the least pictures. I also keep returning to gratitude for the process and that sense of aliveness that we feel connected to, even through the slow and quiet days.

Thanks, Al. I look forward to your glimmers ☀️

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Funmi, thank you so much! I totally hear you. I also find winter challenging when it comes to picture-making. The persistent cold + lack of daylight is hard on multiple levels. I hope we both keep finding glimmers to pull us through! ✨

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Your patience with the creative process is like breathing. Inspiring, gathering energy, pausing in the fullness... Then the long, slow exhale....and out pours a thoughtful piece of art like this. Gorgeous, Al. I love what you’ve made here.

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What a generous thing to say, Ann. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ I wish I could confirm it "pours" out, but more often, it trickles, lol!

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I ALSO love Menards! It is far superior to Lowe's and Home Depot 😂

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YES! Rachel, I'm so glad you love Menards, too. It's the best! 😊

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Hola , Es Un Placer Enorme Construir Una Casa Con Tus Propias Manos , Lo Sé Por Mí Propia Experiencia. Un Saludo.

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¡Sí! Es un trabajo duro, pero muy gratificante. Muchas gracias por leer y comentar. ¡Todo lo mejor para usted!

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All structures are unstable, what a brilliant mantra. Such a beautiful, dreamy piece of writing, Al. I'm bereft that we don't have Menard's here.

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Chloe, come to Minnesota, and I will show you the miraculousness of Menards.

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I’m ready! 🎹

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I don't know how you made a trip to Menards beautiful but you did. That photo you made of your husband is stunning

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Thank you so much, Claire! I'm especially fond of that photo of him, too. Really pleased with how it turned out. ❤️

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As a professional photographer for many decades, it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle rooted in passion.

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I have been waiting for your next Substack, and somehow I missed this one. I went to your site and noticed that you had indeed sent one out in November.

I just read it and I am going to say it again: I love your writing so much!! I feel like I can learn a lot by reading your essays.

I very much agree with using the term ‘make’ as opposed to ‘take a picture.’ I also go through quite long stretches of not making any images. Sometimes, I try to push myself, sometimes I just let it be. I believe that ‘not making’ images or other art is part of the creative process. We just don’t always realize it. I believe a time of nurturing ourselves in different ways matters. However, I am looking forward to seeing new images from you whenever you are ready, and definitely more writing!!

Happy Holidays to you!

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Aww, thank you, Manuela! Yes, I'd hoped to share something before Christmas, but December has been eventful. I'm looking forward to things settling down and writing more in the new year. Happy holidays to you, too!! 😊

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