Shutter Sisters

Birds of a Feather

By

 

I believe we are all born with wings. But it seems as we grow up, we forget how to use them. And so we tuck them away, often to nearly invisible as we navigate the day to day from the earth, our feet leading us step by step along our path. But, there comes a time in our life, when we heed the whispers of our souls, follow our hearts desires, live our lives guided by our passion, our creativity, our courage when we feel our wings begin to unfurl, no longer able to remain hidden, denied.

We look around and begin to notice we are not alone. There are others among us whose feathers are revealing themselves as well. We can’t help but recognize one another. Ah ha, my sister. I see you. And then without effort, almost unknowingly, not unlike an instinct, we flock together. We feel it in our bones; the unspoken security and safety in numbers.

 

Our wings become visible, useful, necessary as we need more than our legs to carry us. Our wings enable us to reach the highest highs of our potential, to glide on the wind that has been given to us, to come in and land steady and sure on our two feet, touching down on the earth, keeping us grounded. But only as long as we need it and then, it’s back up again in effortless soaring. Together we fly up and down, in and out, weaving our beauty through the sky in an intricate quilt of love. Of goodness. Of sisterhood.

 

 Share your thoughts on soaring. When all things are possible, what do you see? Have you captured images from your bird’s eye view?

 

 The amazing Kelly Rae Roberts has offered a copy of her latest book of pure inspiration Taking Flight as our giveaway today. Leave your comment her to be included.

 

 Congrats to Shalet of Peculiar Momma. She is the winner of lovely Friends association bracelet.

Comments

  1. wow I can’t believe I’m first here! Is everyone sleeping? lol.
    I have felt my wings spread in a new way this year. Since I’ve taken up my new Artform of photography I feel in some ways I’ve flown higher than I ever have before. I look at things from a totally differant perspective now. I feel the inspiration from all of you here. You are what makes Shutter Sisters the wonderful thing it is.
    Here are a few of my "views" from my mountaintop.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3105045939/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3094146716/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3068412566/

  2. beautiful post. i too have flown high this year. i’ve witness the flocking. it’s true. unfortunatley there are those who won’t like it that you are using your wings and will try to get you to tuck them back in. just ignore them.

  5. I started to fly this year. Still not alltimes using the best winds and sometimes looking silly – but I fly and nobody can stop me. You see so much more and have so much more fun when you start to fly. People only say "Do not start – it is dangerous", because they themselve are in too much fear to go up toward heaven…

  7. I agree with you. We all forget about our wings. I can feel mine itching to unfurl as I read your blog entry today. Thanks for reminding me my soul was meant to soar. One of the reasons I love the move The Titanic so much is for just that reason. Our souls were meant to soar. Meant to follow a wild and wonderful God! Meant to trust and not worry. Meant to sleep and not fret. Meant to follow a God who loves us more than we can ever imagine.
    julie
    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/juliestew

  8. I have not been soaring as of late. I have had the thoughts flit across my brain–"this would be beautiful," "why don’t you try that?"–but the busyness or distractions that follow have kept me from chasing those bursts of inspiration. My hope is that this coming year will be one where I will not worry so much about the possibility of failure, but to use that failure to learn. I hope to take off from the high cliff, not concerned about dips in my flight pattern, but recognizing that I will never soar, never see amazing sights, never feel that adrenaline rush of height, if I don’t make that initial jump.

  9. I sometimes wonder if my wings are broken. I have all these ideas and want to be creative, but for some reason, it never happens. Maybe this book can be the inspiration I need to fix my wings and FLY!

  13. A beautiful post. I most definitely need my soul sisters to help me soar, and that we take turns doing that for each other, is an incredible thing. I have had my wings tucked in tightly this year, but next year I want to just take that deep breath and take flight as habit, not just an occasional treat.

  21. ….starting to feel them
    ….afraid to use them as all that flapping is going to beat down those closest to me
    …..trying to take flight without hurting those who are use to (and cound on) me being on the ground.
    ….i believe its worth it
    and so much fun with the sisterhood to help.
    check out this video found by my dear friend katie…..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

    and btw….I HAVE to have that book. just sayin’

  25. I’ve been using my photographs to inspire my jewelry for a long time but this year I have let myself think more out of the box in my creations and my photos. And I am really enjoying it.

  26. My husband let me fly last weekend on a walk through downtown. I found myself releasing my idea of photography and *seeing.* The results took my breath away.

    http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-on-king-street-stolen-moments.html
    http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-on-king-street-sparkle-and.html
    http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-on-king-street-secret-garden.html
    http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-on-king-street-observations.html
    http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-on-king-street-window.html

    It’s a lot, I know – I just can’t choose a favorite to share. You pick!

  29. I would love to win Kelly’s book. I just started following her blog and I have been inspired by what I’ve seen and read so far. Thank you for the giveaway!

  33. Share your thoughts on soaring. —} As a photographer, when I’m in the middle of a shoot… that is when I’m soaring.. I’m in my element… it’s the best feeling. I’m soaring when I have my children around me, laughing.. playing.. enjoying their childhood to the fullest.

    When all things are possible, what do you see? —-} Wonderous things !! Beauty, Hope, Love, Peace…

    Have you captured images from your bird’s eye view? —} This would be one of my faves…
    http://juliemariephotography.blogspot.com/2008/11/its-cold-outside.html

  35. Beautiful words. And, it seems, appropriate for so many of those commenting.
    I’m trying to spread my wings, but fear keeps me from fully flying.
    I’ll keep working though…

  36. i absolutely love kelly rae and think that her book is the perfect giveaway for this post. perfectly written, as usual…
    happy holidays!

  37. Wonderful post! My own wings are just beginning to sprout. And how excited am I that I actually won yesterday’s bracelet!! Thank you Shutter Sisters!

  39. I have done many things this year to spread my wings, but it seems I can’t get off the ground. But, I will change that this coming year. Great photo.

  40. Just found your site. You expressed perfectly what is in my heart these days. I’m ready to find those forgotten wings.

  42. This past year I feel like my creativity has soared. I think it is so important to do things for yourself that makes you feel happy, outside of being wife, mother, sister, daughter…it does help our souls feel free. I don’t get a lot of sleep, but that’s okay…I deal with it. 😉

    I started up drawing again, which resulted in a few fabric designs and I just got a shirt yesterday with my fall tree printed on it. I was so happy to see it. 🙂

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kraft/sets/72157606222837085/

    I now know how to shoot pretty much anything with my camera so I’ve been working on my creativity with it now and taking pics of others has really helped me learn, too.

    http://stacyck.com/

    I sewn so many new designs for my daughter this year. That has been a lot of fun designing for her! 🙂

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kraft/sets/72157594269413929/

    I think I can pretty much call this the year of creativity for me…I hope next year I can do as much. 🙂

  44. Too bad that it is usually later than sooner that we discover our wings … oh the cares of this life drag us and pin us to the earth!

    Looks like a lovely book giveway!

  46. I really needed these words today. Thank you. This has been a challenging year. I must find those wings. I’m hoping this book may help.

  48. I love flying in flocks. Spreading my wings into new territory with people I love. I’m so glad for this book give a way. I need some inspiration!

  51. I feel like I am just now reaching the point in which I am ready to spread my wings….and fly.

  53. A year-and-a-half as a guardian of this little fellow…am finally feeling like I’m soaring into motherhood. Not without the gracious and graceful support of my community of friends. I’m reminded of a story a dear friend of mine loved to tell about supporting one another. When geese fly together in a V-formation, they take turns doing the hard job of leading the flock…when the lead goose gets tired, it falls back to the easier position at the end of the V, where the current from the flapping wings makes it easier to fly. Another goose steps up (or flies up, I guess) to lead the flock until it grows weary…How necessary to not only be a member of a flock that supports one another, but to acknowledge it for its beauty.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3017461746/

  54. I need to use my wings today. I am the only thing stopping me from soaring high.

    Thanks for the reminder. Exactly what I needed as the countdown to family’s arrival comes to a close.

  61. Beautiful post…so truthful. Sometimes dreams are so powerful that they remind you to fly and spread your wings. Recently my dreams have been reminding me to soar.

  65. first… you are amazing… second……. i see the feathers……..and i am astounded by most… thank you for reminding me.

  70. I have found a sister for sure this year. Little did I know the girl across the street would become my shutterbuddy!
    I had Kelly Rae’s book in my cart on Overstock, and it is sold out! I would love to win one!!

  71. What a lovely post. I have been trying to preen my feathers and spread my wings this year, so this is especially pertinent and inspirational.
    I have tried to use my camera–this year and throughout my life–to empower women to see their own beauty, both on the surface and within their souls. My hope is that once they see what I see, they’ll have the confidence–and in some cases, the chutzpah–to go out and take the world by storm, spread their own wings, and fly fly fly!
    I hope it works…..
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2723764392/in/set-72157606498798828/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2723764260/in/set-72157606498798828/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3036818330/in/set-72157606498798828/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3003322473/in/set-72157608679186016/

  74. I try to use my new-found wings a little bit everyday & I’m growing in confidence and strength. Sometimes I do feel like I’m soaring. If I’m making any progress, it’s because I’m taking flying lessons from some very inspirational Shutter Sisters and their friends who create art here & on their own blogs.

  76. Soaring is what I intend to do in 2009. I know that what I am meant to do is to have my own business, be the best mummy I can be and to grow as an artist. However I keep getting scared and think I need the security of going back into the corporate world (which I hated before I left). So to me, to soar means to believe in what I am meant to be and be that and do what I am supposed to do while on this earth. I have been eying up Kelly Rae’s book for weeks now so I was so excited to see this opportunity to participate in a giveaway.

  79. well at this time of year it’s always inspiring to dream big and create new goals. I’m actually going to a workshop next week about this very thing so thanks for the message! x

  82. This year was the start of trying new things for me, 2009 is the expansion of that idea and exhibiting my work in more places!!!
    Would LOVE this book!!!

  83. I am hoping to find my wings again and learn to soar all over. Tough year, but I plan to use my art to bring me back to normal this year.

  84. I love Kelly Rae’s work and her blog – She has such a gentle soul.
    I would love to have her book. She is an inspiration for us all to take flight.

  86. Wow beautiful post!! Reading your wonderful words makes me feel like it IS possible to feel my wings!!!! Look out 2009 I’m gonna FLY!!!!Thanks for your great blogs!!!

  87. Lovely post, I especially love to watch the ravens and the hawks sore high above. Always reminds me of how connected all things are… and inspires me to soar toooooooooo!

  88. That imagery really resonates with me. I have been painting a series called Flying Girl. Flying Girl has been on many adventures, has occasionally been lost, or tired, or confused… but she has always learned something new that took her to the next level, and she’s always had the strength to get there.

  89. I am thrilled to say that after a hell of a year, I have found my wings again. I am soaring to places I never dreamed possible…really.

    If I’m not too late, I’d love to be considered for Kelly’s book.

    My heart soars along with this day’s entry! Thanks, Tracey!

  90. What a beautiful post! I do know I have wings, and this is the year I need to unfurl them and soar! love Kelly Rae’s work! thank you.

  95. When all things are possible I remind myself to stay open and receive rather than pursue any one path. Since I’ve approached photography as a practice, I can remain open to images that appear in everyday life. Then the soaring comes when I find commonalities in all the surprises I captured. Art making flows when we work from our intuition and let spirit guide us.

  96. I am thankful for many things that motivate me to soar among my dreams: other people’s creations and artists who share their experiences of how they did it, their insecurities, and their hopes that pushed them to want to soar. I am also thankful for my husband who allows is my grounding rock in life and allows me to do whatever I want and is always there when I am tired of soaring among my dreams and just want to rest with him on the ground looking up at the beautiful sky of clouds and stars and hopes and wishes and possibilities. Thank you for your blog and this contest that encouraged so many to take time to write about their thoughts on soaring. Have a lovely week! Jenny messerle@hotmail.com

  97. In 2008, I continued classes for my life coach certification, started my coaching practice, got engaged, and got married. 2009 is when I get to spread my wings as a certified life coach and a wife. I’m not sure how 2009 can be better than 2008, but the possibilities seem so limitless I can’t wait to find out……"Taking Flight" would be such a gift in starting 2009 out right!

  98. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway.. My wings are in there somewhere.. I’m hoping they emerge once we thaw out from this winter. Kidding aside.. I see myself soaring a bit higher this year as I set out to accomplish some goals.. Time for "taking flight" …. thank you

  104. What a lovely and inspiring blog you have here! I’m so glad I hopped over from Kelly Rae’s blog—and winning her book would be super ; ). I’ll be back!

  108. I think as mentioned in the post, I have forgotten how to use my wings. However, just recently, I have begun to hear "the whispers of my soul". And I know that an awakening is just around the horizon. I’m trying to be more aware; trying to live in the moment and not the what ifs… I believe in possibility!

  111. I’ve been soaring high, at least for the second half of 2008… started out a little bumpy, but I’ve been filled to the brim with love, laughter, and joy so many times that I can’t stop soaring! Or smiling… or weeping sometimes… 🙂

  112. Just put myself on an airstrip to take of for flight. Making a little speed each day and who knows I will be soaring the skies very soon.
    Thank you for the entry.
    Have the best 2009 and may your wishes be forfilled.

    Elizabeth

  113. Oh Tracey! What a great post.

    I’ve been reading Simple Abundance during my daily quiet time. She talks a lot about the same thing you wrote about. I’ve been inspired. And yet, frustrated. My most challenging priority right now is motherhood. It’s something I’ve wanted to love since … forever. I dreamed about the day I’d become a mother. And yet, 9 years after having my first child, and three children later, I’m still searching for my mommy wings. I wish I could feel like I am flying when I’m mothering. I wish I knew where to look for my mommy wings.

  114. Not only did I tuck my wings inside, eventually I clipped them in the most destructive way. I didn’t do it because I didn’t love flight. I’m sad to say I ruined my own wings mostly because I thought it would make the very grounded people in my life happy. They thought I’d be safer if I stayed out of the clouds. and I didn’t want to get in trouble. Now, I believe that the trouble came because I was meant to fly–after all, I had wings! Failing to cleave the air and soar kept me unnaturally earth bound. A lack of wings heavied my soul, as well as my body. In my grief I hurt myself, ate too much, and hated the person I am, keeping me even further from the sky. So, I’m not just unfurling unused wings. I’m growing brand new ones. This is an amazing process, and a journey in itself. I’ve decided to use all my gifts, not just a few, as a offering of love to God, and the whole world. I will shatter the heavens with beauty and delight. I’ve also decided to help other people fly by using the very same gifts. I don’t think about getting into trouble anymore. Trouble makers are far more interesting, besides, I’ll be to high up in the air to care what happens and who I’ve pissed off.

    Much love, and thanks for the opportunity to share this. I love Kelly Rae’s work. Beautiful!