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“I remember well standing at that one window and just watching the flow of life.” ~ Dorothea Lange
“At some point all but the most intrepid — even the most intrepid — photographers are tempted to retreat inside and contemplate the world from their window.” ~ Geoff Dyer, The Ongoing Moment
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Lately, I’m not feeling like my usual ‘whip-it-out-on-the-world-super-self’. I’m convalescing in my little house on the lake, peeking out, now and then, at the hustle and bustle of the busy world outside my window. Do you ever feel this way?
Curling up on the sofa, I’ve become pretty good at arranging my blue terry-cloth-covered electric heating pad over just the right spots on my angst-y anatomy. In blatant disregard of the manufacturer’s explicit warning, I mold my heating pad to conform to my will, and my curves, using a drawer-full of colorful scarves and creative positioning maneuvers. Once it’s set, I can’t move without disrupting the entire project. I sometimes sit and read a book for a couple hours, grateful for the deep heat nurturing my neck and shoulder.
I spend a fair amount of time looking at the picture window directly across from my sofa. Although I’ve owned this place for 20 years, I’m noticing this window from an entirely new perspective these days. I notice how the light falls across the lawn just outside the window throughout the day. When the window’s open, I notice the mesmerizing pleasure of watching the simple white curtains furling gently in the Spring breeze. I notice when the neighborhood schoolgirls return home in the afternoon, giggling as they race up the hill in the light rain, flashing their bright, shiny orange, pink and blue umbrellas.
Before I know it, I’m taking pictures of this window. Like, I LOVE this window! Turns out, there’s actually a long tradition of fine art photographers capturing the very intimate beauty of their own personal windows to the world.
In fact, the world’s very first photograph, which was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826, is entitled View from the Window at Le Gras. Alfred Stieglitz, Ruth Orkin, Edward Steichen, Merry Alpern and many more canonical figures created iconic images taken of and through their various home windows.
This experience reminds me of something I have often told my photography students: You don’t need to travel to far-away, exotic destinations to take beautiful pictures — searching for beauty ‘out there’ is not at the heart of creating art. The true artist is able to see and capture the beauty intrinsic in ordinary, everyday people, places and things. 
As I explained in my previous post, The Light Speaks, I am experimenting with the idea of “thanking” my pain and looking for the gift(s) it brings. Getting back to basics in my artwork has been one such gift this week. I’m truly grateful for this catalyst to creativity.
When was the last time you slowed down and watched the Parade of Life from the safety and seclusion of a favorite window? What might you see if you did? What might you create?
April 22nd, 2012 - 9:09 pm
From the safety and inspiration of my deck, dear Linda, where Red-tailed hawks swoop with a vole in their claws, the squirrels scamper and chat and chastise, the Piliated Woodpecker claims his territory, the deer stroll fearlessly and voraciously, it is jaw-dropping amazement at every turn. The parade never stops when we are willing viewers.
These are reminders to me of God’s goodness and glory in everything He has created, and in every moment granted to us.
We all need these treasured and special “windows” in our lives. I’m so glad you have found yours, my friend!
Blessings and love to you!
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April 22nd, 2012 - 9:11 pm
I love your picture window view! I’ve been slowly recovering from a creative funk and have found myself staring out the window too. It’s helping to organize thoughts and clear my mind.
I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery! I’m looking forward to seeing some of your new creations:)
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April 23rd, 2012 - 1:33 am
Beauty in the everyday, ordinary – that’s what I really love, Linda. Most often I look out of my window and see construction sites…but then if I look carefully I see (and hear) birds. The trick is to become aware of the beauty waiting to be found. Inspiring, as always.
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April 23rd, 2012 - 7:20 am
Hi, Martha! ~
Your backyard menagerie sounds amazing! How wonderful for you!!
Your description is so vivid that I feel like I’m right there with you, which brings new meaning to the old adage, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” It’s not just that when I look into your eyes I see the ‘real you’, but also, when I see what you see I get to know you better.
The more I know you, the better I like you! Thank you for sharing! XOXO
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April 23rd, 2012 - 11:37 am
Hi, Patty! ~
We should go on a photo-safari and stir up some creative juices together!
Any ideas???
XOXOX
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April 23rd, 2012 - 11:47 am
Hi, Corinne! ~
Our mutual affinity for finding ‘beauty in the everyday, ordinary’ is one of the most powerful attractions that originally drew us together. I really appreciate that quality in you ;-x
Interesting that you mention ‘construction’ outside your window — Alfred Stieglitz captured some very famous images of the construction of the NY City skyline from his apartment during the depression years.
Thank you for stopping by to say “Hi!” Always love to see you here! XOXO
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April 23rd, 2012 - 1:20 pm
Wonderful photos and wonderful thoughts. I have been secluded in my home with a bunch of kids and have been having a difficult time adjusting to the stay at home mom thing again. I have a hard time with the beauty seeking but I am sure I will be back. I have one here I will share with you that I just love. Taken from my back porch!
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April 23rd, 2012 - 2:29 pm
Hey Linda, your post made me look at my windows now, they’re dusty!
That got me thinking.
I see the beauty outside, I see the light shining through. It’s dawned on me that I have allowed dust to settle on my windows. Now, I need to do some cleaning. God help me.
And God bless you Linda
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April 23rd, 2012 - 7:34 pm
I love the way you have taken such an everyday thing and cause us all to look at it differently. Windows—I’m with Luchi, mine are dirty too and every time I look at them, I think, when will I have time to clean that? Yet others look and see the beauty all around. I certainly think that you have found your reason to say thank you to the pain. What an inspiring post you have written. You’ve definitely encouraged me to slow down and smell the roses!
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April 23rd, 2012 - 8:11 pm
I loved this post. As a photographer also, I find it’s the simple things that sometimes makes the best pictures. Breaking my leg last February was such a blessing because it forced me to stop and listen and so that is when Sea Green Natural started and I have met so to speak the best blogging friends around the world and when I’m having a bad day I’ll receive a message from SJ or Corinne encouraging and motivating me.
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April 24th, 2012 - 12:49 am
Thanks for teaching me that awesome fun fact — that one of the first photographs was of a window. I’ve always loved those shots.
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April 24th, 2012 - 3:55 am
Linda first of all I am a bit behind in the blogging world. I havent yet gone and read your previous post. Are you hurt my friend? You sound like your are convalescing. I so agree with what you tell your photography students. Beauty is found even in the most ordinary. It is all about perspective. I love your window, a room with a view indeed!
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/04/dusk.html
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April 24th, 2012 - 6:31 am
Hi, Jan! ~
OMG — I cannot even imagine being a stay at home mom again! That’s why my kids were not allowed to date until they moved out — haha!
I love your photo taken from your back porch. It makes me smile. Are those apple blossoms? Such a blue sky!! Beautiful — thank you for sharing!
I know I’m preaching to the choir, as they say, talking to YOU about seeing the beauty in the everyday, ordinary things. I love that about you! XOXO
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April 24th, 2012 - 8:34 am
I too love my window…that’s where the life is. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary…seems difficult but not impossible. Nice reflective post.
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April 24th, 2012 - 9:45 am
Every morning I get up and one of the first things I do is go directly to the window that displays the vast view of my beautiful mountains. Somehow, seeing their steadfast stillness, centers me for the day. Throughout the day I stop every once in a while and peek out, as if checking to make sure they’re still there. You brought back memories of my grandfather. He would sit at the window and watch. As if it was a serious hobby, he saw people, cars, animals go by. I never considered this his meditation, but now I do.
Linda hope you get better real soon.
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April 24th, 2012 - 10:07 am
Hi, Luchi Smiles! ~
I know what you mean about dusty windows… You probably noticed all the finger prints on my middle photo, which is the first one I shot in this series. I didn’t notice how dirty it was until I saw the photo and then I almost didn’t publish it for that reason. But, I decided dirty windows are part of life and maybe beautiful in their own way, too
After that, I ended up cleaning all my windows and now I’m enjoying an even brighter & sunnier home (and disposition!)
Thank you for visiting and chatting, Dear Luchi! Please come back soon!
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April 24th, 2012 - 10:14 am
Hi, Lynne! ~
Your comment is so encouraging and inspiring in its own right! Thank you for taking time to stop by and share such sweetness! I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness ;-x
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April 24th, 2012 - 11:25 pm
My dear Linda,
I am sorry you’re not feeling up to your usual self. As one who suffers from nagging back pain, I can so relate to the heating pad. Mine is so bent out of shape and squished together that my wife threatened to throw it out. When my pain gets too uncomfortable, I usually sleep with the heating pad but on the low setting. It really does help.
I love the window view. It’s simple, but I can already envision the beauty you must see. I have wonderful views from all my rooms, but my favorite is from the patio…there are cherry blossoms, lots of trees, rabbits, squirrels, even a field…I get to watch corn & pumpkins grow and then all the activity involved when it’s harvest time…it’s beautiful. I’ve attached a photo my wife took last week so you can see.
Thank you for sharing this lovely post and for your kind comments over at my blog.
Wishing you well sweet friend.
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April 25th, 2012 - 4:20 pm
Hi, Cathy! ~
I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of your photos — where would I find them???
Also, I’ve had trouble connecting with your website because when I click on your name, heading your comment here, I get a dead end. That is confusing. I’ll have to find another route…
Thank you again for stopping by — I’m going to find a way to get back to you
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April 25th, 2012 - 4:36 pm
Hi, Rachel! ~
Awesome fun fact about the first photo ever, right?
Glad I could be there for ya, Sistah ;-x
Thanks for stopping by! Please Come Back SOON!!!
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April 25th, 2012 - 4:40 pm
Hi, Sweet Rimly! ~
It’s true, you caught me convalescing…
Sometimes when I look at photos of your adorable puppy, I think a little puppy love might be very healing for me! Although, that may be soft-focus romanticism, right? haha!
Thank you for stopping by to share your kind comments! XOXOXO
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April 25th, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Hi, Janaki! ~
I know you love your window, and who wouldn’t??? I have seen many gorgeous ‘Friday Moments’ with beautiful birds and flowers just outside your window — like an enchanted garden!
Speaking of finding ‘extraordinary in the ordinary’, I think I just spent 1/2 hour trying to write you a measly four word lipogram to comment on your post today — haha! I don’t know how you do it! Amazing!
Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your visit and your comment
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April 25th, 2012 - 9:32 pm
Hahaha…Linda…I do spend hours raking my brain with a poetry prompt…thanks and love.
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April 26th, 2012 - 8:35 am
A sweet post written with verve inspite of your ailment! Yes, for me also the window is the best friend and the first thing that I do on getting up in the morning is to go to my room window to inhale the pure morning air and listen to ‘cheep,chirp;cheep, chirp’ of birds who still come to visit a lone tree in our lane which is directly across my window!
-Portia
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April 27th, 2012 - 6:48 am
Good Morning Linda! I’m praying for your recovery my dear. But, I’m inspired by your acceptance of what is and your willingness to search for the diamond within the lump of coal. Your window photo is lovely, holding all the potential that life could offer—many views. I don’t have a window view but I do have a lanai view. It looks out onto a jungly little slice of land in my back yard held captive by a tall privacy fence. I live in town where houses stand shoulder to shoulder and boundaries are defined by mower lines and shrubbery.
My life has been on fast forward for a while. I find myself losing track of things. Your post speaks of finding that track. Yes. You found it Linda. Now hold onto it so you can continue to share it with the world.
Love!
Leah
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April 28th, 2012 - 2:47 pm
Hi, Myrna! ~
Ahhh, Mountains! There is no such view on the prairie where I live! When I travel to visit friends in Colorado and, especially, Utah I am mesmerized by the view of them!
Your story of your grandfather reminds me of when my son was a baby, and it was too cold to go outside during the Minnesota winter. I bundled him up and strapped him into his highchair which I set in front of the window, with it open just a crack, so he could get a little fresh air and watch the world go by. People walking their dogs, going to work and shoveling snow would stop and wave. Makes me misty to remember
Thank you for stopping by to swap window stories! Please come back soon! XO
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April 28th, 2012 - 3:17 pm
Hi, Andy! ~
I love your description of your somewhat mangled heating pad — reminds me of a toddlers ‘blanky’, right? I can SO RELATE! haha!
You are so sensible to sleep with your heating pad on ‘low’ (if that’s the truth?) because I sleep with mine on high every night!
Thank you so much for sharing the view from your patio. Your cherry blossom tree is beautiful and inspires many a romantic poem and gesture, I’m sure!
This conversation and my healing process inspired me to expand my horizons this past week in the form of a little artistic road trip to the North Shore. Check out the view of Downtown Duluth and Lake Superior from my hotel window ;-x
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April 28th, 2012 - 3:30 pm
Hi, Portia! ~
I agree, there’s no better way to start the day than inhaling “the pure morning air and listen to ‘cheep,chirp;cheep, chirp’ of birds…”
Thank you for stopping by to visit and chit chat a bit! XOXO
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April 28th, 2012 - 3:30 pm
I love how you write that one doesn’t have to find beauty in far away places to photograph…I used to always want to move out of the state where we lived because the pictures of other places I found alluring..as if they held a beauty that was lacking in my present surroundings. When I began practicing mindfulness it’s as if the whole world around me sprung alive and I was able to notice all the small details, all the things I always had missed.
Great post..I loved hearing your reflections…it made me want to sit beside my window.
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April 28th, 2012 - 5:07 pm
Hi, Leah! ~
I had to look up the word “lanai” (which doesn’t happen that often — hah!) Aren’t you fancy
My neighbors live very close also, more than it probably appears by these photos. I like that. It makes me feel ‘safe’, somehow. But, it’s nice to have a little plot of land with trees and a garden.
Looking forward to curling up with my heating pad and my copy of Cosette’s Tribe. Soon???
XOXO
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April 29th, 2012 - 2:53 pm
Hi, Jessica! ~
Your comment reminds me of myself, as they often do ;-x
It took me a long, long time to be able to appreciate the subtle beauty of the American prairie, where I currently live. It seemed so boring to me! I missed my beloved ocean and rocky landscape of New England. Also, everything seemed so ‘new’ here, relatively speaking.
When I took up photography and started seeing the landscape through my lens, LOOKING for beauty, everything changed! I saw what was right in front of me with new eyes! And you are right, it is a practice in mindfulness. That’s why I often refer to the ‘spiritual practice’ of photography.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your comments. I always love contemplating on your unique perspective! XOXOXO
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April 29th, 2012 - 11:49 pm
Linda I love to read d honest insights …they connect me very well.
I truly need when it comes to creativity nothin fancy is required just a deep and honest feel and view is all you need and beauty as u say n I feel is all around..
Love
Mani
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April 30th, 2012 - 7:38 am
I am forever looking out the windows (especially when riding as a passenger). In all honesty when I start looking out the windows, I see nothing. My mind in most cases has control, and my eyes normally have tears. I know when I catch myself staring out the windows, something isn’t right..
Love your pictures.
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April 30th, 2012 - 8:26 am
Wow I could just imagine your window like a tv screen…except that you can’t switch channels. But the more you stay there, the more you see things in details…
The truth is, my dad structured our house with many windows but I don’t get to open mine because of the pollution plus the cat on the roof which sneaks in every now and then… The beautiful thing is just across my window is a tree and I get to hear the birds singing in the morning
At the moment, I’m always up and about ~ esp. that the kids around because it’s their summer vacation…but I long to just sit down and relax and not just fall asleep because I’m too tired
Ooo, I have a long line up of things I’d like to do… and one of them is to be able to paint on my wall again or perhaps paint my window like stained glass
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May 3rd, 2012 - 8:15 pm
Linda, your words always have such a way of inspiring us little people to be more open to our surroundings. I love it! I look out my window and see so many beautiful things. I want to focus on living things; on the beauty of being gifted with another day of life. This past week I’ve been photographing “play of light.” Isn’t that a coincidence? Although, what am I saying when I don’t believe in coincidences! It must be that we’re all trying to derive energy from the magnificent force that is light.
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