My Dad gave me my first camera when I was 6, then he gave me a very good camera to work with when I was 12, that was the Leica, then we went through the Pentax period and finally I rested my eyes on the Nikons. Though for my birthday one year my Dad sent me that old Leica and it comes out for a run every now and then. A stunning camera, remind me Roger to take a shot of it for you.
But all those years I have shot using levels, I have always dropped to my knees, stood on something or gone to the ground or even laid ON the ground to get a shot. Ask my children, who are now adults, I have even been seen on the ground at weddings, in heels, gorgeous dresses, flowing curls, champagne flute raised just so ‘can someone hold this?” and the camera and my smoky eyelinered blue eye, level with the floor, taking photos of shoes dancing.
Yesterday I took my trusty shepherds crook that I use to keep bad dogs and wild sheep in order but is also incredibly good for grabbing things off the ground when one cannot bend, and out into the farm wee went.
The Shepherd crook also doubled as a walking stick for the way home. I took Camera House, the NIKON d90 given to me by my dear friend Bill. 2 days of recovery from an altercation with the steps was too long out of the loop for me. But I cannot kneel, or crouch – let alone get right on the ground ( I cannot get back up – the pain is fierce) so I am now faced with shooting straight down or across from a standing position.
So here is a new challenge.
How to take interesting shots using only one level. My least favourite level too.
Pretty dull aren’t they. Something to work on. We love a challenge you and I.
Today I was a good girl and did not sit down at all. I was either walking or laid on my side. The house is going to hell in a hand-basket. The writing has stopped. (I am writing this one handed laid on my side.) There is still debris everywhere from the storm. The windows still have leaves and dirt stuck to them from the bad wind. But the animals are all fed. The Matriarch visited the Old Codger for me and I got in touch with another friend of mine (the woman who shared the chicken raising experiment with me) and she and her network of mothers is helping me with the little family whose Mum is sick. I am listening to my pain very carefully and the moment it crosses the line – off to the couch I go. Just like you told me to.
I am also increasing my raw milk calcium intake. Just like you said. White Russians at bed time. What a good girl am I.
This is only a tiny problem in the realm of things. Very fixable.
You all have a lovely day.
your friend on the couch,
celi
Valerie Davis wrote yesterday about a subject very dear to many of our hearts. Our love of silence. If you have a moment it is well worth the read.
The Kitchen's Garden 
83 responses to “A different angle”
I’m happy to hear you outsourced some assistance… it’s so frustrating at times like this that the Commenters’ Lounge is virtual, as you would be inundated with help if we could all get there. An altercation with the steps? Hmmm, an altercation with tornado winds.
Hate tornado winds!.. c
Celi! I responded to your kind remarks yesterday thinking I was on today’s blog.
Oh yes there you are, i am so glad your husband can sit well, life would be even more miserable if he could not, I hope his op goes well, chronic pain must be terrible..c
That’s our unstoppable Celi. No, the photos weren’t QUITE as interesting as usual, but still lovely, a little gentle exercise is good, but downtime when your, um, bum starts barking at you is still best. It barks for a reason. Sounds like your idea of self-medication is similar to mine. Alcohol, nature’s painkiller!
and with raw milk for bone healing.. hmmm… c
Thank you so much Celi for your wonderful recommendation, and to all your other wonderful followers who’ve taken your advice and visited!
I’m still baffled as to why my readers end up at a health blog when they click on your blog name, and have told them to key in your site name on the internet… very cumbersome… but will try again in my next blog…
Hope the White Russians are doing a good job… can you also rub in – anywhere – magnesium oil, which is so good for the body in over three hundred different ways – true!!!!
Magnesium oil, I have not heard of that, and cannot drive for a while, but I will look out for it! I am taking baths in epsom salts tho! a health site is good too! c
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate!!! Very safe for soaking weary sore muscles and you are at that point! I know that felt good!!! Keep warm after so those muscles don’t seize up again!!! 🙂
Lucky duck you: wish I had been given a Leica at 12!! Hasselblad and Leica were THE two to have when I was growing up! And I embarrassed my first and very stylish husband time and again by doing just what you normally do ~ going down to frame my shots 🙂 ! Buit Celi, we just want to see what is happening on the farmy: the ‘art’ photography will wait very nicely, thank you!! And if the pain is too much, just write a few words and we’ll egg that coccyx of yours on to repair itself!! And the White Russians are just what you need [but ‘mama’ speaking, don’t mix ’em with anything containing paracetamol – your liver won’t like it!!] . . . sleep ‘well’ and be a tad better tomorrow . . .
I have checked my pain relief and no paracetamol.. all good then, thank you for the tip! I think tomorrow will be a much better day.. c
He’s doing great with that stick in the last photo!
Get better soon! (Though as someone who suffered a similar fall a couple of years ago, I know that it may take a while.)
I know all too well about being unable to bend. It was forbidden for me to bend for months. It affects everything. It sounds like you’re on the mend, though, or at least you’re getting better at avoiding painful situations. Either way, the less pain the better. Please continue to get your rest, Celi. Have a better tomorrow. 🙂
Just don’t do anything to make it wusser!
Stay strong. Resting is the hardest work of all.
you are not wrong there. I do it in 30 minute bites.. lying down makes me tense. not that i am thinking of all the work I should be doing. Just inaction, it makes my feet wriggle.. c
Oh dear, you have that protestant work ethic too? It’s a terrible disability.
Guilty! c
Wish I was closer, I would come and do anything you need done! Praying for quick healing! ~ April
Oh Celi, feel better! I am sorry you are injured…there is nothing like enforced rest to make you realize you were much happier than you thought when you were tired and overworked, but mobile! Sending big hugs!
We’re happy to have any shots you share, don’t be so hard on yourself! 🙂 Glad to read you are listening to your body and taking it as easy as possible.