Julie Unplugged

Beautiful clouds while walking along Panorama Drive

Beautiful clouds while walking along Panorama Drive
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

I need to get copies of this photo, just so I can look at it and remember that I am the one who took it.

Unfathomable. Beautiful.

Unedited. Taken just as it is.

I swear I can feel God in this photo.

Video Self Portrait, December 9 - Riverbed loses a tree....

You have to admit it...

As Katherine once said
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

Katherine once said, "Bakersfield IS beautiful!"

I remember wanting to laugh at her earnest statement since I hailed from what I consider a truly beautiful place... and yet today when I was walking on the bluffs and the air was so crisp and clear... there was snow on the mountains and the sound of a bell or maybe it was oilfield equipment, I don't know... but Sam and Hank and I were all so content. It WAS beautiful.

It IS beautiful.

I am grateful to be here.

Soul Grief #3 - in the silence

Soul Grief #3 - in the silence
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

"And moreover, to succeed, the artist must possess the courageous soul... the brave soul. The soul that dares and defies."

Kate Chopin

One of the boldest, bravest artistic actions I took this year was to take photos of myself in deep sadness. And then post them, publicly and proudly.

Why do we usually only post happy smiling photos.

My favorite images of me are ones that speak truth without an utterance. This photo is among my favorites from that day of Soul Grief.

Self Portrait 73/365

SP 73/365
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

Yesterday I made a video self portrait but unfortunately was holding my camera the wrong way and I can't rotate it. That makes me laugh now. Didn't earlier today.

This self portrait is among my favorites.

It was taken when I didn't want to be taking any self portraits... and is probably why it is so raw, real... and when I let myself see it, beautiful. I am sitting at my porch writing desk, watching Sam play in the front yard. I was trying to write, trying to read, trying to feel peace.

I finally felt peace when I let myself click the shutter and find the shot that said "me in the moment."

Sam at the cookie table

Sam at the cookie table
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

Sam hasn't learned yet that certain cookies come with the season. so he chose... chocolate chip. Part of his quirkiness is that he likes making cookie sandwiches.

Three cookies. Two as bread slices, one as the sandwich "interior".... hey, it works for him, who am I to mess with his reality?

I was thrilled he did so well at this event, making three bracelets (one he is wearing in the photo, there on his left arm) and not running around like some kids were.

What a change of pace, to have one of the quiet, well mannered children!

Emma Squared, presenting their masterpiece!

Emma Squared, presenting their masterpiece!
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

When I was a little girl, we called these events "The Annual Advent Family Workshop" and we worked on crafts all over the church, going from room to room making things like reader's digest folded Christmas trees and styrofoam ball ornaments - it was a much looked forward to event.

I even remember during my freshman year in high school when there was a dinner and my confirmation class helped to serve the meal for everyone. I remember sitting in the kitchen, looking out over the serving area and feeling so grown up.

Some of the kids I babysat were there with their families, I thought they must be impressed with my maturity level. (They probably didn't think anything other than, hey - Julie is not only a part of our church family, she watches our children when we go out at night.)

I was so glad to hear our church was beginning this annual event. It ties me back to my childhood and brings it all full circle.

We never got cool, pre-fabbed gingerbread houses or pizza, but good times were always had.

(And the older Emma, Katherine's friend, said "I didn't think I would have such a good time, I thought it would be boring!" well, surprise, surprise, surprise!)

My daughter has become a beautiful woman

My daughter has become a beautiful woman
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

16 years ago I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with her. I never thought this far into the future.

I look at these photos and her beauty makes me cry.

How did I get so privileged to have such a beautiful daughter - on the outside, the inside and in the air that surrounds her, in her voice, in her spirit, in her thoughtfulness?

They just don't usually come all combined like she is.

I am so privileged to be her Mom.

Wow, what a great movie!

Wow, what a great movie!
Originally uploaded by juliejordanscott

It was a long time coming, this girl's night out at Edward's at the Marketplace. Katherine and three of her friends, Emma and me were looking forward to this for a while.

We started the evening with pizza at Slices, but Emma revolted and got chinese food. She was pretty perturbed that Katherine had three friends along and she was stuck with... me... for companionship.

That is, until we got into some fun... and I bought her a book at Russo's.

We were waiting for my credit card to be approved and I was getting nervous. I hate when there might be issues with our card. We hadn't even bought popcorn so I surely didn't want issues with my card.

"It checks your FBI record, too," the clerk joked.

Emma joined right in. "Mom, have you been protesting again, you hippie!?"

It was funny. The clerk joined right into the game, saying I had been protesting having children... (and then I had her!)

Emma gasped in mock horror.

We got our books once the credit-fbi check was completed and finally found our way free before we had to track down Kathie and her friends. We just kept laughing. And then, on our way out, the clerk said into his phone, "They are on their way out," as if to the FBI.

I laughed so hard I slapped my thigh and embarassed the heck out of Kathie in the process. Emma and I giggled all the way to the theatre and continue, today - the day after, to say "They are on their way out."

In the photo, she is saying "What did 'Paul' say?" (Since that name 'Paul' we know is a cover."

Love my kids. Each one!