If you’re familiar with my writing, you’ll likely know that the majority of what I post on my blog (using past websites as well as this) is something along the lines of a theological or ethical essay. Which I think is necessary, because those are things that come into my mind that I feel are very much worth sharing, however I also know that for myself, I enjoy immensely being able to read about a person’s everyday life and happenings — the normal bits and pieces of existence. So I think it good to write along those lines from time to time as well. I’ll try and do it more regularly from here on out, on the blog, under the “public journal” title. This will be #1. (Also, if you haven’t already subscribed, please do head over to this page and do so, so you won’t miss any posts!)
My life has been beautiful of late. Autumn has arrived, and aside from the occasional unseasonably warm day (which is much appreciated), most of the time it’s very fallish outside, and the whole homey, cozy atmosphere is really welcome. Especially in the Wyncott household, where this time of year has always been a favourite of many. It’s a wonderful time to stay inside and read good books, or have the house opened up to the crisp, cool air and feel the very breath of autumn on your arms. The sun sets about six in the evening, so I’ve been finding myself wrapped in my bed ready for sleep quite early, with Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island in hand, a great read, and wonderful introduction to Verne’s work, which I plan on pursuing further. Every night I turn out the lights around nine o’clock — though sometimes as late as ten — with the floor next to my bed covered by whatever novel I’m reading, a little dictionary, my study Bible, and my camera bag full of goodies. I wake up at five every day, and make my slow way out of bed and downstairs to prepare my daily coffee or tea, which I take with one spoonful of honey. I then come back upstairs with my drink, settle into my bed, and spend time with my God. It’s the best arrangement I’ve ever made for myself.
Since my nephew’s birth, and more particularly since he grew up enough to crawl and walk, I’ve become incredibly fond of the little guy. (In fact he’s positively heart-melting.) He’ll be turning one year old this 5th of November, and he prefers to be on his feet most of the time. He really is a very happy child, and an absolute joy to have around. Of course I take lots of pictures of him, something that has already made clear the fact that as children are born to my siblings (and myself someday), we will have no shortage of documentation of their lives. Assuming we all live nearby to one another.
My 50/50portraits series is progressing slowly but surely, and I am making a point to be deliberate about it. Since most of the images will be purposely* created for the project, they won’t be apart of a photoshoot exactly, but standalone images, and because of that I’ve decided to move them all into a page within the portfolio section of my website, where you can view them all together, rather than continue to make a new entry here on the blog for each one. So I’d appreciate it if you checked that page every now and again — any time you’d like to send me an email, to offer constructive criticism, encouragement, or just chat, please do so! I’d love to hear your opinion on the series, as well as any other thoughts you might have on anything at all. I love talking.
In between writing these paragraphs I’m busying myself about my mother’s tiny kitchen, helping her make beef barley soup for supper. I just processed some photos in Lightroom that I took over the past couple days, and found myself really liking the Kodak UltraMax simulations from VSCO. Lately I’ve mainly been using the built-in Fuji presets from my camera, particularly Classic Chrome, but they aren’t the best for everything — not according to my taste anyhow.
After church today I made my third ring, following one failed attempt, in which I snapped the thing into pieces during the final sanding stage. This latest one is the best yet in terms of craftsmanship, and I’m just waiting now for the oil to soak in before I heat treat it. I tried a slightly larger drill bit to start with, so the ring is a little too big for my “marriage finger,” but it fits well on my index.
Talking of marriage, I’m rather happy right now with where I am in that journey. Not that I’ve exactly begun it yet, as I’m still single, but I’m becoming more content in where I am at. I think for a long time I was simply unhappy with being single; I was discontented and impatient. Now I would say I am less discontent, and more excited. I know now that I can’t get away from my nature, and it’s simply a fact of God’s design that I desire and look forward to that happy union with my wife-to-be, but in the meantime I am growing; I am becoming a better man, a better child of God, a better husband for the future. And that is encouraging. I know that if the Lord is making my wait, it’s because He is preparing me for that which I’m not yet quite ready for. All the same, I do think I am much more ready than I have ever been, and I look forward to what the future holds. And I pray for patience.
I started work this past Monday, the 17th, but knew within the first few days that the job wasn’t right for me, or rather I am not right for it. Consequently this is my last week there, and I’ve started looking for other opportunities. Really all I want is an easy part-time job which allows me to pay my bills (which are not substantial) while I focus my main energy on my photography. I don’t wish to distract myself once again with a job that I can more than get by on and thereby be content in, enabling myself to ignore the gifts God has given for use in glorifying Him, and providing for myself. I know that photography is something that I can use to “put bread on the table,” if I seek to make it that. I’ve had enough people tell me over the years that I should, and I don’t want to let fear get in my way any longer. So please be in prayer about that along with me.
Altogether, life is only getting lovelier in my case, and I don’t want to let that slip my attention in the pursuit of tomorrow. Today is enough.
lovingly in Christ,
— Joel
*Purposely is the word you want when describing something done deliberately — done on purpose. If you know your sister is always late, you may purposely tell her the party starts 30 minutes earlier than it really does. Purposefully describes the action or demeanor of a person who is determined or resolute.