Monday, September 23, 2013

Laying Low


It's been awhile since I've posted, and today's post is a bit of a hodge podge of images, because I haven't really been taking many pictures lately.

I've been laying kind of low recently, mostly due to the fact that my upper back, neck and shoulders have been giving me fits, especially last week.  It's all due to the fact that we were rear ended a little over a year ago, and I have to say that is has had an unexpected effect on me over this past year.




I've always considered myself to be a pretty resilient person, but after the initial soreness from the event itself, I began to suffer long term effects which still linger on.

I went to physical therapy last winter, and it helped, but like with most injuries, it didn't take me back to the point before we were in the accident.




Little things that I had always taken for granted...like riding on an airplane to Europe, weeding my garden, sitting at the computer processing pictures, and even holding my long lens...all things I had never thought twice about before, began reminding me that I had been in an accident.

It was one of the reasons I quit blogging early last year.  I was at a loss for words then, but I was also at a loss for taking pictures and sitting at the computer processing them the way I had always enjoyed doing.




It's a bummer when things like this happen, and to be honest, I know I am one of the lucky ones, because it can always be worse.

I does get me down sometimes, and I have found that I now have to pace myself in ways I never had before.  I grab my tripod more frequently, and that means less photos, because sadly, wildlife doesn't wait for you to set up a tripod.




But it does make me appreciate my body and what I can do even more now, and I don't take anything for granted anymore...not even a little.

On the days when I do feel pretty good, I go outside with my telephoto and shoot until the aches and pains make me stop.




And though I spend far less time shooting and processing, I hope that means that the things I do capture are even more meaningful to me now.

All the shots in this post were taken over a period of about a week.  Before the accident I would have taken them all in one day, and processed them that very night.  But maybe I wouldn't have appreciated each one as much, or wanted the time I spent processing them to reflect as closely what I wanted them to if I hadn't had to take numerous breaks and stretch out my muscles.




This morning the eagles were having a literal field day with something they found interesting in the newly mown fields next door.  They were too far away to really capture any good images, but they were swooping and fighting for whatever it was and bullying the vultures out of the way as they feasted.

The juvenile above stayed put long enough for me to set up and get as close as I could with my telephoto.  He appears to be coming in to adulthood fairly soon, and he has mostly white head feathers, unlike his relative two pictures up.

I hope you all have had a good few weeks...the weather is starting to feel very fall like...and I think I kind of like it!



20 comments:

  1. I am so sorry that you have been suffering, it just doesn't seem fair. I hope you find some relief in your photography and in nature.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Kat, I'm sorry to hear you are still being bothered with your injury...I can see where it would make photography and working at the computer very difficult. I hope you can get some relief from it...your photos are so lovely, no matter how often you are able to post them! A big XO being sent your way, my friend...

    ReplyDelete
  3. I figured you had been quiet because of good things, not the effects of last year's accident. Geez, Kat, this sucks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hope you can get some relief soon. Your images are lovely as always. Sorry to hear you are in pain.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are carrying on marvelously, judging by this thoughtful post! Hang in ther



    ALOHA from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral
    =^..^= <3

    ReplyDelete
  6. 'm so sorry to hear that Kat. I had no idea. Have you considered going to an osteopath as they work to align the musculoskeletal system. I can't really explain it all, but I found that was what helped me when I fell on some ice and was just out of wack and dizzy all the time.

    I love your photos - can't get over the moon one. Amazingly detailed.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry to hear your not back to par, I have been in your shoes from a few bad auto accidents. Soft tissue injuries are really not quick to heal. Sometimes activities such as swimming and light yoga may help. Activities get the blood flowing which feeds the tissues so they can repair themselves,strengthening the muscles that support the body. Also juicing is good, there are types of juices you can make that help inflammation. Any of these will help you feel better in time, take it slow and just do what you can! Smile and keep taking your beautiful photos!
    Best to you Kat.
    xo,
    Gail
    http://www.casualloveselegance.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so sorry that you have been suffering long-term from that accident, Kat. I am on a powerful anti-inflammatory because of a reactive problem and there are days that I find it hard to do much of anything so I do understand what you are going through. I am praying for a healing for you- that you will be restored to pre-accident health. Blessings- xo Diana ps. You photos on a BAD day are better than my own on a GREAT day!;>)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Welcome back, Kat!!! Isn't the weather just glorious? Yes, I remember your accident last year, and I'm sorry about your pain and discomfort. Two years ago, my stationwagon was t-boned, and I crashed into a brand new Mercedez, which hit 2 parked cars. All this because the driver who hit me was on her cell phone. I still get neck stiffness once in a while. Hope you feel better soon! Thanks for the beautiful photos. xo Loi

    ReplyDelete
  10. Car accidents are always upsetting and worse still when you are still suffering the effects. Hope you get well soon Kat. Your pictures are lovely as always - love the ones of the birds in flight

    ReplyDelete
  11. I had to add my two cents. I'm sorry to hear you've been suffering. That's so draining on the body and mind. My sister has suffered for years from nerve damage. I don't know if you already looked into this but acupuncture has been the only thing that's finally given her relief. It might be something worth looking into. Your photos are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful info, suggestions and kind comments, I appreciate them all! And Kathleen, I am a huge fan of acupuncture, so I will check with my acupuncturist to see if he can help me.

    Kat :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Kat,
    As one who has been in 2 serious car accidents, 2 knee surgeries, broken collar bone, ribs, etc... I know a thing or two about chronic pain. There are days I feel 80 and others 30, okay 40! But, as always you have the right attitude do what can and let the chips fall where they may. Your photography work is better than ever- beautiful pictures!!!
    xo,
    ~R

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Kat, I am sorry you haven't been feeling well. I can understand a little what you are going through. I tried to jump off an fence and fell backwards and landed on my back (I think I am a little old for jumping off a fence...). I thought I was ok, but after a few weeks, my shoulders and lower back would spasm. It is better now.

    You know how much I love your photographs, I always feels so relaxed when I visit your page...


    Take care of yourself!
    Cindy
    (www.fatcowstudios.com)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kat, I know it must be so
    frustrating for you to put on
    the brakes, but in a way, it
    sounds like it has had a silver
    lining. I've had the mantra,
    "Slow down" playing in my own
    head over the last week and this
    post reminds me why. So don't
    fret, embrace this new normal!

    That said, I hope your lingering
    aches and pains begin to fade into
    the distance!

    Thank you for the kindness
    and support you offered in your
    last comment--I so appreciated
    it, and you.

    Have a great weekend.

    xo Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  16. So very sorry. I too have found that "bouncing back" doesn't happen as it once did......smiles!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kat, so sorry you have hurting alot of the time. I was just rear-ended about 1.5 weeks ago myself. I was driving my new car of 2 weeks when I was hit and I had 3 co-workers in my car. The woman that hit me was reading her texts and changing lanes. She told the police that she was looking down while changing lanes and she saw I was stopped and she just plowed into the back of me! She was going about 20 mph. We all thought we got hit by a dump trunk the impact was that loud. I have a Ford Fusion and the damage was minimal even at that speed. I get my car back today from the body shop. I am sore alot of the days and when I wake up and I'm not sore that is an awesome day! I don't think our bodies bounce back as well as when we were in our 20's.

    I do love your photos how ever many you take! They are always so beautiful! You rest up and HUGS to you my friend!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm so sorry Kat. I know a little about what it's like. I was in a car accident about ten years ago that injured my neck. It took awhile to feel like myself again. I hope only healing for you.
    Your photos have left me so inspired!!!!! SO beautiful!!!!
    sending many hugs....

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kat- that's so miserable to have those aches and pains-- I'm sorry you have to deal with that in your life. You do seem to make the most of a situation and using your camera is such a wonderful outlet for you. Your images are stunning-,you take simple every day life and make it beyond beautiful--
    Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  20. So sorry to learn of your lingering pain and after effects of the accident Kat. You have such a positive attitude though and you can tell you have taken your photography yet to another amazing level. xo

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.