Getting Outside
Okay, here’s the deal:
Two months ago, I moved from Berkeley, California, to the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. I know few people in my new city, and I work from home. As the days get shorter and my world gets colder, I’m spending more and more time holed up in my home office in front of my computer.
I should also mention that I’m a graphic designer. If you’ve done this kind of work for a living, you know that my current setup is a recipe for creative malaise. And really, all you need is a pulse to know that this is more or less depression waiting to happen.
I miss Berkeley, the cold is kicking my ass, and it’s time for me to take small steps to avoid deeper doldrums.
So then: a project…
- Get out of the apartment at least once a day.
- Walk around and take pictures.
- Post my favorite shot.
- Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
It’s my hope that if I can build this discipline into my day, I’ll be better able to handle being home all the time, I’ll get to know my camera better and hone my photographic skills, and perhaps most importantly, I’ll be forced to find beauty in the frigid bleakness of my new wintry home.
I’m sure I’ll miss some days due to deadlines or an inability to brave subzero windchills. Maybe I’ll have to break the rules from time to time and take some photos indoors. And even when I can get outdoors, expect a lot of snow and gargoyles. It is Hyde Park in winter and all.
All this is to say: I’m going to give it a shot. (So to speak.)
Wish me luck.
One last thing… I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that my sister has been already doing this for months, and doing it better than I undoubtedly will.
