Choices
This photo is of a small park on a tiny island near my former apartment building in Maine. The park is reached by walking through a small covered bridge, and actually, the whole island is the park. It’s been a favorite spot since the first time I saw it.
I used to work only a block away and would sometimes take my lunch there to enjoy the beauty of the trees, flowers, and river. When I got my first digital camera, I headed there on my lunch hour to try it out. I took my shoes off and dabbled my feet in the water — that photo is still a favorite.
The island, the bridge, the park have been the location for many photos taken for the classes I took in the Find Your Eye series, and many others taken for pure pleasure. So, of course, I had to pay a last visit as I was preparing for my big move. It was a misty, grey day, and when rain began to sprinkle, I hurried home with my jacket over my camera . . . but not without pausing in the shelter of the covered bridge for one last look.
As I reviewed my photographs from May, this is the one that caught my eye. The cool, foggy atmosphere and perhaps the mood I was in made this familiar place feel a bit mysterious and mystical on this particular day, and the photo brings that back to me. But more than that, this image speaks to me of the divergent paths and the choices life presents.
Some years ago I chose to leave my home on the west coast and move east. Now I’ve chosen the opposite, and have moved from the east coast back to the west. That wasn’t something I ever expected to do, but now it seems right.
Life is strange sometimes and doesn’t always play out the way we expect. I envy people who have lived all their lives in one place, and have friends they’ve known from childhood. I really do. Yet, faced with the choice to stay or go, I most often seem to choose Go. I think this photograph represents my divided heart, that wants to travel down both paths and be in two places at the same time. Perhaps in some parallel universe I can.
Restless
Linking with Kat Sloma’s Photo-Heart Connection for May. Thanks, Kat!
Sea Blue Lens 
June 7, 2012 at 9:03 am
A wonderful representation of your choices Lee. The paths will never lead you to the same place, will they? Maybe on the other side, where we can’t see, but the journey will be different. I’m glad you had these last beautiful moments in this special place to express your gratitude for what it brought you as well as the view of the fork in the road. I hope to see you once you are here on the West Coast! Thanks for joining in the Photo-Heart Connection.
June 7, 2012 at 10:13 am
Ah, two paths. What an evocative “going away” photo. I too am one of those folks that chose going over staying. I always want to see, explore, connect with whatever it is over the next hill. 🙂
June 7, 2012 at 11:29 am
Glad to hear your choice feels right. I think we are both people who can leave no road untaken, we need to experience it ALL. It will be 10 years in October since I Big Move. No regrets…
June 7, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Lee,
What a beautiful photo-heart connection!
I love the image of the divergent pathways.
And when you mention people who have lived in one place all their lives, how you envy them, I understand that.
June 7, 2012 at 6:36 pm
The perfect image for your lovely post! It sounds like you are following your heart. I moved so much in my childhood, I swore I’d settle down once we had a family. Thirty years later, I’m ready for a change. 🙂
June 7, 2012 at 8:48 pm
that photo goes so perfectly with your words. a lovely post.
June 8, 2012 at 1:30 pm
I know how you feel. While I didn’t know what you’d write, I had a good guess on what you were thinking when I saw your image. I’ll have to stop by that little park one day soon in your honor.
Those 2 paths show up so often in big ways and in little ones too…and there we stand just at the edge of the bridge, wondering what to do.
Toes in the water-wonder where you were able to do that. I’ll have to see if I can find the spot.
Hope things are well in the desert. Missing you here in the fog.
June 8, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Being one of those people who have lived in the same area my entire life, I greatly admire your abilty to “GO” – to pick up your life and start over in a brand new place. That takes such courage and fortitude. Your image illustrates so well the decision points we must make in life – the choice of which path to choose. I so look forward to following you on this journey you have chosen.
June 8, 2012 at 7:09 pm
What I see in your focal image is roots. You’ve lived in different places and yet simultaneously maintained relationships with those you’ve left behind as well as developing relationships with new acquaintances. Each of these will sustain you now and in the future. Your home is wherever you are but you’ve left pieces of your heart wherever you’ve been.
June 9, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Fabulous photo-heart connection. I love the image you’ve taken and you’ve expressed your mixed emotions so beautifully.
June 10, 2012 at 3:33 pm
a life divided. there is always a tug of the heart when you are divided in any decision. it sounds like you are following your heart and intuition in moving back but as many life decisions, it is not a 100% choice. you have made the best choice, best decision for yourself for this time. it takes courage. good luck.
June 10, 2012 at 5:16 pm
What a beautiful, poignant image! I know you’re already searching out the perfect place to visit regularly and take photos! Love this story and your image!