On Doing It Badly
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
After recently purchasing a fancy shmancy camera (eeeee!) and admiring the lovely photos here and here and here, I made the leap and signed up for a photography class at the university. There seemed to be so many obstacles: like figuring out what to do with my toddler and kindergartener for one whole day a week, how I would pay for it, and the fact that I needed a manual camera since I only had a digital. But somehow, in a blur of activity, I managed to find myself standing at the bus stop on Thursday morning, borrowed camera slung over my shoulder, headed for class.
I have often not done things because I’m afraid I won’t do a good enough job. I read a book once where the author asked: “What would you do if you didn’t have to do it perfectly?” So I’ve been trying ever since to give myself ample permission to just TRY, to not have to pull it off fabulously. To even, God forbid, fail.
I’m proud to say that I did it. I did my first day of photography class very very badly.
The night before, I assumed my husband could take the bus to work so I could have the car, which made him mad. Then, heading for the bus the next morning, I was late and missed it, and the next one didn’t come for another half hour. I forgot my sweater, and it started to get cold. Then I realized that my thermos of water was leaking all over the inside of my bag and had soaked the whole back of my shirt. I had to ask 2 different people which bus to catch. Then I got lost in the wrong part of the school and had to ask 3 different people for directions to the Fine Arts building. Once at the class, I sat shivering for a good hour before I finally warmed up.
But, in class, we looked at beautiful pictures and during lunch break, I went outside and sat on a blanket on the grass and ate my salad (except I forgot my fork and had to use a plasic knife that I stole from the concession). But the sun came out. It warmed me up, dried my wet clothes. I sat there, reading a book, for the whole hour, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so happy.
What would you try if you didn’t have to do it perfectly?
Popularity: 5% [?]
September 13th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Okay, okay. I’m off to sign up for Thai cooking classes… I’m sure I’ll do it badly since I tend to burn everything, but I can’t live a day longer without knowing how to make butter chicken.
thanks for the push..
September 14th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Thank you for posting!
I LOVE what you have shared!
I myself have been trying out my wings.
I have put out my first set of Art Cards.
It feels very vulnerable…..
Will people like them?
Will they pay money for them?
I have designed cards since I was a small child.
If I don’t give this a go, I will never know.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings
September 14th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I must say that there is nothing but truth in that posting.
How many times in life do we refrain from participation, just because we are afraid to embarrass ourselves?
No matter how much we fear what our friends or family make think of us for trying these things, at least we can look back and say that we DID try.
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
thank you so much for the mention. And what amazing complany I am amidst! Melissa is one of my good photog friends and an INCREDIBLE artist, and Anna Keperburg knocks my socks off. I am beyond flattered.
What type of camera did you treat yourself to????
Proud of you for doing it. You rock!
(ps, i tagged you.)
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pm
i spelled kuperburg wrong. oops.
OH! And I would start an exercise regime. I need, I want it, but I am scared of it and don’t know how to make time for it.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:59 am
oh this is a late comment! I just discovered your blog and your kind words thank you. And thanks for reminding me that it’s all mixed up the good stuff and the water down our backs and that makes the good stuff so much better
October 25th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
just wandered by….
Gotta love google, cool website. Thank you….
November 19th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Adult Friend Finder…
Sweet blog post! I really enjoyed your topic and writing style! I’m definitely going to come back and read more in the future!…
November 19th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
adult friend…
Cool Blog…Your topic was very interesting! I don’t really agree with everything mentioned but your views are on point and we are all going to have our own opinions on things. …
November 27th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Heya…
Gotta love google, cool website. All the best….
November 30th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
just meandered in….
Looking for something else, but very neat site. Take care….
December 20th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Shawn S…
Kudos, just stopped by….
January 21st, 2009 at 8:39 am
That side of camera angle…i love it very much >
April 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am
just stopped in….
Sure love yahoo, neat site. Have a great day….
November 30th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Looks like your question thing at the end of the post worked. Also not having to sign in is nice too. Good job. Nice list. Thanks.