The Beauty of Silence

Happiest Sunday!

How are you?

OH my goodness....  the need for a digital break, hit me like a brick this weekend! I mean BOOM!!  

Wow.... I had no choice but to just walk away from the studio...  take deep breaths, soak up some silence....and under-stimulate my senses.

It's been awhile since my last digital break - the one that lead me to a temporary addiction to watching reruns of Mary Tyler Moore. :)  It was time for another.  

The difference this time was a lot of simple silence was involved....  Just time to sit and reflect and be alone with my thoughts.  It was REFRESHING.

I have to say, I adore the quiet.  I think best, create best, do best, when I surround myself in oodles of quiet.  I long for it, I need it!! I cherish it!

I love being with just me  I honestly do.  The more time I spend with myself (and Ben), the more I need. I'm a self-professed loner! I make no apologies for it! It's just who I am. I love the quiet of my own thoughts. 

Anyone with me on this? I can't be the only loner! 'sigh'

I honestly believe silence allows me to dig deeper into the artist inside me...the creativity flows freer... The thoughts and ideas come easier!

 

I know, not everyone feels this way. Many of us love lots of interaction, conversation, stimulation...

If that is you.... can I give you a little tiny nudge....consider test driving just a little 'silence' each day.  You may be surprised what it does for you! In exchange, I will do my best to fit in a little more social time (now and then)......

Deal? 

insert 'smile'....

In honor of silence.... I created a lovely texture for you all... I call it Silence. :) Check it out!!

I used it on each of today's images. It's one of those textures that just seems to work... on pretty much anything it lands on.  

'sigh'  

I hope you like it.  :)  Texture Lovin' Listers, it's on it's way.... Not on my list ... feel free to sign up HERE...and start getting freebies almost instantly.

I'm off to enjoy a little more 'silence'....  

xxo,

p.s.  Oh my gosh..... can you believe how many amazing images were linked up to last week's Texture Tuesday Party? 216, to be exact! How completely fabulous!  Thank you all so much!!  This coming Tuesday, there is not specific challenge...simply share your FAV textured image.  Oh and I'd love your thoughts.... challenge?  or no challenge?  what do you prefer? Do tell!

p.p.s. I'm seeking new students for my eCourse - Art of Texture - the Secrets Revealed.  If you are interested, you can find the details HERE. 

Comments

[Elli]

You are DEFINITELY not alone in that loner thing. (Which sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it?)

I find that I'm much more able to get things done and access my own creativity when I'm by myself. I'm also a much nicer person when I *am* around people if I've been able to get some of that alone-time beforehand. :)

Someday, I'm pretty sure I'll end up in a mountain cabin somewhere with only a stack of journals and a whack o' pens to keep me company (and maybe the dogs...I kind of like them, too), and I'll be JUST FINE WITH THAT. (lol) :D

[Claudia Finn]

Oh these are so beautiful and I feel blessed to find a group such as this that encourages creating in such a fun way! it's like finding friends who like the same thing as you and seeing everyones work is great and motivates!

[paula]

amazing,so beauty:)

[Brandi]

You aren't alone in alone-time! In fact, that's the one thing I need to feel "sane" - lots and lots of alone time. Can't wait to dive into this week's texture - it's gorgeous!

[ceevee]

Nope, you are not alone in the aloner thing. And the silence thing. You asked whether we liked challenges or no challenges. I prefer the challenge of one of your challenges. So next Tuesday's pick 'your own' favorite will stymie me. Is that a word? stymie?

And i really do want to take your Art of Texture class, but I will have to wait till the second round which I hope you have.

[Catherine Montalbano]

I just LOVE all your art, and your textures are amazing. I want to thank you for being so generous with them. It's such a nice gift! I am also one who craves peace and quiet. II also love being alone with my thoughts. My best time to think, reflect and dream is at night when I take a hot bath. I set up a candle and a glass of wine and a jar of Lavender. I really should do it more of it :)

[Jessica]

As a mother of six, alone time is my fantasy!! I feel the same way though, it's by being alone and quiet that I too recharge and can be creative.

[Joyelle @ an artful endeavor]

I definitely need a lot of alone time. I usually don't get enough, being at home full time with a toddler. Last night my husband had a boy's night, and I loved having an evening to myself!

[Marie Z. Johansen]

I am an INFP on the myers- briggs test - and 100 per cent oin the introvert scale at that! I simply HAVE to have quiet time. I get a little manic otherwise.

This is a link to a myers briggs-ish test if you've never done one. We all did it at work and the results were very interesting as far as what tasks we all enjoyed and/or did well at:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

I have been thinking about what things fill my cup so to speak and searching for anything that I might be able to do less of..... I spend a lot of time on my computer - it's a easy way to be social without feeling like I have to get get gussied up the way I do for work !

You're definitely not alone - and besides this time of year the 'silence' is so beautifully filled with song birds!

Thanks for this treasure of a background!

[marty mason]

Time alone equals sanity!

[Julie]

I've been checking all weekend for a new texture. I'm so glad to see you're back. I agree on the silence is golden thoughts. I am perfectly fine with alone time myself. However, Kim, you have succeeded in creating a chronic Kim Klassen Texture Addiction Follower. I was in need of a fix. Thank you. Love your new shots, too.

[marty mason]

Time alone equals sanity!

[gretchen]

'alone again, naturally...'
i think we all need that alone time to get our heads back - even if it's only when you are in the shower.....

love this texture, you do good work!

[A Box of Chocolates]

Okay joining the loner club i love my own company am quite happy just muddling around the house, garden studio, office. then suddenly i need company and have to hit the shops or movies or restaurant mostly though i am my very own best friend forever

i like a challenge

[Lani]

You are SO not alone in this need for stillness! Beautiful texture, thank you!

[Lisa]

Oh I just love this post because I love alone time love it, love it, can not get enough of it!!
Your photos and textures are just beautiful and thank you so much for sharing them with us!

[Olivia]

I am in the "loner" camp as well. In fact, my sons are both out today--one at college, one at work and now with his girlfriend; my husband is still taking a nap. I've spent the afternoon writing in my journal--something I haven't done in a long time, and I am glad I did. I learned a few things about myself, or perhaps relearned them.

I will join with the others who thank you for the texture gifts. I am becoming a texture junkie.

[Becca Smith]

I love my alone time! Thank you for the lovely texture. :-)

[Susan]

Kim,
It was so affirming and refreshing to read your thoughts and feelings about being a professed loner! I work in a profession where it seems most of my peers are quite the opposite, so sometimes I feel I am 'alone' in my feelings about being a loner....which sometimes has made me feel there was something "wrong" with me. But it's when I do my most creative work. That's not to say I don't need people. I NEED my family, and I need a cooperative group of peers at work. But I need my alone time...frequently! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Debi]

Hi Kim.......I so understand what you mean and I am glad you took the time that you needed. And look what you have created!! Absolute beauty.

Be well sweet lady.

xxo

Debi

[Melaine]

Challenge...it is how we really grow....how we come out of our comfort zones, how we stretch ourselves.
My vote... ;)

[Linda]

Hello Kim, Glad you were able to find some silence and to know that is what you needed. Sometimes that is the only thing that works! The texture is beautiful.
Linda

[Kathryn Dyche Dechairo]

Kim, I'm a fellow loner and love silence too. Most people don't get it but glad to see I'm not the only one who seeks it out. Beautiful new texture, love it.

[Marcie]

Oh..I'm so with you on the need for silence and the 'loner' thing. I can go days without talking to anyone. And - usually - those are the best ones of all. Enjoy!

[kerrie sanderson]

That teacup with roses is perfection. I am captivated.

[amanda {the habit of being}]

i'm definitely a loner and can never seem to get enough time alone, to immerse myself in the quiet.

love every single one of these photos to bits :)

[photos and tea]

I'm SO with you on the loner thing, Kim! My ideal balance of interaction and me-time is 25/75. :-)

[Dotti]

Kim, I'd tell you I'm right there with you but then I'd be intruding on your alone time! Time for me is ESSENTIAL to my well-being. My daughter is the same way. I love my family and I love my friends, but time for me is what recharges my batteries. keeps me in balance with the rest of the world. And, as you said, nourishes those creativity cells in my brain and heart!

BTW, I love this texture and I love these images! I'm rushing over to PSE now to use it!

Thanks for being you, Kim.

:D)

[Cheryl]

I love everyone of these photo's. This is such a perfect texture and I like the softness of it.
Thanks so much, once again, for sharing with us.

Psst. I also love my quiet. It's a gift I give to myself whenever I can.

[Kate]

So beautiful, Kim. Thanks for your generosity.

[ann]

I'm right there with you on the loner thing. I think I could very easily live alone and only see other people occasionally. Beautiful pictures and I love the new texture.

[Jim]

Kim, I love the way the golden "S" curve on that cup handle acts as a leading line to lead the viewer's eyes right down to the rose buds. Cool!

Silence - Solitude? I believe they definitely have an important place in our soul's gaining a sense of security and rest.

As the third chapter of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes states: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

[kimB]

I am an only child, so am very content to be alone (w/my little dog). I love spending time with my grown kids and my friends, but also enjoy shopping, going to the movies, dining out or going on short road trips by myself.

I also enjoy creating on my own and LOVE your newest texture :) For some odd reason though, I cannot find a link to down load the "Silence" texture :( Maybe I need to reboot my laptop of something...

Thanks again -- kimB from Alaska

ps: like you, I also have times of fixating on old TV shows -- my current addiction is the old Andy Griffith Show :)

[Jim]

P.S. Yes, I think "challenges" to use a specified texture are more fun and even a bit more, ummm - shall we say - "challenging"?

[A Garden of Threads]

Silence is the best way to connect to your inner self. I like to quiet all the mindless brain chatter as well. Stunning photos Kim.

[Jillsy Girl]

I do agree that silence works wonders with me as well. Alone in my thoughts and freedom to create. "Don't bug me" while I'm in one of those sessions. Please! This texture looks yummy. Thanks for creating and allowing us to play with it!

[Jillsy Girl]

BTW...I'm a challenge kinda a gal! ;-)

[Jan]

Kim, these images are just stunning! And the texture.... awesome, of course. Thanks so much for sharing.

The loner thing... yes, sometimes we have to step away for a time... even for a season. But it's good to find our way back... I'm headed into one of those seasons now. I hope it will be as productive for me as it has been for you.

Blessings!

[Barbara]

I love the silence too! It is rare to find silence in my home when family is around. I have to steal the moments when I can.

Love all of your textures. Thanks for sharing so much with all of your readers and fans.

Peace!

[Anita @ GoingalittleCoastal]

This new texture looks beautiful Kim. I can't wait to try it out. I do like being alone at times myself. So you are not alone in you loner status!

[lorraine lewis]

kim these photographs are so beautiful and i LOVE the texture.

i need a good amount of quiet & alone time to function well :-) it's a good thing!

[Rinda]

Beautiful texture! I actually prefer challenges for the Texture Tuesday, but appreciate whatever you do.
Rinda

[Anna]

Kim, I'm part of the loner club also. Time to reflect and work in the studio is a must. This is a totally gorgeous collection of soft, dreamy florals! Love them!

[MarieElizabeth]

I think this will go with a ton of things. Can't wait to try it out.

[Daphne Dukelow]

Thank you for the tribute to Solitude! You have helped to relieve my guilty feelings about wanting to spend so much time alone to read, listen, study and work on photographic matters.

[teri h hoover]

Kim- I just have email ready to send you- and I thought I would put it here too- Because your bit about being a loner was beyond ironic-
I have been really a bad blogging texture lover... I am finally getting around to downloading the textures you have been sending out. I have been immersed in my own thoughts lately. I started an on line writing course and joined a writing forum-Writing Our Way Home- I know what the heck is a photographer getting sucked into writing for-... I am not sure but needless to say it has been a lot of work and a lot of fun. It has helped and consumed my creative energy- BUT I can feel myself more and more comfortable with being me.

Thank you so very much for your wonderful textures...really from the bottom of my digital processing heart-- I cannot believe we are such a group of introverts!! THANK goodness for the internet - xoxo teri
http://terihoover-crystal-iris-images.blogspot.com/

[deb christensen]

after 10 years as an elementary school secretary/nurse/lunch lady- i value every single silent moment i now have! most of the time i don't even need music...just the wind in the trees & the tide on the beach. so you're not alone!
i love texture tuesday, it's great getting to see everyone's work that i wouldn't otherwise get to view...also great to have a goal every week, it's making me take photos that count. (or at least getting closer to them...)
so thank you!
i look forward to taking more classes from you in the fall when i get back from the bay~

[Camelia Danielescu]

You are not alone :)

[helena]

I'd like a challenge 3 weeks out of 4 - it will make me explore more fully than being given a free hand.

Loved seeing what others had done with the same texture

[Chantal]

great set of photos today Kim