creative process, lisa lillibridge, south dakota, identity, vermont, midlife, psychology, creativity, south dakota photographyLISA LILLIBRIDGE

August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time. —Sylvia Plath/author

Stumbling upon this quote from notoriously depressive author Sylvia Plath seems almost eerily on target for my late summer vibe.

Looking back I can trace a lot of unique choices and unusual behaviors to the odd and uneven August(s) throughout my life. I impulsively changed colleges last minute, transferred a year later (even though things were going well), and later quit graduate school all in August without consulting anyone.

I wondered if what I’m drawn to photograph in August could offer some clues into my late summer state of mind.

MYSTERY: A few days ago I saw these coyote tracks and alongside those of a small foot. I followed the tracks as the sun rose over Cape Cod Bay…my imagination thoroughly sparked.

Is there a WILD CHILD running with the coyotes on TOWN NECK BEACH?

You have a coyote inside you, and you have to get it out.  —Chuck Jones/animator

SHELTER FROM THE SUN:

A SMALL ACT OF AUGUST REVOLUTION:

Last week I watched this young girl on vacation with her family walk up and down the beach with seaweed on her head. They didn’t notice for a long time and she was annoyed. This seems like an August vibe to me.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY:

RANDOM SPARK & MUSE:

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:

DISTRACTION:

I looked at this art for the week while I stitched, other folks did too, funny how the brain fills in what isn’t there. I’m working on a new version now…oh, the odd uneven time of August.

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance, and none can say while some fields will blossom and others lay brown beneath the August sun. —Ken Nerburn

How will things turn out for Florence and Ben Blair?

Here’s where we left off in ACT I…

“Ben, forgive me. I’ve hurt you. I can’t say I love you.”

ACT II

Florence and her family left the ranch for the New York City culture and society. When Ben shows up, Florence is tormented by what is expected of her and confused by her stormy emotions.

Ben threatens Florence’s fiance, Sidwell. Unaware of what’s currently transpiring, her mind wanders to the ranch in Montana, Ben, and their childhood.

ACT III

“I want to forget Ben Blair was ever part of my life.

He overwhelms me like sleep when I’m tired. I’m helpless.”

Ben Blair, “Florence Baker, I love you. In all I’m going to say, bear this in mind; don’t forget for a moment. To me, you will always be the one woman on earth. Why haven’t I told you this before, I don’t know, but now I’m as sure as that I’m looking at you that it is so.”