daydreaming

They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.-Edgar Allan Poe


Monday January 19th marked a 200th day of my photo posts for this blog.

This quote struck me that those “who dream by day are cognizant of many things”, when I used to think about this project in my dreams it was a much different dream. It was one of just pretty visions that pass by my eyes on a daily basis. But I have become aware that is has become so much more as I live this dream each day.

My awareness about how much discipline and effort it takes has surprised me, how you have to remain committed to your vision, your promise, your dreams. How you have to be accountable to the pledge you make to yourself to stick to your idea. That if you really want something, I mean really, really want something, it is possible but it may not come easy or without effort. The effort is worth the reward.

In my very first trip to Eiffel Tower, I took the stairs, because I believed that if I were to take each step one at a time, it would make the view so much sweeter once I got to my vantage point. Anyone can take the elevator to see the view, but when you have to exert effort in the climb, it is then that you truly can take in the view, because you have also taken in so much on the journey.

I am a daydreamer, this is a great dream.

-Monique Jervan-Chilton

learning

Big Box View 01.09.09


Spider Web 01.08.09


Old Gate 01.07.09


Dusk 01.06.09


View below my window 01.05.09


Boats in the window 01.04.09


Woodstock on the belly 01.03.09


Just a little something I ran across that I thought was worth sharing.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many years you have lived.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care about most in life are sometimes taken from you too soon.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of me, this project and this journey. If you have been lurking around checking out the site, please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

-Monique Jervan-Chilton

219.0-216.0

everything that’s worth having

Avenue Traffic 01.02.09


Beach Ride 01.01.09


Foggy Morning 12.31.08


Lilly 12.30.08


New Doggie Nelly 12.29.08


San Francisco 12.28.08


Touchdown 12.27.08

I am not sure I ever thought this would actually happen, call me part pessimistic and part realistic (meaning I know myself pretty well at times).

Yesterday marked my 183 day of this project. That means I have taken one photo each day for the past 6 months. I am proud to say I have not missed a single day.

Sometimes that has meant carrying around a lot of cameras to a lot of places I would not normally be walking around with a camera. But I am holding close to my promise and learning a lot in the process about myself.

When I realized I was approaching this 6 month mark, I began to reflect a little on the past 6 months, where I have been, what I have seen and then I started to think about the things my friends and family have experienced during the past year, things not caught on film but examples that have allowed me to marvel at their strength, their grace, and their faith. Some of those journeys have taken them to the depths of some very low emotions, but all the while they where able to remain true to themselves and were able to overcome them by reliance on an inner strength. They not only lead by the example of staying true to oneself, but they taught those around them what beautiful really means.

To them I dedicate this post and the words of the song below signify the example they have been to me. Like the song says, "Down and out is overrated, And I need to be elevated, Looking up is not enough, no I would rather rise above!"



This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle
I've seen high, I've seen low

So loud, the voices over my doubts
Telling me to give up
To pack up, leave town

Even so I had to believe
Impossible means nothing to me

So can you lift me up?
Turn the ashes into flames
And I have overcome
More than words will ever say

I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come when the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun

Somewhere, every body starts there
I'm counting on a small prayer
Lost in a nightmare

But I'm here, and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It’s hard for me to outrun my fears

But everything that’s worth having
Comes with trials worth withstanding

So can you lift me up?
Turn the ashes into flames
I have overcome
More than words will ever say

And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come when the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun

Oh lift me up Oh lift me up
Oh lift me up Oh lift me up
Down and out is overrated
And I need to be elevated
Looking up is not enough, no
I would rather rise above, oh,oh,oh

Can you lift me up?
Turn the ashes into flames
and I have overcome
More than words can ever say

I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come when the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Oh, just begun

- Kate Voegele “Lift Me Up”

Monique Jervan-Chilton

PS-Can you tell I went to the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco? 3rd row seats, I could not resist taking a few shots. Go Bears!