amysheltonphotography - Tumblr blog

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“My mother once told me that trauma is like Lord of the Rings. You go through this crazy, life-altering thing that almost kills you (like say having to drop the one ring into Mount Doom), and that thing by definition cannot possibly be understood by someone who hasn’t gone through it. They can sympathize sure, but they’ll never really know, and more than likely they’ll expect you to move on from the thing fairly quickly. And they can’t be blamed, people are just like that, but that’s not how it works. Some lucky people are like Sam. They can go straight home, get married, have a whole bunch of curly headed Hobbit babies and pick up their gardening right where they left off, content to forget the whole thing and live out their days in peace. Lots of people however, are like Frodo, and they don’t come home the same person they were when they left, and everything is more horrible and more hard then it ever was before. The old wounds sting and the ghost of the weight of the one ring still weighs heavy on their minds, and they don’t fit in at home anymore, so they get on boats go sailing away to the Undying West to look for the sort of peace that can only come from within. Frodos can’t cope, and most of us are Frodos when we start out. But if we move past the urge to hide or lash out, my mother always told me, we can become Pippin and Merry. They never ignored what had happened to them, but they were malleable and receptive to change. They became civic leaders and great storytellers; they we able to turn all that fear and anger and grief into narratives that others could delight in and learn from, and they used the skills they had learned in battle to protect their homeland. They were fortified by what had happened to them, they wore it like armor and used it to their advantage. It is our trauma that turns us into guardians, my mother told me, it is suffering that strengthens our skin and softens our hearts, and if we learn to live with the ghosts of what had been done to us, we just may be able to save others from the same fate.”

— S.T.Gibson (via sarahtaylorgibson)

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Today, Security camera clips that make the news usually show bad things, but here, Coke decided to “look at the world a little differently” in this heartwarming viral video. People stealing kisses, harmless soldiers, music addicts, honest pickpockets and potato chip dealers. Love, Attacks of friendship, friendly gangs and kindness. Unexpected firemen, rebels with a cause and peaceful warriors. A lot of crazy people, and a few heroes. 

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Benoit Paillé

[amysheltonphotography]

This photo was taken last year on May 7th, 2020. This week marks one year since the announcement of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic. The past year has been extremely challenging for so many people. Especially those who have been on the front lines. Even though my job isn’t exactly ‘essential’ I’ve never stopped riding the CTA everyday in order to work. I’ve armed myself with dish washing gloves, an N95 facemask, excessive hand sanitizing, washing my clothes/showering immediately when I arrived home. For me personally, I can’t even remember how many days I got home but just needed to cry to release some of the emotions. I watched and observed the flow of traffic from a fully crowded city to panic and empty streets. Then months later; I saw packed train cars. I’ve politely asked people to wear masks. Most people were kind, but I can’t say I didn’t get cussed out a few times in the process. I’ve handed out over 100+ cloth masks to people who didn’t have them. Thanks to donations from my local community group, coworkers, and friends. I’m happy to say that it’s much more rare to see people without masks nowadays; Especially since the laws for transit now require them to be worn and worn correctly. But I can’t say it hasn’t been hard. I miss my family. I miss seeing my niece, my grandma, my aunt, my cousins, and all my friends, especially those that are at higher risk. I don’t want to put any of them at risk until I’m fully vaccinated. Due to health concerns, I’m finally on the list to get vaccinated this month. A year ago, I didn’t know if that would be possible. This year has been a crazy journey and it’s not even close to over. But my hope is that with enough vaccinations we might be able to enjoy some tiny moments of togetherness again. #covidanniversary #ᴠᴀᴄᴄɪɴᴇssᴀᴠᴇʟɪᴠᴇs #covidvacccine #covid_19 #chicago #chicagophotographer #spring #springinchicago #may2020 #2020 (at Magnificent Mile, Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMa30CGl9PF/?igshid=1i2tay6obd95f

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These photos are from protests in Chicago held yesterday in solidarity with the farmers protesting in India. Farmers in India are trying to protect their livelihood. Three laws were passed by India’s parliament that essentially allows big businesses to squash small farmers profits by removing previous regulations that protected them. There is a link in my bio to sign a petition to protect the farmers. Please sign it and forward it to others. #savepunjabifarmers #tractor2twitter #chicago #protest (at Daley Plaza Downtown Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKkAh0MlWaT/?igshid=pq7fhs38cgns

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I went on a walk though my neighborhood and landed on the moon

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“Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare "This is Major Tom to Ground Control I'm stepping through the door And I'm floating in a most peculiar way And the stars look very different today For here Am I sitting in a tin can Far above the world Planet Earth is blue” - David Bowie #photographer #moon #blackandwhite #thisweekinphotos #logansquare #chicagophotographer #purplewindowgallery #nonbinaryartist (at Logan Square) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKal7JWltC5/?igshid=11xhpe8cokf00

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Started from a sprout 🌱 , now we’re here! 🌿 Even if this was the only thing I was proud of this year, it would still be an accomplishment. I thought this plant was dead in July. Then, I tried something new. I let it’s remains soak in water. When it was ready, I planted it again. I planted it on July 3rd. The next day my heart was broken. Getting through that breakup was incredibly difficult. I have a lot of friends and family members I’m grateful to for their support during this year. Since then, I moved to a new apartment. I hung new art on my walls. I created a beautiful space. Plus, despite this rough year for mental health, I somehow managed to keep this little friend alive. Bonus: it’s growing a little baby sprout too. I’m trying to remind myself that’s starting over is okay. I need to be patient with myself, believe in my potential, and allow myself room to grow. #houseplants #startingover https://www.instagram.com/p/CJUR_GwhbaI/?igshid=1fe4rrhonl00r

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Happy Holidays! This year, I’ve started to actually enjoy making pictures again. The stress of editing photos for enjoyment sometimes keeps me from even making a photograph because it feels like work. This year, I’m planning on allowing myself to just have fun making things again. Thanks to @skiistace for getting me out on a walk to see some Xmas lights. (at Logan Square) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJGvYXQlJ9j/?igshid=13c7e133jbmxa

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Duck, Duck, Goose. #mallard #goose #wooduck #photographer #illinois #humboltpark #birdstagram #🦆 (at Humboldt Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHtjyaqFNNx/?igshid=10ud41pgq9uk9

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Sparrow Silouette from #photosfromthefield #chicago #illinois #sparrows #birdstagram #chicagophotographer #leadinglines #composition (at Cermak–Chinatown station) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHthPmjl8nt/?igshid=egi80ynqmzfx

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6:15 PM November 2nd, 2020 Outside Chicago's Loop Super Site Early Voting Location (at 191 N. Clark St.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHHG44olSyC/?igshid=nszbflndygj8

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Luke Gilford spent four years immersing himself in LGBTQ+ rodeo culture – and discovered a world where steer-roping meets lip-sync battles and camp glamour

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Just revived this beautiful work from @lauren.ike with @purplewindowgallery ‘s #HelloUSPS project! I’m excited to my walls this week. I’ll be sending out a few cards this week as well! 💜💌📫 #buystamps #savetheusps #makeart #spreadjoy (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGynZ1LFMWi/?igshid=1eihkyuvsz3hw

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🌈 Seen at the Highland Park Metra Station from #PhotosFromTheField #🌈 #nonbinaryartist #chicagophotographer (at Metra) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGoHVZalcL3/?igshid=1t2i550npjznz

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Swipe right for an up close look at a neighborhood lookout. Seen during a walk with a friend May 24th, 2020 #catsofinstagram #chicagophotographer #avondalechicago (at Avondale) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGivbXJls2A/?igshid=10vulmlljof5i

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Current view from my window #sunset #home #viewfrommywindow (at Logan Square) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdQesaFnXO/?igshid=13qlf9ll8ckz1