Without warning, I’ve been thrust into a new chapter of my life.
Only four months have passed since my idyllic weekend on the Isle of Raasay. Yet, it feels like a lifetime ago. At the time of my last post, I was happily cruising along, unaware of any major obstacles on the horizon. They say that bad luck comes in threes. I was clobbered with a triple whammy when, in the five weeks leading up to my wedding in May, I was unexpectedly made redundant from my day job of nearly nine years; I suddenly lost my granny, the last of my beloved grandparents; and I was devastated when my dad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
Charles R. Swindoll
Growing stronger
With the passing of time, I’ve had space to reflect on what’s happened and set a new course for myself. In times like these, you can either sink or swim. In my mind, once you’ve plumbed the depths and come face-to-face with some of your deepest fears, the only way is upwards, towards the sunlight.
These events are outwith my control. Neither the future that I had mapped out in my mind nor the alternative future that I have come to fear have been written yet. Each day, as my dad’s body fights back and the tumour shrinks a little further in response to treatment, I too can feel myself growing stronger. The most important thing I can do is focus on the here and now in the most constructive way I can, and let life unfold day by day.
My day job provided me with a routine, security, some great colleagues and a disposable income for many years. My lifestyle was very comfortable and I guess that’s why I wasn’t in a hurry to change it. Being laid off has given me the push I needed to steer my photography out of the sidelines and drive forwards with the business on a full-time basis. I’m genuinely excited about the road ahead. Life is too short and fragile not to embrace my true passion and see where it takes me.
Exciting opportunities
It’s gotten off to a flying start with some exciting opportunities on the near horizon and a raft of ideas to develop over the coming months. I’ve launched my new wedding photography website and am delighted to be taking bookings.
I’ll also be announcing details of upcoming landscape photography workshop tours before the end of the summer. These will be suited to beginners and more experienced photographers alike, whether you’re shooting with a mobile phone, compact camera or DSLR.
Long distance walking
Before the upheaval in spring, I’d promised myself another long distance walk this year. As much as I enjoyed walking the Fife Coastal Path in 2014, I’ve decided to follow my own route instead of another of Scotland’s Great Trails this time around. My plan is to walk the ~55 miles around the perimeter of the Black Isle; the Highland peninsula which I’ve called home since 2013.
Escapism, inspiration and fundraising
It will provide me with an opportunity to escape from my desk from time to time and engage in the outdoors. I’ll also scope out some new locations for my Black Isle photography portfolio. However, most importantly, it will give me the chance to undertake some fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, a very deserving cause which is close to my heart. My parents have always loved coastal walking and they will be in my thoughts every step of the way.Â
Thanks for following my journey and, if you’re a first time visitor, don’t forget to subscribe in order to receive future posts, join me on social media or leave a reply.
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Life’s journey can send us on many unplanned roads. I wish you every success with your new venture, and I hope your father’s health continues to improve.
Thank you! Apologies for the delay in replying; I’ve been holding off for good news which arrived yesterday. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. The new venture is going well so far and I’m excited about the future. I hope you’re well. Best wishes, Karen.
That is good news:)
What a challenging time you’ve had, but you obviously rise to challenges. As does you father – may that healing path continue. Losing your job seems to have liberated you into adventurous thinking: the photography tours particularly tickle my fancy. Congratulations on your marriage too – what a tumultuous time to be married in. You look stunning.
Thank you Meg. Apologies for the long delay in replying – I wanted to wait and pass on good news. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. As time goes by, I see the redundancy as a blessing in disguise and I’m excited about what lies ahead. I will be busy planning the workshops over the coming weeks! I hope you’re well.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough time, yet pleased that you have been able to find strength and grow from these experiences. Congratulations on your marriage, and on your new venture. And best wishes to your dad in his recovery.
Thank you Su, and apologies for the slow reply – I wanted to wait and pass on good news. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Married life is great and the new venture is going well so far. I hope you’re well.
Karen I am so glad to hear your good news. I hope your dad health continues to improve and that you and your whole family are well and thriving.
Our heart feels for your series of unfortunate occurrences and know that God is with as you also know. We wish you well as you move forward.
Thanks very much for your kind words. Apologies for the slow reply – I wanted to wait and pass on good news. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Life is much better now than it was a few months ago. I hope you’re well. Best wishes, Karen.
Karen this is such wonderful news. What a blessing!!!!! Life is always about the journey and he is continuing to move forward on his as we are all moving on ours. He is a testimony for us all in perseverance!!!!
Dear Karen,
You have experienced far more in a short period of time than many people experience over the course of 10 years. The resolve in this post shimmers as do your lovely photographs. Your business will thrive, I predict.
Your father looks like a strong man. I hope and pray that his health continues to improve, that he beats his cancer, that you all emerge from this trauma stronger and more resilient individuals. And so sorry about your granny…
I am an oil painter and am tempted to try to paint your lovely picture of Castle Craig with the hay coils…
We had a barn owl and mate finally inhabit our owl box in our olive orchard. What a thrill! I am an unsophisticated photographer and was able to only get one good photo!
If I lived closer or near the UK, I would definitely come take your course.
Thank you Cheri! Apologies for the delay in replying. I think I’ve been waiting in order to pass on good news, which arrived yesterday. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Life is much better now than it was a few months ago and the little things in life mean even more than they did before. I’m a touch envious of your barn owls as they are among my favourite birds; I would love to photograph them! Best wishes, Karen.
Wonderful heart-warming news from Scotland!! Made my day, really.
The barn owls are loud and late in season. I love their mini-screeches and clicking. Last night I sat over in the orchard until past dusk. I need a moon! I wish you were closer and could come over and show me how to photograph them. Best wishes and hello to your father. I’ve been holding healing thoughts from across the pond!
Thanks Cheri, that’s lovely. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll manage to get together with our cameras!
Wouldn’t that be a kick. We want to come back to Scotland and see our friends in Croydon, so you never know. I’d have a lot to learn from you.
Wishing you all the best in your new ventures and hoping for the best outcome for your father. Life is tough but you seem to be facing it head on. Macmillan is a great cause.
Hi Anabel. Thank you so much for your kind words and generous donation; that was incredibly thoughtful of you. Apologies for the delay in replying; I think I’ve been holding off in order to pass on good news, which finally arrived yesterday. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Life is much better than it was a few months ago. I’m looking forward to doing the walk, probably in spring by which point I should have more time on my hands so that I can relax and enjoy it. Macmillan means a lot to me as they cared for my grandad in his final weeks in 2015. I hope you’re well and I’m looking forward to catching up on your blog. Best wishes, Karen.
That’s excellent news, I’m so glad to hear it. My best wishes to you all.
Hi Karen,
I remember when I was going through a particularly tough time a few years ago, my mother’s words ‘you will get through this’ became almost like a mantra to me…and I did. I do so believe that you will be so much better off in your own business..sure it’s tough and can be lonely at times, but at least you are working for you and doing something which will ultimately feed your soul as well as (hopefully) your bank balance…Wishing you and your father all the best.
Hi Michael. Thanks very much for your kind words and apologies for the delayed response; I think I’ve been holding off in order to pass on good news, which finally arrived yesterday. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Life is much better than it was a few months ago. My mantra this past while has been ‘it’s getting better all the time’, from The Beatles’ ‘Sgt Pepper’! I couldn’t agree more – I’m mainly living off my redundancy payout at the moment but I’m hopeful that will change over the coming months and my soul is definitely nourished. I hope you’re well and I look forward to catching up on your blog. Best wishes, Karen.
Wow, Karen, life has been coming it you fast and furious. As far as losing your job is concerned – when one door closes, another opens. So it seems that you are finding other opportunities. When you mentioned your planned walk around the island – after you do that, would you consider leading a small tour of people who want to do the same? I just joined a small group tour for a guided week on the Camino in Spain next year. I know a lot of people love the idea of walking and exploring – especially when someone else takes care of the logistics. Perhaps another income opportunity?
my best wishes to your dad and your family as you accompany him in his struggle through his illness.
Thank you Annette. Apologies for the delayed response; I think I’ve been holding off in order to pass on good news, which finally arrived yesterday. The chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour to 1% of its original size and my dad’s treatment is now complete! He still has a journey ahead of him but his health is continuing to improve every day. Life is much better than it was a few months ago. As for the redundancy, I’m more and more seeing it as an opportunity. I like your idea and will give it some consideration. For now, I’m focusing on landscape photography workshops in the locations where I’ve spent a lot of time photographing over the past few years. I hope you’re well and I look forward to catching up on your blog. Best wishes, Karen.
That is wonderful news, Karen! I hope your Dad will continue to improve and regain his full health.
I know you’ll keep us updated on your endeavors – best wishes.