double exposures
I watch him. With his get ‘er done attitude. The way he gets stuck in. The way he says an emphatic YES! to everything. He’s always up for it — a laugh, a dose of culture, another drink, a good chin wag, an adventure. He doesn’t resist. He goes with the flow, no matter how strong the current or how choppy the waters. He swims along, arms flapping, smile on his face. Like an otter. A really adorable otter than you can’t help but love. And he doesn’t complain. He never complains. He always finds something good and fun in everything. “Well, at least it’s not raining”, he’ll say. Or “The good news is, we’re together.” Or “It’ll be fun!” I’m not going to lie to you, it’s a bit of contentious issue (surely, certain things are meant to be taken seriously?). But, truth be told, I am in awe of him.
This whole time I thought I was the adventurous one but it turns out, I’m the quiet one, the introvert, the dreamer, the reader, the “let’s stay in bed another half hour”, the one who seeks out a cave to digest all that she’s gathered. I am the emotional one, the planner, the over thinker, the worrier, the one that needs her hand held under the table.
I forget sometimes that we have only just started dating, in the grand scheme of things. We just happen to have wedding rings on our fingers. I forget that we are not the same person. I forget to honor and celebrate or, at the very least, accept those differences (in him and in myself). We are like these photos. Double exposed*. We are not picture perfect. We are superimposed and flawed at the edges. I am Montreal, he is London and we are a thousand and one things in between. I forget that we are only just getting to know each other. And ourselves, for that matter. Sometimes, it’s not until someone holds a mirror up to your face that you actually see yourself. And it’s so easy to want to run away from it all. In fear. In shame.
And maybe that’s what love is. To be vulnerable, to open oneself wide open to judgment and to have the other person say “It’s ok. I love you anyways. I’ll help you through this part.” And then to be strong enough to let them.
*OK. So how awesome are these double exposures by the way? A little collaboration between yours truly and Miss Wise. I shot the first series in Montreal, shipped the roll of film to her, then she shot over it in London. Parfait, oui? She explains the whole thing here. I am so giddy with the surprising results and the serendipity of some of these shots and I can’t wait to play with her again.
wonderingsandwanderings.com 
Wow, the results are spectacular. And your words are so perfect. ♥♥
I have been reading an interview Brene Brown did with Dumbo Feather magazine (<– check this mag out, I think you will *love* it) which talks about vulnerability and the allowing of it all to be one of the most courageous things we can do. And I agree with her (and you). To open ourselves up to vulnerability and then letting someone help us through all the scary bits is sometimes hard, but always, ALWAYS worth it.
I love you. And him. Him mostly because he loves you, but also because he is quite awesome (but geez for the love of god woman don’t tell him I said that… we’ll never hear the end of it!)
I’m pretty sure you’re brilliant. I’m wishing for the fabric of the world to open up just enough to provide you with the work that utilizes your creative and uniquely fabulous way of seeing and expressing. Those of us who have found your blog are all the richer for your expressive abilities. Thank you for a provocative start to my day as I now move off to contemplate the double exposures of my own marriage………………..
stellar. love seeing your heart (again) and am in awe of your photo project. yummy!
popping in from leonie’s…love this collaboration you two have dreamed up!
Oh my goodness. These photographs are amazing. What an incredible idea!
These photos are awesome! And your words? Spot on and brilliant. xoxo
And then to be strong enough to let them…yes yes yes. That is the magic and the secret. This is beautiful: the words especially, though the photos are stunning.
that rocks just perfectly
oh my. jeanine, your words resonate. they could be my own poured straight from my head. the secrets i never tell anyone. (and it makes me feel less alone reading this here now.) and your boy sounds a lot like my boy, the happy otter. his lightness carries me more than i’d like to admit. and these photos? so so lovely.