Oh Sara, this post makes me want to just give you the biggest hug. I've wondered why you weren't sharing on IG anymore, especially since I knew from being here that you're still creating. I figured it was the same Instagram-burnout that so many of us have felt lately. Your reason here is so much more vulnerable though and I'm sure it was hard to face/put into words. As someone who takes a lot of comfort in my home, my heart grieves for you that some of that refuge has been taken away.
I haven't experienced chronic illness, so I won't presume to give you advice. I'll just say, though you feel like your life has gotten smaller, there is still an expansiveness in your work and creative voice. I can see it in these photos, that taking of a small moment and turning it into something beautiful, something larger. A memory worth keeping. If I remember correctly, that was part of your original photography journey, right? Living somewhere you didn't love and seeking out those small pockets of beauty? Maybe that's something you can return to during this season ♥ sending you so much love
Welcome to your 40’s it’s a great time of our lives to explore and reflect what we really want and need.
I can totally relate to having a fatigue related illness and how our world becomes smaller as we prioritise where to spend our limited energy. 🤍
I loved seeing your photos and it reminds me that we can use Substack in this way. Instagram makes me feel blocked as it’s changed so much. I am inspired to share more of my photos and art here now in this beautiful community.
Welcome to your forties. There's so much light threaded through this decade. Sometimes I have to work a little harder or go a little deeper to capture it, but it's certainly there. Thanks for sharing some a beautiful post (also skincare tips which currently obsessed by).
I promise that tomorrow I will take a couple of pics of the light here in South Australia. We are expecting a couple more days of heat before a reprieve with a few days of ‘expected showers’......time will tell.
I adored this piece & felt like I got to know you (I am new here) & that’s rather sweet.
Such a beautiful post, Sara. I have really missed your presence and your eye on the gram, where I stubbornly hang out, pretending it's 2015. Which isn't an attempt at emotional blackmail, just to say that at least one muppet (and surely many less muppety folk) really appreciates your visual creativity shown through that domestic space and the surrounding landscape. Also *whispers* FIFTH decade *runs away followed by flying saucepan lid*
I LOVED the photos. It makes me miss the old Instagram alot more. I find Threads to be a lot like the old instagram. Even though it started as a text app, my feed is filled with lovely photographs. I hope reels and videos don't arrive on Threads soon enough to kill this old instagram in a new look.
PS: Happy birthday. I hope the home feels joyful and less like a prison soon. May there always be light for you
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful post, I love stepping into these moments and reflecting on my own life with you. Age brings fresh wisdom and presentness that I wasn't able to hold dear in my past as I near 50 I delight in life now and how I can bring magic to my life for each and everyday that still exists x
Happy (belated) Birthday, Sara! This post was delightful. I love the way you see the world. You have a way of pulling magic straight out of the ordinary and it blesses me every time I see it. Always has. I too know what its like to have shame from things going on with my health (fellow chronic illness person here) and personal life that keep me from posting on Instagram. It's a weird place to be. Why does Substack feel 'safer' for some reason? I don't know. Also, it's sweet to know your daughter likes Billie Eilish as much as I do. That's who inspired my Great Dane's name. Thank you for always showing up as your authentic self. That takes courage too and I'm grateful for it. ❤️
What a beautifull post, I enjoyed reading it slowly, appreciated each photo and caption, while sipping a cup of tea. Instead of scrolling mindlessy on instagram. What a nice experience. ^^ Also felt a lot feelings when you spoke about your daughter (because I have a 6month old baby girl) <3 Whishing you all the best for this new decade.
What a beautiful post. It is doing what you've taught us all to do: finding the little, beautiful things to share from our lives, wherever we find ourselves. But I can relate to the reluctance to share life when it feels too small - though from a little too much solitude rather than illness. A lovely moment today has been our co-writing call, with my cat settled on my lap and keeping me warm as I wrote.
This is such a beautiful post, and I love seeing the photos and reading the captions here rather than on Instagram. I’m sending you big hugs for the darker months, I’ve been looking for the light glimmers too. Xx
I enjoyed this post so much Sara! I love seeing your photos and feel a peace in seeing the beautiful,simple moments. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday!
Hi dear Sara and congratulations on your birthday!
Thrilled to stumble into your work here on Substack as I interview you for our podcast (Charles and Elin) several years back. Before kids back, haha! Sadly the podcast isn’t running anymore as it was simply too difficult to keep up with it having littles at home (in other words, never quiet...)
It was fascinating to read your take on why you don’t post to Instagram anymore - even myself have hardly posted for the past three years.
Though I pray for your health to get better I also wonder if reduced posting can be a result of the shifting seasons - not just weather - but seasons of life. One thing that takes up so much space in one season will almost completely fade away in another. And while you’re in one it’s hard to see the end but somehow there’s beauty in that too...
Such a beautiful post, love your photos and words ❤️
Oh Sara, this post makes me want to just give you the biggest hug. I've wondered why you weren't sharing on IG anymore, especially since I knew from being here that you're still creating. I figured it was the same Instagram-burnout that so many of us have felt lately. Your reason here is so much more vulnerable though and I'm sure it was hard to face/put into words. As someone who takes a lot of comfort in my home, my heart grieves for you that some of that refuge has been taken away.
I haven't experienced chronic illness, so I won't presume to give you advice. I'll just say, though you feel like your life has gotten smaller, there is still an expansiveness in your work and creative voice. I can see it in these photos, that taking of a small moment and turning it into something beautiful, something larger. A memory worth keeping. If I remember correctly, that was part of your original photography journey, right? Living somewhere you didn't love and seeking out those small pockets of beauty? Maybe that's something you can return to during this season ♥ sending you so much love
Welcome to your 40’s it’s a great time of our lives to explore and reflect what we really want and need.
I can totally relate to having a fatigue related illness and how our world becomes smaller as we prioritise where to spend our limited energy. 🤍
I loved seeing your photos and it reminds me that we can use Substack in this way. Instagram makes me feel blocked as it’s changed so much. I am inspired to share more of my photos and art here now in this beautiful community.
Xox
Welcome to your forties. There's so much light threaded through this decade. Sometimes I have to work a little harder or go a little deeper to capture it, but it's certainly there. Thanks for sharing some a beautiful post (also skincare tips which currently obsessed by).
I promise that tomorrow I will take a couple of pics of the light here in South Australia. We are expecting a couple more days of heat before a reprieve with a few days of ‘expected showers’......time will tell.
I adored this piece & felt like I got to know you (I am new here) & that’s rather sweet.
Thank you 🙏🏻
This is gorgeous, Sara. Such a lovely pivot and perfect way to share in a new way xoxo
Such a beautiful post, Sara. I have really missed your presence and your eye on the gram, where I stubbornly hang out, pretending it's 2015. Which isn't an attempt at emotional blackmail, just to say that at least one muppet (and surely many less muppety folk) really appreciates your visual creativity shown through that domestic space and the surrounding landscape. Also *whispers* FIFTH decade *runs away followed by flying saucepan lid*
I LOVED the photos. It makes me miss the old Instagram alot more. I find Threads to be a lot like the old instagram. Even though it started as a text app, my feed is filled with lovely photographs. I hope reels and videos don't arrive on Threads soon enough to kill this old instagram in a new look.
PS: Happy birthday. I hope the home feels joyful and less like a prison soon. May there always be light for you
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful post, I love stepping into these moments and reflecting on my own life with you. Age brings fresh wisdom and presentness that I wasn't able to hold dear in my past as I near 50 I delight in life now and how I can bring magic to my life for each and everyday that still exists x
Happy (belated) Birthday, Sara! This post was delightful. I love the way you see the world. You have a way of pulling magic straight out of the ordinary and it blesses me every time I see it. Always has. I too know what its like to have shame from things going on with my health (fellow chronic illness person here) and personal life that keep me from posting on Instagram. It's a weird place to be. Why does Substack feel 'safer' for some reason? I don't know. Also, it's sweet to know your daughter likes Billie Eilish as much as I do. That's who inspired my Great Dane's name. Thank you for always showing up as your authentic self. That takes courage too and I'm grateful for it. ❤️
What a beautifull post, I enjoyed reading it slowly, appreciated each photo and caption, while sipping a cup of tea. Instead of scrolling mindlessy on instagram. What a nice experience. ^^ Also felt a lot feelings when you spoke about your daughter (because I have a 6month old baby girl) <3 Whishing you all the best for this new decade.
What a beautiful post. It is doing what you've taught us all to do: finding the little, beautiful things to share from our lives, wherever we find ourselves. But I can relate to the reluctance to share life when it feels too small - though from a little too much solitude rather than illness. A lovely moment today has been our co-writing call, with my cat settled on my lap and keeping me warm as I wrote.
This is such a beautiful post, and I love seeing the photos and reading the captions here rather than on Instagram. I’m sending you big hugs for the darker months, I’ve been looking for the light glimmers too. Xx
Oh and I turned 40 this year too. My mind still boggles that I’m this age! X
I enjoyed this post so much Sara! I love seeing your photos and feel a peace in seeing the beautiful,simple moments. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday!
Hi dear Sara and congratulations on your birthday!
Thrilled to stumble into your work here on Substack as I interview you for our podcast (Charles and Elin) several years back. Before kids back, haha! Sadly the podcast isn’t running anymore as it was simply too difficult to keep up with it having littles at home (in other words, never quiet...)
It was fascinating to read your take on why you don’t post to Instagram anymore - even myself have hardly posted for the past three years.
Though I pray for your health to get better I also wonder if reduced posting can be a result of the shifting seasons - not just weather - but seasons of life. One thing that takes up so much space in one season will almost completely fade away in another. And while you’re in one it’s hard to see the end but somehow there’s beauty in that too...
All the best, Elin Petronella xx
This is lovely--both the photographs, and the thoughts about Instagram. Thank you for sharing!