A Fond Farewell

We've all heard of the proverbial "pain in the neck."  Well, for the longest time, I've been waking up with a cricked neck which has usually resolved itself after a few days.  But not this time.  Unrelenting pain (like tooth ache) in my upper back and shoulder forced me to seek help.  Turns out I've been suffering from trapped nerves in my neck, referring quite severe pain into my upper back and shoulder.  I'm spending a small fortune on chiropractor fees and have been forced off screens for a time while the slow process of treatment and healing takes effect.  My usual sleeping position has been out of the question (side sleeping only) and consequently, sleep has been scarce.  My work station certainly needs a bit of an overhaul and I'm currently searching for a stylish ergonomic office chair.  Lack of support on this front and the repetitive motions of hand on mouse have, I suspect, played a big part in this.

My time away has forced me to pause and reflect and it's made me realise just how much time I'm sat in front of a screen and how that time could be better spent.  I've concluded it's just not healthy; physically, mentally...in fact every "ally" you can think of.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that screen time is unavoidable, but given that my working life requires hours of it every week; preparing for jobs, uploading and editing photos, updating my website and other advertising platforms, posting reviews, organising and archiving photos, maintaining my social media accounts etc, something's got to give.  Modern life is ruled by apps, from banking to buying.  Literally every aspect of life is driving us towards these nefarious glowing rectangles crowded with influencers and opinions.  I've long admired those free thinkers who've eschewed social media altogether.  I'm betting they are happier.  It can be all consuming.  Even the teen in our household has accused me of being addicted to my phone.  I've found I'm reading fewer books and increasingly surrendering to the lure of the internet; losing too much precious free time scrolling on Vinted, watching videos and reading online articles.  Sadly this includes Blogland.  I've decided to give myself some tough love and stop.  I need a distinction between work and pleasure and for me to maintain a healthy balance, neck and mental attitude, screen time should be confined as much as possible to the former.

It's given me more time to get outside, like yesterday lunchtime, when I took a solo hike up the steepest of hills with just the sheep for company and the most glorious panoramic views.

I'm my own boss, flexible and do have some time to spare, but I can be like Alice falling down a rabbit hole when confronted by a screen.  They're addictive...that steady drip, drip, drip of dopamine.  

But the feel good hits are short lived.  Scenes like this leave a more lasting impression.

I now have some wall space in Archie's Attic and have been busy creating a small picture gallery using pre-loved and vintage frames (work in progress).  Guided photo walks are potentially in the pipeline too, an idea I'm kicking around.

As for my fashion finds, I've been gradually overhauling my wardrobe, which this winter has been interspersed with some funky knits, a couple of pairs of trousers including a punky red tartan pair (to be worn with a military style blazer) and some lovely 40s inspired wool rich trousers (inspired by Kiera Knightley's Black Doves wardrobe) which provide the perfect companion for my preppy loafers.  I've also scored a killer dress worn by Hollywood types for the 5 seconds of spring/summer we're likely to be rewarded with.

I will still be blogging occasionally, but, as I've hinted at before, I'll be using a different blogging platform linked to my website (assuming is remains reliable) and focusing on my photography output/work.  This will be shared to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WinterPeachPhotography/  

As a visual person, much of my work and some of my life will be shared on Instagram here: Claire Evans (@winterpeachphotography) • Instagram photos and videos  I like the immediacy of Instagram.  A picture can say 1,000 words.

This decision has by no means been an easy one and I have really valued the interaction I have had with members of this community and I truly hope that the contact will continue in some shape or form.  I'm even hoping I will meet some of you in person one day.  But in 2025 I'm all about real time interactions, face to face contact and life outside of the virtual world!  That's the aim anyway. xxx