I have been thinking for a while about what to call the kind of flower photography I’ve undertaken, and the last week or so has given me a name:
I’m calling the photos “Calla art,” a mix of Macro photography and abstract art.
This will remind me of lessons learned.
Last week, someone accused me of disrespecting my flowers because I spelled their name wrong. This is my response.
I’m calling it Calla art not because it’s all about Calla Lilies but because it has greater meaning for me. I want to honor the good and kind people who rushed to support me and helped me see the light.
Last week’s Calla art squabbles sent me a transformative message; they did me good.
First, I need to accept my Dyslexia, acknowledge it, and be proud of it. I was told I could never have a blog, but I have a big and successful one. I never listen to people who tell me what I can’t do.
Secondly, CallaGate was a message to the haters, correctors, and self-righteous and troubled people who attack other people that they will not succeed in their efforts to hurt and damage people. You have made me stronger and much more self-aware.
These people seem to be vultures and vampires, but in fact, they are just messed up people. They are deserving of empathy when forgiveness is not possible.
The real emotional challenge is to ignore the haters, not fight with them, enable them, or reward them for cruelty. My real shame was in listening to them at all.
Arguing with people who send hateful messages and taking it seriously is a total waste of time.
That is not good for me or anyone else. Thanks to my Calla Lilies, I get it now. I’m the one who has to change. The Callas will be symbols of that.
My Calla Art will remind me that Dyslexia is no reason for shame. My flower photos are a divine gift, and I will keep at it. The most meaningful tonic for cruelty is to ignore it, take a deep breath, meditate, go for a walk, and then walk away. It is as simple as that. Indifference is the tonic that defeats heaters like the sun forces Dracula into the coffin.
Calling these photos Calla in memory of this revelation will not only prevent me from misspelling the name of this gorgeous lily but also remind me never to be ashamed of who I am and never to let anyone else shame me again. That is a gift. I’m grateful.
Photographing flowers has become an integral and important part of your life. And your blog followers (including me), love them! The next time you decide to revamp the bedlam farm logo, maybe include a Calla Lily? Just a thought.
Hmmm, I’ve never added a flower, Barbara; it’s not a bad idea, thanks..the Cally Lily would make a beautiful logo..
It occurred to me as I read this post that Calla Lilies (or anything else not human for that matter) has no idea of what they are called – they just ARE. Names are human ideas and there are many languages, and even in those languages there are different spellings. What is important here are the beautiful images and tender space you create.
Interesting point…the have no egos
What a journey Callagate has been for you, and because of the honest way you’ve written about it, for all of us. Your flower photos are gorgeous and I look forward to seeing them every day. It’s a meditative experience, looking at them, and I will now appreciate the flowers in my garden in a whole new way this summer. So thank you.
My daughter was diagnosed with Dyslexia in high school and ever since then, when I see misspellings, I wonder if Dyslexia is involved. When I managed a local business I could clearly see a that a couple of employees were most likely Dyslexic. The experience with my daughter has opened my eyes to what other people might be going through and consequently, instead of criticizing people who struggle with spelling, I have great empathy and respect for them. It takes a lot of extra energy for my daughter to read and write and decipher the world around her. It also took a long time for her to own her Dyslexia, and let her teachers and professors and employers know about it. That has made all the difference and she is thriving in her career. I am so proud of her. There should never be shame involved in having Dyslexia, ever, and it breaks my heart to think of the pain the internet trolls caused you. How sad that they have nothing better to do with their time. You have been honest and courageous in dealing with their comments. Keep being you Jon, and thank you again for the gorgeous photography and sharing your life with writing that captures so much. I look forward to it every day.
thank you Liz, that is a gorgeous message, I appreciate it..your daughter is lucky to have you for a mother….