I’m participating in Sally Russick’s (The Studio Sublime) ‘focus on life: 52 weeks’ photography blog hop. Our prompt for this week is “Knock, Knock.” In Sally’s words: “Let’s open some doors to see what awaits us on the other side. Is it a door that holds opportunity? A door that holds a story? Is it a door you have been hesitating to open? Is a gate to a new life? A door to a new adventure? Is it a door that holds a memory? Is it the perfect door for a simple picture? You have arrived at the door for a reason, open it up and step in!”

A door. Serves a seemingly simple function—an entrance into a building, a room, a space—if taken at face value. And yet rich with meaning if looking beyond the face. Independence. Security. Belonging. Opportunity. Creativity.

The front door to my home represents independence and security. I bought my house ten years ago next month (thankfully before the market tanked) with some help from my county’s first-time homebuyer’s program. Well, technically it wasn’t my first home. When I was 21 and married, we bought a house. One month later, he wanted a divorce. Uh. Gee. Thanks. So this is MY first house. I did it myself, and no one can take it away from me (except the bank). Thank you very much.

Front door to my home. Hope came outside with me and I love having her in the photo. And yes, she is fat.

The door to my studio represents belonging, opportunity, and creativity. I first approached starting my jewelry business as an opportunity to make a little bit of extra money. Well, that’s not working out as I would have liked; but my studio door still represents opportunity. Opportunity to connect with other creative folks and be part of a larger community. I’ve made some good friends—both locally and online—that I would not have met if not for this door. Creatively, my skills have expanded and I’ve had designs published in beading magazines (well, one magazine four times). I can enamel beads (posts here and here), solder, shape leaves from sheet metal. I have a place to display my drawings from a figure drawing class I took over 10 years ago. The little wall hanging above one of the drawings is from my friend Cat and you can see a close up here. Yes, those are dumbbells under the card table. No, I don’t currently use them!

Door to my studio

These are my doors. Independence. Security. Belonging. Opportunity. Creativity.

Go here to see the rest of the participants.