This Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge is (Extra)ordinary: Mundane and meaningful objects. Beautiful everyday things. This week, surprise us with something or someone (extra)ordinary.

My family stayed at my place for a few days this week as they were moving between their home that they just sold and a rental property in Mackay while they build a new place. I was supposed to help Dad unpack their car, but when I stepped outside, I noticed a tiny little snail making his way across the pavers. I told Dad to hold up while I grabbed my camera and took a bunch of shots. It was quite dark, around 7pm and so exposure times are long – lucky he’s a snail and moves slowly 😉

He was about a centimetre across.

I used my Olympus OMD EM5 with 60mm macro lens (I love this lens) and for a couple of the shots, my brother held his iPhone flashlight over the snail, from various angles.

I think this shot makes it look like an alien, or at least an octopus who’s lost his tentacles.
Ooo, I inked!
Squidgy.
High Key, High Contrast.
High Contrast.
Brightened.
Low Key, Low Contrast.
Lit from Above.

It was really bittersweet having my family stay with me – I loved having them here, but each day that passed brought us closer to the day that they would drive north and no longer be just 10 minutes away from me. That day was today (Saturday) and they left this morning. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to them all and I’ve been teary all day. I’m exhausted emotionally. I’m ok, I think it’s the right move for them, their whole family is up there and there is so much more of community of people there, it’s a much smaller town and it’s where we all came from. For me, as I’m sure you know by now, I’m trying to sell my home and move to Melbourne, but like the snail, it’s a slow moving beast. We haven’t found the right buyer yet, so the quest continues.

I hope you’re having a happier day than me – I’d love to hear from you if you can cheer me up in the comments…

x desleyjane    😦

Posted by:desleyjane

photographer, blogger, planner, scientist, dog lover, frequent flyer, daughter, sister, BFF, human

51 replies on “(Extra)ordinary”

  2. It must be very unsettling right now, but my fingers are crossed that you’ll get where you want to be before too long. If, like me, you’re resistant to change on the home front, it might be easier for you to settle in at Melbourne when you know you wouldn’t still have been ten minutes away if you’d have stayed. Skype is far from perfect, but it’s a wonderful way to feel close to people despite distance (my sweetheart and I are 4,000+ miles away at least half the year). Hopefully you have plenty of air miles for visits! I’m sending an across the miles hug!

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    1. Susan, thanks so much. Your words mean so so much to me. I’m doing ok today, just spent the day with missG. I lived away from them for many years when I was younger but somehow it’s harder when you’re older 😉 They arrived at their destination safe and sound early this evening and we had a chat on the phone. We will definitely take advantage of Skype and FaceTime in future, especially once I’m settled in my new place. Wow being so far away for 6 months at a time must be so tough. How long has it been like that? Big hugs back to you X.

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      1. It’s good they’ve got there safely. I’d get to grips with Skype and FaceTime as soon as you can. I resisted the idea for a while, but it’s strangely reassuring to be able to actually see people and their surroundings. It’s not usually six months at a time, luckily. It’s been over 5 years. Another thing that helps is to have plans to meet at a specific time – that makes it easier somehow. I’m off to see him soon and he’ll be over here for Christmas, all being well.

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        1. Oh good, having plans is a great idea. I use Skype all the time for work and we’ve used FaceTime when I’ve been travelling overseas. We’re an Apple family, so we should be able to get it going ok 😉 That’s great that you’ll be seeing each other soon. I’ll probably go up north for Christmas with the whole extended family. I haven’t been back there in a long time, so it will be nice to see everyone again.

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  3. Thinking of you so much and I can feel the emotions in your words… Sending you much love… I think the snail is a perfect animal to describe your situation now because since it carries its home wherever it goes , so will you carry your delightful memories of your Brisbane home with you to your new house in Melbourne!

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  5. Aww try and remind yourself that they are at least in the same country .. Small fact but that and it seems like you guys are close so cherish that feeling, every time you feel sad x

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  6. These photos are absolutely gorgeous, Desley (as usual). Absolutely love the detail you’ve captured here.

    I hope you can cheer up a little bit, soon! I can relate in a small way–I’m moving off to my placement town at the end of the week, which is SUPER exciting–but it also means I have to leave all the friends I’ve made during my TESOL course. In a way, we’ve become this big family over the past month and I really do feel like I’ll be leaving a family unit of sorts. As exciting as moving on the my placement is (I can’t wait to explore my town and get to know the teachers and students at my school) leaving the friends I’ve made this month is going to be really, really hard.

    Sending love and hugs your way. ❤

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    1. Thank you sooo much Britta. You have so much more distance between you and your family than I do. It sounds like you’re doing really well, so happy for you. I completely understand what you’re saying – so excited to get started but sad and apprehensive about leaving your group. You did cheer me up, thanks dearest Britta 🙂

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  7. DJ, your words brought tears to my eyes. I can feel from here how tough these last days must have been for all of you. Changes, even when carefully planned, like yours, always takes our breath away when it happens for real.
    I agree with Lia’s beautiful comment, and hope you’ll keep that in your mind, every time you feel sad.
    They will always be with you in your heart and vice versa. Thanks to airmiles, the frequent flying scientist will always find a way to visit them.
    Now focus on the future. The Melbs adventure is about to begin and it’s going to be fantastic.
    And beyond fantastic are your macros. Just like these ones!
    Keep strong and huge hug to you my lovely friend.
    xxx

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    1. Thank you my love. Am much better now. They’re starting a new adventure with old family. And I’m starting a new adventure all of my own. So sorry to have brought tears to your eyes. I had many of them while writing it and a few since.
      Everyone here has been so overwhelmingly supportive and kind.
      Love you x.

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  8. Desleyjane, I hope you are feeling better today. I love that your family all care so much about each other. You have alot of friends out here in the blogging world who are so grateful for the knowledge and wonderful photos that you share. I have to get that macro lens!!

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  9. I feel your pain Desley! My husband and I sold our home in August and are in a rental looking for a smaller place. Change is always difficult and one feels a bit like a rudderless ship while drifting between places. My family is quite far away and while difficult, it forces you to make good friends who in time become like a second family. My best wishes to you for stability soon! Loved your snail study☺️

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  11. You are a whizz kid with thar macro DJ. Great gallery. Partings are always sad but with a great flight system in Australia it will be easy to zap over for visits. Also difficult being in limbo with the house sale, but that will happen when it is meant too. Love Lia’s snail metaphor. Home is where you lay your head.

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  14. I’m cheering you up xx Hugs!
    Read this post days ago and completely understand about family.. I’ve lived away from mine forever.. just circumstances and distance.
    When we get together it’s awesome! I know it will be the same for you. Wishing you well for your move.

    The snail is awesome! Love all the variations of lighting and shots… and love your macros 🙂
    People here think I’m nuts.. I was down on my belly photographing a teeny snail earlier this year I think. Fun!

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    1. Oh I love it! We have invented a new version of the belly shot LOL.
      Thank you, yes I’m feeling much better now and just want to start this moving process. If only someone would buy my house!! Thanks again 🙂

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  15. Spectacular shots and of a so very good looking snail 😀
    Desley you will brighten up and keep clicking any place you are in, be it Brisbane or Melbourne.
    Am looking forward to future pictures of Melbourne exploration 😀
    Happy sunday, beautiful ! ❤

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  16. Pingback: iPhriday – I still have bugs! | musings of a frequent flying scientist

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