There is a shift in the air. Summer’s lightness slowly waning like the blue moon. My body can feel it in the early morning. It’s ever so subtle here on Maui, but I can feel something changing, shifting with time. An internal shift of sorts too. Maybe it’s due to the recent tragedy on the island. But either way, it’s a knowing that change is on the way.

Welcome September, a glorious month of harvest, preserving, a gentle turn towards the introspective months ahead. I had seasonal figs and blueberries on hand and thought hand pies would be the perfect bridge into the baking season using summer’s last hurrah of fresh fruit. I wish I could give you a recipe, but I made these on a whim. I found this recipe by King Arthur Flour. who’s recipes are always fail-proof, if you’d like to give them a try. Fresh fruit jam is best to use and couldn’t be simpler, even if you’ve never made jam before. They are a delicious, little warm treat that feels cozy yet still celebrates ripe summer fruit. , Winslow was happy to test one that passed with flying colors or jammy paws, thanks to his "sophisticated" palate. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the simple joys.

With an urge to curl up and read more, I recently started Wintering by Katherine May, and it dawned on me I’ve been in a wintering season for the past three years. Wintering in a sense of transformation, renewal, a cocoon of introspection. Solitude has been a devoted and faithful friend. I’ve never faced her in this all-encompassing way before. Most of the days are spent entirely alone with few interactions, mainly with pup friends. I have always been an introvert but never to this extreme. Yet my spirit and heart needed it. It’s taught me how to look within for answers. Look within for creativity. The noise and distractions are silenced by the birds and gentle breeze in the eucalyptus trees outside.

The outside world, with its algorithms, connections, follows, over-sharing, can be so overwhelming for those who are creative and sensitive. We are constantly bombarded every minute with stimuli begging for our attention which throw us off our center, our precious center that keeps us grounded and focused. Everyone has something to share, to say, to show but not able to listen or simply be. Being so isolated as I am, both by choice and by location on the island, I’ve realized how important it is to stay true to what feels aligned with you. The power of embracing your story; what makes you, you. Turning to what feels true to our hearts rather than appeasing an unsatiable algorithm. The true power of influence lies in our ability to cultivate our story in hopes it can help or serve someone or something bigger than ourselves.

The food and lifestyle photographer realm is so crowded; another uninspiring stack of brownies that looks like everyone else’s. Where has the substance and story gone? The more time I’ve spent alone, the more I see how each individual has something unique to share because I’ve discovered mine. Our story as a photographer and creative soul is what sets us apart from the noisy crowd. Techniques can be taught, but it’s our experiences, our past, our beliefs, and our lens through which we view the world that makes our work uniquely ours. The beauty lies in the subtleties…three people can capture the same subject but end up with wildly different photos. Why? Because they all are crafting a different story from their perspective. That’s why I love visual storytelling because it’s so personal.

These solitude years have been my wintering in the most wonderous of ways. At first, I felt alone and insecure, and hadn’t a clue of where I was going or what to do. It was just me and the incessant munching deer and pigs knocking around my cottage. Their grunts, bugles, stomps, and squeals cut through the silence. A herd to one. Their noises deepened the feeling of being isolated. In those first days of moving into the cottage, it felt like I lived in a nature reserve.

Yet it is in the quiet moments we can find clarity on what’s calling us. Creatively speaking, it’s given me the time and space to define my story so I can attract brands and clients that are aligned with me. Once you get clear on who you are, what story you want to share, what creatively calls you, and how you serve, the world is your oyster. I’m not suggesting to be a hermit for years, but if you do have some creative sticky points, take a step back and withdraw rather than trying to wrangle it out. Take a beat. And once you’re ready, you’ll know. Something will spark inside you, and your creative windshield will feel wiped clean, or at least a little spot where you can peek through the dirty glass. Whatever feels like you, be it, create it, do it, own it. Be the most you version there is in this moment. Put the blinders on and see what waits ahead for you. Play, and experiment; you never know what could come from the most frivolous and delightful endeavors. The clearer we are on who we are as creatives, the freer we become to live a joyful, happy, and abundant life.

Here’s to your story. Your season. Hopefully, with pockets full of berries too…

Alanna

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