Recovering Lazyholic

Photography & Stuff by Erin Hanson

Lazy Bits

Weekly Prescription

Newsletter Archive

photographing the past

Even after all this time I still miss my grandmother Carper. It doesn't hurt like it used to but the longing for her laughter and friendship never goes away.

PhotographyErin HansonFebruary 16, 20091 Comment

Hey look at me, I'm being social...

Happy Father’s Day to the man that embodies good cheer, humility, kindness and patience. You teach by just being and thankfully grade on a curve.

Fortune found me twice — when we fell in love and when Edie was born. And every day with these two fills my heart. I love watching their bond grow and the joy they share together. Thank you @austinjason for your care, your support, your laughter, and your love. Happy Father’s Day!

When the freedom of choice feels as crippling as not having options. I’ve come to realize, even though this has probably been the case my entire life, that I shut down when faced with certain open-ended questions — “What do you want to eat?”, “What do you want to do today?”, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some decisions are obviously more consequential than others but each sounds the same in my head — heavy and impossible to answer, a test so sizable that it seems to contradict the casual way it’s usually administered. Ask me to pull from the air without parameters and I will show you a human folding under the stress and disappointment of a self-imposed failing grade.
I need to teach my brain to exercise in a different way and recognize that having to stretch isn’t a sign of weakness. #brainfart #toxicemissions #canknot

Thoughts about success frequently cycle through my head, not just where I’m concerned but people in general. How is it measured. Is it a personal victory, professional, some hybrid. Do you need validation from other people for it to be real. If they think you’re crazy does it matter. Is there such thing as putting in too much effort. When do you stop trying. If you do find it what do you get, and is it enough. What does success mean to you? #topbanana #worthworry #soulfood #eatyouridioms #digitalillustration

That time we found a little feathered friend in need #hoodat

That time Edie joined an 80’s gang with an appreciation for wood craftsmanship

Mood Swings: when you’re pretty good pushing yourself around

The other day someone with the screen name “Independent Mom” submitted feedback in the Admission Area of Recovering Lazyholic. The form doesn’t capture contact info and I have no other way to respond. I didn’t want to go without recognizing her feedback though — soul-baring, guilt ridden, melancholy yet still hopeful.
I don’t know if you are reading this, but I want to thank you for your candor. Being honest with yourself about what you feel are your shortcomings isn’t always easy, and sharing them with others is even harder. It sounds like you want to change, and that you want to move beyond this version of yourself your father shaped and that you came to believe as truth. Hold onto what you told me, “Our childhood choices are not indicative of what dictates the measurements of ones capabilities or future...i don’t believe this... I believe that I do want to live a good life and with a good plan i and anyone can overcome any challenge.” Be kind to yourself. Believe in what you can do. Be ok with the times that you’re not doing. Keep looking for those sunsets.

I woke up today. My arms and legs worked the way they’re supposed to. I got my morning dose of hugs and smiles. I shared a laugh about hypothetical hair styles. I drank coffee. I ate. I listened to music. I got paid to solve small problems that made a medium difference. I’m counting the good things and counting on them to help me remember that life can be simply wonderful. #soulfood #eatyouridioms #digitalillustration

I want my child (and children from a different mother) to feel confident enough in their point of view to challenge societal norms, to speak out against injustice, to fight to improve what’s wrong in the world.
I want my colleagues, friends, and family to be a voice for anyone that doesn’t have the tools to express themselves or need a safe starting point, and not be satisfied with the status quo.

I want to be ok with looking like the bad guy if there’s a chance something can be improved.
The way something is doesn’t mean it’s the way it has to be. A little defiance can do a lot of good......................#goonwithyourbadself #changeisgood #soulfood #digitalillustration