Photography has always been a big part of my life, stemming from my early love of cinema and continuing through photography classes in high school, my many years in journalism and, now, as a way to tap back into my creative roots.
Part of the journey in this new chapter of returning to creative fiction, conjoined with helping writers through my editing services, has been a daily effort to blend the two into inspirational opportunities. The result has been a routine of beginning each day by taking one of my photos and utilizing it to illustrate an important point, tip or simple encouragement for my fellow writers. What started out as a promotional tool has developed into something I hadn’t anticipated: a morning meditation of dovetailing two of the things I love most.
It’s kind of a version of haiku, challenging myself to find the just the right words, within a limited space, that embellish a photo in a very specific way.
I’ve met a lot of writers here over the years, from talented fiction spinners like Susan Narin, Marcia Meara and Beth Teliho, to creative literary scribes like Michelle Terry (who’s also an amazing photographer and poet), non-fiction self-help writer Kit O’Malley and WordPress newcomer Alex Kennedy. I’ve had the joy of talking or exchanging comments with literally hundreds of fellow writers/bloggers since I started this blog in 2013. And while coming back after being gone nearly 5 years feels a bit like coming home to an empty house where friends have come and gone, leaving behind notes and messages that all essentially read: “Sorry I missed you,” it’s still good to be back and flipping the lights on again.
Although I think one of my bulbs is out. (Mine, not the blog’s…)
As I remove the sheets from the sofas and tables, dust off the counter tops and ledges, run the water until it’s no longer that weird brownish color, and remove that forgotten bag of radishes from the refrigerator (at least I think it’s radishes. Wait… did it just move?!?), I’ll be posting here about lots of things while transitioning into a new phase in my own writer’s journey.
The one thing I know is that, to embrace changes, you have to both challenge yourself and accept the results of taking on those challenges. Regardless of whether the results are what you hoped or expected — or something entirely different — they offer a chance to see yourself and the world in a new way.
As writers, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Ned's Blog 
I’ve been enjoying your photos with tidbits of advice. Pictures do tend to inspire, don’t they? Great to see you back in the blogging sphere. Over the past six years, my writing has dwindled somewhat because of going down a metaphysical rabbit hole of one grade A, crazy-making spiritual awakening. One day I hope to have more brain cells online so I can write more coherently about it and possibly churn out a book. The truth is indeed stranger than fiction!
It’s good to see you too, Susan. It seems a lot of us from the blogging “Class of 2013” have come back to the sphere in the last few months for a reunion of sorts. I hope your spiritual awakening sets you on the path “write” again. And yes, truth is so often stranger than fiction — and just as often more compelling 😉
I started just a bit before you at the end of 2012 and I enjoyed shifting my focus to photography when I finished some heavy duty writing about narcissism.
Pictures really do say a 1000 words. I like your blend of writing and photography; it’s lovely.
I remember you were one of the first bloggers I connected with when I started; I’d know that little blue square anywhere! And yes, a pallet cleanser after the subject you delved into was necessary. Photography does indeed has a way of helping get re-centered. Plus, when pictures say 1,000 words, I don’t have to yap so much… (And thanks for the kind words, Lynette)
This is a wonderful post that seamlessly blends personal and professional insights with beautiful photography. It’s an inspiration in itself!
Thanks so much, Brent, I really appreciate that! (The check’s in the mail… 😉 )
I’ll frame it rather than cash it so feel free to cancel it.
That’s good, because it would probably bounce anyway lol!
I have always loved your photos. My favorites were the ones you took when you were mail person for a while. You “favorite” mailbox of the day and the stories were awesome! ❤