Used to be, I could turn out an adequate column in under an hour, on deadline, with little preparation—or prior inspiration. I’d stare at the computer screen while eating my usual 3 p.m. Chipotle lunch at my desk, willing an idea to materialize from thin air.
Hello, It's Me
Hello, it’s me.
I haven’t written in awhile. Two months and 10-odd days, to be precise. But who’s counting? Not me, surely—not until I glance at the calendar and realize, wow, it’s been a bit since I’ve taken the time to thread my meandering thoughts into words.
I suppose not having a weekly deadline to meet will do that to you.
Pick Up a Pebble
Today marks my six-month anniversary at Morey Creative Studios—a tiny milestone compared to the 13 years, three months and 29 days celebrated at the ol’ South Bay, but significant nonetheless.
It’s funny, the way particular dates seem to repeatedly resonate through the years. Scrolling through my “Memories” on Facebook, I came across another marker of sorts from just four short years ago, heralding the publication of my 499th column. The title, fittingly enough, was “Shifting the Stones,” and it began with a quote from Confucius:
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
Next Year is Here
Another year over, and a new one just begun . . . and what have you done? So far, not a whole lot.
I read an article this morning which suggested, rather than compile a list of resolutions that will most likely be rendered meaningless by month’s end, a far better approach is to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments before setting any future longterm goals.
Rough Draft
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
2018, the year that was. For some, a collection of beautiful memories to be cherished as we turn the page and begin anew. For others, a shining example of missteps not to be replicated in the coming year.
For me, a bit of both.
Glancing Back and Moving Forward
‘Tis the season of giving, of celebrating with friends and loved ones, of looking ahead to the new while being sure to cherish the memories of what has come before.
I tend to do this one of two ways, either through the written word, or more recently, through the lens of my (borrowed) camera.
It’s not that I choose to hide behind these mechanisms, per se; rather, I feel they provide me with a forum to best express my perspectives in a truly unique manner.
Baby Steps
Today is the second birthday of my second betta, a momentous occasion if ever there was one. While the extraordinary Norton von Spudley isn’t quite the charmer his predecessor Buddy the Betta was, he has grown to be an endearing little fellow in his own right over these last 24 months, flitting and scooting to and fro as he vacuums the gravel for remnants from breakfast, flipping the tail to all who dare peer too closely into his cozy abode.
Plans
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans . . . a sentiment expressed by many, immortalized by one, John Lennon.
It is a theory we all claim to recognize, and perhaps even intend to thwart by vowing to spend less time analyzing the nuances of life in favor of, well, actually living it.
Expressions
Those who know me are quite familiar with my love of quotes. They have often made their way into my columns through the years, and can regularly be found sprinkled throughout my social media - at times accompanying a snapshot from my latest landscape photography session, but just as often speaking volumes on their own.
Sweet Memories & Sour Dispositions
I have never had much of an affinity for Halloween. Perhaps as a child; but even then, the idea of dressing in costume to traipse through the neighborhood, door to door, essentially begging for candy from complete stranger . . . just always seemed a bit of a strange tradition to me.
Photographs & Still Frames
It’s funny the things you tend to recall when wandering down memory lane. Random tidbits from decades ago suddenly rush to the forefront, crystal clear as if having taken place yesterday; yet, at the time, they served as mere footnotes in a life rushing forward, full speed ahead.