THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Only what you do

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You know I’ve been absent without leave here for a bit. Not intentional, not planned, not happy about it. At the same time I’m not going to beat myself up over it like I do when I miss any of my goals. Because I reminded myself that I do this for the enjoyment and trying to bring some enjoyment or positive thoughts. If I had continued to try to crank things out each day over the last few weeks I know the enjoyment wouldn’t have been there. I know it might have gotten more negative in its tone. I know it would have been going a direction that wasn’t intended.

Trying to catch the wind.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Life is a balancing act. Things get out of control for a variety of reasons. And they get out of control easily. Sometimes its possible to continue on with all normalcy and deal with this issues as they come along. And sometimes not. A wise person once told me that its how you react that matters. I’ve finally learned that I can’t continue to do everything I want or others want all the time. I’m not infinite. And it’s not healthy to try to buck that piece of information.

But things hopefully are getting back to a pace that will allow my pursuit of a worthwhile blog filled with new photos. I actually picked up the camera yesterday for the first time in a while when my son visited with his best 4 legged friend. I hope to pick it up every day again now and get back to shooting and learning. I’m also refreshed a bit mentally so my focus will hopefully get back to a positive and constructive message or some laughs. OK maybe a chuckle but also some food for thought.

I used a picture of a dog today because they reminded me of something very special. That excitement they have about seeing you. Unquestioned love and loyalty. When an animal looks deep in your eyes it’s a wonderful experience. And you see that tail wag, and they move closer to you. But it’s that first thing, the excitement of seeing you. My best friends dog and my Sons dog have that for me. I hope I give that feeling to people who I’m in contact with, when I see them. That they know it’s the best day and time in the world for me because they chose to make time for me.

Reminds me of that quote I like by Frederick Collins – “There are two types of people – those who come into a room and say, “Well here I am” and those who come in and say “Ah, there you are.”

I’ve got to get back to greeting people with a bigger smile. I also need to be a good listener because that is one of the important qualities of being a good friend.

Being the nice weather is at our doorstep again I think that will also aid in my motivation in getting out and about. But first it appears we have a late night snow coming again. Nothing much. Might be a good opportunity to get out and catch a few frames. I need the night experience anyway. Plus it give me an excuse to pull the tripod out. And like the title of this post “Only what you do” so I better get doing it.

Author: Mike Hartley

With a lifetime and a half in the Newspaper industry I'm preparing for my retirement career as an Artist, Writer, Photographer and Video content provider. I'm a proud father of two wonderful children and I'm still married to the first girl I fell in love with and probably only one that would have me.

3 thoughts on “Only what you do

  1. Good to see a post from you, Mike! How’s the shoulder rehab progressing?

    • doing ok and thank you for asking, was just catching up on your blog. How are you feeling now? Just read the one post earlier this month on the kitchen and stones.

      • I’m glad you are doing OK, Mike! The stone that sent me to the ER passed about 10 days later. Feeling right as rain, I’m sure that will change with the followup appointment this week! Thank you for asking.

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