First the photo below. I selected this as the header photo (I think it’s called that) when I first started this blog. I’ve kept it there because I like the photo I took and many others on this trip to the ocean. Not crazy on having it cropped for that purpose. But in time it grew on me and I haven’t changed it in 5 years.

Now that I’ve managed to live several decades I’m experiencing some significant anniversaries. Last year I had my second 20 year anniversary at a job. Next year I’ll have a very impressive wedding anniversary of multiple decades. But today is a milestone also. One that I’m proud of. The number of 5 years isn’t that impressive. The work I’ve done so far hasn’t been that impressive. The amount of interest from the public with the exception of some friends, family and a few new friends (love you all and thank you) wouldn’t be impressive to most.

But blogging for the last 5 years has turned into a very rewarding thing for me personally. I think it’s helped me to become a better person and think more before I act. I’ve met some wonderful people who I didn’t know before this effort. I’ve seen and read many wonderful pieces I wouldn’t have seen if I didn’t start myself.

I’ve learned to be more disciplined. I’ve learned to try to live up to my original commitment of doing it each day. Some days I look at an image or topic or random thought I’ve created and be pleased and content with myself. I love that it has gotten me thinking again. And by that I mean in a challenged way. In a way that I have more control over. In a way that has led me to question my own opinions and logic.

I try not to get hung up on stats, yes I do look. But that isn’t the measure of my success or failure. The comments have been wonderful and I think that is a positive part of this blogging community. Lately I’ve run across some very enjoyable blogs that make me really think. I’ve enjoyed sharing my comments there and will most likely continue even more on that and other blogs in the future.

I guess I’ve made this another priority in my life of many competing priorities. And why not, if I feel that it has helped me grow as a person, has lead to more enjoyment and fulfillment in life, has widened my circle of friends, has left something for my children to reflect on, has been the springboard I hoped it would be to get me moving towards the arts that I so enjoyed as a very young man and dropped for decades, why not have it as a priority.

As I said in the first post I did for this site, and it still holds true for me today –  “I’ll expose my creative talent or lack there of for the world to see and either admire or laugh at. I don’t really care if it’s the later. For the images and video I take and share, the words I’ll string together in my books and my artwork will be first to make me happy. Second it if brings joy or thought or reflection or emotion from someone then I’ve shared something special. “

Thanks to all that have stopped by over the first 5 years. I’d like to see if I could add this blog to the list of things I’m doing in life to the 20+ year club.

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Random Thoughts of the Day

Had a physical today. I don’t know what has happened to my veins but they must be getting more difficult to find as I age. I’m going to have to start to keep track of the number of times they have to stick me to get blood. Today it was 3.

This blog is living proof that evolution is slow.

I have recently thought of a few new good things to start doing. But as I checked them in with my brain it reminded me that no good deed goes unpunished.

A doctor is just a body mechanic.

The more I get done every day the more that plate of to do’s in front of me gets higher. Good thing I like to eat.

I’ve discovered that if I have a big smile as I’m trying to stretch out my neck it for some reason makes it easier some days and if not it fools those around you that you’re not in pain.