THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: blogging


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Cool Friday Start

I watched a beautiful sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean this morning from one of the webcams in Ocean City MD. There is still snow on the beach and boardwalk there. And some more on the way later today.

It’s time to trim the beard before I start looking like Grizzly Adams. Even though it does provide a little extra warmth at this time of year.

In looking at the images of the devastation in California, it has moved me to make a donation to the Red Cross this morning. Someone has to start asking the question, “should we build here” when these events happen. They asked those questions after other disasters like Katrina. I hear insurance was difficult to get even before the fires. It’s going to be impossible for anyone to get it in the future.

Other parts of the country could be in store for more events like this. The population of many coastlines are in jeopardy. And its far from the only area of the country that experienced drought.

Had a few friends visit outside my back slider door this morning. This guy had me in his sights. It’s so friggin cold out today they would sit, duck and close their eyes at times when the wind would gust. Then just as fast hop up and fly away.

If my mom were alive I could call her and ask what they were, and she would know. I did keep a few books of hers, and I think one was a guide to birds. I might have to go rummage around for that if I intend to keep posting wildlife.

Photos by Mike Hartley

I love to blog but I need to improve my content. I started off this year trying to increase the number of posts I do each day. My goal was 4 a day. I’m averaging 2.6 so far. Good thing I caught myself slacking already 10 days into the year.

The thought was the more post would inspire me to do more photography. It does but that is an additional production to fit into the day.

Time is mostly the limitation, but not utilizing my time correctly is another. I’m good at starting early and getting the first post out most days. And sometimes a follow-up one before noon. But the second half of the day, I’ve been allowing too many distractions.

I have increased communications with some people which is a good thing but it takes time. I’m also trying to read and learn more which is great, but producing at the same time is difficult.

Of course there is life which gets in the way. Doctors appointments, social visits, babysitting, appealing my property tax, insurance comparisons, to mention just a few this week.

But I will get back to my goal and at the same time try to get some better content.


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Cruise Control

I woke this morning not feeling 100% so I’m going to take it easy today. No morning walk outside being it’s 17 degrees with a stiff wind making it feel below 0. So I watched the sunrise cam in Ocean City this morning while tending to some office cleanup.

That snow is blowing off the roofs today with those winds. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m waiting for the Tylenol to quell the pounding headache. Once that happens I can get back to some hobby fun. I had grand plans for last night but they fell by the wayside. I couldn’t get warm and huddled under a few blankets and being I was in the recliner that didn’t last long before I got up and went to bed.

I can’t get over the devastation and pain so many are suffering in California from those fires.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Snow will tell you how much wildlife you have around your home. It looks like a small army has marched through my back yard.
  • I always had this feeling my children were growing up too fast. I’m getting that same feeling now with my grandchildren.
  • I wonder when peoples breaking point will come with so many stupid things going on the highways.
  • It’s depressing not seeing a day in the long term forecast that will allow this snow to melt.


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Chop Chop

I need to get back in gear. A great start to the day, but I faded fast. Working out in the cold can take it out of me. I can work all day out in the heat. Not the cold though. That first 3 hours of the day outside was like 8.

Then off to an important meeting and I had to engage the brain after that physical work this morning. By this afternoon I was toast and took some comfort in the recliner. Been fighting a headache the last few days.

So tonight I get back in the swing. Some treadmill time to get the blood moving. Some music to get me inspired and a relaxed mind to create.

I hope to do a few more posts tonight. Maybe on some medical thoughts, maybe just a few more images I run across editing some previous work. It could be a rant on drivers passing on blind spots on our single lane road and what I’ll do to them if we meet. Or maybe thoughts on the conversation I’m going to have with a neighbor who likes to speed through the neighborhood. I wonder how much a set of spike strips cost? Just kidding, I’ll have a rational conversation with them first.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I hate missing calls from friends.
  • Beef Stew is a hearty cold weather dinner.
  • I made a lunch date with my daughter which gave me a smile for a long while today.
  • I love the way sun makes snow sparkle.
  • Each time I think my knee is improving, I tweak it and we begin again.
  • I saw a video of my granddaughter sledding and giggling on the way down. That was the sweetest sounds I heard all day.
  • Again my hearty thanks to people keeping the roads clear and all those struggling in less than good conditions to goods to market.


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Timing

Finding my creative cycle is a rather elusive thing at times. I feel like a cat chasing its tail. I catch it and it’s loose again. Like cats it’s sometimes active at nights. Sometimes wildly so. Maybe I’ll be that cat roaming late tonight.

Too many things stopped my creativity over the last year. The supply of excuses and things that could stop me in my tracks are too endless to list. This year I’m trying to retrain myself. To let loose, to not let things stop me, to not get distracted, to not get frustrated, to not worry, to not let no or less flattering comments slow me.

Now I’m learning each day, and working longer, harder and more effectively. I’m seeing opportunities and it’s amazing and the more I see and get to work on the more that seem to open up.

The biggest thing is to just keep working even in the most difficult times I’ve learned. The holidays are always tough for me. Apprehension about medical appointments. Maybe an argument with my better half or a family member being distant get me out of sorts and I slow or almost stop.

Yes things will give me pause. Like learning about the loss of an old work friend the other day and the issues mentioned above and others, but my focus is on creating and if I’m working, I’m able to recover and regain my footing and energy.

Tonight I’m staying very busy to keep my mind from wandering down other paths of concern.

Nice camouflage. Photo by Mike Hartley


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After the meet

This Sunday is the Maryland Miata Club meeting. I’m going to go and join in for an hour before returning home and covering the car for the upcoming snow on Monday. I just threw the cover back on the car this afternoon for the dusting that’s on its way today.

The meets usually last 2-3 hours easily but when it’s 30 degrees, even the strong will move inside or head home after an hour. One thing I’m looking forward to is a slice of Three Brothers Pizza. They took over the old Neo Pizza spot. And that’s the lot we meet at.

I’m a ragtop man. So begins a year of travel, but first the long season of cover on, or top up. Hence the name on the logo below – Full Circle Road Trips. Those sunny days and warm summer nights are balanced out with the cool temps and snow.

This year is the year of the destination. I hope to make my travels, a little more part of this blog this year.

I tinkered with the logo below that I’ll use to detail my road trips this year.

There won’t be too many this month in the Miata but that won’t stop the other vehicles. Between the weather and appointments this January is busy. I did take the fun machine out Thursday night because I hadn’t started it in a week, so I thought I’d exercise it a bit with a trip to my friends home.

May you enjoy the drive and the bad drivers be on another road than yours.

Here’s to safe travels and exciting miles ahead in 2025.

Maryland has some great roads. Photo by Mike Hartley.


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Kickoff

After the 2024 year with the WordPress Daily Writing Prompt I’ve decided to move onto my own mind and not rely on something like that. Or at least that is my hope. Finding things to explore in a variety of topics or observations or trains of thought.

Despite the title it doesn’t have anything to do with football, even though that topic will be broached in the future. It’s the kickoff of a new year and new possibilities.

So, I’ll start with a simple one. In November and December, I was doing some photography along the Patapsco River along Howard and Baltimore counties. The scenic photos got good notice but what really got people’s attention, was an area people were using as a dump.

It got me thinking about my photography and how I might use that in the future to help change things. If nothing else, it sheds a light on what could improve or use help. And I’m putting a trash bag in my car so when I’m out in nature I can pick up a bit from those less considerate of the world we live in.

I was also looking at the train bridge that crosses River and Ilchester Roads. From an inexperienced structural engineer, that one looks suspect. So maybe while I’m doing structural photography, I could help our infrastructure engineers maybe catch a weak spot before something happens.

I’ll capture the homeless if out and about. Another problem so few seem concerned with.

Homeless but not helpless.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I am out of balance with my complaining and actions. If I spend more time trying to correct things, then I have no problem shedding my light and opinion on things. But if I’m not lifting my own weight, it’s a bit hypocritical.

So here’s to capturing some more images that focus not just on problems but some solutions and actions along the way. Anything I can start doing to make a positive difference.


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You ask me why

Why do you blog? – So ask the Daily Writing prompt on this fine Thursday.

I blog because I love writing and sharing my photographs and thoughts. Doing it daily and hopefully well has been and is still my goal. It’s been a lot of fun over this first decade of blogging, but I hope I’ve just scratched the surface of things I’d like to do.

I’ve been in a daily publishing routine and business for so long that even when I retired I thought keeping this going daily was a good idea. I hope to become a better writer so my work on books is more effective. It’s a good way to start the day. A little music, sharing some thoughts and images I’ve shot.

That is why I do it now.

When I started blogging life was in turmoil. I had been a few years recovering from my first cancer and a second one had started so the feeling of life being finite entered my mind. I was pissed at myself for not acting after the first health scare and got my ass in gear finally. I felt like I had this creative side and desire from a youth, I didn’t pursue as I hoped.

So many changes at the job had taken place, many were quite disruptive. Little did I know what was to come for the last decade. It was a great escape and one of the positive things to focus on for my future.

Here we are in retirement and I’ve got a good head start and ready to spread my wings more.

Amature photographer (me) photographing what appears to be a professional photographer. I used to have one of those spare tires, glad I lost it. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other responses to this Daily Writing prompt


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Writing enjoyment

What do you enjoy most about writing? – The Daily Writing prompt inquires.

I love that it gives me something to look forward to each day. I like the opportunity to possibly write something meaningful to someone.

My writing would surprise my mother and my high school English teachers but make them both proud I believe. I happened to have failed 9th grade English and had to take summer school to make it up. One of my mother’s many skills and jobs was a proofreader and a damn fine one who I’ll never measure up to without the help of technology.

The challenge of writing a book or books is in front of me. I’ve been blogging for a decade now and have written over a million words here. I will most likely continue it for the rest of my days because it allows me to express myself.

I don’t know if you have heard the adage “think before you talk” or “engage brain before mouth” or the variations of that thought. Sometimes I’m good at expressing myself verbally, sometimes not. My emotions can override my brain.

Writing allows me time to think and hopefully express my real thoughts in a well-communicated manner. While at the same time writing with feeling and emotion. I like the opportunity to pair the right photo I’ve taken with the right words or thoughts.

Writing has moved me to read more and that is also enlightening.

Ops, I might have rambled on too long answering a simple question. Onto the next post or chapter. Enjoy the day.

If you’re lucky, you get to write about life or anything you want. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other responses to the question today – https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-2034


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Better Questions

I’ve been tinkering with the Daily Writing prompt questions for a while now and I’ve seen a lot of complaints about the type of questions. Most are related to the personal type of information being asked and how that might be used.

Occasionally the consensus is the question has been asked before in several different ways. I haven’t made a complaint yet about a question but today’s “If you could bring back one dinosaur, which one would it be?” is so off the charts it is going to inspire me to create a list of questions better than this to send to WordPress because this one is for a 5-year-old and I don’t know too many people that age blogging yet.

Just a few off the top of my head that I might write about in the future when I run across a lame one from WP. Who knows, maybe I’ll start adding a top 10 list of possible questions on each of my replies so people have a choice if they don’t like the WP Daily Writing prompt.

My apologies to the WP person who created this. Momma taught me if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. But mom passed a while back and I forget this once in a while.

  1. Soft Serve or Regular Ice Cream?
  2. What is the best view you have ever had?
  3. Do you believe EV’s are the future?
  4. King Crab or Blue Crabs, which are your favorite?
  5. What cut of steak is your favorite?
  6. Do you like swimming in a pool, ocean, or lake? Or simply can you swim?
  7. If you could change the look of your home, what would it be?
  8. What is the longest you ever let your hair grow? Post a picture.
  9. Do you think drivers can get worse than they are today?
  10. Do you fear heights? At what level do you start to get uncomfortable?
What kind of question was that? Photo by Mike Hartley

Replies to the Dinosaur question found here: I’m not sure why you’d be interested though. https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-2012


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Listen

What do you listen to while you work? – Another very vague question from the daily writing prompt.

Being recently retired I don’t listen to anything while I don’t work anymore.

This morning while blogging and editing photos I’m listening to the birds sing as the sun started to approach the horizon. Most mornings I’ll listen to some music, something inspirational to get the juices flowing.

When doing other “work” like mowing the yard or washing the car I like to have some light classic rock on because those are mellow activities.

Other times I just like silence when I’m working.

When I worked at the College Park printing plant I would listen to the presses running in the background.

This was my favorite plant to work at. The old College Park facility. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Do I hear 100

Good day Howard County and beyond. I’ve been out a bit already and that heat was beating down strong early this morning. So be it, I’ve still got chores to do and an early start was essential. I hope to be done before it gets to the max temps.

OK, 2/3 of the mowing is complete. I’ll do the rest on Wednesday or Thursday. With this heat and drought, I haven’t cut in 2 1/2 weeks. Was long in spots and dormant in others.

Illustration by Mike Hartley

I saw 99 degrees on the computer, I strolled past the Weather Channel and Baltimore was 104. I was downtown yesterday and it cooks on those city streets.

I hope to pack in a ton of activities in the next 2-3 months. Some of them are local like the Howard County Fair which takes place August 3-10. I hope to spend a few days there shooting that event.

The Ellicott City project I’ve been working on has some holes in it that I will be filling with some shots this week.

Well, time for an early dinner at Oscar’s Alehouse in Woodstock. If the rain holds off I’m going out shooting after the All-Star Game.

Have a great afternoon all.


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Bothersome

What bothers you and why? – Here I am trying to start the week out on a positive note and this Daily writing prompt question is leading me the other way.

Holy crap, asking this on a Monday morning? My replies are sometimes too long-winded and I could go on about this one but I’m trying to take a better direction and not live in the world of bother, but fun.

So here are the Top 10 serious ones with short justifications.

  1. Dangerous drivers – They are arrogant and don’t respect human life.
  2. Selfishness and greed – It causes lots of pain.
  3. Predidjous – We are all human beings and all flawed in some ways but all deserve to be treated with respect.
  4. Senseless violence – Need I say more?
  5. Arrogance – It’s just so unbecoming of people.
  6. Dishonesty – Lose trust, lose respect.
  7. Lack of respect for your environment – I guess this could fall under the category of selfishness but it’s another level.
  8. Winter – I don’t like being cold.
  9. Making mistakes – I just don’t like screwing up at anything.
  10. When I don’t finish what I started. – Because when I finish, I feel much better.
A bad driver self-owning or just stating it after the fact? Photo by Mike Hartley

Probably some more intelligent replies found here: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-2000


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Certain about

List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain. – So asks’ the Daily Writing prompt.

10 things I’m certain about on a Sunday morning before the sun comes up. That’s asking a lot.

  1. I try to do better each day.
  2. Maryland has the best crabs and makes the best crabcakes.
  3. I see the sun trying to rise.
  4. My body isn’t as young as it used to be. The brain though has the luxury of ignoring this.
  5. I’m in love with a lot of people.
  6. Creating makes me happy.
  7. The feeling of beach sand between my toes feels great.
  8. We need to do a better job taking care of each other and this planet.
  9. I miss my parents.
  10. I’m thankful for today.
I’m in love with sand. Photo by Mike Hartley

More replies to this question at: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1999


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Seeking fun

Are you seeking security or adventure? – Interesting question from the Daily writing prompt.

I don’t seek either of these as I interpret the question.

I feel secure and don’t live in fear. Otherwise, I’d never get in a car, or go online. I don’t sit at the front door with my shotgun. I’m not careless and I’m aware of my surroundings. A matter of balancing life and all its dangers.

My adventure days are behind me in some ways. Not that every day isn’t an adventure. There is a lot of fun and travel in my life. Every day watching a grandchild is an adventure. I’ve been married over 4 decades so that is always an adventure. I have adventurous friends and sometimes go along. So adventure finds me, I don’t have to seek it.

I seek FUN. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies to the daily prompts question: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1998


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Admiration and Advice

List the people you admire and look to for advice…. – A serious question from the Daily Writing prompt for a Saturday morning. Not sure I’m up to it with my eyes half open.

Admiration is a funny thing. Most of us admire the traits or actions of an individual, not always the whole person. All of us have flaws. So if you’re looking for that perfect package you might be disappointed in your search.

I also realize the people you admire and look to for advice could be two different people.

I’ll start with an easy one of a sports star I admired. The first would be Derek Jeter. A class act, kept a close group of core people around him, focused on his craft and family, played his best every day, showed up every day, and respected the game and opponents. Showed gratitude for the appreciation. Showed character in difficult years. Showed greatness at key moments.

I admire my parents, and always will. They grew up in the Depression era, fought wars, knew hard work, and sacrifice, and passed on some wonderful values.

I admire my better half. Such a strong person in such a small package.

I’ve admired some of my bosses and coworkers over time. I admire our public servants like Fire and Police and those who serve in our military. I admire healthcare workers. And many who do thankless jobs that keep our world running smoothly.

I admire artists of many types. I admire children for their honesty.

I admire volunteers. I admire the happiness of the little girl I used to sit across waiting for radiation treatments. I admire the common man who steps up in emergencies without hesitation.

I admire the friendships I have and have had.

Advice, like opinions, everyone has some for you. I take advice from those very close to me and total strangers. If a professional photographer, I’ve never met offers advice it’s probably wise of me to listen and absorb it.

Sorting out the advice you take is key in life. Letting others make decisions for you may not suit your desires in the long run. So I go with my gut, listen to that voice in your head for advice. Enjoy life. As far as any of us know it only comes around once.

Other responses at – https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1928


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Flow

I’ve got a much better flow going this month. Each day I’m more excited to see what I can accomplish. And each day I feel I do better and better. At the same time, I’m able to relax, rest, and regroup after years of hard work.

Inner Harbor Baltimore. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m cranking out prints, editing, and taking more photos daily. Tonight I’m going to catch up on reading some blogs I follow. I’ve been neglecting that in the last few days, and that isn’t right.

I should spend some time on the treadmill also. As I look to the right I see a couple of photos that need frames and hanging. Retirement is being excited about all the stuff to do.

The week ahead is booked tightly. Some responsibilities but time for some fun also. I think I’ll try to do 3 posts a day starting this week and try some organization at the same time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Hugs from a toddler are so genuine and special.
  • The upper 70-degree temps agree with me. But I sense sneezing ahead.
  • Nice start to the season by the NY Yankees. The Evil Empire Returns.
  • I love listening to the song Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd early in the morning.
  • Someone took my breath away today.


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You light up my day

Thank you, my better half. You give me hope, calm, support, and love. There isn’t a light as bright or comforting as you.

Some people provide a wonderful path through life. Photo by Mike Hartley

Blogging

I just realized I passed the 3000 posts mark a few posts back. I saw the 5400 image mark passed a while back. Not bad over the 10 years but a drop in the bucket I hope to do over the next 10. I’ve only been retired for 3 months now.

I also found a list of goals from January and February of 2014. I thought about starting a business in Photography, Blogging, Book writing, and other arts. 10 years later I want nothing to do with business, but everything to do with pursuing those roles. If a business comes from it later on, so be it.

All I want to do is create. And several of the ideas on this 10-year-old list need to be fulfilled. Sometimes I’m glad I’m a packrat. Hidden gems appear now and then.

I feel like I’m on this unfinished journey to realize something I feel the need to communicate and create.

When I started, I thought it was just for my photography. I discovered I enjoyed writing (running on at the mouth without talking). It’s the practice to learn and develop so I can get a book or two completed.

But I use blogging for a lot of things. Simple ones like just getting moving and motivated every day. It makes me think, reflect, and sometimes share what I’m feeling about what I’m hearing or seeing. It’s something that family and a few friends occasionally look at.

It reminds me to pick up the cameras, turn on the music, get into a positive mindset, and begin the passion I feel each day.

I get to share the random crap that crosses my mind, and my photos and hopefully make someone else feel better and myself at the same time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The sounds of pickups and trailers unloading huge mowers have started again. Maybe someday they will be pulling up in front of my house. Of course that comes with a COST.
  • Good friends, good food, March Madness. Blissful Sunday morning.
  • The news is the news, it’s there every day. I’m more of a history buff now being retired from news organizations. I catch it when it’s convenient with me.
  • I fall a little short of writing my children every day but at least that reminder is there and I have a fairly good batting average.
  • I have two dead batteries this morning and only one charger.


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Get moving

I’ve got to get on a schedule, like the trains. Predictability is good. I never had the time to make that a part of my blogging. Just time to pull together an image and a few words while working and living was a goal I had trouble doing daily.

Now, without a full-time job, I can crank out a few posts a day without much issue. So why not try to start a routine for this mess of a blog?

Trains are rolling art displays. Photo by Mike Hartley

This train will run 7 days a week. Track maintenance (doctor visits) might affect the schedule. There will be multiple trains each day that may run anytime day or night. The engineer has a weird lifestyle and many other loves, passions, chores, and obligations.

This train might go off the rails at times. It might seem to be more off-track than on.

This train has many different speeds and will go at whatever is inspiring it, or slowing it down with negative vibes.

Train getting ready to cross Woodstock Road Photo by Mike Hartley

This train has many unscheduled stops along the way. If the conductor or engineer feels the need to stop and look at something beautiful, then enjoy it.

This train may be an express at times and only a start and reach its endpoint.

This train has a dining car. For Food Reviews of course.

This is also an auto-train. Yep, it stops and we get off for some 4-wheel adventures.

This train hauls freight so some baggage might be unloaded from time to time. But also some important presents here and there.

I worked for a short time, in a building just to the right of this bridge. Photo by Mike Hartley

This train may go through tunnels of darkness but don’t worry, we always emerge out the other side.

This train has many stations and new ones, constructed all the time.

I read that trains are symbolic of progress, destiny, change, and transitions. Maybe some of that will rub off here.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Feeling the need to listen to music today. And we know that inspires the feet to move.
  • Way too cold for the first day of Spring. I’m staying inside as a protest.
  • It’s bracket-picking time. I’ve talked my better half into doing one. I’m going to do it like one of those ab lib games. I’m just going to give her the names of both teams and fill out the brackets. The odds are she wins it all.
  • Never write off any day.


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Why

Why? Because everything has its timeline and we get frustrated when it surprises us. Why? Because we have the illusion of control when we don’t. Why? Because hope seems futile till it gets you through some things. Why? Because some people are born bad. Why? Because some people are born unlucky. Why? Because some people make bad choices.

Why Not? Place a bet, everything is a gamble. Why not? Order that steak, you know you want it. Why not? Sleep an extra hour to feel rested. Why not? Live today like it could be your last day. Why not? Share something special. Why not? Do your own thing. Why not? Rise above the rest.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Old is when you saw the NBA Logo play a game.
  • All the things I don’t know overwhelm the feeling that I know a lot of things. And that is a good thing. It keeps that learning things gear engaged.
  • My first red car I got a lot of speeding tickets. My current red car has no tickets. But my current red car is faster than my first red car.
  • I wonder if my kids will laugh at some of the things I collect.


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Ambition-Reality

I was thinking back because the daily writing prompt asked me to “Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.”

Let’s see, I’ve done the typical home projects like a deck, landscaping, and basement but I did have help from friends with those so I guess that’s not a true DIY.

And then it popped into my head, what I’m doing now is the most ambitious project in my life. I’m starting a new career as a photographer, writer, and artist and I hope to become a professional in each. Yes, a lofty goal, one that will take a ton of work. The time in this career won’t equal the 48 years in Newspapers so I’m under the gun to make my mark quickly.

So I work at them every day. It’s kind of easy in one respect because it’s a passion. In reality, it’s tough as hell because it’s real work. And it’s all me doing each piece. Each day I realize I didn’t start that sketch I thought of, work on that photo project, or complete that chapter in the story I’m writing. So each day I fall a little short of my goals and it’s a little frustrating. But that fades with sleep and the next morning I’m excited again.

And then there are the mornings I’m kind of riding high because of the previous day’s accomplishment when I realize that I forgot to charge the camera batteries as I’m going out the door. A good reminder that it’s a lot of little things that make you good. And also that I’m finite, which is a limitation.

Today is another day to build on the most ambitious project of my life. What more could one ask for? The opportunity to build an original.

The dog’s name is probably Blue. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Weeding

I was looking at my blogging drafts folder and what a mess. Hundreds of ideas started. Time to weed out that mess and trash, or finish and publish. I guess I got spurred along to do this because I finally cleaned out and organized one of my email accounts and that felt great.

Weeding for effect. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve started to look at things and was reminded I’m a bit of a pack rat. So here is to a fresh start of getting things back to a manageable level in a few areas. Cleaning up the photo library, the office, the workroom, and the filing system to start with.

Doing this to kind of restart my start. I got busy and made a ton of progress immediately upon retirement last month. But all kinds of logistics, commitments, appointments, changes, and as always unexpected emergencies left me with unfinished business.

So I’m going to use the few remaining days in February to get my act together.

A few verses I like from a song called Something for Nothing by Rush

No, you don’t get something for nothing
You can’t have freedom for free
You won’t get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dream might be

What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story

In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your song

Oh you don’t get something for nothing
You can’t have freedom for free, no

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Damn good start to the morning.
  • There is strength in silence at times that is stronger than speaking out.
  • I miss having a pet.
  • I’m a resilient son of a bitch.
  • Experience and life are teaching me some of the reasons people stop writing. I won’t be one of them though. Learning to use things for inspiration.


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Take me Home

The song Take Me Home came on last night as I started the car to head home from one of my best friends. It brought a smile to my face with that warm thought on a cold night.

I don’t believe I could be comfortable in another home at this point. This place has become so much a part of me that I can’t imagine moving.

Moving would hurt my children I think. I always remember going to my Mom’s house as an adult and there is just something about wandering around the house you grew up in. I can see their comfort level when they come to visit to this day.

We hope to live out our days together here. I hope we can make that dream possible. Because it will always be home.

I’m eventually going to have to hire someone to shovel/plow the driveway though.

I figured this was an appropriate shot being we are getting snow tonight. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Music moves me to move.
  • Time to change the look of my office and workroom today.
  • I’ve got to start pushing myself a little harder in my new profession. I’m not satisfied with the results in the first 45 days.
  • Time for some snow shooting tonight. Now where did I leave my snow boots?


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Doing?

What were your parents doing at your age? So ask the daily writing prompt.

That one required a little thought and addition. My father never made it close to my age. Passed decades before it. After being in the Navy during WWII and Korea and expeditions on Operation Deep Freeze, I won’t forget the sacrifices he made that provided me and others our freedom.

My Mom, still a widow was doing some part-time work at card stores, traveling, and doing volunteer work for the Red Cross at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Then again she might have been fighting one of the many medical challenges she had in her senior years. But that didn’t stop her from helping others and when she wasn’t under the weather, she was out busy doing something.

Help raise someone’s spirits today. Photo by Mike Hartley

Now what was Mom really doing? She was busy being loving, generous, and kind to people. She would help people, donate to charities, and always look for the good in people. She had a great smile. She was warm. She believed someone always had it worse off even when she was suffering. Not that she didn’t notice every ache and pain, but she also acknowledged many had them and worse. She spent great effort and time loving her family and friends.

As time has passed, those examples aren’t front and center as they once were. Sometimes when our parents come up in memories our kids might say something like the above, and I’ll smile. I also know as time passes their recollections fade even faster because they are shorter.

So I’m going to try to remember those many good qualities my parents had and the ones my mother and father-in-law also had and keep them going so our children take the positive and good ones and pass them to their children.


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What I’ve been missing

This was the first Super Bowl I’ve watched from start to finish in the last decade. Working Sunday nights for those years kind of made it just another thing I was missing out on. It was a competitive game so it was fun to see from kickoff to the end of overtime.

Dad showing me the proper grip on a football.
Photo by Shirley Hartley

I had just turned 9 in the photo above, we never got to watch a Super Bowl together because he passed just a month before the first one was played. I’m glad I got to watch a few with my son.

Another milestone also in the form of a holiday Monday next week. If a holiday fell on a Monday we were working. Also the Sunday night before the long holiday weekend. I was kind of giddy being off New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. And then off for MLK Day and now Presidents Day.

I find myself smiling and rested on a Monday now instead of exhausted. I look forward to holiday weekends knowing I’m available and can be at events with family and friends.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I thought it was a better-than-average year for Super Bowl commercials.
  • The more I accomplish each day, the better I feel.
  • Decisions are just a part of every day. Making the right ones makes the day easier.
  • A day full of errands, I think a pizza reward is in order.


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Laws

The Daily writing prompt asks: If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

If I were to change one thing is that it would be to keep the violent offenders and rapist in for their full sentences at least. To hell with early parole and that good behavior bull getting their sentence cut.

We are a nation of laws. But we seem to still be troubled. We are the solution, we have the ability to change small and big things.

The powerful and wealthy have their justice and the other end gets another form. If laws aren’t applied equally, justice is slanted. We can right the ship if we try.

Behind Bars. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Invent

The Daily writing prompt asks what The most important invention in your lifetime is….

I got to admit I had to go look up what has happened during my lifetime to get the most accurate answer I could. I see birth control pill was invented the year I was born, as well as the 3 point seat belt. That one must have taken a while to catch on because as a youth I don’t remember wearing a seat belt till I was a young teenager when I started driving myself.

But its hard to choose as I look back over time between medical or energy or communication inventions which have been significant. Some medical advances have probably kept me living till today.

But then I stumbled on the Smoke Detector. In the early 70s the single station detectors were ready to be sold for homes. I believe hardwired ones became standard in the late 70s. While slow to take off they are in homes in this country in the high 90% range from what some searches have been saying.

I always have to remember to shut the windows before grilling. Photo by Mike Hartley

The number of lives saved and injuries prevented must be significant and its a gift that keeps on saving people and property. Proof that small things can bring big results.


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Life and perspective

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? Asks the daily writing prompt.

If I were to choose a one word answer to that question it would be “Profoundly.”

Significant events like deaths, early in my life changed me. Some of it made me stronger and other ways it took away confidence and security.

Time changes things over time. For instance the importance of the job over the years took on the shape of a bell curve over my career for me. Early on it wasn’t everything, then it really took off and it did become more important, and then more than it should have. And in the last few years many other things became priorities than the work being done for someone else.

Events give you experience and time gives you wisdom. For instance there is a lot of joy in creating a child. And that joy turns into a lot of wonderful smiles, memories and love in my heart and mind having helped raising them.

The passage of time changes all of us. We either adapt or not.

Every day you have the potential for events to change your perspective. It doesn’t have to be something drastic. It can be simple, from something someone says to you or how look at relationships in different ways from actions or inactions of others.


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Creative

How are you Creative?, so asks the Daily Writing prompt.

I’m creative through my art interests like photography, drawing, carving/etching, and writing. But I feel I’m creative in almost all facets of life. From creative solutions at a technical job to well-timed humor with friends. From how I customized my cars in my youth to the games I invented with my grandchildren.

I found it difficult to be creative when depressed. But when I’m not it just flows.

Fitting photo for the morning given the 2-5 inches of rain the last serval hours. Photo by Mike Hartley

My granddaughter reminded me to be more free-thinking and creative in the time I spend drawing with her. As I teach her about contrasting colors and staying within lines, she teaches me to just do what comes to mind. To be happy doing it. To share it.

I feel I’m creative in love, cooking, and even in my workouts. Creativity can come from anywhere and in almost anything. From mowing the lawn to shaping the shrubs.

I’ve never felt more creative in my life. And I’m freeing up some time to express myself more this coming year.

All of us need to get busy coming up with creative solutions to a lot of the world’s problems.


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Peaceful mornings

Mornings should be peaceful. And they usually are in the hours I’m up experiencing them. When I’m on vacation I found my normal rising time somewhere between 4-5 am in the mornings. That is a quiet and peaceful time.

Must be a good spot at Centennial Lake. Photo by Mike Hartley

My better half likes to sleep in so if I’m up and at work early at that 4-5 am hour, I won’t be taking away our together time. After that, the schedule is yet to be developed but I do like to start the day with as little chaos and as peacefully as possible.

There is a good chance I might even incorporate a mid-day nap if I’m staying up late doing evening shooting or out with the boys. I’ve read that a regular sleep schedule is good for the body and especially the mind. After decades of not having one, I think I can confirm that statement is true. I feel like I’ve taken years off my life working such an abnormal schedule.

So I hope it’s not too late to change that feeling and pattern for the better. At least we will finish the right way.

Here we go

One thing I know about publishing is consistency works. I’ve been anything but consistent when I publish posts. I’m all over the clock because of my crazy schedule now.

So starting in 2024 I will try doing morning and evening posts daily. And roughly the same timeframe each day in addition to trying to find the sweet spot in people’s viewing times but also so they know when my posts are regularly published.

Plus it will get me on a schedule of production and up and out the door each day my better half and I are healthy. But I’m a person that when an idea strikes I don’t like waiting on it so I’ll give it my best shot now for the two weeks remaining this year while I’m still working full time.

Which means I have a lot of work to do in the middle of the holiday season. So as the plate below says.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I hope that I’m too busy living experiences instead of sitting around telling people about past ones.
  • If the music you’re listening to doesn’t move your shoulders and hips, you should find another tune.
  • If I could tell my younger self something important it would be to have more confidence in myself. Not that I’m not still working on it at this advanced age.
  • Having close friends over lifetimes is like making great music together.


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Nosey

I love how dogs communicate with facial expressions. I think my Sons dog has a bit of a herding breed in her. She seems to use her nose to direct people. She also likes to put it against you if she is resting. But her main use is for food. She would be an elephant if not for her parents restraint.

This was shot a while back but I’m guessing she has this expression now. She is recovering from some surgery so she isn’t the happiest of campers yet.

Our granddog Paisley. Photo by Mike Hartley

I like how she furrows her brow when she is concerned like above. And then relaxes like below.

This is that in between look. Pet me for a bit till I’m asleep, but don’t go anywhere. Photo by Mike Hartley

Writing

I’m no professional writer. Might never get close to being one but that won’t deter me. I didn’t even know I liked writing till I started blogging about a decade ago. I didn’t start off thinking I’d write much in this blog because it was for my photography.

Writing has turned into a joy and I hope to get much better now that I can devote some time and energy into it. In the past I’ve done a few poems for friends, humorous stuff. I’ve written a few touching things for special occasions.

And now I want to do a lot of it. I have no idea if I can accomplish it or will be satisfied with it but I’m going to try my hand at a few books.

The most important writing I do is to my children and that is often in the forms of almost daily emails.

But there is this itch to do something new in life. To make an impact. To help others and myself at the same time. So off I go to make the best use of this day and every one forward.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • My hats off to Mr. Norman Lear. You helped change the world through laughter. RIP.
  • When I retire soon I worry about not being exposed to the young people at work who secretly challenge me to keep up with things and also their views and observations.
  • I love the thought of having the time to read more soon.
  • I didn’t realize the comfort I was giving up working on laptops the last few years till I got a nice desktop unit. These old eyes need screen real estate.
  • I slept 6 hours this morning. I haven’t slept 6 hours in a long while. It’s a nice feeling. The hair on my neck tingles at the thought of 7-8 hours.
  • My Mother could decorate the most beautiful Christmas trees I’ve ever seen.
  • We are all responsible for the demise of sports as one of the great things in life. Money has changed every level of it now and taken away many of the most special things about it.


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Action

I feel like a movie set director this morning yelling ACTION to the crew and cast. The trouble is I’m the only one up. So I’ll get me, myself, and I in gear and see what the cast can accomplish.

The first order of business is to make sausage gravy and biscuits. Boy was that good. Now I have to do a cleanup. Always the worst part of cooking. A part I used to do when I was young working at restaurants.

I’m taking some biscuits and gravy to my grandson who I’ll see today. Might be too spicy for him. I’m sure his dad will consume it if so.

Listening to the song Lucky Man by ELP this morning. A live version that has me drifting back in time. It also is appropriate because I’m feeling lucky to be here. My better half just shared a photo of a friend’s husband in hospice.

The youngsters are at it again. I thought I heard this one the other night. Photo by Mike Hartley

Mental over physical. Nice concept that I haven’t fully perfected but I’ll keep trying. Pain is a nice adversary. One that only gets stronger as I age. So I have to keep upping my game at the same time both physically and mentally.

It’s never too late to make some positive changes. Long ago a friend suggested morning stretching and I adopted some of that routine. Recently I’ve cut out a lot of sodas and bad snacks which resulted in a nice weight loss.

I’m walking more this year than any in the recent past and using the treadmill when I can’t get out. But more steps are needed and why not get going on them?

Perspective

Well, I did it again. I passed out and broke my daily streak of posting. I think it was around 120 days this time. I’ve passed 200 before but illness or pain of some sort usually catches up with me at some point and I’ll sit down for a few minutes and I’m out cold. This time I had the 3 previous days where I had only slept maybe 10 hours combined.

My reaction to messing up my daily streak is different this time than in the past. I know I do this daily. I work on my photography daily now. I work on education daily in my crafts. I work on making things for loved ones or friends daily. I look to upgrade my writing daily. (I know it may not appear that way on this one). I’d love to do more woodwork but that might have to wait till next year to be added to the daily list.

So I’m working daily on more and more things important to me all the time. And that is my measure of success. And doing that at the same time while still working full time plus now is difficult at times, it’s still a ton of fun.

So I forgot to hit the publish button before sitting on the couch. No big deal. Another streak begins today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Holding a grandchild yesterday. Holding another grandchild today. Life is good.
  • I’m a big fan of history. That is why I watch events so closely each day.
  • I finally found an internal voice that balances out the one that says I LOVE FOOD.
  • Anytime I have a few free minutes, it’s happy hour time.


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Two a days

I wonder if they still do two a days, 2 practice sessions a day in sports. The preseason prep for the regular season. Well, I think I’ll give that a go here. The time between now and my retirement is preseason and then the regular season begins next year.

It’s quarterback season. Photo by Mike Hartley

Having the daily routine down I’m hoping to get into the morning and evening blast from mission control and post two a days. Sort of like the old days when your daily newspaper had a morning and evening edition. Now all I need to do is create interesting content and designs.

Time for that last blast of fireworks as July is about to be in the rearview mirror. Photo by Mike Hartley

Old Man Inside/Outside

Time to be outside today with this wonderful weather. If there is an eject button on the couch use it today if you’re in the mid-Atlantic area. I’ve been up and cleaning the grill for later and putting up the umbrella and patio cushions.

Keeping it simple with burgers and hot dogs tonight. As we approach the midday hour remember to moderate a bit, it’s still warm out. As I was quickly reminded after a little time behind the push mower.

Food

Had a wonderful dinner at Pachanga Cocina Mexicana on Rt 40 in Ellicott City last night. My better half had the Burrito Maria Grande and I had the Crab and Shrimp Burrito Grande. Both were excellent with rice and black beans. A Fried Ice Cream for dessert and all was well on a Saturday night. Oh, and the service was great.

We will be returning again soon.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Feels good to have a functional workroom again.
  • Time to schedule some time off in August.
  • Is it wrong to eat your leftover burrito before 8 am the next morning?
  • I wonder what percentage of people cut their own yards? I guess the guys who sell home lawn equipment know because I’m guessing they have seen their numbers dip in this area.


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Why

Because it’s therapy. Because it challenges me. Because it gives me a voice. Because it helps me learn. Because I meet others. Because it raises my spirits. Because it gives me ideas. Because it might provide a laugh or make me laugh. Because it might leave something for people to think about and at the same time makes me think.

That is why I’m blogging today.

On the road again. Photo by Mike Hartley

A busy day and the workweek beginning have left me short on time. A common occurrence.

Solitude. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I hate stubbing my toe.
  • There is a fine line between a mess and organized chaos.
  • The Who = Where every member played the Lead instrument. And the song was just the highway for the race.
  • I’m not a fan of days with more pain than without.


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Precious

What I do with my time is the most precious commodity I have. Sometimes I wonder if I’m wasting some rambling on here each day right or should I just concentrate on the photo part? Or should I abandon that and focus on other arts? I don’t feel I waste a lot of time. I might check FB every 2-3 days for a few minutes. I don’t belong to Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, or whatever flavor of the day social media is. I don’t spend my day immersed in email or the smartphone.

I have a photo site with about 7500 images and growing that I’m going to make into something someday. And I have this mishmash of a blog. I guess I continue because it makes me happy. It doesn’t feel like work. Well, most of the time. Sometimes when my head isn’t on straight or depressed, it becomes difficult to write.

But I got to admit that I like it and find blogging somewhat therapeutic.

Don’t you dare roll through that STOP SIGN! Photo by Mike Hartley

“No Excuses” is a good motto to live by. I was thinking about this on the job the other day. I forgot to send something at the end of the shift because another coworker forgot to do something they promised to do earlier in the evening and I had to do that after my shift ended and forgot to get back to that last task of the shift because I was miffed. I thought about talking to my boss to explain myself and I said “No excuses.” Despite having to do something else unplanned I should have still done my role. So I didn’t make an excuse or talk to the boss.

I think I’ll try to go forward and not make any excuses. (let’s see how long that last)

Now, which boat do you want to be in the storm? Photo by Mike Hartley

Family is like the tide. Sometimes in and sometimes out. Being older and seeing my own family go through huge changes through decades and seeing other close families it’s an amazing thing. And sometimes surprises happen that are least expected. And sometimes things that seemed destined sadly become that way.

I’ve had some recent family successes and it feels good. Even for something I thought was over at one time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Everything changes, but I thought the hope was for the better. Now I’m not so sure.
  • Raising children is difficult enough with both parents’ and grandparents’ involvement and support. Anything less is a miracle.
  • The reason we can’t get past important issues is that we are of two different minds.
  • It’s ok to admit you’re tired. You might find yourself in the majority.


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An inviting start

The inviting start of this new morning and the new year has me smiling and thinking of the possibilities. And that is the way I’d like to wake up each day. It was easy today after being off for a few days and seeing my family and friends. I’m hoping it kind of sets the table for the year ahead.

I’m going to try to drink more water this year and ease back on the Cokes. Photo by Mike Hartley

Let’s see if I can maintain that motivation and produce some meaningful work. And that means I need to stop doing the same thing I was and expect different results. I just haven’t put my heart into it and now is the time to begin the effort in earnest.

The trick will be keeping all the other balls in life from hitting the ground.

Nikon Photo Contest – Just got the email invite to enter and the thought “why not” hit me. And then I started to go through this year’s work and boy was I disappointed. One is how little use I made of my best tool, my Nikon. Next was how little I shot throughout the year with all 3 cameras and the video camera. But I won’t let that deter me but inspire me to make a drastic change this year. If I can blog every day I can shoot every day.

I also have to clean out some of that crap and also make some prints for the family that I didn’t throughout the year at some events. And lo and behold I hopefully learn from those weak images and failed attempts to improve this year’s offerings.

Perspective and Control – I’m no longer dreading Sunday nights which is the start of my workweek. I’m looking forward to it and being extremely productive regardless of the hours the job takes away from those first 4 days of the week. It’s all how I look and approach it.

I’m no longer dreading winter. It’s just another thing to skip past till I’m in Ocean City or Bethany Beach this summer eating a cherry ice cream soda from Dumsers and catching some rays on the sand.

Don’t worry, this will be the last shot of me this year.

Meds – They say timing is everything. I’m going to try that for one facet of my life starting today. With my screwed-up schedule, I end up taking my meds at all different times of the day during the week. I’m setting a time for that each day from now on and seeing if that helps the body.

Exercise – I hope to slowly build into a fit human being this year. Shouldn’t take a tremendous effort but as my best friend says it’s incorporating it into your daily routine. I’ve got a set of dumbells and a treadmill so that is where I’ll be starting. I haven’t had a daily exercise routine in decades.

Once I got the daily thing down for a few months and the temps start to warm I’ll get outside more and move that walk to a jog. And I’ll have a foot up on my summertime body. Maybe this year people won’t keep rolling me back into the water.

Getting a foot up on the world. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The Sunday afternoon nap should be written into law.
  • I think it would be fair to say the Big 10 didn’t have a good day at football yesterday.
  • Despite the good cheer and feeling of the holiday season, the world remains a very dangerous place.
  • Live your own dream regardless of all the obstacles.
  • I’m saddened to see the obvious huge sums of money that gambling is exacting from people that can’t afford to lose.


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Writing

In the words of Dr. Johnny Fever and the show WKRP in Cincinnati. “Hello, fellow babies.”

The more I read about the art of writing the more inferior I feel by each paragraph I read. But there was one very important tip to start with and that was to Be Fearless. To just let it flow. So I’ll start with that because I’ve got to go reread some of the other pieces and see if I can grasp those concepts.

Fenceposts like life are interlinked. Photo by Mike Hartley

Today was a slice of life in a short ride. A peaceful back road, after a haircut, an errand run for my better half back in the town where I see a young lady and baby, looking at each other so deeply, oblivious to the world. A quick cruise through Main Street in Ellicott City and a slow ride up along Columbia Pike. I look to the left and there is a good size family leaving Slack Funeral Home. Some hand in hand or arm in arm walking slowly, heads bowed towards their cars. I get to Rt 29 and head north towards home and there I see a number of people trying to make it to the funeral home before their time.

I feel like I got a snippet of life in a ride of about 45 minutes today.

A 36-day streak of posts, so says my WP updates so I’ve decided to just keep it going. Having worked in a daily publishing environment for the last 24 years it’s something I hoped to do for myself when I retired but what the hell, I’ll see if I can keep that daily pace here while still employed.

This brings me back to creating good content because neither of us wants to listen to me ramble on. But what is good content and where does it come from. To me, the only way to get that answer is to keep doing it. And I don’t mean hoping to stumble upon it. Working hard to create and refine each day.

And while I do it I have to work out a great number of issues. Where is this blog going? Do I want to do certain things on certain days like Food Fridays, Shutterbug Saturdays, or Monday Mayhem? Or should I try to mix a number of things together each day and just neatly divide them into sections?

Do I keep doing Random Thoughts? Should I start tinkering with poems and run off what few followers I have. Hell, it’s wide open, I can do whatever I want and choose to focus on. I’m sure I’ll know when I’m satisfied with something and I’m guessing that is when I might hear approval for it.

So after 8 years of tinkering and on and off postings, we’re going to gear up and see what is possible if I set this mind free and apply myself.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Cake and ice cream have so many positive aspects. Why dwell on a few negatives.
  • Perfect time to practice some poor weather photography the next few days.
  • I have a real bad problem with Nazi flags and those flying them being out in public in this country and I’m not Jewish. Did this country forget what our parents spent the 1940s doing?
  • This workweek is flying by.


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That blank page

Sometimes when I sit down to start a post the blank page in front of me gives me pause. I guess it’s that self-doubt I carry around that intimidates me for a few seconds. Will I come up with something creative or interesting? What images should I use? Do I spend some precious time on design? Do I even know what I’m talking about and will putting words to paper remove all doubt that I don’t.

And then I put my first few words down and I’m off. And that fear and pause I have is dissipated and fades away and I start to smile as the fingers go off on their own. The mind wanders and I try to catch some thoughts and ideas as it races around the track in my head.

At peace with myself. Photo by Mike Hartley

And then at the end, I start to worry again before I hit the publish button. I know my English skills leave a lot to be desired. I know some of the pictures are amateurish. I might not have the interesting idea or take on it that I thought I had when I started the post and I pause again. Sometimes saving it as a draft, sometimes trashing work, sometimes more edits or photo changes.

I think about the posts I’ve read and how well written and talented you all are. I read some and the education and background provide insights and knowledge to me I previously lacked and wondered if I could ever do something like that for someone else?

I’m not a wealthy man in monetary means so I’m not a big traveler. So are people going to want to see images from small towns and the state of Maryland constantly? My career choice is somewhat interesting but I’m not retired yet so talking about it could be risky. I’ve had some medical challenges but so has most of the world. I’m no master at being the head of the family, an illusion my better half pretends to let me have.

I love to joke and laugh and I think I’m good at keeping friends and family entertained at times. But I’m not a comedian. And I’m kind of intimidated to try it here even though I’d love to try to write comedy. I try sneaking something into my posts from time to time.

Regardless of how well my work is received or not, I have found I love doing it. But now I’m going to venture further and really try to make some significant steps. I’m going to try to be more well-read in topics I choose to wade into. I’m going to challenge my photo skills by first utilizing some time with books. I read a post a few weeks ago that suggested instead of more gear, try some books on the profession. So I’m starting with something called “The Photographers Playbook” and I also have gotten out a very old set of Time/Life books on Photography and hope to read every day from now on. Like I’ve said before, I’d like to get a good jump on my retirement career.

The last few days I’m on a roll and shooting more. Not successfully but by mistakes, you learn what not to do at least. I’m trying to get rid of what I call Old Man Finger. Having shot film for many decades, I still have that conservative finger when hitting the shutter button. And no matter how many times I remind myself to just keep shooting (because it’s digital) when I’m trying to photograph my granddaughter who defines the term “constant motion” I still pause and try to catch that exact moment I want and often am too early or two late instead of just shooting a burst.

So this coming year I hope some efforts to better educate myself yields some better quality work here. I did learn a few things in my long career in Newspapers. And one of them is “Content is KING.” In other words, if you’re putting out good work, they will come. So I’m not going to sit here and put out a bunch of goals for the coming year on the number of posts or amount of followers I’d like to add. I just want to improve and time will tell me if it’s working or not.

So good morning all, have a great day. It’s time to have some French Toast this fine Sunday morning.

So I like a little extra powdered sugar. Hey, I went very easy on the syrup. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m thinking more about fostering a cat this coming year.
  • I want each day from now on to count for something special.
  • Coming off a week of vacation to return to work tonight is a rude thought to end the year with. But what the hell, it is one of those years.
  • My sister-in-law returns home today. It was nice having her visit for a few days and it was good for my better half. I do worry we won’t see her as often now though. And that would be a loss because she is a sweet woman.
  • My desk needs cleaning, as it has for a while now. Maybe I can embarrass myself into doing it.