Passin’ Time

May 24, 2009


“Passin’ Time” © R.L. Herron

When you’re working it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines. Schedules, meetings and appointments abound. All of them crucial, or critical, or whatever else we choose to consider them.

My photography and writing time was something that I scheduled along with everything else. I almost always have a camera and a notebook with me and my thinking was: “I can shoot in the park on my way to work, if I leave thirty minutes early. If I can get up an hour early, I’ll also have time to write.”

The funny thing is, it seemed to work. I made myself look for interesting images wherever I went and sometimes made a note to schedule a return with my camera when the light was better. Or had a thought I later turned into a good thousand words.

Now that I’ve retired (I don’t consider looking for consulting opportunities to be full-time employment), I’m not so diligent. It’s funny, but so many things have a way of filling the time and there never seems to be enough time.

Yet there is so much to enjoy. From early morning conversations with my wife, to quiet times just sitting and fishing on the end of the dock.

In fact, I have so much fun, the next time I seriously think I might even bring bait.

Thunderhead

May 21, 2009


“Another Thunderhead”  © R.L. Herron

Even with the best planning, some things don’t always go the way you hope. Life has a way of pushing itself into the foreground, making all your plans moot, much the same way as a summer storm intruding on an otherwise perfect afternoon.

If you’re lucky, you have a camera ready to catch the image of the storm coming. It makes for an enduring image.

If you’re really lucky, all the metaphors that storm can represent are as easily handled.

The key for the interesting photograph may be in keeping that camera ready, to be used at a moment’s notice. Just as the key for most of life is having a little something in reserve to call upon when the storm threatens.

Moments

May 18, 2009


“Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier”  © R.L. Herron

Ever wonder about the “what if” moments in life?

What if your parents had never met?

What if you hadn’t gone to the college you chose?

What if you hadn’t taken that first job offer in your hometown, and instead had moved out-of-state?

What if you had never taken up photography, or writing?

What would you be doing? What things would you enjoy?

Truth is, it really doesn’t matter. I took up photography as a young man, but never did much with it. I also took up writing, with the same result.

However, I used the skills of each throughout my career. And here I am using both again.

I think we end up where we’re supposed to, and the things that matter will always matter. Love for your wife and family. Admiration of great art, creative wordsmiths and skillful photographers. The enjoyment of a beautiful sunset.

Those are things that will enrich your soul, and last far beyond your questions.

Life is what you make of it, and I’m convinced it should be lived in the “now.”