46 today

Reflecting on another year around the sun

A portrait of the blogger as a young man, March 2003.

Photography is a time machine.

Last week, I found this picture on my phone: my first time hiking mountains in Arizona. March 2003, a lifetime ago. I was 24.

Look at that hair! I loved it back then, even though — and probably because — it was a wild and unruly rat's nest. I discovered my passion for the outdoors and walking in wild places that day. I remember that guy. Those were good times.

It's my birthday today. I'm 46, so this memory resonates.

Five months after this picture was taken, I met Kristen, who would become my wife and best friend and show me how to be more open and understanding. A year after Jim took this picture, I got cancer and spent my summer on chemo. In the fall, I recovered, started dabbling on the internet, taught myself how to blog, and found a photo community that changed my life.

Ever since, I've been thinking and writing about photography. It's a practice that has served me well. Twenty years later, I'm grateful for good health, loving friends and family, and a creative community that nurtures and sustains me.

I'm taking the week off to rest and reflect, and I want to thank each of you for reading my newsletter. It means a lot to me. I enjoy writing these posts so much. They help me explore my thoughts and connect me with artists I admire. And they put me in touch with you, my readers and friends. Your comments inspire me and give me new insights. It's a virtuous circle, and I don't take it for granted.

This is a special thing we've got going. Thank you for being here and for giving me a little bit of your attention — I appreciate you. I hope you have a beautiful week. Take care of yourselves and be well. More soon!

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