Well things didn’t work out as I had planned during my so-called time off between Christmas and New Year’s. I had hoped to print some keepers I had made during the latter part of the year, but work and other issues conspired to keep me from getting into the darkroom.  I could have pushed myself to print a couple of hours here and there between all the chaos and anarchy that was going on but I just could not get the proper motivation, and I think I know why. I simply knew I would be forcing things. I wouldn’t really enjoy what I was trying to accomplish and the results would probably show it; I would also be totally stressed out.

Better to step back and realize it just wasn’t going to happen and move on until I could have the time to work under much more favorable and pleasant conditions.  I know I will get it done. Not because I feel I have to, but because I want to!  I’m not burned out or in a slump; the whole point of this is to be creative and to enjoy yourself. If not, why bother in the first place?

The above having been said, I hadn’t stopped thinking out photography during my so-called time off. Even though I wasn’t doing what I had wanted to, I kept my head in the game and was planning, reading, and yes, even daydreaming about what I love. So it wasn’t really a loss at all, just a delay.

So now what? Hey it’s a new year and just like spring training camp all things are possible. Like a great pennant race or winning the World’s Series.  I know, once the season begins reality isn’t always as we dreamt, but this year your team is full of hard workers that come to play every day wanting to prove themselves. All things are possible!

So things didn’t work out as planned. No sweat. It’s going to be a great photographic year.  I’m going to get my printing done and even get to some older previously unprinted negatives and get them done too. Then I’m going to get out there and make some new images at some favorite places and some spots I’ve never been to.  And I have some other exciting things in the works (more on that to come!). I’ll get everything done. Mind you I don’t have a schedule for any of this.  I don’t need one because I love it all. I’ll do all these things, not because I feel I have to, but because I want to!