Lace Cactus

This morning’s email from Amazon.com contained a list of the best books of 2009, so far.  I clicked the link and soon began looking over the selections.  The title that caught my eye, was “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”, by Alan Bradley.  I began reading the description with interest, all along wondering if it would be something Sherry would enjoy.  Following the description there was an interview with the author, Alan Bradley.  That’s when the “Aha” moment happened.  Mr. Bradley wrote this book at age 70!  He hasn’t always been a published author, although he stated he always thought he could write, even at age 5.  He went on to note, “Seneca, an ancient Roman author, had said something like this, ‘Hang on to your youthful enthusiasms, you’ll be able to use them better when you’re older.’”

These words were just the ones I needed to hear.  I don’t recall how young I was when I first had the awareness that I wanted to accomplish something more than I was capable of at the time.  What I can remember is that throughout most of my life I have a strong sense that there is something I want to say, but the how, what, and when has always escaped me.  I’ve been developing my photography in isolation for many years.  I’ve been interested in photography since age 16.  Other than the few years spent in my mid-20s as a professional working in and out of a studio, it’s just been me and my camera.  The time has never seemed “right”.  The support and encouragement has never been there, either.  However, I would never give up my “youthful enthusiasm” and perhaps one day, someday, beauty may yet burst forth, even from something as forboding and and threatening as the Lace Cactus pictured above.  I may become an old curmudgeon before anyone cares about my photos, but Alan Bradley gives me hope.