"In Your Own Backyard"

Early spring is certainly one of my favorite times to live in Southwest Oklahoma.  It is especially so after the very destructive ice storm we had on January 28th, 2010.  Evidence of the damage from the massive ice storm is still very visible around the area.  Because of this, I was delighted to see the first sign of Henbit sprouting amidst the dead brown leaves of the bermuda grass and the green leafy curlydock.  I patiently watched as both the henbit and wild lettuce grew taller and taller.  The curlydock began providing a wonderfully rich green background and, already, I was making plans to capture images at the first opportunity.  An opportunity when the wind is not blowing too strong for macro work is rare during a Southwest Oklahoma spring day.  It’s even more rare when one occurs on the weekend when I can actually take advantage of it.  East Sunday was such a day, and rose before sunup and actually waiting patiently in my backyard to begin just as soon as it was light enough.  For the next 1 1/2 hours I had a great time, but even then, as time passed the breeze was gradually becoming more troublesome.  I had a great time in my own backyard until I finally conceded to the wind.

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.