I had a wonderful day today... I had the opportunity to hang out with Mitch and mr bill.

I'll share a little something about me that not many people know. For a very long time, I could barely leave my home without panicking. It's true. I make my living interacting with people - selling - listening - bargaining - informing - learning... I'd find that I would do okay at work - most of the time, but if I could avoid a situation - I would. There have been times when I just thought I would surely die - I couldn't breath - and I felt as if my world was coming to an end - all triggered by being in the presence of others. I know in my mind I often thought that I wasn't good enough - that I'd surely be found out as a fraud -- and panic set in.

It took me a very, very long time to overcome this. I still struggle with it from time to time - but now, I force myself into social situations - and there are times I feel like I'm going to crawl out of my skin - but I work my way through it all. I find my way.

I was thinking about this on the way home tonight. It wasn't until I rekindled my love for photography that I started to snap out of it - until I longed to find my place back in the fold of society. This much, I know is true. What you see through each post is my antidote - my elixir - helping me out of the blackness that I faced for so long. It's hard for me to even write this -- but it's true.

I would have never made it to Cuba - with so many wonderful people - had it not been for my driving desire to find just ONE image to bring home with me -- I would have never met my friend John had it not been for my desire to learn something about taking images in the darkness -- I would have never even thought of showing my work here if not for the need to see if what I've worked at for so long had some value to someone other than me. As a result - I've formed so many wonderful friendships -- some virtual - and so many live, and in-person. I'm so very thankful for them all.

Thanks Bill and Mitch, for reminding me... I had a wonderful day...

Listening to: Let it Bleed - Stones

Favorite Photo of the Day