Change.

“So cheers to three hundred sixty-five

Of record lows and record highs

Lovin' and losin', fun and confusin'

Prayin' and shiftin' gears

For the minute you got, it's probably a lot

More than you wanna hear

If you're hangin' around, I can tell you about it

But it might take another beer

'Cause it's been a year.”

I can’t speak for everyone I know, but for sure, turning the calendar page comes with mixed emotions. These past 365 days, as they always seem to, flew by; my hunch is 2023 will be no different. 

This past year I lost people in my life I had known for more than 40 years, and some that came into my life through my wife’s former marriage—now all that will live on is their images and memories. I am sure I have lost others, but these are the only ones I can remember as I sit here with my laptop and a cup of coffee while the house is silent.

On the flip side, there are people who I have not spoken with in decades who I now am back in touch with.

So, what’s in the future? I don’t know, but if I did, I would only be surprised if it were something I didn’t see coming. In other words, there will be surprises.

Before I said to myself, “I want to start writing again,” I had to gather up the gumption to do it. It’s not an easy decision, it does take up time on certain days—on others, the thoughts and words, just magically appear on the screen. Today, it’s somewhat in between. 

I am hopeful and planning to make some changes, but I also know that takes more effort at times than I am able to do. For sure I want to lose a few pounds, expand my photo horizons, and go on journeys; I, as well as others, have had to give up or adjust so much since the pandemic changed our lives. But, I believe there is a journey ahead, I just don’t know the path yet. But when I locate it, I would love for anyone reading this to come along. If you don’t have time, pop in every once in a while…I would love to have as many people on this road that can can fit in, in other words, there’s always room.

That’s it for my first day back. I began “Snap. Shot.” in the fall of 2008 when I had lost direction. It was the first time I had ever lost a job, and in the next several months would be losing my Mom. It was a year of “record lows and record highs” but I wrote every day for one solid year and that’s my plan for the next 12 calendar pages. (Oh by the way, I don’t have a wall of desk calendar!)

The photo above was taken at the annual Air and Water Show here in Chicago. That day I made a change in location—-with planes soaring around, I stood with my trusty Nikon in hand, and a much bigger lens than I normally would take the shores of Lake Michigan, and knew this was the magic I needed.

Thanks for stopping by.