So, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?
Yes, I haven’t updated this site since August. It’s been an… interesting few months. While there is some photography in this post from the past few months, there has been quite a bit of non-photography stuff as well. Some of that stuff has actually prevented me from shooting.
Depression
The first thing that kept me away from photography is my old “friend,” depression. The big D decided to visit me in September and October. Whenever he comes around, photography is usually the first thing that goes, as depression just sucks the will to accomplish anything out of me, even the things I love to do.
COVID-19
COVID played a big factor in my photography in the last few months as well. While I never came down with it (thank God), it did cause the cancellation of our planned trip to Iceland (oooh, the photographic opportunities that await me there when I do finally get to go) and also prevented me from taking my annual fall foliage trip in October/November. In fact, I pretty much missed the entire fall foliage season.
But There Has Been *Some* Photography
That’s not to say that the last few months were a total loss. When our Iceland trip was canceled, Lisa and I decided to get away anyway for a few days and we ended up going upstate to Cooperstown, New York to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition to the Hall of Fame, we did manage to see some of the local parks and do some nature photography.
This first shot was taken at Council Rock Park in Cooperstown, which is on the shores of Lake Otsego. This shot is where the Susquehanna River begins, as it drains out of Lake Otsego. The river goes for 444 miles until it drains into Chesapeake Bay.
These other two shots are also from Council Rock Park. I hung around the park until sunset, catching the sky’s colors as they changed.
I also spent some time up at Glimmerglass State Park, where I managed to capture this shot of a covered bridge.
Sadly, I haven’t been shooting too much lately, as I have had some health issues and I also began a new (non photography) project which takes time away from photography. Hopefully, I’ll get back to shooting soon.
2021 Calendar
One photography related win that I had was the creation of my 2021 calendar. I created my calendar this year as a test run, just to give me an idea of what is involved and what it would cost, with an eye toward possibly creating them for sale next year. I pretty much did everything in house from the design to the printing to the binding. Overall, I am very pleased with the product and the friends and family that I sent it to have had nothing but good things to say about it.
So, that’s it for this month’s update. Here’s hoping I have some new shots to show you next month.
Zev
I appreciate your honesty in a very personal way, Zev. One of the greatest lessons I’m learning from this COVID-PANIC is that “Fear” is the most contagious disease that exists. It doesn’t appear that “Balance” is an acceptable approach to those who promote our willful compliance to suppressing all that we love. Hang in there buddy. Risk has always been a part of life with every step we take. We must not let the “FEAR” of it destroy our way of life.
Thank you for the kind words, Alan! They are greatly appreciated.
Zev
Hi Zev, So sorry that you’ve been battling depression. I’ve gotten down there a few times during this pandemic and was in a total funk, which I (unfortunately) consider quite normal at this time.
How can I get one of your calendars?
Cheers,
Jeannie Bird
Hi, Jeannie!
Thank you for the kind words. Depression is a problem, but like most things in life, it has to be handled one day at a time.
As for the calendars, I only made a few this year for family and friends, just to give me an idea of the process and the costs involved. Once I figure out all the costs, I’ll have a better idea if I’m going to do one for next year. If I do and make them available for sale, I’ll be sure to announce it.
Zev
Hi Zev,
I just wanted you to know that you are an amazing person, photographer, and even a more amazing father and husband. Your pictures are beautiful and I am in awe of all you’ve accomplished over the past 20 or so years.
Love you always,
Lisa <3
Aww! Thank you, Aardvark! Love you always.