Heat Weirdlastname 
The mornings here lately have been cool and lovely. Anyone who has lived here for a year or more knows to appreciate these mornings, as they will quickly be a distant memory. I went out on the back patio and took the Nikon. The birds chatter endlessly out there—not complaining!—and I figured if I sat … Read more
It doesn’t feel right to prattle on about the usual things today. The problem of gun violence is overwhelming. The problem of black people murdered by police is overwhelming. The problem of racism is overwhelming. There are solutions or partial solutions to these, and we rationalize our way around them. How do we connect when … Read more
“Hey, you got a card from someone,” The Climbing Daddy said one day last week when he brought in the mail. There wasn’t an occasion or anything attached to it—just a card that said, in sum, “I’m glad our paths crossed” from a relatively new friend. It was lovely. It made my day. I have … Read more
Just a walk around the neighborhood. And gratitude for lacking seasonal allergies. Hummingbird! One day, I’m going to capture one in action. For now, I’m happy to have captured one at all…
Austin Kleon had written in one of his newsletters his answers to seven pandemic questions. I asked my newsletter people their answers. Here are their responses, my responses, and Rocket Kid’s responses. Question 1: What’s one thing you made this year? I asked people to upload a photo, but the few brave enough to answer … Read more
As part of a conversation in episode 42 of No Stupid Questions, Stephen Dubner made mention of people who lived through—and therefore, for a period of time, adapted to—horrible situations, and then shared this hypothesis: “All of us can adapt to some degree. But with something as simple as removing sugar from your coffee, to … Read more
The neighbor’s cactus bloomed! This cactus gave me some stunning shots last year—including one I used on one of my most popular cards—and this year, it was even better. Here it is from a slight distance, just so you can see it whole. This is also my perspective from the sidewalk. Fortunately, while I was … Read more
Too long, didn’t read. I can’t listen to hour-long podcasts. I don’t click on videos that are more than three minutes long. As a creator, I feel pressure to create content that is meaningful, that will connect with my audience, that has substance and value, and is short. If it’s too long, no one will … Read more
I’ve been talking about writing a book for over a decade, and I finally did it! Initially, I was going to self-publish, but with feedback from an editor who has been in the business for a long time, I decided to submit it for publication. Said editor has the manuscript right now; I expect it … Read more
It finally happened. I reached the limit for how heavy I am willing to be. I didn’t know ahead of time what that was. It’s not something I’ve kept in mind all along. I just reached the point where I had to say, “No more!” When I went back to school in 2016, I gained … Read more