Three important lessons for people who are inspiring writers and have never done this before:
A fourth lesson would be to stop focusing on all of those and just get to writing something. Anything. Please.
After several free trials, beta tests and tribulations I have chosen iA Writer as my tool to help me create stories I want to tell (not calling myself a writer or author yet).
The software for me had to pass several standards such as:
Cross-platform (Windows, iOS)
Inexpensive
Clean, simple and aesthetically pleasing.
No overwhelming amount of tools that I’ll never use
Mission accomplished.
When I noticed recently that the total number of photos stored
on my computer is almost 40,000, it seemed time to do some organizing and pruning. No problem right? Just get rid of the images I don’t want and look for the keepers.
So, what to do with pictures like
the one above? It’s probably not worth saving for the fact that it snows in Houston Texas once every ten years. Or that we only had enough snow to make this cute little guy on the top of our car. Look how cute that baby carrot nose is.
The photo features a brilliant blend of colors and an excellent bokeh and was shot three days before my birthday in 2009 at f/5.6 at 1/500 seconds on my old Nikon D90 with no flash.
Yes, I’ll keep it.
One down, 39,999 to go…
After several free trials, beta tests and tribulations of desktop writing software I have finally decided on my tool of choice. iA Writer helps me take notes and create the stories I want to tell (not
calling myself a writer or author yet).
The criteria I needed:
Mission accomplished.
on the desktop ^
on the iPad ^
When I noticed recently that the total number of photos stored
on my computer is almost 40,000, it seemed time to do some organizing
and pruning. No problem right? Just get rid of the images I don’t want
and look for the keepers.
So, what to do with pictures like
the one above? It’s probably not worth saving for the fact that it snows
in Houston Texas once every ten years. Or that we only had enough snow
to make this cute little guy on the top of our car. Look how cute that
baby carrot nose is.
The photo features a brilliant blend of
colors and an excellent bokeh and was shot three days before my birthday
in 2009 at f/5.6 at 1/500 seconds on my old Nikon D90 with no flash.
Yes, I’ll keep it.
One down, 39,999 to go…
My very first digital photograph back in November 2001.
When I was away at college I borrowed my father’s Olympus C2100. I loved the zoom and bokeh it produced. This had helped solidify my photography enthusiasm.
I discovered this when sorting through the archives and organizing the digital assets (DAM). Yeah, it’s simple, but we all start somewhere.
My very first digital photograph back in November 2001.
When
I was away at college I borrowed my father’s Olympus C2100. I loved the
zoom and bokeh it produced. This had helped solidify my photography
enthusiasm.
I discovered this when sorting through the archives
and organizing the digital assets (DAM). Yeah, it’s simple, but we all
start somewhere.
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 9/9
Get another tattoo: Coming soon
More camping: It’s hot y’all. And the last attempt was off asphalt and sand dunes. Fall cant get here fat enough.
Fitness-
Kickboxing: Tae Bo for the win
Yoga: Daily practice early in the morning really helps here
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: See above. It’s hot.
Consistent training: Dropping Planet Fitness in favor of a new gym here called Vasa. More amenities to keep my body interested in going to begin with.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. I’ve dropped soda pop and going with water, soda water and/or beer. Less eating out too. Small victories.
Hashing:
Waiting on cooler. Got called out by Tulsa Hash House Harriers Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Geocaching: Discovered a couple of quick park and grabs in some interesting places.
Meditation: More and more necessary. My brain is so scattered with everything I want to do. This helps center me.
Complete my book: I discovered some very interesting facts about the Khmer empire recently that will be crucial to my understanding and telling. Also coming up with more random ideas for stories. probably short stories all of them but eh. We’ll see.
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Currently shooting the Tulsa, After Dark series. Humans of Tulsa (HOT) is on hold. Haven’t been going out as much. Need to change this soon to keep the project going.
Video log every month: Fail. Lack of interesting dialogue, forgetfulness.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Doing this at home in sneaky places for people to find is fun. Need to go public.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Failing. This MUST change. A new camera can help me here with different file formats. I will discipline myself with this fresh start. But the previous decades of work? Overwhelming.
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 9/9
Get another tattoo: Coming soon
More camping: It’s hot y’all. And the last attempt was off asphalt and sand dunes. Fall cant get here fat enough.
50 Books a year challenge:
Up to 25. Halfway! Time to hit those books because…winter is coming.
Fitness-
Kickboxing: Tae Bo for the win
Yoga: Daily practice early in the morning really helps here
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: See above. It’s hot.
Consistent training: Dropping
Planet Fitness in favor of a new gym here called Vasa. More amenities
to keep my body interested in going to begin with.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. I’ve dropped soda pop and going with water, soda water and/or beer. Less eating out too. Small victories.
Hashing:
Waiting on cooler. Got called out by Tulsa Hash House Harriers
Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Geocaching: Discovered a couple of quick park and grabs in some interesting places.
Meditation: More and more necessary. My brain is so scattered with everything I want to do. This helps center me.
Complete my book: I
discovered some very interesting facts about the Khmer empire recently
that will be crucial to my understanding and telling. Also coming up
with more random ideas for stories. probably short stories all of them
but eh. We’ll see.
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Currently
shooting the Tulsa, After Dark series. Humans of Tulsa (HOT) is on
hold. Haven’t been going out as much. Need to change this soon to keep
the project going.
Video log every month: Fail. Lack of interesting dialogue, forgetfulness.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Doing this at home in sneaky places for people to find is fun. Need to go public.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Failing.
This MUST change. A new camera can help me here with different file
formats. I will discipline myself with this fresh start. But the
previous decades of work? Overwhelming.
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 8/8
Get another tattoo: Coming soon
More camping: It’s hot y’all. And the last attempt was off asphalt and sand dunes. Fall cant get here fat enough.
More skinny dipping: Does a jacuzzi count? Then yes. When’s the next one?
Learn Spanish more fluently: Watching futbol and Spanish-speaking announcers helps(?)
Join a book club: I have given up on this one. Not enough interest for guys.
50 Books a year challenge: I have lost count but still going. Mixed signals here.
Snail mail friend: Eh.
Volunteer: Taking care of my business is challenging enough. Still looking for opportunities though
Kickboxing: Tae Bo for the win
Self-defense: Meh.
Yoga: Almost daily practice using the Sworkit app. Is it supposed to hurt when I stretch?
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: See above. It’s hot.
Consistent training: Still going strong here. I’d like to add more days.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. I’ve dropped soda pop and going with water, soda water and/or beer. Less eating out too. Small victories.
Hashing:
Waiting on cooler. Got called out by THHH Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 12 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: Researching settings, plot, characters and more. Novel or short stories? Hmm…
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Waiting on warmer weather and a topic.
Video log every month: Landed
on Vimeo. Will post a link when it gets interesting but so far just
dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Constant work in progress here
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 8/8
Get another tattoo: Coming soon
More camping: It’s hot y’all. And the last attempt was off asphalt and sand dunes. Fall cant get here fat enough.
More skinny dipping: Does a jacuzzi count? Then yes. When’s the next one?
Learn Spanish more fluently: Watching futbol and Spanish-speaking announcers helps(?)
Join a book club: I have given up on this one. Not enough interest for guys.
50 Books a year challenge: I have lost count but still going. Mixed signals here.
Snail mail friend: Eh.
Volunteer: Taking care of my business is challenging enough. Still looking for opportunities though
Kickboxing: Tae Bo for the win
Self-defense: Meh.
Yoga: Almost daily practice using the Sworkit app. Is it supposed to hurt when I stretch?
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: See above. It’s hot.
Consistent training: Still going strong here. I’d like to add more days.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. I’ve dropped soda pop and going with water, soda water and/or beer. Less eating out too. Small victories.
Hashing:
Waiting on cooler. Got called out by THHH Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 12 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: Researching settings, plot, characters and more. Novel or short stories? Hmm…
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Waiting on warmer weather and a topic.
Video log every month: Landed on Vimeo. Will post a link when it gets interesting but so far just dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Constant work in progress here
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 7/7
Get another tattoo: I am dragging ass on this one. Why?
More camping: Attempted and failed to secure a spot at Lil Sahara, recently.. The park office was closed. Park ranger said we could stay no penalty but it was SPARCE. It was either sleep on sand or asphalt parking lot. No shade or water sources. Um, no. See also, a camping trip in Robbers Cave last month.
More skinny dipping: Gotta get sneaky since summer is here
Join a book club: Still no decent bookclubs around town.
50 Books a year challenge: Currently reading “I Married Adventure” by Osa Johnson of Kansas. Adventure! Photography!
Fitness-
Yoga:
Almost daily practice using the Sworkit app and DVDs. Is it supposed to hurt when I stretch?
Consistent training: Working
out with Tracy is mutually beneficial. Accountability may be the one
thing I needed to maintain this. We’ve just started out this past week
and so far so good for both of us. Will utilize digital encouragement as
well with our Fitbits.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. Bad food is too cheap and easy to acquire while healthier
options are scare and pricey. Looking at some non-meat options as well
as eating at home more. Again, accountability is key here.
Hashing: Summer is here! More runs, more beers! Got called out by THHH Mismanagement for not showing up in awhile. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Ancient Forest was extensive but limited access. Will go back. Also,
urban hikes along River parks, Midland valley and Turkey mountain.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 12 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: Plot and character developments Novel or short stories? Hmm…
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Fail.
Video log every month: I am on Vimeo. So far just dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
DAM: Constant work in progress here
I SUCK AT THIS….is it worth it?
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 7/7
Get another tattoo: I am dragging ass on this one. Why?
More camping: Attempted
and failed to secure a spot at Lil Sahara, recently.. The park office
was closed. Park ranger said we could stay no penalty but it was SPARCE.
It was either sleep on sand or asphalt parking lot. No shade or water
sources. Um, no. See also, a camping trip in Robbers Cave last month.
More skinny dipping: Gotta get sneaky since summer is here
Join a book club: Still no decent bookclubs around town.
50 Books a year challenge: Currently reading “I Married Adventure” by Osa Johnson of Kansas. Adventure! Photography!
Fitness-
Yoga:
Almost daily practice using the Sworkit app and DVDs. Is it supposed to hurt when I stretch?
Consistent training: Working
out with Tracy is mutually beneficial. Accountability may be the one
thing I needed to maintain this. We’ve just started out this past week
and so far so good for both of us. Will utilize digital encouragement as
well with our Fitbits.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. Bad food is too cheap and easy to acquire while healthier
options are scare and pricey. Looking at some non-meat options as well
as eating at home more. Again, accountability is key here.
Hashing: Summer
is here! More runs, more beers! Got called out by THHH Mismanagement
for not showing up in awhile. Will be paying for it when I’m back on
trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Ancient Forest was extensive but limited access. Will go back. Also,
urban hikes along River parks, Midland valley and Turkey mountain.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 12 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: Plot and character developments Novel or short stories? Hmm…
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Fail.
Video log every month: I am on Vimeo. So far just dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
DAM: Constant work in progress here
I SUCK AT THIS….is it worth it?
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 6/6
50 Books a year challenge: Up to 9 so far. Need to get a move on.
Fitness-
Calvinball: Acquired balls but need to dedicate time to learning the rules and enjoying
Yoga: Work in progress
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: We did it! Just today we ran the Warrior Dash. Now we’re looking into local 5ks and cause to support.
Consistent training: Working out with Tracy is mutually beneficial. Accountability may be the one thing I needed to maintain this. We’ve just started out this past week and so far so good for both of us. Will utilize digital encouragement as well with our Fitbits.
Consistent nutritional training: Work in progress. Bad food is too cheap and easy to acquire while healthier options are scarce and pricey. Looking at some non-meat options as well as eating at home more. Again, accountability is key here. No Whataburger in weeks!
Hashing: Waiting on warmer weather. Got called out by THHH Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails. Ancient Forest was extensive but limited access. Will go back. Also, urban hikes along River parks, Midland valley and Turkey mountain.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 15 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: The plot thickens…finally.
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Waiting for a topic and inspiration.
Video log every month: Landed on Vimeo instead of YouTube because I am getting rid of Google soon. So far just dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Waiting on weather to get better and people hit the streets. Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Constant work in progress here
Time to evaluate my progress for my Groundhog Resolutions, the 10th
annual attempt at creating life-long habits for myself. I’ve discovered
that right after the end of the year holidays I am not mentally or
physically capable of sticking with resolutions for the upcoming new
year. I need a break so I take the whole month of January off to reflect
and plan and start on 2/2 instead of 1/1.
I’ll check back in on myself on 6/6
50 Books a year challenge: Up to 9 so far. Need to get a move on.
Fitness-
Calvinball: Acquired balls but need to dedicate time to learning the rules and enjoying
Yoga: Work in progress
More 5 & 10k obstacle course racing: We did it! Just today we ran the Warrior Dash. Now we’re looking into local 5ks and cause to support.
Consistent training: Working
out with Tracy is mutually beneficial. Accountability may be the one
thing I needed to maintain this. We’ve just started out this past week
and so far so good for both of us. Will utilize digital encouragement as
well with our Fitbits.
Consistent nutritional training: Work
in progress. Bad food is too cheap and easy to acquire while healthier
options are scarce and pricey. Looking at some non-meat options as
well as eating at home more. Again, accountability is key here. No
Whataburger in weeks!
Hashing: Waiting on warmer weather. Got called out by THHH Mismanagement for it too. Will be paying for it when I’m back on trail.
Hiking: Taken
more than a few hikes this year and explored familiar and new trails.
Ancient Forest was extensive but limited access. Will go back. Also,
urban hikes along River parks, Midland valley and Turkey mountain.
Geocaching: I am 0 for 15 so far this year. Um, what? Meanwhile, Tracy has decided to sign up and has found two that I wanted.
Meditation: Will be utilizing the same space as kickboxing and yoga for this.
Complete my book: The plot thickens…finally.
Photo essay on a topic I am passionate about: Waiting for a topic and inspiration.
Video log every month: Landed on Vimeo instead of YouTube because I am getting rid of Google soon. So far just dark, grainy video of me looking tired but giddy for some reason.
Leave inspirational notes everywhere: Waiting on weather to get better and people hit the streets. Send me inspiration.
Year in photos album: 2017 is just there, waiting on me. Cannot wait to see what 2018 memories I’ll have at the EOY.
Shoot more film: Buy more film. Ain’t cheap!
Find my muse: Found her. Now how to use her?
DAM: Constant work in progress here
