by

Photography: Road Trip and Update

After years of regularly posting and commenting here, I think I’ve reached a place of burnout. I haven’t been fully present like I used to be. It’s not fun.

To get myself out of this slump, and at the advice of my wonderful writer’s group, I’ve decided to self-publish my 52 short stories into a collection available by Christmas. Having a physical book, my book, in my hands will be a dream come true. I need this to move forward.

In the meantime, thank you to those who continue to show up and cheer me on. Your comments are what keeps me going. I hope you’ll consider ordering a copy when it’s available. I can’t even tell you what that would mean. I’m giddy thinking of it.

While I do the hard work of making it happen, here are some photos from my recent road trip. Let me know if you have a favorite and have a fantastic week.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14, my friend’s dog Paris. Isn’t she the cutest!

#15, self-portrait

  • As always, all photos were taken by me with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.

68 thoughts on “Photography: Road Trip and Update”

  3. Proud of you lady! That is exciting stuff. I understand the struggle. Real. The ones that spoke to me are #4 as it symbolizes being broken and feeling like a former shell of yourself yet still holding on and refusing to let go and completely crumble to the ground . And #13 as no matter how hard the day is and how weary you feel when you go to sleep at night, tomorrow is always a new beginning and God always grants new fresh restored grace and hope and joy in the morning. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Yay 🙂 I’ll be first in line for your book Bridgette. I still remember the pride when I first held a book with my name as author on. Your work is way better than most of the mediocre stuff swamping the book market and the trick is to have that quality shine through. The very best of look with this project. #9.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • You are so kind, Roy! Thank you. I think I’ve been holding back waiting until I write “that” book. You know, the one I think is my best work. It’s a very all or nothing attitude and my writer’s group is so supportive of me taking this leap and just publishing my first collection. There can be more after. There will be. It’s time to take the initial plunge.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. #4 snapshot was a great peek into the open desert & love the sunset colours in #13! 😀 Super excited to hear about the imminent book release, hope all the final editing goes well! ❤
    Speaking from experience, it's a massive confidence boost holding your own book for real – I'm sure you'll do a fab job with it! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Tom! I write all the time but I rarely take a moment to really feel what that means. I’m always thinking of the next project. My 52 short stories were shared here, but it will be different having them printed as a record of that work and as a stepping stone into the publishing world. Someday I want to publish my poetry and photos too, and of course, the novel I’ve been working on forever.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Thank you so much, John. Most of these were taken near Newberry Springs, CA. There are lots of abandoned buildings in that area. I’m also fascinated by abandoned places, the history and what is left behind. There’s a certain beauty to it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Agreed, there is something sad or ethereal about them. What could be lurking? I haven’t been in California since my ex and I divorced, her mother lived around Newport Beach I think? Doesn’t matter, the traffic there is horrible.

        Like

  13. Okay!!! Yes to this!

    “Having a physical book, my book, in my hands will be a dream come true. I need this to move forward.”

    I would definitely buy it!

    And I love your friend’s dog, Paris!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you so very much, Michele! I’ve been talking about it forever and I think I need a push to just publish something. There will always be another project in the works. It’s okay to want to have some “success” right now. I need a little step back to celebrate what I’ve done so it can fuel me for those future works.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  21. Keep me posted on the book…

    I’m feeling burned out too. I haven’t been writing much… in the last year, all I’ve written is nine episodes of DLTDGB and a second Stone Shadows story. I’ve also cut back a little on my other creative endeavor. I haven’t been doing as much socially either. I’m tired of my life, and I feel like a failure…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I’m sorry to hear you are also feeling burned out. It’s a rough time to be a creative right now, but we have to stick together. You are far from a failure and I’ve always appreciated you. Reach out via email or messenger if you need to talk. We need creative communities now more than ever.

      Like

      Reply

  22. #1, #11, #13, each for different reasons. Glad you’re focusing–good for you! You’re the first blog I added to my follow list after returning to this three years ago, and I’ve always wondered how the heck you managed to turn in at least one post per day. And nothing lightweight, like a quick photo! Oh no, at least a dozen photos, or a short story, or an essay, or a poem, and sometimes several of things! Good on ya!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Your photos, as always, are stunning, and congratulations on deciding to publish! I’d love to get an ARC and write a review for you, if you’re thinking that far down the road yet.

    Wishing you all the best with this latest venture!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. #2 and #13 were my favourites.

    Congrats on beginning the journey to publishing! I’ve been wanting to put together an anthology too, but beginning the process is an overwhelming step that I haven’t gotten to yet, so I can understand how big of thing it must be for you as well.

    I hope you can move past the burnout soon, and that the publishing journey helps as predicted. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Nicole! As I’ve started editing my short stories and working through the process I’ve realized there is no way it will be done by Christmas. I’m aiming now for my birthday in April. I see a birthday party/book singing in my future. First, lots of work. When I’m on the other side of things I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the process. I have a feeling once I’ve done one…nothing will stop me!

      Also, the burnout feeling is already feeling lifted by having this new goal in my sights. Oh, I can’t wait to have a book in my hands. My book! Seriously a dream come true.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment