A little bit about me

In my youth, I was amazed at how much I already knew about life. I was fit and buffed, filled with determination and ready to share all my knowledge and insights with the world. I wanted to be a sailor. So I joined the Navy with duty in Washington DC and sailing the Pacific Ocean on an aircraft carrier. For the first time, I visited a foreign country, seeing more of Vietnam than I ever wanted to see.

Once home, an education beckoned so I obtained a degree in political science from a California University; a degree which ultimately led to work on several political campaigns and seven years employment with the Oregon Legislature.

A fascination with geology got me hooked on crystals, gems, and minerals. For 37 years’ – part time – I became a miner, visiting old mines and ghost towns all over the west, mining for crystals, in turn selling them to museums and collectors.

Along the way I became a husband and father to three amazing children and discovered the responsibilities that came with commitment and a full-time 30-year career in education.

A few years ago I retired, wondering what doors might open for me next. A dear friend needed some cash and sold me a camera. Since that time, photography has become a passion.

Looking back – my life has been filled with incredible adventures, amazing successes and devastating loss. Physically I’ve picked up some pudginess, lost some of my youthful trim, my hair is white, and I can see the hands of age slowly creasing my face. I also now wear a spandex knee brace when I hike.

As I reflect on my 70 years that have passed, I feel more “real” and more alive now than ever. If nothing else, I’ve been amazed at realizing all I didn’t know about life and have discovered along the way.