Classic Rock, Photography, Personal Growth & Philosophy

What’s up y’all? Been puzzling through some emotions and feelings about a few things going on in my life. When I left Indiana this last time I started to seriously consider whether or not I’d ever go back. Admittedly it’s my home, it’s where I grew up and I suppose it’ll always have a place in my heart. However the only conclusion I keep coming to is that my hometown isn’t home anymore.

Truth be told it hasn’t been home for a very long time… Additionally, I decided I’d be dang near completely cutting contact with some family there. Without naming names I can say this person has a VERY hard time realizing the difference between right and wrong.

Not sure if y’all have ever seen avatar the last Airbender or not (the series we don’t speak of the movie) However in ATLA there’s the character of General Iroh. Filled with wisdom, a guide etc. My brother has had me asking questions of myself for a good bit of time now. He’s fond of saying that there’s the why of doing things however the how is just as important.

The person I’m cutting contact with to the degree I am? They became less interested in how they got results, just that they got the results. Very much a no holds barred type way of going about things.

It’s my opinion that in every aspect of life there’s a way to act with honor. For me I realized that while yes I COULD name this individual it’s not my place. Anyone who knows me well, knows the answer to the question of who?

More than that, I have power. In many aspects this is me taking control back of my life. Not allowing this person further control of my life. Abuse comes in a variety of forms y’all. Not simply physical, honestly I kind of wish it had been physical because I could’ve fought against that at least.

A personal friend and mentor has been recommending I do some reading on a variety of different topics. I’ve been reading the master key system and listening to a gentleman named Joe Dispenza recently. However I’ve also been drawing some of my own conclusions about things too.

I find that while many in my life have their own thoughts on what direction I should go in my life…..To quote Bon Jovi “It’s my life, it’s now or never and I ain’t gonna live forever.” I find myself going back to old classics music wise. Led Zeppelin, Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple, The Styx… surely has nothing to do with the fact that I’ve been going back through Supernatural.

In all honesty though some of the old school classic music hits my soul in a way artists nowadays just….can’t. Classic Rock can be danced to, fought to, lived to. I personally vibe a lot with the down south crossroad blues feel of Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog along with Renegade by The Styx.

I am a lil’ bit of a renegade, I’m okay with that. Lil’ bit of a black dog too. Personally I’m carrying on my wayward son at the moment while being a renegade.

I feel like in a certain way I’m breaking free from another addiction. Caring about what this person had to say about me or my life. It’s freeing and at the same time sad.

On another topics this same person “taught me” how to shoot photography. In all honesty I shoot photos instinctively. Take a couple test shots to see how I’d like to lay things out then point, and shoot. I’ve never been worried about the specs to be honest. Probably bad photographer form, though that’s the point of being renegade.

I’ve been teasing y’all with the idea of some photos for awhile now. While these images may not have my watermark on them yet. They ARE copyrighted. Both by being posted on my blog and in other ways. I say this cause I’m a wee bit paranoid about photos being stolen. That’s a dick move, so if you know people that shoot photography ask before sharing.

In any case I’d like to share a few photos I’ve been working on. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

These photos were actually taken several years ago. However the black and white images I’ve been loathe to upload for a long while now. Mainly because those images were shot while I was with an ex. I realized that while yes, that relationship ended painfully and at the time I emotionally resembled that shattered window?

Time revealed my character. Just like a shattered window there are people in your life that eventually? You’ll have to replace. Leaving Indiana showed me it was time to replace the shattered window I was looking through and replace it so I could see clearly.

I reckon we all can learn something from photography if we allow ourselves to get a lil’ philosophical now and again. There’s life lessons to be learned from everything and everyone. Humility is what allows us to learn those lessons and have them click.

I hope y’all are doing well, with people losing their minds about elections, voting and all that I recommend civil discussions are beneficial. Be kind, respect others’ views even if you don’t agree with them. Especially then.

Scripture tells us in Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Solid advice y’all not just for with God but in behavior towards others. As I said, I hope y’all are doing well. Walk in peace friends, or at least try. Jesus also said there’d be a time for the sword mind you. However seek peace, be prepared.

I’ll add another word today. Shalom, peace.

Shalom and Rapha Yada my friends,

Richard