Focus changes over time. Interests either evolve or quietly dissolve. The people who hold our attention today either grow more captivating or fade into the backdrop of our ever expanding lives. But, I think with each hour of each day, we somehow fine tune what matters and hone in on our true talents and abilities. Just think, 4 years ago I wanted to be a firefighter! I was so passionate about it too! Now? I’m so glad I figured out my calling in life does not involve 3 a.m. wake up calls and 4 alarm fires. I’m far more content to work on my writing and photography.
Sooo, 2012…
I’m about 6ish chapters into writing my first book – a memoir about my trips to Ireland. In tandem with that project, I’m working on some short fiction and using my new favorite website, Writers Market, to find appropriate publications for my work. Goals? Finish the memoir this year, secure an agent, and find a publisher. If Elizabeth Gilbert can sell Eat, Pray, Love there’s no reason why I can’t sell Ireland (a far more interesting “I” country, in my opinon).
Photography is still interesting but in a different way. I tried the whole taking portraits and wedding photo thing for a little while, but it drove me absolutely crazy. I prefer taking photos as life happens without being concerned if the bride got a picture of the bouquet toss or if someone refuses to pay for their pictures because of their armfat. That’s not fun. And I didn’t get into photography to create more work for myself – I wanted a calm pastime. So, I will continue to photograph the world as I see it on my terms, with one goal: learn one new thing each week.
So, there you go – a snippet of my life and of things to come. Here are some previously unpublished photos from the past month:
Jolene's Life in Focus 
Hi Jolene, lovely words- well said. Good luck to you and your endeavors for 2012. I look forward to reading your book 🙂 -Kim
Thank you, Kim! Good luck to you as well in 2012.
Jolene, I think you are a wonderful photographer. I think the first comment I left on your blog here was about how you can take a normal object – something many of us would overlook – and make something fantastic out of it. Case in point: your self-portrait above. Keep up the good work. People can be frustrating as clients, but, at the end of the day, you have to be happy with your work and know that you did your best. There are always the “good clients” that make it worthwhile.
I know there are “good clients” out there too. LOL. It just seems like the “bad” ones are louder. It is worthwhile, though – you are right. Thank you for your insights. 🙂
I do love your work — it inspires me to be better at my own photography. I must admit, I’ve not picked up my camera much lately. Inspiration doesn’t seem to be easy to find these days.
Like you, I tried the Photographing People for awhile, and, quite frankly, got so disgusted with my fellow humans that I’ve sworn to never take another portrait again! Like it’s my fault they don’t look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie in the photograph — if you don’t look like them to begin with, there’s only so much I can do to make you look better. And, really, I prefer to photograph things the way they are, rather than photograph something and then try to digitally make it look like something it’s not.
Good luck with your writing — I’m working on a few essays, which will hopefully show up on my blog soon.
Thanks, John! Inspiration isn’t always the easiest thing to find. Sometimes I find (like in my latest post) you just have to get in your car and drive somewhere.
Lovely images, Jolene. Learn one new thing each week…a great goal. A belated Happy New Year to you!
Thanks, Caryn. And a happy belated New Year to you as well. I need to get on WordPress more often!
Well done ! I particularly like the first two images. The last one is an intriguing set-up for a short story. It would be interesting to see it in B&W or muted tones.
Hmm. I like the thought of it being a set-up for a story…I’ll have to file that idea away. Thank you!
Jolene, great photos. Best wishes to your new year!
Thanks, Martina! Happy New Year to you as well.
An admirable goal. Re: The Hidden Face – why am I only seeing nostrils?! I’ve always been bad at these…
Look at the lower lefthand side, Sherry. I thought it looked like a face, somewhat. Maybe it’s just me!
Oh, I see it now!
Happy New Year Jolene – cheers to a brilliant one!
Happy New Year to you, Sheila – even if I’m seeing this a little late. 🙂
Your photos always make me smile. Your self-portrait is amazing, and I love the rusty fence shot. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Bonnie! That rusty fence was found on a beach – we have the most interesting beaches in the Pacific NW.
Happy New Year, Jolene… that bauble shot is very cool.
Thanks, Nigel!
Nope. Been trying to psyche myself up for it, to learn the new camera and all. Looks like I’ll be working from home the next few days, somaybe I’ll warm up with some shots of the dogs in the snow.
Happy New Year!
Have you been taking pictures of snow?
Ugh, not yet! Although I think I’ll get plenty of opportunity tomorrow. You?