American Coot standing on thin iceAmerican Coot standing on thin ice

Anyone who has worked on their own web site that allows comments knows that there are times you get comments that make you scratch your head. Some times they are just spam bots and they get deleted if they even make it through the spam filter. I really don’t know what the reason is for the people running those spam bots, they are simply annoying and fortunately I have plugins and applications that deal with those.

strange comment natureguyStrange Comment from “NatureGuy”

But then there are comments that make you go hmmm. I woke up two mornings ago and found this comment waiting for approval from someone using the name NatureGuy who must be a real person because they know I post “even when on vacation” so I’d like to say hi NatureGuy, thanks for following my blog? But I’d also like to add my own two cents to your comment.

I have never found any blog on the entire www except for this one, where posts show up every day; even when you’re on vacation.

I guess maybe you don’t view many blogs on line? I have some sites I follow that not only post everyday but sometimes make several posts a day. I can honestly say that I have never felt compelled to write to the author and comment on how many times a day they post on their blog. It is their business, not mine.

“Even when you’re on vacation”. Well I do go on extended photo trips if that is what you mean by “vacation” but for me they aren’t really vacations. They are enjoyable, I get to see new locations, photograph the the things I love in nature and relax.

My journeys into the field each and every time are because I am following my passion whether they are close to home or far away.

I find that a bit sad.

Well, alrighty then. But you should know that when I am away I schedule my posts to be published ahead of time? I don’t always sit at my lap top in the middle of a great wilderness area writing posts. Mostly I’m out enjoying the birds, the grand views, the fresh air, the stars in the sky and embracing the wonderful world around me.

Sure, once in awhile I’ll post from my phone or by using my lap top from the campsite but really… what is so “sad” about that?

It is my life you know.

Even if I wanted to publish posts everyday while on “vacation” I don’t see why this should ever concern you or anyone else.

I’m not the least bit sad about living my life the way I want to.

Do you truly photograph for yourself?
It would appear that is not the case.

I’m not even sure how to answer this last bit but I’ll try.

I photograph because I love my subjects and I love what I do. I love being out in nature. I photograph because I am following my passion. I photograph because it brings me joy.

Do I share what I photograph? Of course I do. Other people enjoy seeing birds & wildlife images. Some people might never see what I see in my journeys and if I want to share with them, isn’t that my choice? I share my techs (except for this post because it really isn’t about the images today, is it?) and I get emails from people thanking me for that because they want to learn. I share my journeys because I want to.

Yes, I photograph for myself. And I share it, so what?

Double-crested Cormorant portrait, Anclote Key, Pinellas County, FloridaDouble-crested Cormorant Portrait

Thanks for your comment. Though I know and believe that your comment says far more about you than it does me, my work, passion or what I do with my life.

Your comment did make me think about how fortunate I am to do what I love doing.

Oh, and bless your little heart. Did your mamma have you tested? Maybe you need to be.

My life is good.

Mia

American Coot image take in Utah in December 2009. Double-crested Cormorant image taken on Anclote Key, Florida in May 2005.