Comments on: Time

By: Anita

Anita — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:24:12 +0000

Hi, Ed:

Also being 60 years old, I know some of what you write about. It was at age 60 that I first realized that time is running out, that I can no longer say “I’ll do that some day.” This has been a year of adjusting to that realization.

At the same time, it has been a year of consciously slowing down. Although time is limited, I’m not in such a rush anymore. I’m learning to ask myself: “What is it I really want and need?” What am I doing out of habit, and what do I want to do? What is really worth doing?”

I am fortunate to be retired, which allows me more freedom of choice.

It seems that many factors have come together in your life to cause stress–job, physical pain, sick animal, elderly mother who suffered an accident, upcoming vacation. Thanks for sharing. From the comments, it seems you have expressed a condition familiar to many.

Anita

By: Tabbie

Tabbie — Thu, 21 May 2009 03:26:44 +0000

It’s strange how things work out sometimes. I’ve been in a really bad place the past couple of days as I seriously consider my life, my time and how much of both my blog seems to be using up. I really don’t know yet what to do, but thank you for posting this. I think it was not only cathartic for you, but it gave me some perspective as well.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:21:09 +0000

Hi Ed,
Yes I think the feelings are maybe stronger for you but we do all have the same feeling. Time is passing very quickly and sometime we just forget to live really!!! I think we also have to say stop sometime, especially with the stress coming from work!!! You need these holidays, do not give up on them, it will be relaxing and good for you both. You will definitively enjoy them and forget a bit about life problems.
Hope everything will go fine in the coming days!!!!

By: iheartfilm

iheartfilm — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:02:11 +0000

Take care of yourself, brother.

By the way, very cool of you to get the IR conversion. IR is so much easier with digital than film. Although be prepared for some LONG exposures.

By: QPB

QPB — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:02:02 +0000

Ed, you are not only a great photographer, you’re an excellent writer. Great self expression, I’m never disappointed when I check your site. I am sorry for how things are going right now for you. I hope the path clears for you to do the things you enjoy.

Balance is key. Most of us know the answer on how to get where we need and want to be. Just takes a little introspection. Seems like you’re quite close.

Take good care. Mary Anm

By: Willard

Willard — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:13:42 +0000

Ed,
I know what you mean about time. I am almost 59 and retired, but there still is no time. The days slide by far too quickly. I don’t think my pain problems are nearly as severe as yours, but a year ago I could walk miles in the backcountry without pain, but that is not now the case. During my recent trip to Elk County, I developed a severe amount of back pain, and stiffness after a mornings excursion. It makes me think that the day may soon be here that I will no longer be able to carry the heavy lenses and cameras into the backcountry.

Also I have a very annoying eye problem that really distracts me from my photography. I have vitreous floaters to the degree that there are times I want to stop using the camera and get in a dark area where they are not visible. In short what you wrote about really resonates with me and I understand what you are saying completely.

On a positive note, I really enjoyed your latest flower posts, and the birds were great. Again I agree with you about how frustrating they can be to photograph, but you certainly delivered on these two shots.

I guess the best we can do is to try and find time to pursue our passion for nature photography, and enjoy it as much as possible in spite of our physical problems, but I do wish things were better on that front.

Best of luck on your vacation and I look forward to seeing many more photographs from you!

By: Bo

Bo — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:27:44 +0000

Hoping Maine will be just the tonic you need. Blogging should never be so important, you miss out on the really good stuff. I am filled with gratitude as each day passes that I can spend a lot of my time doing what I love most–photography, writing, reading, spending time with my family. Never know what tomorrow brings! My best to you, Ed!

By: Stacey - Addicted to The Click

Stacey - Addicted to The Click — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:26:27 +0000

Thank you for sharing Ed. My heart goes out to you. I have similar struggles so can really relate to a lot you are saying. I am sure you are doing everything you can to do what you need to do. And that’s what’s important. I wish I had words to make everything better, but I don’t. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I do hope and pray that your vacation is pure enjoyment and relaxation for you and your wife. Best wishes…

By: montucky

montucky — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:12:43 +0000

I know what those feeling are like too, Ed. It appears that vacation is something you really need right now! I certainly wish you all the best! Things, however, will work out as they always do. The really important stuff will come out on the top of the list! Enjoy the vacation and stay safe!

By: myphotoscout

myphotoscout — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:08:13 +0000

I think this is a common problem among all ages. I find my life is slipping away while I am slaving in some cubicle and working until late at night at my various blogs and photography. California has become expensive, also in terms of time it takes just to keep the head above the water here. Maybe its time to move on, scale back on the needs and wants and take things slower while I still can.
BTW., how much did you pay for the conversion to IR? I have contemplated that many times before. Did they adjust it for a certain lens?