Sometimes, OK a lot of the time, I feel like I live a small life. I look at my friends and see them with successful businesses, homes, exciting travels, getting pedicures whenever they want. And it makes me feel like my life is small, boring, unsuccessful.
The measure of success for me is owning a home. Being able travel and have adventures, being able to do fun things – those things that define a big life. Being able to make a living documenting those things – that would be a dream come true!
Then I have moments of clarity. My life has been very different from my friends and comparing my path to theirs doesn’t really make sense.
In my younger days, I’ve done some big things.
I participated in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Music competition in Washington, D.C.
I’ve played piano professionally in few shows and competed a few times. Although I don’t like playing in front of people.
I got special clearance to take photographs on the run-way of the Grand Bahama International Airport. I held up a passenger plane in the process. (Remember Susan?) My friend Susan was putting together a booklet for the Grand Bahama Port Authority. It was a big project. I have more images in that project than any other photographer who contributed. That was a big deal for me.
I’ve seen the Boston Pops perform.
I’ve had photographs published in time share catalogs, the local newspaper and a coffee table book produced by a photo finishing lab.
I’ve been on top of the Empire State Building and the middle of Times Square.
I, illegally, touched an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I couldn’t help myself. I am fascinated by ancient Egyptian artifacts and the sarcophagus was right in the middle of the floor, not even roped off.
Most importantly, I raised three fabulous boys by myself. I did a good job and I’ve dedicated the past twenty or so years to do it. I guess that’s not so small.
And my life is far from over – there’s still time to live big!