What's Happened Since 2005

The last time I posted here was back in 2005. Since that time I retired from Annapolis High School as a Library/Media Specialist. I immediately headed for an extended stay in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico whichs lasted from September, 2006 to mid-January, 2007. While there I photographed Mexican street life, fiestas, other celebratory moments as well as theatrical and community events.

It is nearly impossible to stay in SMA for any length of time without being swept away by the charm and warmth of the place and the people. I think that considering the possibility of living a life there and looking at real estate are the number one tourist activities. So far I am still thinking about it...maybe on a part-time basis.

Since my return to Baltimore last January, I have been traveling making the rounds of photographic eventst: Photoshop World in Boston last April; the first ever Festival of the Photograph in Charlottesville, Virginia in June; a week-long workshop in July in Oaxaca, Mexico taught by Raul Touzon and organized by the Santa Fe Workshop and after that another visit to San Miguel in August. Back in the U.S. I attended a day-long workshop on Adobe Lightroom with Scott Kelby in Washington, D.C. in September and finally the On the Road seminar produced by PDN and Santa Fe Workshops in Chicago at the end of October.

ANTARCTICA? You've Got to be kidding. However, all of the above were only the tip of the iceberg for what was about to emerge. On my last trip to San Miguel in August, I stayed at the home of a dear, dear friend whose dream has been to travel to several key spots among them the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.

When she handed me a flyer about a trip to Antarctica with Christmas in Buenos Aires, I simply took a quick glance at it. It did fill my mind's eye, however, with haunting Antarctica images presented by John Paul Caponigro at Photoshop World. And I did feel a small twinge of envy at the idea of missing out on such a grand adventure.

Then right before I left for home, I noticed that a presentation about the trip was scheduled at the Biblioteca . I must admit that Judy and Jim Newell, tour organizers, through their company, Perfect Journeys, spun a magic web. They served delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine while we heard about the wonders of the journey. The fire was lit. I turned to my friend and said, " I'll go." We signed preliminary forms and left for my farewell dinner.

The next morning, we discussed reality. She wasn't sure she could manage it and that would leave me looking for a cabinmate. And that is where it stood as I left for Baltimore.