Resolutions

As I stood on the chilly banks of the mighty Mississippi in the pre-dawn light on December 31st I reflected on my year and what a year it had been!  How appropriate I thought to myself as I stood there shivering and taking in the mesmerizing view, that just like with the amazing panorama that was unfolding in front of me so was 2015.

I realize how truly fortunate I am, and that my life is nothing short of a miracle.  Just a few short years ago I would not have imagined that this would be the life I’m leading today, but I’m a big believer in that you make choices that mold the life you desire so with that as my north star I think this year is going to be even better than last year…I know, hard to believe right?

I also realize how lucky I am to have Zach and Sami in my life; they are without doubt my greatest joy and inspiration for living life to the fullest every day, no matter what.  

This past year has been memorable in so many ways, I guess outside of Zach and Sami it would be the places I’ve traveled to and the photos I’ve - more than 15,000 photos (yes, my keep rate is high – with just over 40%).  So how on earth do you top that???

Earlier today a friend of mine asked me if I had any New Years resolutions. Strangely, I hadn’t really thought too much about it in terms of resolutions, but as I sit here in my office writing there are a few things that spring to mind.  For me it’s less about resolutions and more about my goals for 2015.

Clearly I want to get Indelible Adventures Inc. established and operating fully in all facets of its domain – writing, photography, speaking and travel concierge services.  Now that’s easier said than done, because with four diverse and intensive activities you can get easily lost in the volume of work and expectations that you set for yourself.  So the second thing is being pragmatic and balancing each of these areas without killing myself, cos’ that would sort of be a bad thing.☺

Whenever I speak to other writers they always talk about the importance of writing everyday.  Although I’m pretty consistent, it hasn't been everyday so that will definitely be an aim for this year but without being too hard on myself…not that I would be – yeah right!  

Definitely more fiction is on the cards for 2015, after writing a series of micro stories late last year entitled “Hanoi Rose”, which was my first real foray into fiction, I enjoyed it but it took a lot of research to get it just right. Given it was my first attempt at pure fiction I was very happy with the result, although it needs to be tightened up a bit before its ready for publishing but it was both fun to explore the story and create the characters based on images and people who I'd met on my trip to Vietnam.  Nope, its not published anywhere just incase you were wondering.  I was thinking more of a screenplay than perhaps a book or short story. 

In terms of my photography ideally I'd like to be able to publish a coffee table book of my photos from this past years adventures. I've been researching and the cost of self-publishing a full color coffee table book is not financially viable, but where there’s a will there’s a way…so if anyone knows a publisher that would like to take me on just let me know. ☺

The trickier segment of my business to get started is the Speaking domain.

Breaking into public speaking is quite difficult given the tremendous amount of competition in this rather small and competitive marketplace, this is especially true when you’re up against Olympic and professional athletes, and that’s just for starters.  However, I’m not deterred at all, in fact I think I have a distinct advantage over the majority of them.  

I can see you now, shaking your head and thinking, “okay he’s completely lost the plot…”. Here’s why I think I have an advantage.  It’s great when you go to hear a well known athlete or personality speak, but they are generally so far above the rest of us in terms of what the everyday person can achieve or experience they are sometimes difficult to relate to and take anything tangible away from listening to their story. Generally a very entertaining story but with little room for personal self reflection unless you were an aspiring athlete on the cusp of stardom at some juncture in your life, and thinking "what if".

I think my big advantage is that I’m an everyday guy who’s had a life changing experience, but actually done something about it – I’d call that relatable.  It’s all well and good to have an epiphany and it’s another entirely to take action and actually transform your life from what you have before you into the one you aspire to.  I personally don’t know a lot of people who have purposefully turned their back on a very successful corporate career to pursue their dreams – do you?

If nothing else I want to be the guy that when you hear my story that you take a moment to reflect on your own life and where you are.  For some it could be a turning point for greater self-reflection, for others it may be a fleeting moment that makes them stop, take a breath and perhaps, just for an instant imagine creating a different life…now wouldn't that be something?  

Heck I'd want to hear that guys story!  And as dad would have said "yep, he's the genuine article alright..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's to you fulfilling your personal dreams in 2015!  Enjoy this weeks photos from my most recent and enjoyable trip to New Orleans.  Just a handful of the over 450 photos

The ubiquitous streetcar on Canal Street

The Huey P. Long bridge is synonymous with the "Big Easy"
stretching across the Mississippi it was opened in 1935 shortly after Governor Long's assassination

Dawn over the mighty Mississippi - peaceful and reflective

A new day dawns over New Orleans...

Speeding freight train along the waterfront in New Orleans - yep I was that close!

The paddle steamer Natchez tied up in New Orleans

The French Quarter first thing in the morning

Window reflections in an antique store in the French Quarter

Such a european feel 

Loved the iron work and cool fire escapes

Store fronts in the early morning light

Regenerating palm tree in the Garden District of New Orleans

Streetcar on St Charles Avenue

The famous Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans

Decorative ironwork in the Lafayette Cemetery

Awesome fence at the Lafayette

Everything has to be above ground given the high water table, here
you can see the water seeping into the brickwork on the above ground
tombs

Such a wonderful collage 

Sculpture in front of NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art)

Reflections of NOMA in the fountain 

Leaves on a tree at NOMA

The Besthoff Sculpture garden was sensational - notice the sun shining in the moveable steel arms

Trees in the Sculpture garden were full of Spanish moss dripping from
the limbs

Crab at the base of a sculpture - Besthoff Sculpture Garden (NOMA)

Stunning sculptures and accompanying weather

A large Henry Moore sculpture - NOMA

The world famous Riverboat House in Holy Cross, I'm standing on the levee that broke during Katrina...
about level with the roofline of the second story

Sun peaking over the Mercedes Benz Superdome
in downtown New Orleans

At the Robert E. Lee Circle in downtown New Orleans

Loved the colors of the Patrick Taylor Library in the afternoon sun - so rich!