Sink or Swim

When you fall in a river, you're no longer a fisherman; you are a swimmer. Field and Stream Magazine

I'm not now, nor have I ever been a fisherman, but I find that quote from Field and Stream Magazine, humorously positive, and strangely applicable to my life, at the moment.

Each evening before retiring to bed, I make my way from the house to the kennel, to tuck Maggie and Trooper in for the night.  Though a mere twenty feet from door to door, I must navigate the uneven ground, often through inclement weather, and in poor light.

It has occurred to me, that a few misguided steps could lead me to the edge of an embankment that drops down to the swiftly flowing, icy creek below.  A turned ankle on a loose rock, or a strong nudge from a hyperactive hound, could lead to certain disaster - PLOP!

Sink, or swim?  Both, choices confronting an individual upon realizing they've managed to wade a tad too far from shore, or in my case, fallen off the creek bank.  I sincerely doubt I need worry about sinking in four feet of water, considering I'm a somewhat competent swimmer.  Barring an incapacitating bump on the head, I'd most certainly emerge cold, bruised, and mad as a wet hen.

So much for a literal application; metaphorically, however, I might as well have fallen off the fishing boat while crossing the English Channel.

A few short years ago, my dear husband, researched and purchased for me, a fancy new digital SLR camera (a Canon Rebel).  At the time, I was wearing out the best point-and-shoot model cameras at the rate of one, every eighteen months, or so.

To say, that I threw myself into learning how to use my new toy, would be an understatement.  I read the book, enrolled in photography classes, and took the camera with me everywhere, taking photographs of everything.


The new digital camera, led to a new computer, and that in turn, to the purchase of photo-editing software (more classes, and much frustration followed). I began to refine my subject matter. A laptop was purchased for road trips, along with better lenses, and fancy camera bags.  Finally, the trusty little Rebel was put aside, for a beefier, more professional model.

So, where has my camera-mania led?  To me, paddling wildly about, in the middle of the English Channel.  Sink or swim?

As long as I keep my wits about me, and the seas remain relatively calm, I think I have a pretty good shot at making it ashore.

If you have time, check out my new blog site, Farmfreshphotography.blogspot.com.