Cumulus Clouds over AZ

ACCEPTANCE, NOT EXPECTATIONS

Not everyone seeks perfection. In contrast, I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. It stems from my belief that things can always be better.

As I’ve matured, that trait has been somewhat subdued by my need to be more mindful of others. Judging others and criticizing behavior is not where I want to be. As I let go of that, my life becomes easier. And in today’s world, anything that simplifies my journey is most welcome.

(Photo: Randy Wells – Un-manipulated sky in Arizona)

BECOME WHO YOU ARE

Native-Cordova-Alaska-travel-photographer-Randy-Wells, Image of a bald eagle in flight on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, the bald eagle is a bird of prey and national bird and symbol of the United States of America

Friedrich Nietzsche was never the easiest philosopher to understand.

Another way of saying this is, “Be your own best version of your self.”

Here are more of his aphorisms:

Nietzche Quotes

THE 4TH OF JULY

It seems the 4th of July means something different every year.

For me, what I feel is sadness. At the same time, I’m grateful that I experienced the best of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It was a wonderful time to be young in America.

I made this image of Mt. Rushmore from a low-flying helicopter in the ’80s. I probably wouldn’t be allowed to do it today. Not sure I’d want to.

The image below is one I made last month.

Think deeper. Be safe.

STAYING HUMBLE

At some stage in your career, hopefully early on, you decide it’s important to stay humble, no matter what level of success you achieve.

The passion you feel along the way can have a way of making everything you experience a bit larger than life, obscuring the overall relevant importance of what you are doing.

Sure, some ego is important for the artist to survive, as is drive, tenacity and grit, which are all necessary to succeed, but those won’t determine what you leave behind that actually matters. Continue reading “”

NOT A GOOD SIGN

From Uncrate: “In airplanes, the black box records and stores flight data to provide information in the event of a crash. With climate change putting our planet in a downward spiral, earth is getting one of its own. The 33-foot-long steel vault is being constructed on the coast of Tasmania and is designed to record and collect measurements and interactions as our planet continues to decline. Continue reading “”

RAW AND HONEST

There’s always more stuff to acquire. So, how much is enough?

Very few people ask this question of themselves.

Van Life folks do it every day. Check out the film Nomadland!

Long before Instagram, my wife and I lived that mobile dream for awhile. It was a good time camping on and off the road for eight years. My Steinbeck’s America book project resulted from that experience:

Steinbeck’s America

THIS CODE STILL WORKS TODAY

Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
3. He must always tell the truth.
4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6. He must help people in distress.
7. He must be a good worker.
8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits. Continue reading “”