On July 7, 2012 my photography mentor Cindy Dyer told me that I needed to start a blog. She had been blogging for several years already and was familiar with WordPress. She helped me choose a theme, craft an “About Me” page, and prepare my first posting. That posting was entitled Blue Dasher dragonfly, featured a single photo, and had a short text that simply stated, “I photographed this Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this morning.”
I remember feeling a mixture of excitement and fear when I pressed the “Publish” button for the first time. Inside I had all kinds of concerns about my inadequacies as a photographer and about not being ready to share my images with a broad audience. Was I ready? Perhaps I was not, but having been pushed into the deep end of the pool, I quickly learned to swim.
From the very beginning, I found myself surrounded by a community of people who have been overwhelmingly supportive of my efforts and that has pushed me to to improve my skills and to find my “voice.” I started this blog at a time in my life when I had decided to stop working full-time—for the first seven years I worked three days a week and now I am fully retired. This blog and my photography have helped me to forge an identity separate from my job, to reignite a curiosity about the natural world, and to unlock a creative side of me that had long been dormant. My blog has become an integral part of my daily life, though I no longer freak out if life circumstances cause me to miss an occasional day.
According to WordPress, over the lifespan of my blog I have published 4068 postings (a few of which have been re-blogs of postings by others) that have had a total of 306,436 views. Is that a lot? Like most things in life, it depends on what you use as a measuring stick.
I do not write my blog to make money or to grow a large audience or following. My goals are much more modest—my blog is a tool to express myself as authentically as possible by sharing my thoughts and photos and connecting with others. I appreciate all of the support, feedback, and encouragement that so many of you have provided to me throughout this lengthy journey. Thanks. It is overwhelming to think about the diversity of the group of people who read my posts, people from all walks of life scattered throughout the world. Wow.
Today I am featuring a photo of a Gray Petaltail dragonfly (Tachopteryx thoreyi) that I encountered yesterday in a seepy area in Fairfax County, my home county in Virginia. This species of dragonfly originates in this kind of perpetually wet habitat, where skunk cabbage is likely to be growing. I like to visit seeps with the hope that someday I will come across a Gray Petaltail as it is emerging.
As you can see from the photo, the coloration of the Gray Petaltail allows it to almost disappear in this kind of habitat. I spotted this perched dragonfly because I know that many dragonflies are drawn to sunny spots, so whenever I am in the forest or other dark locations, I will look for sunlit patches to explore.
So, I am now starting my tenth year. I suppose that I should update the WordPress theme of the blog, which I have not changed since I chose it nine years ago, and my “About me” page, which also has not been touched in a really long time. Beyond those possible cosmetic changes, I expect to continue on in my journey into photography, wandering about and sharing my experiences with all of you. Thanks again for sharing in this experience with me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Congratulations and thank you Mike. I enjoy your posts. Keep on!
Thanks, Suzette. Journeys are really made up of lots and lots of individual steps and my postings are often reflections of those tiny steps, and then it is time to move on, putting one foot in front of the other, never knowing for sure when the next adventure will begin. 🙂
Lol .. what is.. is… you’re retired… take life a step at a time… harder than it sounds.. believe me… waves good morning..
A step at a time? That’s great advice. 🙂
Happy Anniversary
Thanks, Peter.
Mike, thank you for sharing your anniversary look-back!
I could not agree more: “my blog is a tool to express myself as authentically as possible by sharing my thoughts and photos and connecting with others.” While I never considered daily posts, my purpose and satisfaction from blogging is aligned with these goals. I remember the anxiety of choosing TO blog, making the initial post (May 2015).
Thanks so much, Jazz. There are so many reasons we convince ourselves that we are not ready to try something new, often a toxic mixture of unwarranted fears and inhibitions. Sometimes we have to be pushed or prodded to get us started–that is what my friend Cindy did for me. I used to worry that I was not “good enough,” that others took better photos or wrote more interesting stories. Over time and especially as I have gotten older I have essentially decided that I don’t really care that much what others think and I am not going to limit myself to conform to some kind of societal norm. When it comes to my blog, I try to be as unabashedly myself as I can be, never fearing to feature my flaws and foibles. 🙂
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! 🎉🎉🎉 I always enjoy your posts.
Thanks, Beth.
Congratulations on 9 years! That is impressive! I always enjoy looking at your pictures and reading your informative and humorous posts.
Thanks, Suzanne. I think that you have me pegged pretty well, because indeed I strive to make my postings both informative and fun.
Thank you for sharing this wonderfully inspiring narrative with us, Mike! ‘Hearing’ you describe your journey had a real impact. You expressed so beautifully many of the thoughts and experiences others of us have, but I’d find it hard to put those ideas into words. Always enjoy your posts!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I tend to write what is going through my head at the moment that I am writing, without much pre-planning. That being said, my writing is often the result of a considerable amount of thinking about a subject or situation–I tend to spend a lot a time reflecting on things and it is hard sometimes at night for me to shut down that thinking.
Nine years and what a journey! I’ve enjoyed your posts and amazing pictures — Cindy’s nudge was great for both of you
Thanks so much. I was talking with Cindy last night and we were trying to decide if her effort was more like a gentle nudge or more like a more forceful shove. In either case, it set me into motion on this incredible journey.
Happy Anniversary. A wonderful journey and I love your blog. By the way my poem Devil’s Darning Needle (which you inspired me to write) is to be published by DawnTreader. Thank you for inspiring me.
That’s an interesting poem title!!!
The title is probably a reference to the old myth that dragonflies, whose thin bodies resemble needles, would sew up the mouths of naughty children while they were asleep.
Thank you. Ms. Liz.
Thanks, Tricia. That is wonderful news about the poem. I really like the way that our blogs have helped to create mutually supportive networks of friends throughout the world.
I think all creatives marry up nicely. Whether you’re a musician, artist, photographer, writer, or some other art, we all follow the same path looking to add depth in our creations.
That is so true, Tricia, though I think there is often a balancing act involved between solitary, individual work and collaborative efforts–each feeds the soul in a different way.
Exactly right but we all follow the same path. I remember many years ago speaking to artist, John Thompson, at a National Trust venue, and looking at his work I could see how he layered up the picture in the same way as music compositions.
Congratulations, what a beautiful milestone.
Thanks, Lisa. I had no idea when I started that this would become such a part of my daily routine.
Nine years is a long time so well done in sticking at it Mike. Some only seem to last a few posts!
Lucky you in having help in setting up your blog. My daughter got me interested but everything was trial and error (still is at times!).
There are some great themes available, it will be interesting to see if you update.
Thanks, Brian. I am not sure I would have figure out how to set up a blog on my own. As it is, I tend to use only a limited amount of the functionality that is available in WordPress. I hate the block editor and continue to use the familiar Classic Editor. I am so afraid of messing up what I have and being forced to change my habits, that I may hang on to my old theme for as long as possible. 🙂
I’ve noticed that long-term bloggers often feel the need for change. Sometimes it’s a theme, sometimes it’s the blog’s focus. I changed my theme when I began Lagniappe, since my old, creaky theme didn’t display photos well, wasn’t adaptable to mobile devices, and looked frumpy and old-fashioned. Whatever you decide to do with the layout, I”ll be happy to have you around for even more years. I surely have learned a lot from you!
Thanks. I may talk about the need for change, but I am actually pretty content with the status quo. It is sort of the way I am with my car. I drive a 10 year old KIA Soul. It is functional, reliable, and a little quirky (it is Ignition Orange in color). Occasionally I’ll think about getting a new car when I see all of the cool new features that are now available. Then the moment passes and I realize that there is no imperative forcing me to change–I am pretty comfortable with my car and with my blog layout. Yeah, I guess I am a bit change-averse. 🙂
Congratulations, Mike! Terrific capture of dragonfly—a spotlight on it! Great!
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Thanks, Mitzy. A spotlight on a dragonfly is always a good thing–I think I could do a series of postings with that title. 🙂
Congratulations! Although I discovered your blog recently I think we share the same things in life; nature and dragonflies. Gefeliciteerd =congrats in dutch. Anand from The Netherlands.
Thanks so much, Anand. It is amazing to realize how much people can have in common even though they may be separated by long distances. In the warm months, I pay a lot of attention to dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and other insects and when the colder weather comes, I switch my attention primarily to birds.
Mike, I think I have been following your blog from the beginning. It’s been a fun and informative journey with you. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks, kenne. I spent almost four years of my military career at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, so your postings often bring back happy memories of that period of my life. You have been by my side for a long time on this journey and I always enjoy your creative photos, poems, and songs. Thanks for all of your encouragement and support as we continue on our journeys.
Ft. Huachuca was my last post in the Army, only five months, but plenty to have fallen in love with southern Arizona. Forty-two years later, I returned, spending a lot more time outdoors.
Congratulations and thank you for all of the beautiful and educational posts! I had to chuckle at your last paragraph as I have never updated either my theme or my About Me since I started my blogs.
Thanks, Laura. Different people inspire me in different ways. You always come to mind when I think of my photography in a creative, artistic way vice a more technical approach. I spent most of my adult life doing analytic work and now I am trying to develop the creative side of things. Administrative tasks have never really excited me and I think that is why I feel no particular pressing need to update my theme and personal information. Do people really pay that much attention to things like that?
Thank you. I am glad my comments are of help.
Your comments are definitely of help and I am always excited to see them.
Happy 9th Blogaversary, Mike!
Thanks, Leah.
Congratulations on 9 years, Mike. I had exactly one response to my first post, you know him, I think-Tom Whelan, and did feel a bit discouraged. You have developed a good following and very good technique in photography over the years. No inadequacies that I can see. 🙂 Good luck with the next year and beyond.
Thanks, Steve. Over the years I have definitely increased my knowledge about the subjects that I photograph and have improved my skills. I have grown comfortable writing in an informal style that is a direct reflection of my personality, one that allows me to channel my almost inexhaustible energy and innate curiosity. I deliberately try to appeal to a broad audience rather than just to specialists, though I admit that I periodically “geek out” about dragonfly anatomy or camera gear or other esoteric topics. I truly believe that most of us blog for ourselves–our blogs help us scratch an itch and share our worlds with a broader audience.
Dragonflies are my favorite, Mike. And I’m so proud of your 9 year, on your tenth year, career on WP. I could relate to your reasons for blogging. And yes, that many views is wonderful! I enjoy your picture and humor!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I try to appeal to a broad audience with different interests. I suspect that different people read my blog for different reasons. Some may look to be informed or entertained or to be awed by cool photos–I try to mix all of that into my postings. Mostly, though, I try to present the world through my eyes and though my perceptions.
You’re welcome, Mike. And you do exactly as you stated!
Congratulations! That’s quite the accomplishment. I love seeing your posts and pictures. They always bring a smile to my face.
Thanks, Michelle. Your last sentence really made my day. I have a quirky sense of humor and that often comes though in the narratives that accompany my photos. I never quite know what I am going to say when I sit down to write a posting, but I generally want the posting to be fun to read.
Happy Anniversary, to you and your blog. Amazing where the adventure can take you.
Thanks, Ted. It is pretty amazing–I am quite certain that 15 years ago I could not have imagined that this is how I would be spending my time in retirement. 🙂
😂, almost exactly 5 years ago we sold most everything we owned, packed up the car and moved to the Lowcountry. House, furniture, etc. When we opened the doors to get out it was like a clown car 😂, ejected Ellen, the dog, and me. To quote the Dead “it’s been a long strange trip”. 🤣🤣
Great milestone Mike, and does not time pass quickly. Glad I came across your blog a few years back. Your review of your 9 years running your blog and what led you to develop it makes me reflect on mine. It is indeed a fantastic outlet for your beautiful photography and writing.
Thanks, Chris. I have read so many of your wonderful magazine articles, so I know how well you understand the powerful connection between words and images. We cannot truly walk in the shoes of others, but our photos and writings help others to perceive the world as we experience it.
That’s a great track record, Mike. You’ve done a great job. Here’s to the next 10 years!
Thanks, Eliza. I never know how long this will continue, but I don’t see any reason why I cannot continue on blogging indefinitely. I have not missed a daily posting in well over a year, but that is partly because I have spent so much more time at home than in the past. When I start traveling more, perhaps I will permit the luxury of skipping a day or two. 🙂
Enjoy your 10th year Mike! I’ve enjoyed our online connection since we found each other in the vast and wonderful blogosphere, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the journey 🙂
Thanks, Liz. I too have really enjoyed our exchanges over the years on a wide variety of topics. I am pretty sure that I will continue on doing more of what I have been doing, with occasional detours for travel or for other pursuits like painting or drawing.
Congratulations Michael for your 9th anniversary. More than 4.000 poste is quite something 🙂 I enjoy reading your blogs, your pictures and all the info you provide us with. Already looking out for your next post and keep on the good work…
Thanks, Rudi. I tend to think of my postings one at a time, so I rarely look back at the totality of my work. Although I often visit the same places over and over again and see the same species, the encounters are all different, so there seems to be an inexhaustible supply of material for future blog postings.
Congratulations! I’m an entomologist and I enjoy your posts.
Thanks, Alessandra. It is cool to hear that my posts appeal to someone who is scientifically oriented and specializes in insects.
Yours is the only blog I follow regularly. I enjoy the prose as much as the images. (But I will admit I prefer birds to dragonflies.) Thank you!
Thanks, Nina. I really feel honored to learn that my blog is the only one that you follow regularly. I will try to photograph some more birds, but in the warmer weather I tend to gravitate more towards insects than birds. When the colder weather comes, I’ll switch to my longer lenses and start to photograph more birds. I am gratified to hear that you you enjoy my prose as much as the images. I enjoy writing so much that sometimes I think I use my photos merely as a jumping off point to express my views about a variety of topics.
Please don’t choose your subjects because of me!! Maybe eventually I will be able to identify a few common dragonflies due to your blog…. Who knows? You might extend my comfort zone.
Happy Anniversary and best wishes for another fun year! I look forward to seeing where the journey takes you.
Thanks, Ellen. When I read your comment, I couldn’t help but think of the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” 🙂
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