Black and Orange Velvet

“The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled the sidewalks in invisible treads like unseen cats. Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel.... Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold or orange velvet."



I consider myself pretty predictable, which might surprise some people considering my life choices.  But in the ongoing day-to-day of my life, it's pretty boring and simple.  That includes the places I adventure to; I sure do set off on grand trips sometimes and seek out things that are new to me, but more often I haunt the same old areas because they are familiar and I prefer that.

I like the feeling of visiting a place that is my friend.  Silver Lake is definitely one of my best friends, and even though it's fun to realize I have only scratched the surface of the area after being in this state ten years, nothing feels quite as good as that simple same road, up Big Cottonwood, and around the lake.  No matter the weather I can walk it and there are so many options under the mountain, so many trails for whatever mood I'm in.

Recently I've come to feel the same way about my camera.  At first it was just really confusing, and then less confusing, and now it's familiar to me in a way I didn't think I'd feel.  I definitely don't consider myself a photographer, but I have absolutely found joy in taking photos that supplements the other creative things I do to dam up the crazy and release it on a pressure valve so that there isn't a nuclear meltdown or Hurricane Patricia 2.0.  It feels familiar and good to go out and photograph this gorgeous place, or any other place or event.

So, no matter how many times I walk Silver Lake, I feel happy and like I'm with a friend, and now I have another.  I don't know how to thank you, Tobias...but...thank you!