What makes you happy? I just graduated college with a bachelor's in Bible and an Associate's Degree in Photography. My parents wanted me to pursue a degree in theology and I didn't mind. I love God and enjoy learning about Him. But the photography degree was all my idea. Why, I don't know. I had hardly any contact with a camera prior to college. Maybe it was my artsy side seizing the chance to finally do something. I rarely enjoyed the steps I took to earn that degree. Don't get me wrong, I loved that school but photography was not its strong point and it emphasized rules and technique rather than art and creativity. Often I felt confused by technical terms and limited by my lack of knowledge but I never found a photography mentor I could look up to and ask questions. If it wasn't for some German stubbornness, I would have quit early on but I intended to finish this program, even if I cried from frustration dozens of times over. But then . . . Several weeks ago, a photography student/friend invited me to spend a week with her in MI. We shot every day that week, even asking a friend to pose for us and I enjoyed every second of it. Not having a "superior" photographer examine my work but a peer who shared the same struggles with me in school was wonderful. I didn't feel embarrassed or afraid to show her my work. Yeah most of it was not that great. But we both would crow over the gems we had taken. A little hope started to burn in my soul. Maybe I could be a photographer . . . Three days ago, on a whim, I decided to take some pictures of a rose falling into water. (I know, it was random.) I'd capture one idea and when another idea came, I went with that. Three hours passed but I was having the time of my life. I had not been so happy in a long time. You and I may never be great photographers. The world can only handle so many Ansel Adams. But photography means more to us than just a hobby. It really is a tool we use to express ourselves. Some days here at home I need that outlet so bad I want to scream and while I was playing with roses and water, I found it. You know how I mentioned earlier about “superior” photographers and peers who share your struggles? That’s Flickr to me. When I look at others’ work and then my own, sometimes (okay, a lot!) I get discouraged. How can my work ever compare to Aaron Nace’s or strobist’s or rebekka, etc? (Do you know what I would give to learn from those geniuses?) But then I see others who, like me, are struggling but honestly trying to become better at this obsession we love. And whenever someone leaves us a comment or favorites our work, it still gives us a tingle of joy. So for the photographers who may never be Explored or favorited or be part of the ‘Best of . . .’ group, I say: Don’t give up hope. We’re all friends in this together. And if you are still reading this, you deserve an award. But at least I said what I wanted to say.

This single track road leads from Gleaston to the coast, and is an absolute delight. Neatly tended fields, lovely hedgerows, and surprising views! Just beyond the horizon lies the sea and my first thought on seeing the road emerge on the horizon was the line from "What shall we do with a drunken sailor". Well, Chesterton did think the rolling English drunkard built the rolling English road... Taken in the lovely Furness Peninsula yesterday PLEASE do not post your photos in the comment boxes below, please do NOT attach your photo to Group awards. Please do NOT post your Flickriver strips - I never ever look at them