“So, here’s the challenge: make a list of five strengths that you possess as a writer/artist. It’s not really bragging, it’s an honest assessment (forced upon you by this darn meme). Please resist the urge to enumerate your weaknesses, or even mention them in contrast to each strong point you list. Tag four other writers or artists whom you’d like to see share their strengths.“
I’ve been tagged by writer Zhu. Now, let me explain before I go any further - Zhu is an incredible artist and writer who has created a masterpiece of a blog called "Correr Es Mi Destino". I strongly recommend that if you have not already had the fortune of reading her blog, you must absolutely make a visit.
Okay, so I have now been set probably the hardest kind of meme for me
Let’s see…
1 The yearning to travel...
After sacrificing much of my pre 30's life to building my career, my newly found life of travel and exploration has been invigorating. It is weird how one vacation to the Sinai Desert caused me rethink my values and made me realise that there was so much 'out there' waiting to be experienced. Now, as one trip comes to an end, my mind immediately begins to venture to the next potential location. The boundaries extending further with each trip.
2) The passion for photography...
The saying goes that "A picture says a thousand words". From an early age I have fond memories of standing in the homemade 'darkroom' in my parents house with my father, developing black and white photographs. The excitement as the image begins to appear on the photographic paper as it lays in the developing fluid. Seeing the photo come to life. I still have a passion for black and white photographs, I can't explain in words but they seem to hold so much feeling and emotion. Now, wherever I go my camera is always by my side in the hope of capturing that special moment.
(Caimen in the Amazon, Brazil)
3) The hunger to learn...
It wasn't until I took a vacation at a beach resort a few years ago that I truly realised what was important about travel for me. It was in the second week of laying on the beach that I realised that I was missing the values of experiencing new environments; the sensations of the senses when confronted with the sights, smells and sounds of new surroundings; the learning of histories and traditions. A complete sensory overload that laying on a beach just simply doesn't achieve.
Another aspect of my hunger to learn comes from blogging itself. When I first created my blog, I was oblivious to how much opportunity there was to learn from others. I now take great pleasure in reading many blogs and posts, learning more and more every day.
4) The desire to share...
This is the main reason for me deciding to start my blog in the first place. I wanted an opportunity to be able to share not just my travel experiences, but also my life experiences with others. To share moments and memories, to encourage others to travel. For those that are unable to travel, I try to provide an insight into the world around us.
5) The pleasure of reflection ...
I never want to let go of a memory. I want to capture every moment for ever. Writing my posts provides me with an opportunity to express myself, my thoughts, my memories, my reflections. I try to avoid writing merely what happens, wherever possible I also aim to release the ramblings of my mind.
(The sun over the Amazon River)
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big !thank you! to each and every one of you who has visited my blog, left comments and words of encouragement. I also thank all those whose blogs I have read with great enjoyment and fascination, I have gained so much from your writings.
I promise to complete the second part of this meme in the next couple of days.... (the nominations).
Best wishes ~ Graham
!!UPDATE!!
Okay, it's time for nominations. It has been so difficult to only select four people to pass this meme onto. There are many more I would love to have added. However, my task is done and I look forward to reading your responses.
1) Muse from Xanadu
Muse always manages to bring a smile to my face. A lovely person and a great writer with an amazing ability to truly observe the things that go on around her. I simply can't wait to read her response.
2) Azzitizz from The Totally Transparent Party
A good friend, a great lady and a fab sense of humour. She has an amazing gift of cheering you up.
3) Daszzle from Something to Smile About
A great girl with a great zest for life. So many great stories, so many wonderful adventures and a little ghost spotting on the way.
4) Tish from The Kat House
A new found blog friend, and we already seems to have a lot in common. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her.
Good luck and please let me know when your tag is finished, I can't wait to read them!
Best wishes ~ Graham :)
14 comments:
Ah, that's why I got a peak of traffic today ! :D
Thank you for the nice introduction to my blog... I appreciate.
I like your answer. You look like someone who want to learn and share what you've learned indeed. And I like that.
The pictures of Auschwitz are so powerful... That's why traveling is an eye-opener. Experiencing the sounds, the smell, the atmosphere is priceless. Telling about that is difficult - but you do a great job on your blog !
Another great post Graham with lovely pictures to go with it. I especially liked the crocs in Amazon.
For the really cool blog you have, I'm linking your blog from mine (www.urbancell.blogspot.com). Hope it's okay with you. Looking forward to more such ones.
I loved this post Graham, very reflective of you. How awesome that you and your dad had a darkroom at your disposal as you grew up. I didn't get to learn the magic of black and white photography until I had an intro class in college... it was amazing. As you well know. Your photography speaks for itself. Never give that up if you can help it.
did you take that pic of that sunset?
Zhu, Thanks for tagging me with this meme. It was challenging to complete but fun also. Thanks for your encouragemment too.
Weekend Warrior, thanks for the add and your kind words.
Daszzle, thanks for your nice words. The chance to develop my own black and white photos was such a great opportunity. One of those things that has always stayed with me, and has been a big contributing factor to my passion for photography
Muse, I took the photo one day on the Amazon. The sunrises and sunsets were just amazing when I was there. When I took this one, the whole sky turned a fire-orange colour. It was so peaceful to be sat in a canoe in the middle of the river in silence, watching the sun reflecting on the water's surface. I wish I could be back there now.
Very beautiful pictures Graham. In this world too many people choose shopping, sport, television and eating as their passions!! So nice to see that you have genuine passions that you share with people from the other side of the world.
Hi, Graham! Wonderful post! I like you more and more every time I stop by. :)
Thank you for the tag! I'll let you know as soon as I have posted it.
I love these photos, btw. Did you take them all? They are absolutely beautiful. The one with the crocs scares me though. I feel sorry for that poor bird! And the sun photo - ahhhh. It is surely one of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen.
Linda, thank you so much for your kind words, they truly mean a lot.
Tish, I am proud to say that the photos are all taken by me. I simply love taking photos of everything I see when I am on my travels. I was lucky when I took the photo of the crocs - There were so many fish in the area which meant the crocs were not really hungry and were a bit dozy. This enabled me to get real close to take some photos. A bit risky but well worth it (and I still have all my limbs...lol!!!)
can i just ditto everything you said in your post? lol
Awww, you made my weekend even better :)! Thanks Graham, I feel honored.
My post is up, Graham! :)
Traveling is always my favorite and I usually visit Couponalbum.com for the best online traveling packages...just try and enjoy traveling here...!!!
Muse! LOL! I know you can do it, and you are overflowing with qualities... I can't wait to read about them.
Daszzle, I'm glad I had a little impact on your weekend - I am actually quite flattered at that fact Have a great one! I can't wait to read your response!!
Tish, wow! What a response! I am sooo fortunate to have you as a blogging friend ;)
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