Duane's Dartboard

My first camera was included in this family picture.

My adventure with photography began in the fifth grade when I bought my first camera. Somehow the world looked more enchanting through the viewfinder of my Kodak Brownie. After shooting a roll of film, I’d take it to the corner drugstore to be sent off for developing and printing. Then, I’d have to wait several days for the black-and-white prints to be delivered so I could actually see what I’d shot.

In college, I took photography classes where I learned about f-stops, film speeds, and apertures. We developed our film in dark rooms that reeked of horrible-smelling chemicals. Then, under the red safelights, we would make prints, achieving various effects by manually dodging and burning the light as it shone through the negatives onto the photographic paper.

I learned the mechanics of taking pictures, but I wanted more. I wanted to understand lighting, composition, and perspective. I yearned to experience photography as a creative form of artistic expression.

After college, I sporadically shot photos to document events such as a volcano erupting, U.S. presidents campaigning, and babies being born. But somewhere along the way, I lost my focus and I only took pictures on obligatory occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and family reunions.

Everything changed, though, when a doctor informed me that I had melanoma. He showed me pictures of a large, well-developed tumor growing on the retina inside my eye. Within days, I was in Boston receiving treatment from a team of highly-specialized doctors, led by a world-renowned ophthalmologist from the Harvard Medical School. Over time, my treatments were successful and today I am cancer-free. But the disease took its toll. I lost the sight in my left eye.

As I adjusted to my new reality, I made an important discovery. As my eyesight gradually faded, my vision actually increased.

With the vision that remained in my one good eye, I began seeing things I’d previously taken for granted. I discovered incredible beauty that had always surrounded me, though “hidden” in plain sight.

My passion for photography was rekindled as I discovered extraordinary beauty in seemingly ordinary places. My photography hobby helped me to become more aware, more mindful, and more grateful of the wonderful world in which we live.

Today, I enjoy sharing my photos with others – not to impress anyone with my creative abilities – but rather to spark the creative spirit deep within each of us. I hope to inspire others to discover and appreciate the beauty that abundantly surrounds us.

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As a photographer, I’m tempted to think my best shots can be found in new or distant locations. Yet my creativity is cultivated when I look for hidden beauty in familiar places.

In locations where I’ve been countless times, I could easily shoot another photo cliche. Instead, I return to familiar places (such as this fountain) with a commitment to discover something I’ve never seen before.

Within the ordinary, I can always find something extraordinary. And I can always discover beauty “hidden” in plain sight.

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Just weeks ago you glowed with vibrant autumn splendor. But now everyone’s attention has turned to other trees, namely those adorned with bright holiday lights.

Remember, though, that “for everything there is a season.” This is your season of dormancy, a time for rest, recovery, and healing.

Then, in spring, new life will again burst forth and birds will sing from your branches.

In summer, picnickers will again sit in your shade as sailboats float gently by.

And in fall, photographers will again admire your vibrant colors as they capture your breathtaking beauty.

But for now, be patient. Stand tall. And know that brighter, warmer days lie ahead.

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In 2020 I’ve had plenty of time to think about the pandemic, politics, natural disasters, and human rights. In the process, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and specifically how I react to others.

Three months ago I blocked a long-time friend on Facebook because he continued to post political propaganda that I viewed as negative, divisive, and verifiably false. In the ensuing weeks, I did a lot of introspection, looking within myself and examining my reactions to what others post online. I discovered some important truths about myself, including the reality that:

• I’m not as tolerant as I once thought I was.
• I’m not as forgiving as I hope to be.
• I do more talking than listening.
• Good friendships are based upon much more than agreement on political issues.

So, I sent my old friend a new request to connect. He accepted, but immediately sent a private message asking, “Did you friend me on purpose? If so, I’ll do my best to be worthy of your friendship.”

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As I approach a career transition, I am inspired by a rustic, wooden sign on the wall above my favorite chair. It reads, “And to think, some of life’s best stories haven’t even begun.”

When looking back on my career accomplishments, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction. I’ve been fortunate to be part of several stellar teams, and I”m grateful for the talented people I’ve met along the way. I’m also thankful for the teamwork that has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

Sometimes it is tempting to rest upon one’s laurels. But I quickly brush away those thoughts because they conflict with my long-held belief that my best days are yet to come.

I fondly remember the good old days, and I also eagerly anticipate all that the future holds. Yet, I prefer to live in neither the past nor the future. I purposefully choose to focus on the vast abundance that surrounds me today. I am mindful of the countless blessings and opportunities that sometimes I’ve taken for granted.

As Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

My past holds few regrets. The present is a gift to be experienced to its fullest. And the future is filled with abundant opportunities.

The best is yet to come! Today, though, I pause to express my deepest gratitude to God, family, friends, and coworkers for enriching my life.

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When you first meet someone, what do you first notice?

Do you see ways we are different? Or do you focus on things we share in common?

Earlier in life, I tended to see first the differences between others and myself. With maturity and experience, though, I’ve learned instinctively to look at those things which make us alike. Life is so much better that way. Here’s why:

Advantages of focusing on commonalities

1. Collaboration. Instead of thinking win-lose, I am able to begin visualizing partnerships where we can create synergy. Through collaboration, we all come out ahead and are able to create something none of us could have achieved on our own.
2. Confidence. When I refrain from needless comparisons, I am able to recognize and celebrate strengths and competencies wherever they are found—in me or in someone else. The non-competitive stance makes me more secure in who I uniquely am, allowing others to feel more confident in their interactions with me.
3. Growth. I’m walking along the same “life path” as others, though perhaps we are at different places along the way. Our shared journey creates opportunities where we can learn from each other. We can encourage each other through the difficult times. We can grow together and reach new horizons.

Disadvantages of focusing on differences

1. Isolation. The more I focus on the divisions that separate us, the higher the walls become between me and the rest of the world. It would become very lonely to be incarcerated inside those walls.
2. Competition. Seeing differences in others prompts us to make value judgments. We constantly evaluate which one of us is better, smarter, richer or stronger. We inevitably compete for superiority.
3. Inferiority. When we notice differences first, we operate from a deeper sense of insecurity and inferiority. The more we compare ourselves with others, the more inadequate we tend to feel.

A favorite quote comes from the late Maya Angelou who said, “In minor ways we differ, in major we are alike.”

I choose to focus on the major areas of our shared life experiences. I will also notice and celebrate the minor areas of difference where we are diverse and unique. Those differences, when shared, strengthen everyone.

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