Candid Portraits,  People/Portraits

Happy New Year

The Coming Changes

The coming year will have many changes in my life. I will be moving into my retirement years. I will start drawing social security. Uncle Sam says we can make up to $14,000 per year before the amount of our benefits begins to decrease. I’m not sure I will want to stop working so I will take some steps to provide a small income with my camera. I’ve just placed some of my images for sale on a website called Fine Art America. I have also decided to venture into more portraits. I’ve joined a website called Model Mayhem with the intent to expand my portrait photography. I’ve always questioned whether I have the personality to work as a portrait photographer. I also want to travel but not necessarily by air. Hitting the road in the new wheels with a tent, sleeping bag and camera sounds more inviting. I would like to slow down and spend more time in nature, camping does that. I’ve also been hearing a whisper within asking me to use my photography to help our struggling world, the worlds of nature and society.

I may sell my condo and move to one of the 55+ communities, which most are located in warmer climates. Phoenix sounds good and would be near my parents and a sister. I will embrace all the changes, even the ones I do not expect.

We all have changes. The above image is of Sebastian who is due around January 3rd. Talk about changes! This little one is about to change his parents lives in the coming year and beyond. Heck, he could already be here. And, you know his parents will embrace all the changes he will bring! So, I say bring on the changes. Let life surprise us and live it.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

14 Comments

  • Faye White

    It sounds like you have put the wheels of change into motion! Good for you, Monte. Happy New Year!

  • Earl

    It sounds like 2012 may be a pivotal year for you. And the young believe life becomes more stable as one enters into their mature adult years — not so much these days, huh.

    Still, the difference between a tragedy and an opportunity is often a matter of personal attitude. I look forward to reading of all your opportunities this year.

    Best wishes to you for 2012!

    • Monte Stevens

      Thank you, Earl. In seems like 2011 was a good year for you so this coming year will have a lot to live up to. May the New Year be more than imagined for you and Bonnie!

  • Anita Jesse

    What an exciting year ahead of you. Big life changes are so scary, yet exhilarating. I admire your courage and your embrace of all the unknowns. I am confident that you will find ways you can’t even imagine now to make your life richer than ever. Celebrate!

  • Ken Bello

    Those are some mighty big changes you have planned. I hope you’re able to continue sharing your photos (and your life) with us as part of the change. Glad you’re looking forward.

    • Monte Stevens

      This community of bloggers has captured me. I look forward to seeing what all of these fellow bloggers are posting. There is a voice inside of me prompting me to log on and post something of my own I’m willing to share. I’m not one to post greatest of content but I like to share what my life is like. I learn from all of you!

  • Paul

    Those are some big changes, especially given that you just moved back to CO! Now, Phoenix? I look forward to following your adventures, my friend.