happynewyear Blog and Journals

Just had some flashbacks looking through the Buzznet featured members list. Toimaginetoo, MercyBell, WilWheaton...oh, the good 'ole days. I was 18 then...I joined Buzznet the day after my birthday because I thought you had to be 18 to register. Either I was wrong, or it was a requirement that didn't last long. I posted photos from the only camera I had; the ~1megapixel still setting on my digital video camera. I started out cheerful and uber friendly because something about my real, understated personality tends to be ignored. I'd tried several other places, wanting to just find a little corner of the internet to make my own, share a piece of myself, and Buzznet was the first place to give me a warm welcome. People commented on my crappy photos, and became my friends. Toimaginetoo, for instance, befriended me with a simple comment noting that we both wore contact lenses, which led to a cherished and lasting friendship. I was inspired and encouraged by the amazing talents here, and shared my journey as an aspiring photographer, and as a human being

What a long way I've come. I blush with a bit of embarrassment at the childishness of my first few months of posting. I was in the middle of my transition from a kid who never really fit with her peers to a woman...who never really fit with her peers :-P. I have a four-year album of my life, my vision, my journey, with moments of inspiration, melancholy, hope, fear, hate, beauty, heart, and lots of growth. I went from the still setting on a video camera to a full-blown digital SLR complete with a small arsenal of lenses, and a little bit of photographic knowledge. I went from aspiring for over a year to just get ONE featured photo (sadly, it and several subsequent others are no longer marked as such), to being honored as an OG and being credited with 90 featured photos to date.

I almost left once. When Buzznet began its transition from 'Photo Community' to 'Music Community Band photos videos journals and interviews' it was rough, and lots of people pledged exodus to Flickr. Many followed  through completely, and others, like myself, began a dual citizenship of sorts. But the truth is, while some of my dearest friends are gone from here and I will always carry a bit of sadness with that fact, I love this place. Even when my activity wanes, I drop in often to see what's going on. I know I'm not one of the memorable, supercool members here anymore, if I ever was, but I'm still here. I contribute when I have something to say or showcase, and I do my best to support my friends here.

With this new year comes opportunities for change in my life. I plan to share the journey with all of you.

Happy New Year, friends :)