man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.
- leo f. buscaglia

the ocean. the open ocean full of the unknown. full of wonder. full of possibilities. full of discovery. truly that is what life is all about. life is about leaving the shore, where things are known and safe and venturing out to the unknown, the unknown sea that is full of possibilities.

a great, long time friend of mine said to me today, "deb, do you know how much you've accomplished? it's amazing everything that you've done and how far you've come in such a short time with your photography." and she's right BUT...as a perfectionist, and a huge over-achiever, it's often hard to sit back and pat myself on the back for what i have accomplished. however, this is one time in my life where i'm really trying to do that. i'm extremely hard on myself but in this case, i can honestly say that i am proud of what i've done with my photography and so thankful to all those who have supported me and continue to support me and believe in me. i think it's different now b/c i'm older, wiser and i'm truly following my passion. most of my other accomplishments have just been things i've been able to check off my list (although i have to say that enlisting in the army and completing it as leader of the cycle and distinguished graduate are things that i'm also really proud of).

i think it's so important that we follow our dreams, even if it means taking risks. you will never know until you try. you don't know what's out there, beyond the shore, waiting for you. i became a nurse b/c i thought it was the right thing to do...i thought it was what i was supposed to do. i became a photographer b/c it's my passion...it's what i love to do...it's what i was meant to do...it's what i have always dreamed of doing. it was a risk for me but it's been the greatest, most amazing accomplishment ever. i have great aspirations for my photography. i have no idea where it will take me but i dream of great things. i'm ready to plunge deep into the ocean blue. i'm ready!