Blogging – Photogeek Blog

Stuck on 666

It’s not often when I pay much attention to the amount of followers or traffic I get on this blog. I guess it’s safe to say that, after more than ten years of posting pictures and stories while refusing to attract sponsors or feature ads. I’m grateful to have a place to post photos and the occasional story for the folks that find and take the time to tune in. However, the recent finding that the blog is up to and stuck on 666 followers as just a little unsettling. Not that I’m religious or have any crazy superstitions. I just feel a bit unsettled being stuck on this particular number for too long. So, if you could select that follow button and take me off Satans “to-do” list. I’d greatly appreciate it and you. Thanks in advance.

My Second Visit to the Mayo Clinic

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Fahr's Syndrome, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Health

Mayo-1 When we originally came to Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo clinic in late July, my initial three appointments quickly grew to nine and even after that, I still had a couple more that I had to postpone in order to catch my scheduled flight home. And while my initial trip gave me a lot of answers regarding a myriad of health issues. It brought up new one’s that I, myself may not have been able to answer. Still, I knew I was getting the best care ever and the doctors and nurses I saw looked deeper than anyone else had ever done when it came to my medical history.Shortly after returning home to Seattle, a second, or follow up trip was scheduled and booked. With an understanding that my two new appointments could easily multiply and stretch out into a week, we booked our hotel for an entire week. Strangely enough, our first appointment with a neurology specialist took me aback by concluding that any and all issues I’ve been experiencing in the past years were caused by the radiation I received when I was twelve. The same treatment that was given to save my life has been the cause of just about every issue I’ve had since. Not the answer I was hoping for, but one I can’t say was very surprising. After a quick blood and urine test, I was off to my second appointment with a neurosurgeon who looked as if he just came from the cutting room. By then, I had already been diagnosed and endured one of the longsst doctor visis of my adult life. So, we were both kind of phoning it in.

Tea-1 Still, we had five full days to explore an area we have gotten to know and love in a very short time. Later that week, we left knowing the cause of my issues while having the best Fried Chicken we have ever enjoyed at The Post and the tastiest Deluxe Cheeseburger at Forager Brewery. While I’m not exactly looking forward to what will come my way as far as my symptoms go. I’m grateful to have some answers and ecstatic over not having to receipt my full name and date of birth every time I approach a front desk or get called in for my appointment. I’m also grateful for not having to go over my medical history again for at least a year. Maybe the next time they ask, I’ll say “You’re the fucking doctor. You got that shit right in front of you.” Until then.

Books II-1

Forager Brewery

The Blog’s Evolution

Damion Photo, Photo Geek, Storytelling

In recent weeks and months I’ve had both friends and followers of PhotoGeek tell me they really like the direction the blog is taking and how they really enjoy and relate to the stories I post about my family and in particular, my wife. I’ve also been told numerous times by my loving, yet overbearing mother that I seem to have broken away from a lot of the anger I held on to for many, many years. While the change and direction of the blog itself came very naturally. It wasn’t without much trepidation on my part. Anyone that knows me will probably tell you, while I am very personable and open about myself. I can also be quite repetitive as well as absent minded.

For years and even decades I’ve written and spoken about many of my life experiences with a somewhat of a dark sense of humor and irony. Often finding myself spinning tales from my past with trusted friends and to some degree, clients. Some years ago, I was shooting the shit with a model I had worked with a number of times over the years. As we were talking she paused before telling me I needed to work on writing a book about your experiences. I explained that, while I was comfortable sharing such tales with a select few. I felt that I would not be able to write about my experiences until I had come to some sense of closure. Without going into any unnecessary details. I found that closure and was able to move on to a point where I approach those stories with a sense of humor and strength. Ready to move forward. Ready to write without any sense of regret or resentment.

Thanks to those who shared their thoughts on the subject. While I could certainly continue posting story free photos. I prefer to express myself more openly. Until the next time.

Thanks For Checking In, All 16,000 of you.

Uncategorized

Earlier this morning I received an email from Word Press wishing me a Happy New Year and sending me a personalized report detailing the blogs traffic, most poplar posts and where my visitors are checking in from. I was astounded when I read that in 2011 16,000 people from four different continents visited Photo Geek throughout the year. This was shocking considering I rarely check my stats or get many comments on my posts. I’ve run into many friends and strangers who when I give them my business card tell me “Oh my God, I read your blog all the time.” or “You’re that dude?’. It’s pretty weird to say the least. It’s one of the many reasons I still do this.

To tell the truth, it’s one of the longest creative endeavors I’ve been involved with. Knowing that I’m actually reaching somebody is enough to keep me going. Knowing that there’s more than half a dozen of you out there is the icing on the cake.

Thank you and Happy New Year,

The Photo Geek

Reach Out. I’ll Be There.

Uncategorized

I’ve been going out a lot more frequently lately. The warm weather and the night air make me want to do anything but sit at home watching TV or sitting on the computer. As you’ve seen in recent posts. I’ve been going out to see a lot of live music. Every now and then I’ll be at a show or a bar when a complete stranger will add “That photographer guy.” or “You’re the dude who does that blog.” I’m really happy to know my work is getting out there and the positive response has been overwhelming. However, I’d love to get some feedback here. So don’t be afraid to reach out and say hello.