So.
Yes, I have finally decided to set up a blog. Interesting notion, I know. Those who know me know that I could talk the ears off of corn, so maybe this blogging isn't such a far-fetched notion. Anyway, as many folks may have noticed, I have vanished. Where is Melissa? What is she doing? Is she okay? Yes, dear fans, I am alive and well. Also a bit tan. Oh! I am also learning to swim. Most importantly, though, is that I climbed into my amethyst colored SUV, dubbed "Barney", and headed west. Why? Well, I realized that working for someone else wasn't going to work for me anymore and that life had more to offer than a fence enclosed box full of stress and unhappiness. Bereft of any gainful employment, I cashed my final paycheck and gathered my meager possessions. This grand adventure began at the end of last winter and I have traveled from the East Coast to the Golden West. I drove through ice storms and blizzards. For economic reasons, I slept in the truck. It was cold. Really cold. So I shot some really fantastic snow and ice pictures. They are beautiful. Check them out on my website. Maybe consider buying one. I did all the hard work; you need not venture forth into harsh conditions to capture beauty. I don't mind. Eventually, the frigid clime softened into the warmer winds of the plains, and finally, past the grand Rockies, the heat of the desert. I love the desert. It is so alive with life and color! The horizon stretches forever in every direction, broken only by the eroding buttes dotting the vistas. Warm tones and warm skies. I left off my winter coat and kept going, snapping that camera shutter all the way. Some people were surprised to find texts on their phones of the sunrise in Arizona, or a sunset in New Mexico. I was happy to share the beauty. I journeyed further west and south than I ever had before in my life. I reached sunny LA, and headed to San Diego. I walked along the piers on dazzling gold and black beaches. I dove into the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. I sat in box seats and grandstands of the exciting horse racing tracks. I compiled and published my first photography book, which is now my second book published ever. I have a few exciting things in the works for my artwork now that many of you will love, but that will be my cliffhanger for now. It's time to go swimming.
