On Self Reliance

“Every path but your own is the path of fate. Keep on your own track, then.”  Thoreau

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”  Emerson

'Self reliance' is a term that means different things to different people. To some it might mean chopping firewood, while to others it might mean financial independence. In rural areas especially, self-reliance has come to mean the ability to grow and store your own food, or perhaps advanced wilderness skills.

All of the aforementioned really are forms of self-reliance. The learning of new skills result in an increased level of independence. During these stressful modern times, this skill set provides security. However, the most important form of self-reliance is not a physical skill.

Critical thinking and the ability to hold on to your unique thoughts in the face of opposition are skills that are essential to to the self-reliant mind, which is in turn essential to a truly self-reliant person. Think of Henry Thoreau and John Muir. Both lived alone in the wilderness according to their own philosophies, and both had many other options. They often serve as inspiration in my own life.

Mental self-reliance  is an incredibly broad subject, so I won't attempt to cover it all here. Simply taking responsibility for your actions and your well-being is an important start.

I highly recommend the works of Muir, Thoreau and Emerson if you'd like to learn more, especially during this time of new beginnings.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”  John Muir


To view From The High Country images, click here.

Pathfinders

My small town has two cemeteries. There is an 'old' one and a 'new' one, although both contain the graves of those who died many decades ago. The town was incorporated before Colorado became a state, so there is a great deal of history within the boundaries of the cemeteries.

Life in the mountains was hard at the turn of the last century. Infant mortality rates were evidently very high, and many adults only lived into their 40's. While headstones did not list a cause of death, those that did described accidents, which is of little surprise in this environment, especially when mining was the main industry during the early years.

Despite being next to the busiest road, the cemeteries were very peaceful. Tall trees provided cover from the midday sun, and the slopes were covered with leaf litter rather than the usual grass. Playful squirrels provide light relief from contemplation and introspection.

The various inscriptions would give anyone cause for reflection. Many of the people who died here were pioneers who gave life to my town. The headstones ranged from simple wooden markers to hand carved marble, giving an indication of each person's wealth at the time of their death.

Some inscriptions listed achievements such as government positions or military ranks. At least four people undertook the same long journey as I did to get here (albeit by an entirely different mode of transportation). Other stones left no clues as to the lives that the deceased lived. All we can tell is that someone cared enough to leave a lasting record.

I don't have great aspirations to become a politician or to amass a fortune, but if the visit has taught me anything, it is that I should continue to follow my dreams, and that the bonds we make are far more important than a bank balance. Plan for tomorrow but live for today.

Back In Time

I recently had the opportunity to visit a place that I hadn't been to in 10 years. It holds a special significance because the first visit played a big part in the decision to live in the mountains.

When I first arrived here, I initially thought that I'd never want to leave, and I suppose that is still true, but I haven't lost the urge to explore. In fact, that urge has only intensified since I've been in Colorado.

Forgotten memories flooded back in that town. Little had changed, except ownership of a few businesses (an all-too-often occurrence in mountain towns). Most significantly, I remembered how I felt when I realized that I wanted to call the Rockies home, and I remembered the struggle to make it happen in the years that followed.

Life is not always easy. Everyone has their own unique set of problems. I believe it is how you manage them and maintain or even cultivate your sense of curiosity and playfulness that really matters.

Henry Thoreau once wrote "However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts."

Once In A Lifetime

The phrase "once in a lifetime" has been used a lot recently. Two notable examples are the Diamond Jubilee in the UK, and of course the transit of Venus. I have to admit (and I'm probably in a minority) that I don't have a strong interest in either one. When I think of incredibly rare, special events I think of a chance encounter with deer in the depths of winter, where I sat 6ft from a small herd.

I think of the large herd of bighorn sheep that were enjoying the early spring weather when I happened to have my longest (and heaviest) lens with me. My once in a lifetime events happen much closer to home, or at least much closer to me.

An unexpected discovery can make a life-long memory (for me, at least) far more meaningful than a long-planned event. Once again, it is the little things that matter, and I can think of no better way to spend my days than photographing them.

Images in this post can be found here.

Spring Cleaning

Spring in the mountains is a time of rapid change. Every walk (or run) is a chance to see new scenery. Despite little rain or meltwater, the local flora and fauna appear to be thriving.

 If I can learn anything from the natural world, it is patience. As I continue to be busier than I could have imagined, I have to remember to prioritize and remember that, like the seeds I've sown this week, building a new life takes much longer than three months.

Since there are so many things to do, and time is a fixed commodity, it is good to review the ways in which I spend precious time. If I find that something (whether it be a business strategy or a part of a daily routine) no longer works or is not worth the cost, then I have to be objective enough to recognize it and jettison it. At the moment, the FTHC presence on a certain social networking site seems to fall into that category. I'll be sure to let you know of any long-term changes in the next post.

In our lives, we must not be afraid to try something new, even if (or especially because) it is a little out of character. Similarly, we must be bold enough to discard those things that do not work for us, even if it means breaking a long-held habit. Wasting time and creative energy is one of the worst things we can do for ourselves.

Purpose

There is always a reason for the choices that we make. Sometimes those are the result of a great deal of thought, but sometimes we aren't even sure of our reasoning. Major life decisions should always be the result of the former.

As you know, I came to the mountains to live a simpler, more purposeful life. A few short months into the adventure, this new life is meeting all of my expectations.  I've written about my decisions before, so today I thought I'd write about why I'm a photographer.

I've always been an explorer of sorts. My inquisitive mind often leads me down the road less travelled (both real and philosophical), and I love to share the world's scenery from my point of view.  Sometimes I'll show views that few people have the chance to see, while other times I show more familiar subjects from different viewpoints.

I hope that by sharing my images I can reach out to people who appreciate the natural world, and maybe encourage that appreciation in other people.  My work may provoke fond memories or provide people with an opportunity to see parts of the world that they may not be able to see in real life.

Documenting the past is just as important as capturing the seasons. Just last week I was fortunate enough to tour an area of great historical significance.

I hope that my images (and those of my colleague) assist in some small way with the preservation of the structures.

Spring is almost here. A whole new season of photography awaits, and I hope that a part of our heritage can be regenerated like so many new shoots and flowers.

Rewards

While I was planning my escape from the city, I remember struggling to find the time to do much more than work (at the office), commute, and squeeze in the occasional run. It took at least two days to relax at the end of the week. Strangely enough, I now find myself as busy as I can ever remember being, and yet I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Living simply involves undertaking most tasks yourself where possible, so while I am working on my photography and building new maps, I'm also heavily involved in some construction work, and I find it all incredibly satisfying. I own the product of my labor, I have no supervisor, and my work has a legitimate purpose that is in keeping with my values.

Warren Zevon once famously said "Enjoy every sandwich". That phrase has stayed with me since I first heard it. All too often, we realize too late that life is short. In my case, it was too short to spend the greater part of each day doing a job I could see no point in. While life is fragile, this is no reason to be afraid to experiment. You have to go out and make the sandwich before you can enjoy it!

Enjoy your week, and thanks for reading.

Awakenings

Rocky Mountain winters are long and cold (earlier today, the temperature outside was -12°F). Still, with the right will and equipment the mountains are a snow-covered playground, and busy summer destinations are places of solitude during the winter.

 

I've realized that I've felt restricted over the last few weeks. I've tried to juggle too many things and have been left frustrated when I can't make enough progress. Having learned this, I can devote more time to what I consider to be most important. Relocation was meant to be a learning experience, and I felt that it would be useful to stretch myself. I still do, but I now know that some things are not going to make me happy, and those must be cut (in keeping with the psychological side of the simple living ethic).

Much lies ahead in the summer. I have plans for a permaculture garden (if my current construction project is complete!), and there is a whole mountain range to explore on my doorstep. Of course, it will all be a photographic journey!

Time

I'm a strong believer that time is the most precious resource of all. I know that anything can seem more important when it is in short supply, but time cannot be created, or banked, or replaced. The best that we can hope for is to use it wisely, such as spending it doing something you love (ideally with someone you love!).
It is hard for me to believe, but it has been almost a year since I bought my current camera. I 've already made a promise to myself to use it much more frequently next year. Here are a couple from the end of last year:

What started out as a camera test turned into a fun afternoon of exploration on the backroads of Texas.

This time next year, I'll have much more to share. What will you do next year? How can you make it something you love?

Gainfully Employed

I've just started my latest commissioned project, which consists mainly of architectural work. This is the second project for the same client, so I must have done something right! While the subject matter isn't always stimulating, I enjoy the challenge of producing interesting images.

I am temporarily exiled from my 'high country' for a few more weeks, but there is much to do as I refine the website and finance some carefully chosen lens acquisitions.

I've chosen an image to share today that reminds me of the places I'd rather be. I think this one is from a couple of years ago, but it's still one of my favorites:

This is a real hiker's point-of-view shot, near the summit of a fourteener on a glorious summer morning. I think a new camera is a good excuse for another visit next year, don't you?!

The End Is The Beginning

Summer is over (although I have yet to feel a cool autumn / fall breeze), the long-planned vacation is over, and the year is beginning to draw to an end.Still, just as time can never be frozen, change is an integral part of life. I felt that I should at least try to steer that change, and so From The High Country was born. It's time for me to take my work more seriously, and to begin those projects that I've toyed with for so long! You get to follow me on this journey, and I'll do my best to share some interesting things along the way. This was taken in a quiet woodland area a few weeks ago:

As I prepared images for the website I could see the progress I've made, and I hope you'll be able to do the same in a year or so. Life is a learning experience!

Please take a minute or two to look at some of my galleries. I'd like to hear from you.