As of this writing (July 2010), I haven't held a camera of any kind for 10 years. But having just received a digital camera, I have an opportunity to rediscover this captivating pastime.

In the past, taking pictures was a means to document events with family and friends. Now, however, I want to approach photography in a different way. The photograph is my "canvas"; the camera is my "brush"; the subject is the beauty that surrounds me. With no training and limited experience, I am very much a novice. Still, the words of Rumi give me encouragement: "Inside you there's an artist you don't know about."

In the few months since I've joined flickr, photography has become an obsession! It's the place I visit regularly to study and learn from great photos. In doing so, I'm becoming aware of the things that I like -- minimalism, abstract and still life images, seascapes and landscapes, bokeh and macro photography, images of nature and architecture. I love photos of places that I've yet to visit, photos of things that connect me to times gone by, and photos that tell a story. Mostly, I am enthralled by images that are highly graphic, strong in color, rich in texture, and replete with light and shadow.

I take great joy in showcasing the work of flickr members.To date, I've curated 100 galleries and have assembled more than 70 mosaics of fabulous images from talented flickr photographers.

Until I become the photographer that I want to be, I am grateful to all the flickr members who so generously share their photos and talent. I respect their constructive criticism and invite reflective comments. Know that you have contributed to my education and have inspired me. Thank you.