Although I'm one of those rare Native Albuquerqueans--Born & raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

I NOW Live on a Ranch in eastern New Mexico. It's in "Billy-the-Kid" country, near Ft. Sumner, NM.

I've lived a few other places here & there, now & then. I have family in ABQ. so I visit often. I live with my husband (Danny), 4 cats, 4 dogs, & 3 birds. I am a hot air balloon pilot from way back (licensed in 1981), but not current. I'm a Transformational Life Coach, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a Communications Consultant, an herbalist, and an Amateur (ham) radio operator.

In case you're wondering, in the early days, I used to go by the name Paulena around here. But gradually became more comfortable using my given name. That's why the change.

My love of photography comes from my dad. He used to be a professional photographer but he passed in June 2022. When I was eight years old, he taught me to process and develop my own black & white film and photos in his darkroom. I have dabbled in photography ever since.

After high school, I quit borrowing Dad's cameras and I finally got my own decent SLR. It was about that same time I also started working in the photo lab industry. . . for about 10 years. My preference was working in professional color labs. I did all kinds of custom darkroom work, processing, color negative video analysis, and some photo retouching.

Although I haven't done the lab stuff in years, I do enjoy playing with it on the computer now. I love experimenting with digital photography. Film is great but who can afford it anymore? I enjoy photo editing whenever I can. I still have a lot to learn about the digital stuff and I need to make more time for it. Thanks to many of you on Flickr, my love of the hobby reawakened. . . since about 2004.

I was a freelance writer for several years. I started a personal blog eons ago. That's at www.paulas.wordpress.com

I also have a blog on Medium (but I'm about to move it over to Substack.). medium.com/@paulahighyoung

I enjoy day trips through NM. I also like Colorado, Arizona, & Texas. I'm a meteorology nut. Some friends have described me as "spirited," or "independent," or "quirky" (Quirky from Albuquerque!) "quick-witted," or even "tenacious." And some just call me a little odd. And that's Ok!

I enjoyed working in my yard at my house for 20 years. I grew a few herbs, vegetables, and flowers, and made it a nice place to spend time. But I sold my sweet ABQ house in December 2023.

www.flickr.com/photos/calico/1206411434/

I've managed to catch a few lightning shots that I really like.