On April 26, 2013, my photostream reached 85,000 views! Again, and as always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, with special appreciation to my contacts, for your support, kind and much-appreciated comments, interest, awards, and most of all the on-line friendships, which have formed. I believe the views are a wonderful part of being attached to Flickr. But, it's not the numbers. It's the feeling of sharing what I believe to be a part of my soul with those who share the same love of photographic art. It is being alive with art and sharing your love of photography with those who share your love of the art. Being part of the Flickr family has expanded my appreciation of photographic viewpoints and excellence from around the world. And for that, I am most humbly grateful and appreciative. I am now looking forward to what the future holds! {:o)

I always had a desire to learn photography, but, as with most of us, work got in the way. A short time after I gave up the corporate world, I plunged into lessons with a very talented and artistic professional photographer. I am now five years into lessons with no intention to stop. I have found that photography and the processing possibilities are a never-ending process, which can be frustrating and satisfying at the same time, and one which I love. Photography satisfies the creative desire within me to produce something of beauty which others will enjoy. Being part of the groups within Flickr and receiving gracious comments from around the world gives me joy, satisfaction, and inspiration. Now, let's get shootin'!!!

Nikon D300

Nikon D40

Nikon P510

HP PhotoSmart 945

Nikkor 70-200mm AF-S VR f/2.8

Nikkor 17-55mm AF-S f/2.8

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF

Nikkor 60mm AF-S Micro f/2.8

Nikkor 16mm AF Fisheye f/2.8

Sigma 4.5mm DC HSM Circular Fisheye f/2.8

Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S f/3.5-5.6

Nikkor 55-200mm AF-S f/4.5-5.6

LensBaby Composer

DCR-250 Raynox Close-up Lens

Novoflex Focusing Rack

Nikon SB-800 Speedlight

Nikon GPS Unit

Valrico Shooter's Explored Images as of 12/12/12:

~Perfect Petals~

visited 23 states (46%)Create your own visited map of The United States or Like this? try: Auto Poster

visited 3 states (23.0%)Create your own visited map of Canada

visited 12 states (5.33%)Create your own visited map of The World