Kitchen Magnet Wisdom for Photographers

Michele Celentano and her family. Image thanks to Angela Carson.

One of the mini-benefits of traveling and spending time with friends, especially from a blogger's point of view, is a whole new crop of kitchen magnet wisdom. Sheila and I headed to Phoenix a few days before IUSA to catch up to Michele Celentano and her family. I had something in the pipeline for a post this morning, but then I walked by the refrigerator.

"Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams."
Proverb

That quote just hit me hard, because I see so many of you struggling with your problems. Struggle long enough and those problems become baggage that starts to bury your dreams.

Look, I'm older than most of you and according to my good buddy, Scott Bourne, I'm older than everybody.  But, I've made it a point, with a lot of help from Sheila, Scott and a whole bunch of good friends, to never let go of my dreams. No matter how big the challenges are, your dreams are who you are and as essential to your growth and survival as your heart pumping away, all day every day.

Don't let anybody crush your dreams!  While that's stupid and too simplistic for me to even say, when you start to feel the pressure then it's time to bring in those people closest to you in your network. It's time to find that one best friend who listens more than talks, doesn't pass judgement and simply appreciates you because you're you.

There's one more quote from Michele's fridge that deserves its own moment this morning...

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams..."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Next month I'll be celebrating 44 years in the photographic industry. I've seen fads come and go, managers, companies and concepts change, but the one consistent common denominator has always been being inspired by good friends who help me stay focused and keep me energized to chase my dreams.

Welcome to Michele's kitchen!