First entry

I don't feel comfortable keeping a journal. This surprises people because my profession is a journalist and writer. I jokingly say that I only write if I am being paid for it.

Actually, it's a privacy issue. I learned early on to never put on paper -- or in an email -- any thought I was not willing for the world to discover.

Instead, I use my love of photography to keep visual diaries of my adventures. While people see what I hope are striking pictures, I can secretly relive my feelings, selectively revealing only those experiences, thoughts, and memories which I choose.

So whether you call it a diary, journal, or blog -- much of which I write about my life incorporates use or reference to pictures and videos I shoot. Although I am hesitant to share personal thoughts, I love sharing my photos. Oh sure, there's the pleasure that comes from the occasional "ooh" and "aah" that an exceptional picture may bring, but most of my pleasure is in the reliving the moment -- of reclaiming the joy of the experience.