Hey! So Glad You're Here.
I'm David strand and I've built dozens of websites for a variety of brands throughout my career, but this is the first time I've created one for myself. For a guy who's never been at a loss for words and pictures and ideas for someone else, you'd think I'd be more prepared. I've been writing personal stories here and there my whole life, and have always enjoyed taking pictures. But I am ADHD, and have never been inclined to commit to practice or take it all very seriously. In fact, I still don't. But over the last few years, as my iPhone's camera got better with each upgrade, I found I was taking a lot more pictures. As I put a few on my Facebook page and got a few attaboys, I kept going and started taking my creativity and photo editing a little more seriously. The result is partially represented here.
I do yoga and meditate once in a while, and I enjoy being outside hiking, biking, skiing, boating, swimming, and scuba diving whenever I can. I don't have any strong religious beliefs except one. I studied Buddhism for a little while (you're seeing an ADHD pattern now, aren't you?) and really connected to the idea that God is not a bearded guy in heaven, but rather that every living and earthly thing is connected by a divine energy. You are God. I am God. My dog is God. In fact, you'll find him running around here, too. His name is Bodhi. It's short for Boddhisatva, which, yes, is a Doobie Brothers song, but in Buddhism basically means, the cool person who hangs back all high on life and near full enlightenment to show others on their path to nirvana the door. Now, that's a job for me!
Why do I suggest at the top of the page to "Stay in Awe"? The word enlightenment started appearing in my life and I picked up a book called "Spiritual Enlightenment, the damnedest thing", by Jed McKenna. In a nutshell, in very simple terms, Jed sold me on the idea that profound happiness can be achieved when you see everything on your journey as the miracle it is. I can't say I always practice what I preach. And I'm certainly not fully enlightened. My ADHD and medication keep me pretty wired and anxious, but when I sit down to do some editing of the snaps I've taken, or write a poem, I'm reminded that every ray of sun, three-legged cat, smooth rock, scientific invention, and wrinkle of skin is truly remarkable in its own way. I guess that's why I like to take some alternative angles and zoom in on the obscure. The fabric of life is all around us. When you learn how to truly see it, it invites you in and keeps you warm. And when you stay in awe of it all you give yourself the best chance in any given moment to receive "God's" energy. So, give it a try!
I hope you enjoy perusing around. Please be sure to drop me a line and let me know what you think. Check out my YouTube channel, too!
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Stay in Awe :)
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Dave
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P.S. My shop is now officially open and new inventory of matted and framed black and white and color prints of my photos will be added with some kind of irregular routine. Check it out and sign up to receive updates.