Yesterday I went out of my comfort zone and headed up the hill to Arrowhead to spend the night with people I’ve never met.  It’s now morning; two of them are gone and I missed saying goodbye….and I’m sad.

Something happens as you get older.  You start shedding some of your fears and doubts.  True, not everyone, but most of us start realizing that the things we used to worry about in our youth – are really nothing to worry about.

Much of what we put on ourselves is self-imposed.  We tend to do that a lot, don’t we?  We go somewhere and if we are uncomfortable, we feel that everyone is staring a US!

Truth is; most of us are so self-absorbed, we hardly recognize others….unless it’s to make our ‘sorry’ selves feel better.

Bottom line is; it’s all where you choose to direct your attention.

I think being a photographer has really helped me shed much of my insecurities (not all, but many).  I’ve learned to not take myself so seriously and really be more interested in what is around me.

I got to know some great girls last night.   Different personalities, different life experiences, different stories.  Three of the 5 of us are ex Rams Cheerleaders.  It was fun to listen to them reminisce about their past, but even more so, where there lives have gone since then.  All married with children and greatly proud of their families.

One of the gals works at a car dealership and she is just a hoot to listen to.   She is single and lets just say I heard a lot of fun stories.

We started the night chatting and learning about each other and ended the night with a movie and then a bit more conversation.  It was an easy peasy night.

I actually didn’t do a ton of talking, because it was so fun listening to these beautiful ladies.

I really enjoy the fact that women are so open and willing to chat and share.  As you get older, conversation becomes even easier.

I’m glad I came up to share a night with strangers.  We leave each other with a special bond of a fun PJ night.  Who doesn’t need to get away once in a while?  A quick 24 hour mental vacation.

I’ll be leaving here in a little while and I’m not sure I will go straight home.  I may take a photographic side trip.  I’ll have to see.  I’m not good with landscapes unless there are people in them, so I’ll play it by ear.

Last night there were snow flurries.  Not much going on; I’m sure the snow will be melted off my car by the time I leave.

But I’ll definitely be taking something away from this little trip.  Never doubt your ability to have fun wherever you go!!

Happy Sunday