This is one of two new images in my Dualities gallery. CLICK HERE to see them.

I doubt if I could have imagined a year ago that I would ever have chosen to bring attention to my wrinkles like this. And I wonder if my attitude could have changed so dramatically had I not become a photographer. It was more than just creating my "Facing Up To My Face at 65" photo gallery that changed things for me. How can I say this? It's as if looking through the lens of my camera has trained my eye to see things as they are, not as I wish they were. And to accept that reality without needing to gloss over it or turn away. Instead of simply seeing flowers, sunsets and beautiful faces, now I see empty liquor bottles in brown paper bags on city sidewalks, lakefront mansions one mile from boarded-up shop windows, and the wrinkles on my face. It just is what is.

Maybe this is why I think my spirituality is tied to my photography. Mindfulness is a core value in both. And living in the present moment. And seeing the truth of the world around me. And accepting life as it is. And being grateful for it all.