Have you ever had one of those life altering moments when everything makes sense? The stars align, the fog clears and there before you is a road. I had that happen to me last night. See, I was cooking dinner when I heard sirens and saw flashing lights. I peeked out my kitchen window to see a ton of fire and police cars right down the road. Not one to miss a chance, I threw on a collared shirt and sport coat, grabbed my 40D and headed for the scene. Police were just putting up tape and I managed my way across the line where I started taking shots is the scene. I was only able to grab a few before I was pulled behind the tape. I made my way around the scene to get the rest.

After the action ended I headed home as dialed the newsrooms of the local papers asking if they were interested and one bit. I emailed photos and ended up being published on page 2 of the next days paper. To say the experience was exhilirating would be a gross understatement. I hadn't felt this way since live fire MOUT training at Ft. Lewis. I'm bitten. And smitten. Seeing my picture published with my name under it and realizing that I did my little bit to spread knowledge around the area made me finally see what I want to do. I was all set to restart school with a major in History and become a teacher so I could make a difference. Photography was to be relegated to a hobby. Now I see it doesn't have to be. I checked with the school and found that they have a major in Photography. I'm going for it. Hell, the state is paying for it anyway (I'm a vet). I'll minor in Journalism, and after its all done, I'll get my teaching certification so I can teach photography to kids too.

Sorry for the rambling, but epiphanies are few and far between for me. This one was a biggie.

Here's the published shot: