… to try anything for the first time or to learn something new (and lot’s of other things … check out “It’s Never too Late” by Patrick Lindsay).

I didn’t pick up a camera seriously, for more than snapshots and family photos, until 2004 … I was turning 38.  I had, some years ago, started a list of all the things I would like to do with my life.  Secretly, I think I was yearning for some kind of life outside of raising our gorgeous girls.

I don’t remember everything that was on that list.  I also know it is packed in a box (we have recently moved and I am really enjoying the simplicity of not having all our “stuff” and am a little reluctant to unpack it all just yet!)   I do know there were three things on there that I have achieved .. and am still working on.

1. I always wanted to play a musical instrument

2. I always wanted to do photography

3. I always wanted to have singing lessons

At about 35 I started learning to play the piano.  I stopped at 37 when I realised that all the music I really liked was acoustic guitar!  In 2005 I found a fabulous guitar teacher.  It was just before my 40th birthday and just in time for a lovely Fender acoustic guitar as a birthday present!!!  I have been having lessons and playing ever since.

In 2004 I went to an amazing photography exhibition and then, in the following week, saw an advertisement for a photography course run by one of the photographers in the exhibition (my favourite photographer!)  It really wasn’t the right time, our lives were already busy, we had three small children etc. etc.  I also knew that there was never going to be a “right time” and I just jumped at the opportunity to pay the money and attend the course and make it work.  The photographer liked my portraits and asked if I would train with him to do weddings … I love it when you take a step and other opportunities open up to you.  Before long I was doing more and more photography work and getting paid for it!

Then last weekend, I returned for a day-long portrait workshop with the same photographer.  While I baulked at attending with the thoughts of “I just don’t have the time right now!” “what more could I learn?” and “I could be teaching this stuff” and did I really want to spend $250 for the day! I was keenly aware that in any situation in life there is always something to be learnt and that sometimes learning just one thing can make the whole experience worthwhile.  I was right!  I learnt one amazing thing and it has shifted my way of thinking enormously.  I also got to spend a day with great friends and make some new ones.  We ate some fabulous food, enjoyed beautiful surroundings and some great photography locations and we also took a few photos!

Do you have a list of things you would like to do?

By the way, I did take singing lessons too!