4 Weeks Later...

I must say that the new job has been quite challenging and overwhelming.  It feels like all of a sudden, my vibrant, colorful life, along with my free spirit has been sucked into a deep, deep black hole...  I hate to admit that life in our 40s is not about venturing out to seek new challenges or reach new highs.  However, the truth is -- comfort, stability and familiarity with our surroundings has gradually become such a dominating factor of our overall happiness and well-being.  Yeah, in the end, a successful life should be measured by our own happiness, not by how we are perceived by others.

In early February, I had a chance to visit Death Valley National Park, the place I have always wanted to see.  Spent only 2 days there.  In photographic terms, I only had 1 sunset and 1 sunrise to capture nature's wonders.  

The night at Badwater was pretty dramatic, as I almost got lost in the massive salt-land under the moonlight -- under the moon, all you see is the blueish salt-land and dark mountains all around you...  The morning at Mesquite Sand Dunes was also risky, as I had to hike in the sand dunes before dawn to find the right angle of the sand dune before sunrise.

As much as I hate to take unnecessary risks, I found myself in very dangerous situations during the past several photography trips.  But when you think about it, life sometimes is all about venturing out and meeting the unknowns.  The more you venture out, the more you get to experience, and the more fully you live!
                    

                                    Badwater Sunset                                       Sunrise at Mesquite Sand Dune 

                                    February 4, 2012                                      February 5, 2012