35 Comments
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🌺🐝 Buzzy Johnson's avatar

That is such a perfect photo for the last line of your story! I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing more as I am joining you now. I come from the middle of the Midwest USA and am fascinated by different places 🐝

The Porch Keeper's avatar

This is it exactly: “ It’s a way of paying attention. A reason to explore a little further, to look a little longer, and to discover something unexpected in places both familiar and unknown.”

I just retired. It feels very strange. I think it will take some weeks for the stress to bleed off.

Looking forward to more photography and writing my micro stories.

Best wishes. Love your stuff.

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thank you. All the best with your retirement. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.

Paul Maven's avatar

Enjoy the next bit Rick

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thank you Paul.

Mark Thompson's avatar

I finished last October with a company where I had worked for almost 40 years. Enjoy!

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thank you Mark.

Mark Pimlott's avatar

Enjoy Rick, I’m assuming you are retiring.

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thanks Mark. Yes I’ve decided to take the plunge and leave work early.

Mark Pimlott's avatar

Good for you. I am going to wait until I’m 65 (just over 4 years to go) and the aim is to get a camper van and travel around Europe 90 days at a time with the obligatory 90 days uk before heading back out again and just take loads of photographs. Hope you have some nice plans!

Rick Bowden's avatar

Nice. I grew up in Wakefield and spent many happy days in the dales 🙂. Leyburn at the moment then on to Reeth for next weekend.

Mark Pimlott's avatar

Hope the weather is good for you

Rick Bowden's avatar

Sounds like a great plan to me Mark. We’re currently in our camper in Yorkshire enjoying the sun.

Mark Pimlott's avatar

Welcome to God’s country 😊, we live in Yorkshire, the Dales are on our doorstep

One Man Went To...'s avatar

I’m in a similar situation, Rick. I will leave my job of 25 years on Thursday. I’m not sure what comes next but I’m confident that photography will play a large part in it and I’m looking forward to finding out. More to come I expect. Good luck with it all.

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thank you and good luck.

Rachel Jeffrey's avatar

Enjoy your time to wander! Congratulations 🎉

The Morning Walk's avatar

I am drawn to your black and white photos. Photography has part of life for 70 years. Thank you for your work and I look forward to seeing more.

Ergun Çoruh's avatar

All the best Rick. I’d been photographing part time too for about a decade until I retired in 2024. Last two years proved photography was the right choice for me. It enriched my life in ways I’ve never imagined. And the best part of it all, there is no need to rush.

Jon Gibbs's avatar

Well done bud. Look forward to seeing where the photography goes for you now!!!!!

Rick Bowden's avatar

Thanks mate 😁

SY.GIGS's avatar

Congratulations and enjoy the new pathway. Speaking from a similar experience it is liberating and exciting. You will love it!!

Marcel Borgstijn's avatar

Enjoy all the freed up time, Rick

Vanessa Tiegs's avatar

North Node in your horoscope shows the evolutionary developmental momentum of becoming. It is not a psychological construct! It is your field’s (EM Field) pathway to coherence and “where am I going?” You already know it, even if it has not yet manifested. Looking forward to your next adventures!!

Paul Jenkin's avatar

Very best wishes and I hope that whatever comes around the corner is positive and brings happiness.

Sheryl White's avatar

Love your "around the corner" photo! My best as you discover what's next for you.