Ripe For The Picken'
...Perhaps Not!
It's Swedish Summer here... but it feels more like the transition from Winter to Spring. It's been rainy, overcast, humid, hot (well Swedish hot but not Texas hot, at a whopping 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and then cold almost all at the same time or on the same day!
We have a saying back home in Texas... and as I've learned it's a common figure of speech everywhere. That saying is, ''If You Don't Like The Weather in Texas... Just Wait a Minute.'' Well, apparently, they have 'about' the same saying here... and I can attest that it's equally true.
Based on some of these shots one might think these berries are ripe for the picken... but they ain't! They still taste good and it's at a time where some are more developed than others even on the same plant. But, it's still not the best time to take the bounty and pick all those berries.
It reminds me a little of the crypto market now and how things look or appear as opposed to the accurate perception of reality and how things truly are. Right now everything is red, there's blood in the proverbial streets, everyone is panicking, and Hive is even Super Low!
Hive generally has never followed the up or downtrends financially of the overall crypto market space. I have found that to be a good thing in the long run and something that shows what we have here is a bit different. But, it seems this panic period in the middle of the biggest and most unpredictable Crypto Bull Run of all time has had it's fair share of influence on even our beloved Hive.
It could also be that Hive is decaying in ways that would generally keep it relevant in the cryptosphere. While there is a growing number of funds and projects... the mass adoption of all that Hive has to offer still has not manifested to any real inkling of it's full potential.
I would be lying if I said that the low isn't feeling low right now. I invest a lot of my time here on Hive. Time is all of our most valuable assets in life. To spend so much of that time doing all I do on Hive when I have so little time to myself feels either selfish, selfless, and/or foolish... maybe all the above!
However, I actually was able to find a few minutes to myself a couple of days ago. I made sure to charge my camera battery in advance for if such a moment should arise. Well, that moment came to fruition and I didn't hesitate to take some shots whilst out and about. I did notice immediately how rusty I was an making my shitty camera pull off some magic.
I mostly tried to get some images captured of the blueberries that grow wild all around my area. But, I could not resist a few variations of how the shot could be based on the setting options as well as some diversity of imagery which you will see with the ferns and maple leaf shots later on.
I haven't made a photography post in forever. So, when I was walking I tried to find anything I could to shoot. But, because it had been so long I decided to try to focus on mostly the blueberries. I thought that 'focal point' would be a good way to get back into the swing of things without so much chaos.
My life feels like it's in chaos at the moment. We just got a new kitten (I will share more and post later on that), are currently moving, have an 8/9 month old baby, and life struggles in general. Life has been rough and taxing lately to be honest.
Having said all that and constraining myself not to say more since not many will probably even read this anyhow.... even with all the adversity I have tried to maintain and keep a balance going in my Hive duties. I am the primary manager and curator of two of the biggest and most active communities on Hive.
I don't think most people know what all that entails but OCD has very rigorous standards and I can't thank Acid and the OCD crew enough for incubating the Alien Art Hive and Photography Lovers Community. I personally feel both of those communities have becomes ribs connected to the backbone of Hive's skeleton.
I try to stay positive and proactive while also maintaining a balance in my life. I can tell you now, that my personal balance is off. I will try my best to 'Keep On Keepin' On'!
Keep On Keepin On
I would love to focus more on my Art, Photography, Hive, and my place here. Life has a way of happening Not according to your own ideal plans! Crypto may Moon one of these cycles or it may SuperNova on us and go to the shits. But, knowing how and when to calculate your moves in your limited time is the main concern.
These aren't my best shots by far and are more of a warm-up to get back into it all. I got some berries, a rotting log, some ferns with shadows and tried to test some things about the Maple leaf. All in all .... it was a good walk, some excellent time alone, and a nice opportunity to profit from my focus. I was focused on just getting out.
Part of me wonders if I may have enjoyed it all more without my camera and thinking about my rusty photo skills, or my shit camera, or how I can make a post about it to get a little extra rewards.
Anyone who is anyone that has seen how little I post my own personal blogging content in comparison to how much work I put in voluntarily will see the stark contrast of discrepancy.
I want crypto to endure and Hive to benefit from it's full potential... and that's without even adding any more new features or assets. Just the mechanism of this blockchain sets itself apart. But then, the decentralized nature of things also further separates things, people, and ideas that need to come together to make this all work at the best level possible.
I know I won't be able to keep on doing what I'm doing and be as good or efficient or enjoy it as much as possible if things don't get better. All I can do is All I can do.... and I must say that I'm doing too much! I can also say that I would have personally profited exponentially more if I had been more focused on my own rewards and blogging. So, there's a sacrifice to be made in order to succeed. Maybe that's my whole point I am overtalking.
1 Peter 1: 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Happy Belated 4th of July
betty page lucille ball fullfigure pinup, metallic sheen american flag background, mucha backlit
I will do my best to make sure those that deserve to be curated will get curated and those that deserve to be featured will be. But, I am going to take a step back for a bit and see what serves me best. I put myself last more often than not. I can't even find time to answer all my community comments etc. So, thanks to everyone that has supported me and thanks to everyone that sees what all I actually do for the time I spend supporting and growing others quicker and greater than I have myself thus far.
This Too Shall Pass
Hive isn't going anywhere and neither am I. Just wanted to say thanks and try to post something for myself for a change. Sorry for anyone that didn't get a curation vote or lost out on a feature because I didn't do my 'WORK' for the day.
In fact, I didn't edit or crop any of these photos from my shitty point and click camera. I hope you enjoyed the images even if the text/reading was a bit off topic. Thanks for stopping by and supporting my content.
Cheers
Walking alone may not sound good and positive but it helps us bring out the best version of ourselves. Since I have seen both your photography and art before, I know you are capable of doing much better, although these pictures are also amazing. Sometimes it is good to take a break. I am sure whatever you do, you will do it with full passion and love. I really enjoyed your blog! 😊
Sending Love and Ecency Vote!
Thanks for appreciating my blog and for your encouraging words!
Boah so much in your post over here! First of all, love the shots in nature so if that gives you piece of mind to work on that, keep em coming!
But moving, baby, kitten, curation....wow..that all sounds like a lot! You would also deserve the Hive price to be higher as it is;)
It just the market and still within the logical TA....time and we will be fine!
It's typical crypto volatility! I don't mind that... it just feels like a reflection of all the other chaos going on in the world. Good time to accumulate more at a discount.
Thanks for your meaningful comment.
The world is in chaos and Hive is a reflection of it, it is a miniature society... Hive has an incredible potential that has not yet been fully developed... or so I think, but maybe it will and that would be great.
Everything looks black now, but I'm positive about it. Many are worried, but it's time to be calm and wait for the storm to pass, then the sun will come out.
Like the sun that illuminates those beautiful pictures. I also don't edit mine even if they are from a phone and I hope soon to be able to buy the lens for the camera I bought some time ago... I'm going by parts hahaha
Then learn how to use it, I never had one before and I'm happy about it.
Time for you is fundamental and no matter who gets angry, each one is important... time goes by fast so you have to live it.
I don't know but I can imagine how much work it must be for you HIve, I am in a small group and it takes me a lot of time, your day must have 48 hours!
I hope all that time is always rewarded to you, and always the best of the best ....
Question: Have you got that kitten you were going to get? I love cats and I don't forget that!
A big hug!💗
I'm not worried... just in a state of reflection and thought. Also in a constant state of stress. This too shall pass, and yes we did get the cat. I will post about it soon. You are gonna love her.
Thanks for your encouragement and for your kind words of temperance! It's always darkest before the dawn!
Thanks again!
And the sun always rises after the storm! I will wait for the pictures of that beautiful kitten!!!
Forward always and with a lot of strength that you can do it!💗
I am glad to know that there are many people who are convinced that fruit should only be picked when it is ready, even if life imposes rhythms that are often painful. Ha... thanks for sharing your photos.
I picked one while out yesterday and maybe some of them are ready to be eaten. Hahaha but I would rather wait for the BEST time to appreciate them in their fullness of development.
Thanks for dropping by! Hopefully this painful rhythm will get into a more harmonious pattern soon! Cheers
😉☕
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We've been getting some tasty blueberries lately.
I picked a few yesterday just to test and they are more tart so still not fully ready... but I don't mind some tart or blueberries any time!
Thanks for stopping by Big Bozz!
We have some farms near where I grew up and I remember going to them and picking a bucketful! I always ate more than what ended up in my bucket!
Sounds like some good memories and good times!
I like the blueberry pics haha pun intended. We picked a few wild blueberries last week here in Vermont. I also like the rotting log photos to accompany your discussion of crypto market 😆
those that deserve to get curated also are the ones that understand what it takes to honestly curate
Now onto life... I'm an old guy. My kids are grown. Having young kids seems overwhelming sometimes and sometimes overwhelming all the time. Since you quoted some scripture... you will find what you are looking for in life serving others. Spending time with your child and others that need you. Me time is overrated 🙄
However I don't mean that in terms of Hive or other money related pursuits. I'm not advocating more time here. More time in nature and more time with family and more time helping those in need. Thats the ticket. Find that balance. Anyone who cares will support you. I do.
I fully understand what you mean and am glad you understood what I was saying. I agree with what you said about serving others in life being The Ticket! Time is always moving forward and our place in it is an unknown limited period.
I find it difficult to do all the things I need to do while also figuring out how to do other things. When they converge the synergy is magnificent. When they are in direct opposition then it's time to prioritize.
It's funny because what little 'Me Time' I get is used to 'work' on Hive. So, it is overrated but I also serve others in the process. I think that's why I feel emotionally attached to what all I have been and do here.
Thanks for caring and for supporting me. I appreciate your kind words and the sentiment in your comment. It made me feel better. I appreciate you my friend.
Hello my friend,
I use the word "friend" not to gain a few more votes or to ensure I get selected after a publication on my blog, but because you have taken a lot of time to help me progress on Hive. I realize that sometimes people respond with generic messages that are more polite than useful. But you have always taken the time to analyze my messages and respond intelligently with a lot of useful information. I'm not sure if Google Translate can perfectly convey what I want to express, but I hope it will be understandable. Overall, I am aware of the work you do every day on Hive. Just at the scale of one blog, it can be complicated to respond daily to everyone, to follow all the posts, and to discover new blogs and creators. Just on the two blogs where you do curation, the work-to-reward ratio is really very low. As for me, I always give 100% upvotes, but my very modest contribution doesn't change much in the low income you generate from all your work. However, you take the time to give your opinion on what I do, whether it's on Photographie Lover or Alien Art Hive. As @avdesing mentioned in a comment above, Hive is a reflection of our society where some benefit more from the system than others. I admit that I have much less time to devote to Hive because I have to work to earn a little money to be able to eat. My country is the king of all kinds of taxes, and what you earn, they take without warning. Taxes on cryptos are 30% of the income, plus the exchange rate and the rest, so there is not much left. For my part, I am here to have a showcase for my art and also to get advice or feedback to evolve spiritually towards better artistic work. Earning a little something is a plus. But I know that Hive will not make me rich one day. Sometimes, out of 300 votes, in reality, there are 20 people who took the time to read and analyze each photo, of which you are one. In principle, for each person I follow on their blog, I look at each image and try to understand what message the person is trying to convey (you are the example for me, my guide on Hive). Take more time for yourself before it ends in burnout and you can no longer do anything on Hive. When I open my web browser and go to Hive, the first blog I look at is @Casteberry's, not another one, no, yours first. Then, I check out the other blogs I follow and with whom I also enjoy discussing. And if I still have time, I try to discover new blogs and creators.
I also use the translator because to be honest my English... is not good, but I get by as best as I can.
I love Hive and I enjoy it a lot, but what I always say is that the creator's work takes time and I like to leave a quality comment, I'm always like that, always, I think it deserves it. Plus the artistic work that takes so much time and the photography that requires a good eye.
For me it's always a pleasure to look at your work, of course I can't be everywhere, but I try to do my bit.
No one will get rich with Hive but maybe will contribute some help, I think that's possible. Hive opens up possibilities and in almost two years that I'm here I have projects and ideas that I didn't have before.
Thank you for your nice comment, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know how France is and what is happening, I keep myself informed by unofficial means because I like to know the truth.
Thank you!
I really appreciate your comments. Your translation seemed perfect to me.
I think this is the case most often. Most people who are "REAL" on Hive and here for the right reasons know how to contribute from time to time... even if it's just a meaningful comment like yours.
You have been a good friend to me since you arrived here and it was a pleasure to help you from the beginning. I also identified with your work and your blog. I'm glad you held on and moved forward even though it was difficult at first.
Thanks for your tips on avoiding burnout and it really means a lot to me what you said about being the first blog you visit on Hive. It filled my heart with joy and made things less stressful. Simple gestures and feelings mean more than most people realize.
Many people leave Hive when the price drops, then return when the market improves. I've seen the cycles and it's always nice to see people who care more about the community and personal aspects than the financial aspects. There is also a tool called “Voting Trails” where you can configure your account to vote automatically based on certain parameters. Many of these hundreds of votes, while only a few actually viewed or interacted with the blog, often follow a voting trail.
I will never get rich from Hive, but it has helped me get diapers, baby food, and other miscellaneous things. So, it's not that I depend on Hive but it's always nice to have tangible things to show for all the work done.
I could say a lot more, but I will be brief this time. I will translate this into French but I think my translation will be worse than you thought yours would be. hahaha
🤗🤗🤗🤗
As a fellow parent of a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, I think you're making the right choice. I actually found you through your post about what to do as a beginner here, and it had a ton of valuable information and I would love to see Hive thrive and continue to grow as a late adopter.
However, you, your family, and the kitten deserve 100% of your attention. While I'm sure tons of people appreciate what you do here, those closest to you deserve no less than what you give here. Take care of yourself first and foremost!
Thank you for your kind encouragement David! It's awesome to have newer users and late adopters joining in on Hive. I do think that things will get much better in all areas. Hive will thrive and get bigger and better... but from what I read in your intro, you know how busy life can be and get.
I'm glad my How To... posts helped you out at all and I appreciate you taking the time to check those out as well as actually read my post here and make such a meaningful and supportive comment.
Thank You!
Absolutely! I'm not quite busy right now due to being on summer break from work. But I start again in less than two weeks. My oldest starts kindergarten soon. I'm excited for him but a bit sad since he will be busier as well. I'll get a little less time to spend with him since his school breaks and my work breaks don't quite match up.
Hive will continue to get bigger and better in large part due to people like you who care about the community!
What was captured here, if I may ask?
This was a log that had fallen and was rotting. I thought the red tones in the wet weathered wood were beautiful but since it's a macro shot it's a bit abstract looking. Thanks for swinging by my post and taking the time to ask!
i thought apparently so! this wood looks like resin-soaked, I imagine textures like this can look quite impressive. ☘️ (also reminded me of a crumbled soap, but I knew that was not the case!)