Vareck Self · Writing

Notes on a Life in Progress.

Thoughts on family, databases, markets, photography, and the discipline of intentional living.

The Currency You Can’t Print More Of

My Father’s Words Series My father said a lot of things that stayed with me. Some of them I understood immediately. Some of them I had to grow into. And…
Forever Migraine: Four Years In and Still Learning

This photo was taken on November 28, 2021, in Biloxi, Mississippi — the morning after she got her ring. I picked up my camera — because that’s what I do…
Nature Already Solved It

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein I was looking at a photo I made at the rookery — a spoonbill, full wingspan,…
The Toss — Anhinga Feeding in the Swamp

The Anhinga’s feeding system has steps most people don’t see. I caught the whole sequence — water to log to toss — on a trip with Cajunman Swamp Tours. First…
I’ll Work Until They Make Me Mad — My Wife Had Thoughts

I’ve been saying it for years: I’ll work until they make me mad. It started as a principle. Or at least that’s what I told myself. My wife didn’t take…
The One the Light Found

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton Five of them are in the same shadow. That one…
That Pink Stops You Every Time

I’ve been shooting long enough that most sightings don’t stop me in my tracks anymore. The spoonbill is different. Every time I see one, I still have a small involuntary…
The Car, The Violin, and My Father’s Words

A few weeks ago I found myself in a car with my niece, Yasmine, during a college visit with her sister. We had time, we had miles, and she wasn’t…
Why I Always Say “No Complaints” — And Mean Every Word

Someone asked me how I was doing the other day. I said what I always say: “Good. No complaints.” I mean it every time. It’s not a deflection. It’s not…

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Notes on a Life in Progress.