I returned last night from a three day business trip to Utica, New York and let me tell you, driving alone four hours each way gives you a lot of time to think.
A few years ago, on the same trip, I had written a screenplay, in my head, for a movie that had no audio so the audience had to interpret what really went down. I’m sure it has been done already, but if not, I still think it could be done in the hands of the right director.
Any hoo, this trip it was all about the blog, naturally, since it is my only real creative outlet. I tried to come up with original topics or a way to present common topics in a unique and comical way. I also couldn’t get a comment that my brother-in-law made, out of my head. He described my blog to my wife’s elderly grandmother as “pornographic photos of plants”. I laughed when I heard the comment and also realized, the dude is dead on. Like this “money shot”:
My first thought was “do readers want the money shot with little plot, or do they prefer some plot so there is more payoff once the money shot is revealed.” Sorry, I did just go there.
I’ve since learned that my photos tend to lean “macro”. Close-up photos that reveal details which cannot be seen with the naked eye. These can be very cool and “artsy” but using too many can be a bit much. Plus, and most importantly, the best photos pull in all of the pieces of the garden so you can view the interplay of all the plants.
So, with that thought in mind, and nothing but time to over analyze while driving through the Catskills, here are the ideas I came up with:
- It’s about time to do a video walk around the yard chock full of my inane comments.
- More before and after posts, even if I’ve only moved one plant, and as you know, I transplant with the best of them.
- Get down and technical and photograph it in gory detail. Like when I divide my Irises in the near future.
- Have some of my friends/family send in “please help me” videos of their yards so I can then mock them, laugh and eventually provide valuable feedback. Plus, they’ll believe anything I tell them.
And the one I am most excited and nervous about. I have registered to attend the Garden Writer’s Association Annual Symposium in Dallas, Texas. Truth is, I don’t belong there. It is a collection of the biggest and best in the business covering all topics associated with garden writing and all other forms of media. It also includes tours of some phenomenal gardens in the city. Normally, I’d say “no chance”, but they have a mentor program for first time attendees and dammit, it is time to step out of the comfort zone.
My plan is to blog daily during the conference in “dear diary” fashion, including my own insecurities and “what am I doing here moments?” Should be good stuff.
That is all for today. Will be heading to my 20th High School Reunion this weekend which will definitely lend itself to fantastic blog fodder.
Oh yeah, one last thing. Like the new layout? Autumn too early? Let me know.
Ciao
I’ve since learned that up close photos of blooms
I never get sick of plant pictures. Post as many as you want. Have fun at the Conference!
Keep the pictures coming! Good luck at the conference, as my boss always tells me, “Keep the curtains up”, I think this is a great idea. I can see you changing careers soon enough! Hmmm.. the autumn back ground… a little hard on the eye and say it isn’t so that we’re only a couple months away from autumn again, but it does give the feeling of some coolness in the air.
If I have to compare what I like when I watch porn to what I like when I read garden blogs…
It just doesn’t jive.
Porn: I like less plot, more action.
Blog: I like some plot, if it’s just pictures I get a little bored. I think it’s the writer in me. Humour happens in the writing, with a little help from pictures.
Porn: Shots of the big picture, not just uber-close ups. Which can be sorta frightening.
Blog: I love the flower close-ups. They’re more pleasing to my eye.
Porn: I like my porn stars attractive. No beer-bellies need apply. It’s a fantasy-world, for god’s sake!
Blog: I like seeing both the beautiful plants, and the mistakes and stuff that didn’t work out. Makes my garden seem less sad. Misery loved company.
Video is a good idea, btw. I was thinking about doing that myself. Ony problem is, no video camera 😛 So just don’t think I’m copying you when I finaly do get one 😉
Love the background. It’s so hot and humid and nasty, I’m praying for fall. Your background makes me feel cooler already.
I like all the pics…closeup, faraway, whatever. And plot vs. no plot..depends on my mood.
Do your blog background photos need to match your current surroundings?
I love the commentary! As amazing as the pictures are, it’s better with words to punctuate. We are at a loss how for planting flowers, the deer eat them all. Well, they don’t eat marigolds..yuk. And they don’t eat the old fashioned annuals like zinnas. But they nibble or dine on all our pretty shade loving plants. My hostas get so big and beautiful, then one morning we get up and they are gone. Like a giant salad, the deer come to the big buffet and go home stuffed. Help me…please!
you’re a great gardener.I get delighted by them toov(plants), kind of want to weep when I see the changes. Moving from the south to the midwest and back…i miss the seasons and the anticipation. I used to lay on the ground and stare at beginning to happen things under the wet leaves. here it’s glorious balmy and alive but it’s been done and will be okay with out you. It’s also hot as hell all the time. hard to make that leap of faith I had to take each year in the cold by starting over with my garden tinkering and trying new things better spots etc. it’s continuous here and that can be a problem no suspense. i need to embrace bromeliads