138- Creative Pursuits

Five creative things I like to do:

1- Photography. There is something special about composing and taking a good photo that I have enjoyed since childhood. I started with a box brownie camera and then used my dad's Minolta 35mm for awhile. I purchased a 35mm Minolta after I graduated from dental school when I was stationed in Diego Garcia (1986). My first photos were of exotic Singapore. I used that camera through my training program and eventually it crapped out at the worst time... while on vacation in London, England in 2001. Thankfully the kids had point and shooters to save the day. I went digital with a "jam cam" and moved up to a 2mP Fuji Finepix in 2002, Fuji S7000, Nikon coolpix in 2006 (and again in 2010) and finally a Nikon D3100 DSLR last month.

2- Writing. I have always enjoyed writing- especially fiction. In fact during my Navy career I authored hundreds of evaluations and fitness reports that many would say were excellent works of creative writing. I have completed the first drafts of six novels during November's "National Novel Writing Month". I hope to one day join my wife as a published author.

3- Wine making. We started this hobby in 2000 while living in Portugal. We visited many wine cellars, vineyards, wineries and bodegas and figured what the heck. We visited and toured the fine Port cellars in Oporto. I completed a six week wine tasting course given by a Spanish master.

4- Brewing. I have yet to start this hobby... but I have the gear as it was a present from the kids for Christmas.

5- Travel. This really isn't a hobby but it allows me to pursue and enjoy the other four hobbies listed above.

Other things I do that require a little more creativity are: cooking (more to eat than because I enjoy it), Gardening (well call it what it is... yardwork. I worked as a greenskeeper for 8 years and cutting and caring for the yard jsut comes natural), Being a dentist does require a little creativity... but it really is more like problem solving. The creative part comes about when it comes to solving dental problems.