Winter has once again settled in western Montana. A dreary, hazy, fog, not unlike the Missoula valley, has settled within me. I struggle this time of year. The days, a mere fleeting glimpse. The cold, the lack of vitamin D, all not for the makings of awakening the muse. My creativity – south for the winter.

I know I am not the only one out there. Transform by Zack Arias is an amazing short film that speaks of my frustrations and battles. Its all part of the struggle. To follow a passion, a dream. It takes persistence and perseverance to wade through the muck, to keep pushing forward when really, a stack of videos and ice cream sounds a more appealing endeavor. Though slowly and less ambitious, I move forward. Knowing my muse will one day return. But its just so damn hard sometimes. Especially when I do compare my work to others. I think I am in the “suck” phase that Zack speaks of. I hope to one day get beyond that. My frustration lies mostly in the fact that I have not been able to get out with my camera nearly enough. Day after day, I haul my camera with me to work. Just in case I see something, or the muse surprises me as she often does. But more often then not, I don’t take a single photograph.