I never imagined I could feel so full of my own soul as to dwarf a container ship packed dense with goods and bads, ferrying stuff I no longer want, and largely, never needed. There were times I thought this impedimenta could salvage me from the trash talk I buried myself in. Bye bye, layers of masks and shiny distractions. Bye bye, all the roles I once wore to impress others or sell ideas. I’m staying naked to welcome the wind whispering to me.

Some are afraid of hitting bottom. I am afraid of being shallow. No matter the topic, the body of water, or the experience, I usually want…

The road to personal power is paved with vulnerability. Standing alone I see the world before me. Woman. Earth. Sky. No needs. Only wants. Fine art photograph by Roxanne Darling. Part of my series, I AM: For the love of Nature. Learn more and subscribe to my artist email list at roxannedarling.com. Thank you for reading. ~ Rox 💚

I don’t know if it’s immaturity or a brilliant strategy to never think old thoughts but I cling to my desire to be young, dusting off old age as it tries to cling to me. I missed the first part of my life. (Don’t ask; I usually don’t tell.) Trust me, I love being a grown up but I have dreams unrealized and plans that wake me in the night so pardon me for playing naked as an innocent child. I’m in catch up mode.

OK, so El Dorado means the Holy Grail, the gold, and the heaven and the true love. And also the name of this place I’m in. Why not claim my own heaven? My own gold? My own true love? You might consider it grandiose. I see it as Truth for each of us. Maybe you’ll join me here on the mountain, the views are splendid, it’s so easy to find yourself. Fine art photograph by Roxanne Darling. Part of my series, I AM: For the love of Nature.

I was a flower child. Excuse me, I am a flower child. The only settling I’m doing at this age, is into the deep grass surrounded by blooms still soft and fresh and full of color. Sorry not sorry. No fading out for me just yet. This party is just getting started and you’re invited. Fine art photograph by Roxanne Darling. Part of my series, I AM: For the love of Nature. Learn more and subscribe to my artist email list at roxannedarling.com.

I learn, the saguaro stands still, singular and self-contained for up to 90 years before growing an arm. I mention, that I’ve often felt like a puppet, too many arms tangling in things I don’t really care about. Sun setting. Tucking my arms in. Still standing. Still learning. Still listening. Fine art photograph by Roxanne Darling. Part of my series, I AM: For the love of Nature. Learn more and subscribe to my artist email list at roxannedarling.com.

Sharing my method for managing the madness of -isms. There is an absolute criteria for nothing. Pick a criteria and I believe you will find a spectrum from one extreme to its opposite. Do some loosely defined “groups” exhibit traits more to one side than the other? Often, yes. Can…

For the past year, I’ve been thinking about a new* podcast. I’ve now released the first episode. I’m tossing it out more like a “trial balloon” than anything fixed or final. …