Introductory Post: First Steps

Hello, my name is James and this is my first post on Steemit. Hopefully the first of very many more. Although at the moment, I do not really know what I am going to write. However, many of you have experienced that quandary when you started this Steemit adventure. Like most of you had to, I guess I will have to figure that out, and with time and experience I am confident I can contribute useful and interesting material. Perhaps, I should begin with my interests. At least nice people in “Chat” told me that is the best place to start. Being open to new ideas, concepts, and interests also helps, along with a flexible attitude and mindset. Who knows! I am willing to give it a shot. In addition, I am open to any suggestions and helpful advice any of you care to care to pass my way. I believe I am an open person, and always willing at least to analyze another point of view.
Ok, so what are my interests, apart from continuously endeavoring to discover new knowledge and experiences? Well, I like writing. You know short stories and the like, even though my efforts are probably only a few notches above mediocrity. Besides, my command of grammar sucks, as the more literary astute among you may have observed (dang that passive voice). Nevertheless, I still dabble, oblivious of the consequence of tarnishing the English language. Here is an excerpt from one of my effort. You will see what I mean!
Jack was with him the day he died. The old man, pushing eighty, barely moved his head when Jack, guitar in hand, came in the room. The stale air lased with tobacco and a hint of whiskey felt heavier than usual. He knew the smell; it was always in the dim bedroom with the torn window curtain that let in a spear of light. Rustling in the bed, the old man opened his mouth. Words did not come, only another bout of coughing jolted. Now the slightest exertion brought on catastrophic attacks and ebbed away what little breath there was. When the coughing finally subsided, he sucked at the air, wheezing as if drinking through a straw.
“Take it easy Charlie,” Jack said, removing a crumpled shirt from a wicket chair. “Can I get you some water?” He sat and leaned in closer.
Charlie shook his head. When breathing calmed, he turned his head and forced a grin. There were lines of brown tobacco stains on his chin.
“Some chew.” He said.
I do not know if posting short stories on my blog will prove fruitful or not, but I will probably post some any way. As well as searching and following better authors currently productive on Steemit.
Other interests besides writing are anything connected with nature, landscape, scenery and beautiful places. There is an abundance of such places in where I came from which is Ireland. The practice of yoga and meditation has been a sporadic part of my life down through the years. I am not dedicated to the daily practice. Instead, engage only when I feel I need arises. Looking inward from time to time is a fantastic way to change a mood and lift oneself out of the doldrums.
Other things that stir my passion include the arts, soccer and other sports, and history. The photo below shows the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday getting ready for the shootout at the OK Corral in the historic town of Tombstone Arizona

OK, Guess I had better wrap this up. Hope you enjoyed it. The last picture is one of one of my favorite places, Cannon beach. Thanks for reading. Wish you all good luck and prosperity.