A Bird, By Any Name, Sounds As Sweet

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Hello, hello!

Zippy here – the still newbie Steemian formerly known as @zipplyo.

As I explained in a post via that account, I learned about the permanence of blockchain the hard way – with an unfixable typo in my username. I really did try to get used to it, but – realizing I was only two weeks in – the moment I'd earned enough to fund a new account, I couldn't resist. The fact that my full, first name was available – that just sealed the deal.

So – here I am again, enjoying this unexpected do over – taking all I learned in my first few weeks and building this account with a bit more careful intention.

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Photography First

I joined Steemit and dove right in, drafting my initial, introductory post before I had any sense of how potentially beneficial this platform truly is – in far more directions than I first imagined.

As I'm accustomed to doing, I leaned heavily on my photography – in both that first post and every one that followed. It really was the easiest, most obvious and immediate way to plug in.

Initially, I wasn't sure I could share the work I'm most well-known for (I've been part of Burning Man's official 'doc team' since 2014 and they have strict guidelines about how BM imagery is used.) So – before they gave me the go-ahead earlier today – I've had to draw from other places.

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I've taken the opportunity to organize my external hard-drives and begin extracting images from my year long, solo journey through India and Nepal nearly 9 years ago. It's been amazing to remember and reflect as I unearth the hidden gems, filtered by the daily subjects of @juliank's @photocontests. As well, I've enjoyed contributing to the newly established @photofeed. Both have been incredibly supportive as I've gained my Steemit footing.

Though I have a modest following on other platforms, I've also relished the anonymity of this space – the opportunity to step away from the work my reputation is built upon and revisit photos created for no reason other than because the moment invited me to honor it.

Perhaps I'll soon find myself inspired to create new work, but I haven't the words to convey how good it feels to finally be doing something constructive with all this content that's remained unseen for so long.

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A More Balanced Portrayal

As I began exploring various tags, I found myself repeatedly drawn to entries for the weekly #openmic challenge. I was touched, over and over, to see folks from all over the world so boldly sharing their music. Some even brought me to tears.

Though I've supported others on stage during this last stretch of musical silence, I've found myself wondering how it is that I've survived so many years without so much as touching my guitar. This has happened before, and – looking back – I always find it hard to believe, considering that music was and will always be my first love.

I've been so preoccupied with my work, so completely absorbed in the creation of my recently self-published book, that I'd forgotten my music. I would never have imagined that joining a social network would awaken it again in me – yet that's precisely what's happened.

After posting here consistently for two weeks, I created this new account, then effectively disappeared for a week. Not for lack of inspiration or desire to engage – during that time, I quite simply could not put my guitar down. The resulting blisters are still healing.

Most unexpected of all – I've written a new song – my first in more than 4 years. I've bravely shared it as an entry into this week's open mic challenge.

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Multi-faceted

What excites me most is the realization that Steemit is waking me up, drawing out all those neglected parts of my creative self. Yes – my photographic ability is well-acknowledged and significant – yet I'm so much more than just a girl with a camera.

Before downsizing my once lofty art school dream to focus solely on photography in late 2006, these hands also told stories through pen and pencil – with colorful words and illustrative lines.

I haven't even begun to look into the channels here that might inspire a stirring of those facets, too – yet I'm relatively certain they exist.

I can already feel the pull of my sketchbooks – a buzzing in my fingertips – an invitation to write and sketch and finally...to share.

I'm just gettin' started – I can only imagine what my blog will look like 6 months from now.

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In Other Words – THANK YOU, STEEMIT.

However sweet the bonus of potential rewards, the creative revival this space has effected in me is truly invaluable. If I never earn more than a few Steemit dollars –
I'll have already won.

^{both this photo and the one at top taken by my wonderful partner @taddeus}

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^{To witness my unfolding, please follow, and leave a note to let me know you stopped by!
Feel free to visit my website or my instagram if you'd like to learn more about me.}