Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 55 of 100

American Vineyard is now available as an ebook on Amazon! I’m excited that it is finally available for sale after 15 years! I’m still working on the print version of the novel, which is having a little formatting issues. Marketing and promoting the book will be difficult, as it always is with fiction, but this is my fifth novel so I’m up for the challenge to make this new story a success.

Today’s blog picture is a shot of Yosemite. I’m considering going up there with my girlfriend for my 40th birthday. If I do, I expect the area to be very green and beautiful during the spring because of all the rain that has drenched the state.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 54 of 100

I finally got my refund for my camera today. I’m happy because I got to place the same order with a different company, and I’m expecting the new equipment in the next 3-4 business days. Photographers are funny when it comes to upgrading gear. We are like kids on Christmas, impatiently waiting for the day to arrive when we can tear into our new gift and play with it. Some people would call us borderline obsessive about it. I’m not here to dispute that claim as people of my friends would probably provide testimony and pin that same label on me.

So now I must wait. And wait…

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 53 of 100

I went to Legoland yesterday with my son, girlfriend, and her son. The drive to the amusement park was stunning because of all the blooming flowers and lush greenery alongside the highway. This is due to massive amount of rain California has received this year. I found myself thinking how great it would be to get pictures of this colorful season, but another thought crept in my mind: my camera.

I recently ordered a new camera that’s supposed to be a giant upgrade on my current equipment. Instead of getting that camera in the next few days, I find myself fighting a frustrating refund that’s due to me because the company couldn’t properly process the order and thus never shipped the item. My elation when I first placed the order has now become extreme disappointment.

But such is life, and I remind myself there are worse problems in the world than mine. I just have to be patient and keep my cool.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 52 of 100

I got my eBook version of American Vineyard uploaded on Amazon on Feb 25. It might take a few days to post.

My print version had formatting errors so I’m dealing with my creative team on that issue. I hope to have the print version done by Sat or Sun!

Very exciting!

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 51 of 100

I knew there was something familiar about the new coworker in IT. I recognized his face, but I couldn’t place where I’d first met him. Was it several years back at same company at which were employed? Was it at my previous job, an entertainment company that mostly went belly up when the industry no longer needed its outdated product (only a slice of that company remains today)? Was it through a mutual friend, or at school in a shared class?

Right after a company meeting at which the mystery person, Stephen, and I were in attendance, I asked him. I was right about the job connection, but I was way off on the years. We had last crossed paths 17 years ago during my first job. I actually had Stephen read one of my first scripts, a sad effort about fraternity hazing, and he offered me pointers on how to improve it. While I thought at the time that we would collaborate on more creative projects, it never happened.

Perhaps it will now that two decades has passed.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a dream in 2017 – Day 50 of 100

It’s now the halfway mark of the original 100-day timeframe. I’m feeling surprisingly well about my career choice at this stage. I guess that’s surprising because I was so nervous at the beginning that I thought I’d surely regret my decision to go my own road when I found myself in the heart of the allotted time that I’d given myself. But instead of fear, I feel freedom. Instead of dread, I feel optimism. I see the next 50 days (and more) as an amazing opportunity to achieve goals, financial and creative, in a way that I thought was impossible only a few months back.

So here’s to the next 50 days!

Dream away!

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 49 of 100

A friend asked me today if I’m extending the time frame of my initial 100 days of pursuing my dream to become a professional photographer and writer. The reason he asked was obvious to both of us: I’ve been doing financial consulting a good deal over the course of the last 4 weeks to earn extra money. I’m happy to report that the answer to my friend’s question is yes! I’ve managed to put enough aside to at least give myself another 60 days toward my creative goal. I have no idea if that means this blog will also be extended–it’s been challenging reminding myself to post something daily–but I will know more when the time comes toward the end of the initial 100 days.

My hope is that 100 days is all I will need to know that an extension is much more than just two months. Two or three decades sounds a lot better. 🙂

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 48 of 100

I spent a good part of today debating on whether I should upgrade my camera to a Sony Alpha 7rii. I’ve had my eye on this camera for years now because it’s received great reviews from the best experts. Only one thing keeps me from getting it: the cost. It’s naturally very expensive when you consider the camera plus the lenses I will need in order to have the right gear to capture the best shots. But I think I’m finally going to bite the bullet soon and get it!

It’s time!

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 47 of 100

This weekend seemed to fly by! Then again, I guess all weekends seem to feel that way, especially during long work weeks. It’s raining outside again right now. It’s supposed to rain all day tomorrow, and then clear up for at least a week following that downpour. The fields around Los Angeles are very green, providing perfect photography opportunities for those who seek out the scenic sites to shoot and capture.

Time for bed now.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 46 of 100

I’m going to have another anniversary dinner tonight. The one on Valentine’s day was far from romantic, and my sweetheart deserves much, much better. So I’m taking her out again, the way it should have been done on the 14th, and I look forward to what I know will be a wonderful night with an amazing woman.

I captured the photo above in Albuquerque, NM. It was a stunning rainbow after a winter shower, and I shot it from an unobstructed view at my mom’s house. I will return to Albuquerque next month for my 40th birthday.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard and #LucysLetter)