And So It Begins…

4 Sept. 2016

And So It Begins…

It is just after 1:30 in the morning on Sept. 4, 2016.  I have finally completed a long, arduous, and bloody round of single combat with my computer and an on-line site customizer creating www.sparks1524.com.  I am quite certain I do not know a tenth of this site’s features, capabilities, or strengths. But, I supposed I have plenty of time to learn such things (not unlike “Doctor Who” spending thousands of years figuring out how to fly his TARDIS).

In twelve months I will retire from the United States Navy and begin the next part of my life.  I am 44 years old; I will be 45 when I retire in September 2017.  I have spent literally just shy of half my lifetime in the Navy. It is time for me to begin exploring who Nathanael is without the uniform.

However, certain things I do know.  I am a historian, photojournalist, teacher, poet, and storyteller.  The human experience is an epic, never-ending story.  It is a tale of intrigue and glory, beauty and vulgarity, good and evil, love and lust…in short human experience is one long saga of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll.  We are all part of this story regardless of race, creed, orientation, or soda pop of choice.  We are all writing it—every day we take up a metaphorical pen in hand through our actions, choices, words, and deeds.

I will occasionally post photojournalism here.  I will write about what I know.  I will tell the stories I am privileged to come across.  I will strive to entertain and encourage you to look at life from somewhat of a new angle…not unlike an adult getting on their knees to play with their children…and suddenly remembering what the world looked like when they were a child.

And so it begins.  I hope to move you to think independently, experience wonder, explore always, and—if I have accomplished my task—inspire you to go do great things.  You are the hero of your story.  Go make it a good one!