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“The Last Keeper“ is a story of duty, defiance, and the price of following one’s conscience, where a single beam of light can mean the difference between salvation and betrayal. (Book 1 of 7 |
In my last article I wrote about my reflection on balancing multiple interests through a biblical lens, drawing from Proverbs 31, that study led me to reassess my own current phase of life. I decided that rather than viewing this next move in my life as starting over, I will view it as a strategic consolidation of my experiences in life and accomplishments.
After years of leaving projects incomplete, while I worked on other people’s stuff, I am now busy organizing my own. Including working on my personal website and completing various writing projects — essays, books, and short stories that have waited years for a conclusion.
In 2013, I embraced minimalism, a way of life I inherited from my father. I significantly downsized my possessions to pursue wildlife photography. Bolsa Chica Reserve in California became my primary focus for eighteen months, until I left to photograph other places for a couple fo years and then returned for thirteen more months. I documented its transformation from a pristine wildlife habitat to what is now primarily a recreational space. While the stated mission remains wildlife conservation, the reality reflects a shift toward human activities — jogging trails and bike paths now dominate where natural habitats once flourished.
My photography journey extended to the giant sequoias of Northern California, alongside ventures in Florida and Colorado. Now, as age guides me toward a more sedentary lifestyle, writing has become my primary focus.
Currently, I reside temporarily in an RV amidst 90,000 acres of pine forest — a hunting ground for deer and wild hog. Modern technology, specifically Verizon’s 5G Internet box connectivity. This little box enables me to maintain my digital presence despite this remote location. This arrangement is temporary while I await the completion of my new residence in North Florida. I am so looking forward to it and I am only about a mile or two from the water.
Once again, I will embrace the lifestyle of minimalism, retaining only essential items: computer equipment, cameras, basic clothing, minimal kitchen supplies, a recliner, my Tuft & Needle king-size bed, two wall-mounted televisions, a desk, and select books. The new two-bedroom, two-bathroom space will house only necessary items, each with its designated place. And I am in no hurry to find stuff.
One thing I have learned about myself during this three week waiting time, is that the RV experience has confirmed my preference for a more permanent dwelling. My ideal location balances proximity to town conveniences while maintaining a natural setting. This simplified lifestyle creates space for creativity and writing — a lesson in finding peace through intentional living.
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