They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, but in the world of blogging, I’m learning that you can always hit ‘refresh.’ To be honest, this probably should have been my very first post. I’ve been building this site a bit out of sequence, mostly because I wasn’t quite sure what to say or how to introduce myself to this digital space. But every story needs a beginning, and before I share another update, I wanted to take a step back and give you the background on why I’m finally putting my life into words.
For decades, my life was measured in shutter speeds and apertures. As a professional photographer, my job was to find the perfect light and the exact second a person’s true spirit peeked through. But as I enter this new chapter of my life, I’ve realized that some of the best moments aren’t just seen—they are felt, lived, and shared.
Why “Life Captured”?
I’ve spent 40 years married to my best friend, raised a family, and now get to see the world through the eyes of my grandchildren. I’ve gone from the quiet focus of a photo studio to the lively, noisy, and surprisingly profound world of a school bus driver.
I decided to start this blog because I wanted a place to “develop” these memories.
What you’ll find here:
- Perspective: Reflections on 40 years of marriage and the joy of being a grandmother.
- The View from the Driver’s Seat: Stories from the yellow bus (it’s a different world back there!).
- Simplicity: A clean space to read without the clutter of annoying pop-ups or mid-sentence ads.
A New Way of Seeing
Even though I’ve retired from professional photography, I haven’t stopped looking for the “good light.” Whether I’m navigating a bus route or sitting around the dinner table with my family, there is beauty in the everyday.
I am a “newbie” at creating a personal online journal. I’ve spent plenty of time visiting other blogs to learn what makes a good experience. I learned that I like large, dark text and simple menus. I want this site to feel like a comfortable conversation over hot cocoa {I am not a coffee drinker 🙂 }
Join the Journey
This blog is my way of capturing life as it happens now. It might be messy, it might be changing (the website certainly is!), but it will always be honest.
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important, capture the good times, and develop from the negatives.” ~Ziad K. Abdelnour
As we start this journey together, I want to lead with the transparency I promised. You’ll notice the featured image at the top of this post; and I have to confess, that photo is actually me from ten years ago! As a photographer, I’ve always believed that a great portrait doesn’t have an expiration date. I used it simply because I love it, and it captures a spark that I’m excited to bring into this new blogging adventure
I’m curious—if you’ve been following a certain path for a long time, what’s one new hobby or “pivot” you’ve made recently? Let’s chat in the comments!
Yesterday is today’s memory.
Be sure to capture your memory today!
All the best,.
Debra Ellen
P.S. To read more about, me- Debra Ellen and my photography; visit the About Page.
Nice to meet you! Sometimes it takes some time to get clarity on how to proceed. I totally get that. And indeed, with a blog you can always start again!
Hi, Nicole. Nice to meet you too! I appreciate your visit and comment. Please return anytime, you’re always welcome.
All the best.
My own blog kind of drifted for years and I only started again last year, so yes, you can always do that.
Have a great new start at blogging and enjoy yourself!
Hi Cat! It’s such a pleasure to connect with you. I just came back from exploring your blog, and I really love the design; the light gray text against the black background is incredibly reader-friendly. Whenever I visit a new site, I always appreciate a clean layout and smooth navigation, and yours truly stands out. You are welcome to drop by and visit anytime. Have a fantastic weekend!
All the best.
Hi Debra, it is wonderful to meet you and a special thank you for coming over to visit with me. When I started blogging I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Twelve years later I am still learning. My one goal was to share my love of tablescaping, gardening, and most importantly my faith and love of family! I subscribed to your blog just now to come back often. Best wishes and blessings!
Pam
Hi, Pam! Welcome to Life Captured. Your subscription truly warmed my heart, and I appreciate it more than you know. Your tablescaping is a stunning art form. I only wish I had your touch when it comes to creating such beautiful table and flower arrangements!
Stop by anytime.
All the best.
Hello! Your blog is lovely and we are very similar in that I have been married over 50 years and have grandchildren that are growing up fast. We moved from NYC to a Denver suburb to live closer to our children and grandchildren and I love our new state.
Thanks for the compliment, Pat! I swear I’m constantly messing with things around here. Whenever I visit other sites and see a layout or design feature I love, I can’t help but try to recreate it on my own blog. Because of that, Life Captured is basically a community-inspired collaboration of ideas! I really, really like your new state as well 🙂
Stop by anytime, your always welcomed!
All the best.
I feel we’ve been blogging friend’s since we met several weeks ago. I’ve been blogging since 2019 and I’ve come to learn, know and feel that my blogging friend’s actually became to feel like family. I notice when someone is missing from my link up, I find myself popping over in between link up’s just to see what you guys are up to. It’s really something the community of friend’s you build. So I will officially say It’s so nice to meet you, and build an online friendship.
Thank you so much for sharing yourself with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month dear friend.
Hi, Paula. I like the idea of being a community family. Especially since I am an only child. Always thought it would have been nice to have siblings. I appreciate your visits and comments. Have a blessed week!
All the best.
I’m so glad you linked up with us on the Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! It’s always fun to meet a “new” blogger! I’ve been blogging since 2022 and am still learning. I can’t wait to learn more about you! I have featured your post on this week’s WTJR!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you so much! I am honored. Have a fun week.
All the best.