I caught this photo in a little swamp just as the sun was setting!
On November 3rd I turned 45 years old
Since my for the most part, I'm over the fact that my life abruptly flipped upside down a year and a half ago, I went from having a well-paying job with benefits, to an idea to build a school that was held up by three pillars. Community, Collaboration, and Caretaking. when I was not franticly trying to build and maintain two businesses,I found myself lying away at night doing an "Excavation" of the last 16,425 days of my life. I began to find certain choices that I made, Some long ago, Others more recent. At the time, those choices seemed insignificant, yet now, I realize the consequences of those choices.I feel them physically, mentally, and spiritually. Then, I had an epiphany. Things have not been easy. I am meant to teach, write, and take photos and videos.
As someone who only had the vagaries of operating a business floating around inside my head, I have learned so much in the last year and a half. Many thanks to the few close people in my life. I may not mention you you know who you are, have helped me learn so many new skills. I expected people would just flock to me for classes then my social media got hacked, and I lost access to thousands of people and Meta still holding me hostage by not allowing me to run ads or do targeted marketing. A prime example.
For years people have been asking when I will run an edible mushroom class. Even after five years of living here and learning about the mushrooms, I'm still not confident enough to teach even a basic level course. So, I found a local expert. I make Social media videos about it, and post on Instagram and my new Facebook account, and not a single person signed up, I'm beginning to believe I am what is known as “shadow-banned” this is when somebody who works at the company comes across your page and sees a phrase or term they don't like, such as “hunting” or “wilderness survival” they decide they don't like those things so they have the ability to dial back how many people your content gets to.. It's gotten to the point where if I want to try and run a class here at my place, I’m hanging flyers at the hardware store and other places like coffee shops. Anything to spread the word of mouth. The fact that I am beholden to a corporation sickens me. Once I reach the point of not needing it, I will go back to posting the beauty of the natural world; It's hard being an entrepreneur and having to worship the almighty dollar. Once upon a time our job was to wander out into the wilderness and gather the things we needed to provide ourselves with food, clothes, and shelter these days most people sell their time to somebody else, so they can chase their vision or dream, and lead lives of quiet desperation.
My focus in life is truly Waking people up to the majesty of the natural world. Once that happens, they begin to dwell on things within themselves that are holding them back, and they take those hurts to Mother Earth, and she heals them. That is the beginning of the journey of the way of the caretaker. Once we deal with the traumas we may or may not be aware of, we can step into our power and become warriors who spread peace, love, joy, and purpose wherever we go. Even though, at this moment, I am coming to you from a place of struggle and uncertainty, they are just lessons I need to learn because, after all, once you stop learning or stop having the desire to learn, then you have lost your way.
Thankfully, it's not all bad; things are slowly but surely improving. I'm getting more requests for private programs all over the country. I'm also expanding my online class offerings, and very soon, I will be running another all-in-one sale. If you buy all eight of my webinars at once, you already get half off. I will knock another 15% off if you sign up. I need to find a moment to upload them to my website! I'm putting together so many puzzles, and my workflows are improving. Thanks to help from friends who know how to do the things I do not because, in the end, that's what it's all about: community helping each other. The more we come together, the more powerful we become. If you want to help me a little bit along the way, I'm still running my GoFundMe. The money I've raised there has been a godsend and has kept a roof over my head so I can continue to work on my vision of a bright future for all beings. I asked one favor: if you do not donate, please share amongst your friends and family who also realize the importance of nature. I've got some amazing videos coming your way, both skill-related and art-related. In fact, today I posted my "tribute to October" video; it's short and sweet, but due to help from the community, and classes here and there, I could take some time off and film some stuff for myself, which is ultimately for you all anyway. Remember, if you have any questions, you can always contact me through my website.
Speaking of websites! At some point in the near future, my website will divide like a single cell splitting into two. This website will remain dedicated to future nature and education, and my other domain, which I will reveal later on, Will be strictly Photography-related. And that's also where you will find my School store. I made this decision because I feel like my website is a bit cluttered, and there's a lot of good information in there that people are missing because of that.
Schedule news.
As I mentioned a while back, I'm moving away from open-to-the-public courses for a little while and focusing more on private catered experiences to individuals, families, and Friend groups. I can design a class based on all manner of things, from location to what skills you want to learn, so reach out through my contact page to get the ball rolling. All my private classes are based on a sliding scale, so it might not be as expensive as you think! I am also offering anyone who can get 6-10 people together for a class a very steep discount, so start talking amongst your friends because T3 is ready to roll! There will also be more information about next year’s “Alaskan Wilderness Adventure” and my Photography Retreat on ST Croix in the Virgin Islands! On March 8th, My friends from Les Primitifs will come down for a class like no other. Check out my schedule page for more information.
Thank you all so much for the love and support. I feel it from the bottom of my heart.
Much love, thanks and praises,
T3