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Hello, hello!
Zippy here – the still newbie Steemian formerly known as @zipplyo.
As I explained in a post via that account, I learned about the permanence of blockchain the hard way – with an unfixable typo in my username. I really did try to get used to it, but – realizing I was only two weeks in – the moment I'd earned enough to fund a new account, I couldn't resist. The fact that my full, first name was available – that just sealed the deal.
So – here I am again, enjoying this unexpected do over – taking all I learned in my first few weeks and building this account with a bit more careful intention.
Photography First
I joined Steemit and dove right in, drafting my initial, introductory post before I had any sense of how potentially beneficial this platform truly is – in far more directions than I first imagined.
As I'm accustomed to doing, I leaned heavily on my photography – in both that first post and every one that followed. It really was the easiest, most obvious and immediate way to plug in.
Initially, I wasn't sure I could share the work I'm most well-known for (I've been part of Burning Man's official 'doc team' since 2014 and they have strict guidelines about how BM imagery is used.) So – before they gave me the go-ahead earlier today – I've had to draw from other places.
I've taken the opportunity to organize my external hard-drives and begin extracting images from my year long, solo journey through India and Nepal nearly 9 years ago. It's been amazing to remember and reflect as I unearth the hidden gems, filtered by the daily subjects of @juliank's @photocontests. As well, I've enjoyed contributing to the newly established @photofeed. Both have been incredibly supportive as I've gained my Steemit footing.
Though I have a modest following on other platforms, I've also relished the anonymity of this space – the opportunity to step away from the work my reputation is built upon and revisit photos created for no reason other than because the moment invited me to honor it.
Perhaps I'll soon find myself inspired to create new work, but I haven't the words to convey how good it feels to finally be doing something constructive with all this content that's remained unseen for so long.
A More Balanced Portrayal
As I began exploring various tags, I found myself repeatedly drawn to entries for the weekly #openmic challenge. I was touched, over and over, to see folks from all over the world so boldly sharing their music. Some even brought me to tears.
As I watched, something in me, too long dormant, began to stir – echoes from my youth, whispering in earnest. The 23 year-old who regularly stepped onto stages across the SF Bay to sing in front of strangers at open mics – one who possessed a kind of courage I now find hard to access. My teenage self, who dreamt of being on Broadway. And earlier still – the knee-high girl who sang about anything and everything as a vital means of self-soothing.
Though I've supported others on stage during this last stretch of musical silence, I've found myself wondering how it is that I've survived so many years without so much as touching my guitar. This has happened before, and – looking back – I always find it hard to believe, considering that music was and will always be my first love.
I've been so preoccupied with my work, so completely absorbed in the creation of my recently self-published book, that I'd forgotten my music. I would never have imagined that joining a social network would awaken it again in me – yet that's precisely what's happened.
After posting here consistently for two weeks, I created this new account, then effectively disappeared for a week. Not for lack of inspiration or desire to engage – during that time, I quite simply could not put my guitar down. The resulting blisters are still healing.
Most unexpected of all – I've written a new song – my first in more than 4 years. I've bravely shared it as an entry into this week's open mic challenge.
Multi-faceted
What excites me most is the realization that Steemit is waking me up, drawing out all those neglected parts of my creative self. Yes – my photographic ability is well-acknowledged and significant – yet I'm so much more than just a girl with a camera.
Before downsizing my once lofty art school dream to focus solely on photography in late 2006, these hands also told stories through pen and pencil – with colorful words and illustrative lines.
I haven't even begun to look into the channels here that might inspire a stirring of those facets, too – yet I'm relatively certain they exist.
I can already feel the pull of my sketchbooks – a buzzing in my fingertips – an invitation to write and sketch and finally...to share.
I'm just gettin' started – I can only imagine what my blog will look like 6 months from now.
In Other Words – THANK YOU, STEEMIT.
However sweet the bonus of potential rewards, the creative revival this space has effected in me is truly invaluable. If I never earn more than a few Steemit dollars –
I'll have already won.
To witness my unfolding, please follow, and leave a note to let me know you stopped by!
Feel free to visit my website or my instagram if you'd like to learn more about me.
I came here through your old account, and I am so looking forward to being more inspired by your images! Love Lali xx
Thank you, @thewam! Grateful to have you with me! :)
Welcome back to steemit as your true self. Look forward to seeing more of your beautiful photography and all the other creativeness that this platform seems to inspire.
Thank you @mle777! I promise I won’t disappoint. 😉
Welcome to steemit zipporah. Best of luck to you!
Thanks so much @lopezdacruz!
You are amazing! The true words of a passionate and talented person! Never change and stay true to yourself!
Awww, @rimicane! You’re so good to me. Grateful to have you in my corner, cheering me on! ❤️
So inspiring! I've been touched by the level of effort put into this introductory post, it makes me wonder if I could have done mine better! Thanks for this incredible article on yourself. I clicked on the follow button on your profile because I see in you a potential and valuabe guide through Steemit in my first days as a member, so I'll be sure to stay tuned to your blog!
Thank you @archlinkb! I'm grateful to know my effort is recognized and appreciated. I'm definitely an overachiever, and I made a whole buncha mistakes my first go of it. Still making newb mistakes, but deeply enjoying this place, regardless. • In case ya missed it – check out this article I wrote about the 9 lessons I learned from my first week. I think you'll appreciate it! ;)
Will do, ma'am!
Welcome to Steem. Do read A thumb rule for steemit minnows - 50:100:200:25 for starter tips.
Please bookmark Steem BluePaper and Steem Whitepaper and don't miss reading when you have time.
All the Best!!!
Welcome to Steem :)
Thank you! :)
Feathers at burning man is a huge no no.
I appreciate your concern. However, you are only partially correct. In fact, the feathers that are hugely problematic are the cheap, artificially dyed, poorly secured kind found in boas and factory-made (totally inappropriate) head-dresses. The feathers seen above are part of an intricate costume hand-made with care – each and every, natural feather glued securely by a veteran Burner of nearly 2 decades.
I've been attending Burning Man since 2000 and, I assure you, I genuinely care about the 10 principles, especially leave no trace. So does the artist who created these costumes, as well as the women who dance in them – one of whom has been attending for 22 years. The Org is well aware of these costumes – they don't object to their presence on-playa.
I've been photographing the ceremonial dances done in these costumes since 2008 – I've paid close attention and not once have I seen them shed even the tiniest downy feather.
10.00% @pushup from @taddeus
Hi @zipporah, welcome to Steemit!
STEEM ON!
thank you!
This post has received gratitude of 1.69 % from @appreciator thanks to: @zipplyo.
Thank you @zipplyo for making a transfer to me for an upvote of 14.72% on this post! Half of your bid goes to @budgets which funds growth projects for Steem like our top 25 posts on Steem! The other half helps holders of Steem power earn about 60% APR on a delegation to me! For help, will you please visit https://jerrybanfield.com/contact/ because I check my discord server daily? To learn more about Steem, will you please use http://steem.guide/ because this URL forwards to my most recently updated complete Steem tutorial?
Welcome to steemit, nice intro good luck
Welcome to steemit, nice intro good luck
Thank you!
Wow beautiful pictures! can't wait to see more!
I just joined steemit, follow and I follow back and upvote
If you or and anyone else is interested in changing themselves and the world,
please join the FOOD REVOLUTION!
check my intro out....
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@celestialcow/hi-steemit-i-m-celestial-cow-fully-plant-powered-food-anarchist-and-diet-revolutionist-excited-to-be-here
hope you like :)
Thanks @celestialcow! rad name, btw! Checking out your intro now. ;)
Very nice post. I am following you. Please do the same and read my posts.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Zipporah! Your an amazing human from the looks. I'm an artist and burner as well. Here's my intro i just posted if you get a chance.. Lots of pictures of my art at burns ;-) Love your photography and cant wait to see more of it :-)
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@amplifytruth/hello-this-is-my-introduction-to-steemit-and-the-story-of-my-recent-work-and-artistic-journey
Thanks @amplifytruth! I appreciate you taking notice.
Had a look at your intro post – I'll have to bookmark and get back to it – not a quick read. ;)
Love it... Thanks for expressing, following you now. All the love
Thank you @siegerjoostens!