Mark Marano

I am grateful as we continue our journey from the age of information to the age of inspiration.

yes, photography, and time-lapse photography, and some videography/cinematography.. my lens-based art is really about perception and perspective, and exploring these methods of seeing through the lens as a metaphor for ways of seeing the world. it’s become clearer lately, though a part of me has known all along what it has been about. when i have more time, i really want to sit and explore it some more, and allow the feelings to come through into words that can describe [...]

i picked up my truck today! and found out that my camper is shipping this week too! [yep, between down payment for the truck, second payment for the camper, and insurance, i spent nearly $40k today. may seem like a lot to some yet it's only a number (and everything is relative). every single penny will be well worth it.. the next chapter is about to begin!]

it’s awesome to create your reality, and make your dreams come true. absolutely anything is possible. dream big. don’t let anything stop you. no matter what anyone says, do what your heart calls you to. a year ago, i had no idea how i was gonna do this [and didn't even know exactly what i wanted to do]. earlier this year, in may, i stopped analyzing all the options, drove across the country to get a feel of the vehicles/campers i narrowed down, and made my decision. i had no idea how i was gonna pay for it [well i knew how, though had fears and didn't know if it'd come in time, and the universe worked out perfectly and i was able to put more down than i anticipated].

set your mind to your goals and heart to your passion, and the universe conspires to help you. live and breathe that passion and that knowing that every day you are one step closer toward achieving your goals, and you become unstoppable. at the same time, surrender attachment to outcome — know you are on the way there, though love and appreciate the journey. [i'm still working on this one. it was a long process with lots of hard work to earn that much in a few months, and i didn't always enjoy the process, though i learned to take some breaks [even if they weren't many] to re-engage with my passion and heart. then when i received payment for the work i did, the truck and camper both took longer than i expected to be built, so i learned a little bit of patience, especially after being carless as i sold my civic early, over a month ago. and shortly after that, the chain on my bike broke, am i was bike-less for a couple weeks ’til i got it fixed. it’s an interesting journey!]

embrace your challenges along the journey. perseverance is what sets apart those who achieve their goals and those who consider themselves failures. most of the time you were just a mere step away from your goal if you wouldn’t have quit early. don’t give up on your dreams. i first started thinking about getting an rv nearly two years ago and had no clue how i was gonna pull it off. low and behold, the pieces all came into place over time and the adventure is about to embark.

anyhow, the words aren’t flowing too smoothly so i’ll take a break until they decide to come out more smoothly. here are some quick shots shortly after finishing up at ron hopkins ford. [i was getting really hungry when i left, the light was dropping, and there were more cars in the
burnidge forest preserve i went to than i anticipated, and at first i wasn't completely happy with the shots, though i had another look at them and creatively worked with them to make a few nice images. there is beauty everywhere if you look for it.]

You showed up here for a reason. Be excited!

follow the inspiration in your heart and the [creative] expression comes naturally!

It is absolutely imperative that you live your dreams and follow your heart. It is so exciting to hear others living their dreams and creating of amazing things. I just off the phone with my coaching buddy Matt who was telling me about a weekend retreat he’s gonna have in a few weeks and his future lifestyle of travel and exploration. He got the idea a couple weeks ago about getting an RV and now all the pieces are coming [...]

It is truly beautiful to see the world as it is. Today, just a bit earlier, I had a moment of clarity. I felt more present in the moment, and was able to see details of the world around me more clearly. It’s funny, it occurred just as I was finishing dinner with Linda. We were discussing ideas for an upcoming project we’re starting with Joe, and at the end, I was telling her about the time I felt so [...]

I am grateful for life and feeling. It is so beautiful.

Notice the ups and downs, and realize, as you ride this roller-coaster of life, you have the power to change the ride. Even if you can’t change the circumstances that are causing the downs at first, you can change how you feel about the circumstances. By doing so, you begin to take control of your life, and begin to realize you don’t need to be attached to any outcome in order to be happy. Yes, in the beginning, you might [...]

Do something to embrace and experience peace, inner and outer. Inner peace leads to outer peace. Sit quietly in the present moment, and really feel and appreciate the peace within. As you begin to fully experience it, you’ll realize everything is perfect and complete as it is. There is no need for competition, war, or argument. The more of us that realize peace through the experience of it, the quicker we all will experience complete and total world peace.

Do you desire to experience God, or merely the expressions of God?