Morguefile

When I first started taking photos, I decided to upload a few photos for other people to use. I was not accomplished enough to submit my photos to some of the bigger stock photo companies, so I chose Morguefile. I was curious if people would download my photos.

I had used photos from Morguefile and while the quality was often lacking, occasionally I was able to find some that were very nice. Since that time, their stock now contains some beautiful images and amateur level photos are still there.

Last night I stumbled on one of my photos online and it piqued my curiosity. I went to my repository on Morguefile to see how many times my photos had been downloaded. It was a rabbit hole of curiosity.

My most popular photo was one I took of a group jingle bell napkin rings. It was downloaded 1,643 times. Of course, I was only credited a few times.

Photo by MagCindy at Morguefile.com (Me)

Several photos I submitted were used on YouTube channels, in religious publications, blogs, etc. Who knows where else, especially for those who did not credit the photo. Now if I had cared about that too much, I would never have uploaded them.

I once had someone use my photograph as inspiration for a painting. She sent me a photo of the completed painting which was nice.

I am still not at the level of taking professional stock photos. But this was an interesting venture 11 years ago. Now my photos are for me more than anyone else.

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Why Does Everyone Talk About the Weather?

Miscellaneous American rural scenes, 1925-30, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-54356

I remember asking this question when I was a little girl. I grew up in a rural environment where everyone was dependent on either a personal garden or some commercial agriculture for their winter survival.

We all had a responsibility toward the family — even the children. I have written before about picking beans and stringing and breaking them in preparation for canning. We helped plant the garden while learning about crop rotation and weeding. It was not unusual to work helping with gardening chores.

What I did not understand was how the weather impacted the lives of everyone in our little valley. I remember early morning television and radio broadcasts dedicated to the farmers. People would ask each other “Think it will rain?” when they ran into each other at the store. My grandfather never went to bed until after he watched the evening news and weather forecast.

I only remember once or twice, when the creeks overflowed their banks and once when my dad and grandfather went to help fight fires. That was frightening.

Today, fewer and fewer people look to the weather because of gardens or crops. We are more concerned now about floods, fires, property damage, and conservation. This morning when I opened FaceBook, the first thing I saw was our drought map.

The area where I live is in a D2 Severe Drought area. This is extremely concerning because of the risk of fire is a valid concern. We live in the foothills of the mountains and we are surrounded by trees. As more dry leaves fall, they can serve as fuel in the event of a fire.

Our local town just sent out a notice asking for voluntary water conservation. We are not on city water, but it is good for everyone to be cautious. There must be concern about the water tables.

I think I talk more about the weather now than I ever have. From hurricanes, to fires, to blizzards, to flooding, to droughts…the weather is important. It may not be our survival because of a garden or crops, but it does indeed impact our survival.

How’s your weather?