I write essays, collect stories and do the photography for MarillaAnne.com.

As an essayist, ...
I help people make observations about life. I often write about concepts that revolve all around us and apply to multiple areas of our lives. My expertise is explaining specialized concepts in language that is easily understood by "non" experts. Basically, I write for people who want to understand a topic without being required to learn the expert's language.

I am never the first to write about a topic (well unless it's my own personal news) but ... I have my own style and my own set of readers. Amazingly enough there is a set of people out there who like me well enough to tolerate my style ... just to find out what I'm thinking.

Sometimes people ask me to write about specific topics. I like the challenge of researching and writing upon request. Often I can cut through the muckity-muck and locate someone to whom I can refer my readers -- someone who has already written on the subject in clear, everyday language. I like finding answers that are useful and it gives me the freedom to try to avoid re-inventing the wheel.

Sometimes I trade my writing skills for money.

As a story collector, ...
I have several stories I want to tell about where I've been and what I've done. People seem to enjoy them. But the thing I love most about telling my stories is that the stories go out away from me and then they return with other people's stories attached to them.

So, I've decided I will help others find space on the web where they can feel comfortable writing out their own story. I will help them think about what they want to say about their story and why they want to say it. Then, I will help people know where on the web the story is located.

This is a new step for me. I am open to ideas.

As a photographer, ...
I am drawn to focus on my composition skills. I am currently involved in independent study and research regarding the application of graphic design and general art principles to photographic compositions. I want to be able to compose photographs that years from now will tell their own story. I really struggle to capture images that convey the spirit of the moment.

Even though I've been playing with my own camera for five years now, I am only just at the beginning of the art of photography. I am also practicing to gain control over a new camera. By summer of 2007, I plan to have a "real" Digital SLR. Purists understand why "real" is encased in quotation marks.

Occasionally I wax poetic and attach a ditty to my photographic composition.