She loves books. The only thing she loved more this Christmas was the Elmo doll my mom got her - she's smitten with him... I love her more than any Salinger book - or any book he may write again someday.

My blog is almost five years old - that was my goal when I started out - five years - then maybe on to something else. I'm not sure when the last post will be - who knows, maybe this is it. I've been a photographer since I was - well too young to remember. I took a LONG break from it - life has a way of turning our focus on other things. No Traces helped me regain my interest in photography - I've learned a lot - I've re-learned just as much.

I remember when I posted my first image here - I remember thinking that if I could get just a few comments I'd be happy. I remember thinking if I could get just one image published I'd be happy. I think I have close to 15,000 comments now - and I've had many photos published - and will publish a few more before my time is through. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd meet so many wonderful people through this blog. It's been a great ride.

Looking back on it all - I wish I would have started No Traces sooner - like 20 years sooner, but like I said - life got a hold of me. Maybe in the next life I'll grab a camera or two and head off to faraway places and win the Pulitzer.

So - stay tuned -- I will be back -- either here -- or somewhere else. I've been working hard on creating my own style - my own vision - and I've not really been able to share it here with you. No Traces became a more family oriented site - and I have no regrets - but time ticks on for me - and I need to reach for something new. I'm not sure where it'll take me - and I may just fall flat on my face - but I have to try -- just like I had to try almost 5 years ago when I posted my first image - a beautiful car in the evening light of Havana. That image - that city - changed my life forever... I appreciate you sharing your time to take the journey with me... more than I can say... thanks so very much...

-bob