-2 min readen
The Heart of the Matter
WE are the Heart of the Matter . Regardless of our differences in personal preferences, politics, faith, lifestyle choice, sexual preference, ethnicity or land of origin, WE Americans ARE the heart of...
Michael D. Davis
Medford - Oregon
I help people find their "Smile". I guarantee it isn't what you may think. If you're looking for yours or are just curious then please visit my hives: "The Daily Chalkboard", "Finding Your Smile","iPhonography", "Photography Education" & "Photography Teachers", and discover who I am for yourself.
97 articles
Topics
Articles by Michael D.
2017
4 articles
-1 min readen
The Comfort Of A Smile
What happened? Along our meandering path to success, Idle comfort, education and obsession we appear to have left a few things behind. In pursuit of being civilized , we've forgotten what it means to...
-1 min readen
The Warmth Of A Smiling Heart
An ember burns within my soul . It lights my way and warms my heart with song. I let it burn brightly and touch those around me. There are times when it barely glows , but is never extinguished. I sto...
-1 min readen
The Source Of Your Joy
There isn't a day in your life that you don't make choices. In fact it is your choices that define who you are. The emotional, physical, social and spiritua l choices you make and wear openly on your...
2016
93 articles
-4 min readen
A Simple Star
A Simple Star I am but a simple star, made of paper and foil, tattered, tapped, creased, glued, bent and torn. Years of use and abuse at the hands of young and old alike, leave me bearing the scars of...
-1 min readen
A Gift That Always Gives
Charity begins at home , and so too do smiles. A smile says, " I care about you and you are appreciated as part of my life." A smile knows while I may not always agree with your decisions, I am willin...
-1 min readen
A Moment Can Last A Lifetime
A split second decision to give a simple smile. Often that's all it takes to change someone from a stranger into someone who will listen and care. The sharing of a smile is certainly a more civil and...
-2 min readen
Bigger Than Life
In an age where hero worship is more of a voyeuristic appeal and hedonistic appetite for physical wealth and sensationalized antics than that of meaningful sacrifice and selfless contribution to human...
-2 min readen
A Little Food For Thought
Thanksgiving has come and gone once again here in the United States, and as I sit here contemplating yet another year gone by, this all too brief Holiday gives me food for thought. I’m sure you're fam...
-2 min readen
Share With Me
Our ability to share with one another is amazing in the modern era . We can communicate instantaneously, anywhere and any time. Yet we are more isolated than ever. We don't share in person, face to fa...
-1 min readen
Turning Points
Do you recall the last time a small, seemingly insignificant, act of kindness directed towards you effected your outlook for the day, or perhaps even changed your attitude permanently for the better?...
-1 min readen
It's Not What You Think
What is the value of life? What is the value of belief? Does value exist only in misguided and arrogant ideology giving right and rise to power over others? Regardless of the justification it is the w...
-6 min readen
Sucking At The Teat of Another Election Process
"There's a sucker born every minute" P. T. Barnum (really?) Here in the United States we are in the last few days of what is being referred to as one of the most divisive political campaigns for the p...
-1 min readen
Failing Forward
Fear of failure often holds people so tightly in it’s grip it impedes the ability to succeed. Fear can be a healthy thing when justified, but fear of failure is not healthy and something we need to be...
-1 min readen
I'm Having A Fit
Another week has flown by and it's time for another posting of #thedailychalkboard . This week's topic will have you considering how well you fit in to the whole scheme of things. As always you can fi...
-4 min readen
Coming To You From the Sexually Political Religious Middle
This post is in response to an original article written for The Huffington Post ON October 23rd, 2016, by Matt Sweetwood. This article was then posted to beBee on October 24th, 2016 and can be found h...
-1 min readen
What's In Your Closet?
Making the right purchases in your life for the right reasons is the topic of #thedailychalkboard this week. Your thoughts, comments, criticisms and condolences are always welcomed. And if this isn't...
-1 min readen
The Happiest Man In The World
If you don't know who Matthieu Ricard is here's an introduction to a person who has been called "The happiest man in the world" by some. In this video link below Matthieu describes five ways to find h...
-1 min readen
The Majority In The 85% Bracket Won't Even Bother To Read This!
I'm sorry to tell you this but the law of percentages aren't in your favor. There's a reason for this and #thedailychalkboard gives you purpose to question yourself as to why this is so. You can find...
-1 min readen
Falling To Pieces Versus Falling Together
How do you handle things when they go south? #thedailychalkboard discusses this dilemma that will affect most of us during our life. You can find this post in text form as well as an archive of other...
-1 min readen
What Are Your Personal Shares Worth?
We all share and #thedailychalkboard asks you to contemplate what impact your sharing has on yourself and those around you. You can find an easy to read text version of this and an archive of other Da...
-6 min readen
Is My Honey Sticky Enough?
The other evening my minuscule alter ego “Bo Buzzbee” and I sat down to chat over a cup of mead. Actually I had a pint and Bo had a modified thimble full, but that’s a story for another post. Sometime...
-1 min readen
Risky Business
It's the weekend and #thedailychalkboard invites you to go out and play! Read the post. You'll get it when you do. As always you can find a text version of this and all other chalkboard posts here: ht...
-1 min readen
Your Actions Speak Louder Than My Words
Today #thedailychalkboard challenges you to act responsibly in kindness and respect. If you don't, who will? You can always find this and an archive of all daily chalkboard posts, in an easy to read t...
-1 min readen
It's A Personal Choice
#thedailychalkboard says it's time to expand your horizons and leave limiting thoughts and actions behind. Are you with me on this? As always, you can find a text version of this post and all others,...
-1 min readen
The Lies We Tell Ourselves
Limiting thought is the topic of this installment of #thedailychalkboard . Do any of the phrases sound familiar to you? You can access a full archive of chalkboard posts any time at thedailychalkboard...
-1 min readen
Jubulation
Ownership and forgiveness. It's a balancing act that #thedailychalkboard contemplates today. Have a great week! #michaelddavis (For an easy to read text version of this post and to find an archive of...
-1 min readen
Guess What Arrived In Today's Mail
A brand new Apple iPhone 7+ with dual lenses and 256GB of memory! This will become my working iCam going forward as I retire my two iPhone 4s models to internet music status & just use my 6s as a,well...
-1 min readen
Are You A Trekkie?
If so, the #thedailychalkboard may hold some interest for you today! Live long and prosper my friends! #michaelddavis . You can always find an easier to read text version of this and other daily chalk...
-1 min readen
Grabbing The Wheel
Here's a little something from #thedailychalkboard for you you to contemplate on your daily commute. You can find this and all easy to read text version Daily Chalkboard entries archived here: http://...
-1 min readen
Told Yourself Any Lies Lately?
#thedailychalkboard deals with a moral dilemma today. One of the highest magnitude with a lasting impact on us all. Let me know what you think. As always you will find an easy to read on small screens...
-1 min readen
Another Week And Miles Of Smiles To Go
I haven't had an opportunity to post for a few days, but I'm back! #thedailychalkboard wishes you all a week full of genuine smiles, laughter, peace and happiness. #michaelddavis
-5 min readen
Studio Photos with An iPhone? No Way!
I mean come on! Who in their right mind would even consider taking photos of someone in a studio with an iPhone? First, there's no flash synch ability, so you can't even use a studio lighting system i...
-2 min readen
Photographic Freedom
As a professional photographer and studio owner for over twenty years I'm used to the daily grind of carrying several pounds of gear to assignments. I like my gear. I don't love it or worship it as ma...
-1 min readen
Knock, Knock!
Can' t read the text in this graphic on your tiny phone screen? Just click on the link below to access a text version of this article: http://thedailychalkboard.tumblr.com/post/150730739963/try-anothe...
-2 min readen
Put A Little "Sting" In That Buzz Of Yours!
SPOILER ALERT: THIS BUZZ MAY PUT SOME STING IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS! (And that's a GOOD thing!) I'm reaching out to all fellow bees interested in helping out a fellow visionary. I'm askin...
-2 min readen
Put A Little "Sting" In That Buzz Of Yours!
SPOILER ALERT: THIS BUZZ MAY PUT SOME STING IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS! (And that's a GOOD thing!) I'm reaching out to all fellow bees interested in helping out a fellow visionary. I'm askin...
-2 min readen
Put A Little "Sting" In That Buzz Of Yours!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/245454410/the-happiest-book-and-photo-exhibition-on-earth SPOILER ALERT: THIS BUZZ MAY PUT SOME STING IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS! (And that's a GOOD thin...
-1 min readen
Obstacles
#thedailychalkboard looks at the obstacles we face when reaching for our goals. Here's a link to this an an archive of other posts: http://thedailychalkboard.tumblr.com/
-1 min readen
How's Your Day So Far?
Happy Monday everyone! And I do write this with a genuine smile on my face and in my heart. It's the topic of #thedailychalkboard actually! Go here if you have trouble reading this image: http://theda...
-1 min readen
Go Take A Hike
If you don't feel engaged with your life then read the advice from #thedailychalkboard today. You might gain some insight to begin moving forward in your thoughts and actions. As always you can bookma...
-1 min readen
Do You Have The Fire?
As humans we all possess a special "spark" that sets each of us apart. Today, #thedailychalkboard asks you to delve deep and take a peak within to discover what you may discover there. And, if you hav...
-1 min readen
Never Give Up
Noble Goals is the topic of #thedailychalkboard today. I'd love to hear about your goals and what you're doing to reach them. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
Bee The Light!
The light of day chases away the shadows of night. # thedailychalkboard serves as reminder that you are that light. # michaelddavis
-1 min readen
The Path You Take
What path do you walk in life? Today #thedailychalkboard asks what are you leaving behind?
-1 min readen
What Is A Patriot?
It's been 15 years since one sunny morning in New York changed the world forever. On this day that we now refer to as Patriot Day #thedailychalkboard requests you to ask a question about remembrance a...
-1 min readen
When No Means Yes
Just because someone tells you "No" doesn't mean they are right or know more than you do. It's one thing to believe in a version of yourself that someone else holds to be true and another to believe i...
-1 min readen
Seeing Things More Clearly
Family vacations are over here in the States, now that school is back in session for most states. As we settle into the fall of the year and the passing of one season into another #thedailychalkboard...
-1 min readen
Risk Is A Four Letter Word
So is love, life, give, take and time. Where am I going with this? Love life to the fullest, give as much as you can, and take time to enjoy the risk involved. Here's #thedailychalkboard to explain it...
-1 min readen
Take A Breath
Today #thedailychalkboard tackles a subject that none of us can live without; breathing. But not just any type of breath. It's the type we must practice more if we are to truly be alive. I'd love to h...
-1 min readen
Are You Up To A Challenge Today?
There's nothing like a good challenge to discover things about yourself you may not often give thought to. #thedailychalkboard will challenge you to give some consideration to just who you think you a...
-1 min readen
Labor Day USA
Today is Labor Day here in the US. It's the last hooray for many people signaling the unofficial end to our summer season. It's known for its time spent among family and friends enjoying a cook out an...
-1 min readen
Careful Where You Step
Why do so many of us view happiness as a pursuit? Why are we always seeming to be chasing it? #thedailychalkboard may just give you some fuel for thought on the the subject. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
From Humble Beginnings....
Success is much less common than failure in life and, in the long run, that's actually a good thing! Let #thedailychalkboard explain. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
The Price Of An Education
Let me state for the record that I am a firm believer in a system of free higher education that is sanctioned and subsidized by a network of passionate independent and corporate benefactors. There's j...
-1 min readen
Taking Flight
Feeling rather earthbound this week? Here's #thedailychalkboard to inspired you and give your spirit something to soar about. Have a wonderful day! #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
What We Whisper to Ourselves
Look in the mirror and what do you see? Today's installment of #thedailychalkboard may challenge just how you reflect on things. Let me know what you think. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
We've All Got One, So What's Yours?
Nothing's more interesting than hearing a good story, unless, of course, it's a great or even fantastic story! #thedailychalkboard encourages you to think about yours today. Have a great week. #michae...
-5 min readen
The Unofficial Guide to beBee Jargon for Beginners or Busy Bees
Hey all you buzz heads out there; this is Bo Buzzbee with your, unofficial and totally unsanctioned, Guide to beBee Jargon for beginners. It’s about time someone came up with a list like this and who...
-1 min readen
Let's Face It
Facing reality is the subject of #thedailychalkboard today. On a scale of one to ten how are you doing when it comes to getting real? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
An Inspired Smile
I've found mine. Have you found yours? I hope you are motivated to do so in #thedailychalkboard today. Thank you for reading! #michaelddavis
-12 min readen
The Life Squared Challenge Part 5 – Let’s Get Physical
At the end of part 4 of your Life Squared Challenge you were presented with the assignment to think about the window on your Life Squared Structure that is labeled Physical. Here’s that window once ag...
-1 min readen
Let Go And Rise!
How long can you hold your breath before you explode or expire because you've got so much churning around inside you? Read #thedailychalkboard today and lighten your load a bit. #michaelddavis
-1 min readen
Give It All You've Got
What'll it bee? A life full of missed opportunity or one where you produce to match your passion and full potential? The choice is always yours. "
-1 min readen
Finding Your Smile
I was rummaging around in my heart and just happened to come across this today, so I thought I'd share it with you on #thedailychalkboard . I hope it fits. #michaelddavis "
-1 min readen
Do You Hear Knocking?
Knock knock. Who's there? Is that your knees you hear? Read The Daily Chalkboard today and answer the door! "
-1 min readen
Just Think
Today's installment of #thedailychalkboard is about liberation. How liberated are you in your thoughts and feelings towards others who you don't know personally? Here's something for you to ponder as...
-14 min readen
The Life Squared Challenge Part 4 - Raising Your Windows
During part 3 of your Life Squared Challenge you were presented with the idea of setting footers on your foundation as support for what will come next. These footers, Abilities, Hope, Education and Di...
-1 min readen
On Being A Leader
Thank you so much for taking time to read this and, as always, please let me know what you feel about what you read here at the #thedailychalkboard "
-1 min readen
You Think You're The Only One? Think Again!
Thank you for reading #thedailychalkboard I hope that you find it inspiring and helpful! "
-1 min readen
Failing Up
Here's today's installment of #thedailychalkboard . Here's wishing each and every one of you a day filled with amazing inspiration! #michaelddavis "
-1 min readen
Opportunities In Disguise
#thedailychalkboard #michaelddavis "I simply write what I feel, because it matters to me. Hopefully some of it will resonate with and matter to you as well" - MDD
-2 min readen
The Lightness of Being
One of the things I like most about making images with my iPhone is how easy it is to quickly create and share. Let's take the above image for example. The other morning our cat, being the ultimate su...
-1 min readen
In The Moment
A life lived in the moment is a life bathed in the full light of opportunity. All the speculation, preconception and preparation in the world is a mere speck of dust adrift in the universe compared to...
-16 min readen
The Life Squared Challenge Part 3 – Building Your Support Footings
In part 2 of your Life Squared Challenge we discussed the importance of having a solid foundation upon which to create a plan for life achievement and balance. The metaphor that we’re using is that of...
-1 min readen
A Matter of Trust
Fear is a natural response to the unknown. We all experience it, and most often, it's when we begin to pursue our goals. With a sound purpose and well designed plan as a starting point, along with a g...
-1 min readen
Crossing That Bridge
Crossing That Bridge On life's road we are presented with many obstacles as we navigate uncharted territory in hope of reaching our desired dreams and goals. The most trying of these are the two bridg...
-1 min readen
To Soar Again
To Soar Again As a child I'd dream that I could fly. I willed myself into the air with a mere thought which took me into the sky, soaring, free and full of joy. It was exhilarating! Thinking about it...
-1 min readen
Making It Real
Making It Real Have you had a great idea recently for a new product or service? What are you doing with that idea? Are you following up and following through to make it real? Good ideas are great, but...
-3 min readen
i Never Leave Home Without One!
Welcome! First off I want to thank you for being part of one of the greatest moments in creative technology history! Digital photography, and specifically the way that it has changed our ability to co...
-1 min readen
Putting It Bluntly
Putting It Bluntly At times being blunt is the only way to get our point across, whether directed at someone else or while staring into a mirror. Let's be totally honest here. We all could be doing mo...
-11 min readen
The Life Squared Challenge Part 2 - Foundation
First off let me congratulate you for making the personal choice to take the challenge! Very few people will ever do more than just give this idea of squaring away their life more than a passing thoug...
-1 min readen
Reflection
Reflect While moving through your daily routine don't forget to take a rest now and then. The old saying of 'slow down and smell the roses', applies just as much to business as to our personal endeavo...
-1 min readen
The Power of Enthusiasm
The Power of Enthusiasm Remember as kids when you played superheroes with your friends and you had magical powers to do amazing things? By simply exercising your imagination and enthusiasm you could c...
-1 min readen
Plan Actions Not Resuts
Plan Actions Not Results Happiness takes effort. Reaching your goals doesn't happen without having a road map for getting there. It takes planning and execution to create the results you desire. It's...
-1 min readen
Don't Despair - Just Do!
Don't Despair - Just Do Don't just sit there, do something! You've got ambition, talent, desire and dreams. It's time you put these things in motion and moved yourself down the road to success. You've...
-1 min readen
In Pursuit of Joy
In Pursuit of Joy What are you waiting for? Is your journey one filled with longing and desire for what you feel you don't have yet or happiness and contentment for what you can give to others within...
-1 min readen
The Ripple Effect
Are you truly alive or merely existing? Merely existing is like like a stone being dropped in the water of a still pond, causing ripples at a single point on the surface as it descends to its final re...
-9 min readen
The Life Squared Challenge
In last week’s extended Friday edition of The Daily Chalkboard I wrote about how cool it is to be square. I’m sure the title was enough to raise an eyebrow or two among some of you as you began readin...
-1 min readen
It's All Within Our Control
Life's moments, good or bad, are not something we simply experience. They result from our thoughts, our choices and the actions we take based upon these two things. Stuff doesn't just happen. Everythi...
-1 min readen
A New Beginning
A New Beginning It's a new day . It's time to kick your passion into gear and make things happen. You've tried and failed? So what? It's time you left your pity party, stood up on your own two feet an...
-1 min readen
The Bells Of Freedom
The great testament to our freedom isn't found solely in the brave soldiers who stand fast or lay broken on the battlefields of our history. It resides in the actions of the ordinary and common countr...
-6 min readen
TMI
Since the invention of moveable type and printing presses, no greater technological advance in communication has assumed such a strong position in helping people spread news and views to more people f...
-1 min readen
Caring Enough To Matter
It's too easy to fall into a funk and grovel in the mental and emotional sewer of self pity. We talk ourselves into thinking we don't matter, no one cares and no one listens. The truth is we do matter...
-1 min readen
Caring Enough To Matter
It's too easy to fall into a funk and grovel in the mental and emotional sewer of self pity. We talk ourselves into thinking we don't matter, no one cares and no one listens. The truth is we do matter...
-1 min readen
The Daily Chalkboard - Caring Enough To Matter
It's too easy to fall into a funk and grovel in the mental and emotional sewer of self pity. We talk ourselves into thinking we don't matter, no one cares and no one listens. The truth is we do matter...