麻豆社

"I was disheartened and disappointed. In fact, I didn't give a monkeys.

For far too long I had dragged myself out of my nice warm bed at some ungodly hour, to eat an unmemorable breakfast, travel down a road whose every bump I knew personally to a job I had no love for. The only highlight, my fellow sleep walkers drifting through the day in search of a payslip with their name on.

In my darker moments I'd go to bed praying for a non-life-threatening illness to nobble me in my sleep so that I could avoid my desk for a few days.

It was on one of those weekday mornings I found salvation along a murky stretch of the M4.

There, like a scene from Blade Runner, lay Port Talbot Steel Works, reflected in the lake, industrial searchlights blazing in the dawn.

I suddenly yearned for a camera but the moment passed. Would I ever see that El Dorado of steel and light again? Probably not. But I resolved to have my camera ready for the next time and my daily journey soon became an opportunity to be cherished.

Even in work I found myself slipping off to the abandoned top floor in anticipation of a glorious sunrise. My late night despair faded.

I still don't like my job but I'm a lot more relaxed about it all now."

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm married with children, living in Bridgend and working in Swansea.

What's your story about?
It was during a period of deep dislike of my job that I rediscovered the world through the viewfinder of my camera - it's amazing what Port Talbot Steelworks in the dark of the dawn can do.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
It kind of sums me up. I like to try and see my extra-ordinary in the ordinary or capture the beauty that's already there.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
Being creative and learning something new. Plus, hearing and seeing stories that I most likely would've missed - both moving and funny! Also, a reminder of what the 麻豆社 is really about.

Your comments

"I too have had many unwanted days of early driving, not wanting to go to school or work. It's amazing to think of what the natural beauty of Mother Nature can do to us, and how it can turn you 180 degrees. I really enjoyed your story, made me think of my personal experiences, and makes me miss the summer days spent camping." Mike from Canada.

"I really enjoyed your story. I have a passion for great photos and can relate to it. Nature can make us feel better, even in the hardest times. It reminds us there is something bigger than us in the world." Mary Wall from Wheatley Ontario.

"It is amazing how many people feel the same. I enjoyed listening and watching your story. I can relate to it. I too use to drive to a job that I didn't care for. On a day to work I noticed the most beautiful sunrise, I was lucky enough to have a cell phone with a camera and that same beauty became the back ground for my phone. I think it's a great topic that you spoke about. It is wonderful that you can find relaxation and beauty in one of nature's ways. Nature does and can help us endure our daily obligations. Thank you the picture is great!" Jadelyn Ontario, Canada