I finally got to meet someone I've admired for a long time -- Tim Ernst. He is a very accomplished photographer who specializes in nature photography in Arkansas. I had heard him speak a few years ago, but never actually met him. Inspired, I wrote a story about him for the local paper. I read everything I could prior to making up a list of questions. I interviewed him via email. 

The story is profiled on my website http://www.ozarkattitude.com The paper submitted my story to the Arkansas Press Association. I was surprised to learn that I won an award for the story. In all the years I have worked for a newspaper, I've never won an award. I've never applied for one. I always figured that when you write a good story, you know it. And there is something to be said for humility.

Anyway, Tim had an open house at his gallery yesterday.  Meeting him was extraordinary, but seeing his work up close and personal was the icing on the cake. The man is an artistic genius. My first instincts were right-on.

It is always good to bond with people you admire, but to meet them for the first time is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.