This was one of the pictures I could vaguely explain why.I was visiting the Warao tribe on Orinoco Delta River, Venezuela.Life was in the basic extremity that I could ever imagine.

When this little girl reached down for the handmade “jewelry” and desperately tried to sell me the souvenir, I grabbed my camera and felt compelled to take this shot.I wasn’t sure why my adrenaline shot up at the sight of this scene.Maybe it reminded me of my own desire?

My desire for independence and freedom during teens, desire for a glorious lifestyle that I thought was my path to happiness, and desire for a life change when I realized I was pushing myself too hard, and ironically, in the wrong direction.

It took me years to learn the art and wisdom of “slowing down”…and to find the journey to discover my true self.

Delta del Orinoco, Venezuela

May 2008