Gost32 Interviews Dexter Yarbrough
A talented writer, photographer, and multitasker shares more about his life and passions
You're an outstanding photographer and a crackerjack writer, but we know little about your early years. Could you share a bit about the formative experiences that produced the genius creator of "The Morning Experiences of Barack and Michelle Obama"?
At an early age, I developed a love for seeing the beauty in things and for humor. I love to capture beauty, enhance it, if necessary and share it with others. I have been taking photos since I was 10 years old. Photography puts me at ease and provides me with a vessel to channel positive energy. My love for writing came from reading the great columns of Mike Royko as a teenager. He had a knack for using humor to get a point across. Thanks to HubPages, I have the opportunity to use humor to share different points of view.
On your profile, you list sixteen sites (in addition to HP) as "some of" your links. To me, that looks like extreme multitasking--no easy thing for most male homo sapiens. How do you do it?
Utilizing a number of social media networks, bookmarking sites, and other forums allows me to share my thoughts as well as my photography and humor with others. It takes time to keep them up, but I am happy if others enjoy checking them out.
Your love of life, ranging from the human race to laughing coyotes and man eating cows, permeates every bit of your writing and beams forth from every photo you publish. Has this core "attitude of gratitude" always been a part of you...or did you have to work for it?
Like others, I have suffered some of the tragedies of life: untimely deaths, illnesses, betrayals and setbacks. However, I have found that providing inspiration to others, smiling and having a positive attitude, helps me as well as others. The good in this life certainly outweighs any bad and I try to show that in my photos as well as my writing.
One of my favorite passages from your profile reads, "Spiteful critics and haters are not welcome here. There is already enough ugliness in the world." I agree...and wonder if you might have a few tips to share for readers who might lack the skills needed to simply turn their attention from the Dark Side to focus on the love and beauty that uplifts all?
Unfortunately, there are people who make it a purpose in their miserable lives to try and bring others down. I have found that staring down the ugly (and chasing it away, if necessary) and reminding myself that the good usually triumphs over evil helps. Moreover, a positive attitude is better for us in the long run. I try my best to live by a quote from Frank Sinatra: “The best revenge is massive success.”
You've been "taking photographs for years," but how and when did you actually begin this odyssey?
I have always had an interest in photography, but really started taking photos when I was 10 years old. I mostly enjoyed taking photos of friends and during special activities. You can really find the beauty in this world behind the lens. My enjoyment for photography turned into an obsession, which turned into a hobby and finally a profession.
One of your most appealing features as a writer is your ability to open up and show us bits of the real, inner Dexter Yarbrough, as evidenced throughout the four-part Hub series titled "My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains." Have you always been able to let the world into your private domain like that?
Actually, I am a very quiet, private person. However, I find that I can have a louder voice and exhibit the outgoing, fun side of me that yearns to escape through writing and sharing my experiences via Hubs like “My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains.”
As a creative and very busy individual, do you ever find yourself accused by friends and family of getting so "lost" in your work that they can't reach you? You, know, the "Earth to Dex" sort of thing?
Absolutely! I am very focused and when I am writing, I “zone out.” When I am working on a photography-related project, I put my all into it. Those that know me well, allow me that space to create. When I am not focused on creating something, I am cool to be around!
Do you have specific goals as a writer, or do you mostly go with the flow and see where the stream of consciousness wants to take you?
My ultimate goals are to share a different perspective (to agree/disagree with one another is sharing), provide inspiration and/or share in some laughter through writing. Usually, a thought will come to mind about an ongoing issue or event and I will write about it. When I write, it has to accomplish the goals aforementioned. I have to write with a purpose that “comes to mind.” I do not write effectively with a purpose “in mind.” There is a difference.
What advice would you give the new or struggling Hubber who wishes to "be like you"?
My advice to a new or struggling Hubber would be to develop a brand for themselves. Strive to produce and provide a product that is unique. Also, develop relationships with Hubbers that have some experience writing within this platform. It helps to be positive and build others up. When you disagree with an opinion or perspective in a hub, do so in a respectful manner. But most importantly, develop a set of goals or reasons for why you want to write and always be sure you have accomplished them when you finish the final sentence.
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