Twenty two years ago I worked in the arctic doing stream and lake surveys. For many weeks the sun didn’t set and didn’t rise, but just made a sweeping circle in the sky.
Sometime in mid-July, the sun started touching the horizon.
The first time it disappeared completely it rose eighteen minutes later. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.
I’m still not sure how a guy with an English Degree landed a paying job doing field biology on the Arctic Coastal Plain—also known as America’s last great wilderness. I had no connections and didn’t think I had much of a chance when I applied, but at that time in my life I was seeking out wild places in every way I could, sort of taking a leave-no-stone-unturned approach.
The amount of wildlife I saw was staggering: 120,000 Caribou gathering to give birth to their calves. Wolves, Muskoxen, Polar and Grizzly bears. Snowy Owls.
I think there’s a certain amount of luck involved in just about everything, but I also believe that the harder you work at anything, the more chance you have of getting lucky.
So, with that in mind, I’m going to click open my WIP and get to work.
The time to go for your dreams is now. Are you with me?
*Love* this. And so, so true. I’m going for my dreams, man!
Sometimes luck lands in our lap. Most of the time, we have to work to position ourselves in the right spot. I’m working hard to make sure I’m in the right spot!
Good luck with your WIP!
Oh, you bet! Nothing gets accomplished without work. I like the definition of luck that suggests it’s what happens when preparation meets opportunity. If there are goals to reach in our futures then we’d better do our part to be prepared so we’ll be ready when the opportunities present themselves.
And I love your story. I saw the Greatest Canadian Parks TV program earlier this week that was filmed in Ivvavik National Park that protects a portion of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. Quite a sight to see so many caribou!
Happy writing, Paul!
With you all the way, Paul! Good luck with that WIP!
(A footnote: My middle niece has just gone for one of her dreams and been accepted! In April she heads off to the Bahamas to take part in a diving trip that’s doing underwater marine work for Unesco. More proof that if you dream it, you can do it!)
Judy (South Africa)
I’m with you! I’m going to open up my WIP today.
Love the post, Paul. I was listening to a programme recently about the British Antarctic Survey team, and the strangeness of the light at the far ends of the earth. Okay, time to get off the internet and snuggle down with my WIP – you have sent me off inspired.
Those kinds of chances in life are incredible. To see such wildlife would be awesome. A little scary, but awesome! And yes, we can’t always count on luck. 🙂
You’ve led such an awesome life. Wonderful fodder for fantastic adventure books. I’m in. Gotta go open up the laptop. 🙂
Whoa.
When I read the name of this post from my blogroll, I immediately felt cynical. I was a little scared this post was going to be preachy. Instead, it was an awesome kick in the butt and I can proudly and emphatically say, “I am going for my dreams! I’m with you, dude.”
No more excuses.
No more self-deprecating sessions.
As Anita tried to convince me, it is the Year of the Jonathon.
I’m with you, Paul! I agree with you 100 percent about hard work and luck.
Paul,
You have lived the perfect life to write fiction and adventure! I admire the opportunities you have persued:)
Doing my dream now with writing, and revising and trying harder than ever.
Nothin’ wrong with hard work, wild animals, scorpions or writing YA. No moose in Florida, but plenty of gators, snakes & scorpions. I’ll pass on the cold – I shiver when it gets below 75. Nice blog. Good Luck with your work & adventures.
What did Oprah say? Luck is when hard work mets opportunity. Sounds like you had a great adventure.
I’m with you! *opens WIP file* *goes offline*
What an adventure that must have been. Most people dream about visiting a place like that, but you got to live it. That’s so cool. I can only imagine what you bucket list looks like!
I would love to see the sun set and then 18 minutes later, have it rise again. That would be amazing.
Good luck on your WiP! I know your dreams are all going to come true.
Very cool gig, Paul! Loved the photo….Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!