ABCDee David

For the past few years, birthdays haven't usually been my favourite days. I'd say they're up there with Christmas as the days I've liked the least as an adult — not because they aren't good days, but because I've found most of the things that happen on those days to be fake and performative.

But yesterday was different. It was the best birthday I've had as an adult, or maybe even in my entire life. And in case you're wondering, I didn't even do anything. I stayed home all day, did everything as usual, and went to the gym at night because it wasn't my rest day. It was just a normal day, and I did everything I had to do. But somehow, the day was perfect.

The messages were real, not performative. They were intentional, they meant something. It felt like many extra years were added to my life, like a new flavour was added to it that made it richer. I wish I could say it all, but I'll sum it up in a simple...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
You made my day more special than you'll probably ever know.

Here's a wolfspider with prey for us. This counts as THE CONQUER🐺R LXVIII.

For those interested:
📸: OM SYSTEM OM-1
🔎: OM M.Zuiko 60mm macro
⚡: Godox Global V350o
⚪: Brendan 'Cygnus' James 📸🕷🦂🐞 Diffuser
🧩: stacked shot
🗓️: July 2026

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL 🎁

Didn't think I'd not be numb today, but somehow I feel something. There's a tear welling up inside, and a little "I'm proud of you" from me to me.

And it's not because I've achieved anything great, but because I'm the only one who knows the countless times I could've given up, but didn't. It's there because I know I'm strong; not because I lift heavy weights in the gym, but because of the countless mental battles I fight alone...and don't lose.

Happy birthday, David.
I hope it's actually happy.

Here's a photo I took on Wednesday night because I couldn't accept not having a good photo to share today, like I always do.

There's a Buy Me a Coffee link in my bio and story today, and every coffee donated counts as a birthday cake. I don't actually eat cake, so I'll be buying eggs instead (and calling them birthday eggs 🥚🎂).

For those interested:
📸: OM SYSTEM OM-1
🔎: OM M.Zuiko 60mm macro
⚡: Godox Global V350o
⚪: Brendan 'Cygnus' James 📸🕷🦂🐞 Diffuser
🧩: stacked (1, 2) + single shot (3)
🗓️: July 2026

HOW IT STARTED vs HOW IT'S GOING 🐸

From tadpole to frog 🐸.

For those interested:
📸: .cameras OM-1
🔎: OM M.Zuiko 60mm macro (1), 25mm (2).
⚡: V350o
⚪: Diffuser
🧩: single shots
🗓️: 2026

WHO LET THE FROGS IN? 🐸

I don't know how to say this without making it weird.

I spotted a frog in my bathroom once. I didn't send it out because I love frogs. I was happy to see it, and seeing that frog that night made me smile.

That was one time, but I didn't know it wouldn't be the last.

Now I often find lots of frogs around the house. Specifically, inside the house, because I leave some windows open (no snake has come in 😂).

I'm always so happy whenever I find a new one. It's like the old one went and shared the good news. It's not a coincidence because my neighbours never find frogs, so I can boldly say the frogs are attracted to my kindness towards them.

Most times, I take pictures of them with my phone. On a few occasions, I set up the camera and give them a better portrait.

I've been wanting to make an Instagram post about anything for a while now, but anxiety hasn't let me. I wonder what level of anxiety I'm at if I can't even make an Instagram post.

For this one, I've decided not to make it an Instagram post, but a Note.

I've tried having a cat as a pet, but I run out of energy so quickly. Frogs, on the other hand, are perfect. They do their thing while I do mine, and whenever they hear my voice around the house, they pop up for a few photos. We're both happy, then we go back to our separate hideouts.

D🐸💚

THE WARRIOR 🐯

For the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm building some momentum when it comes to posting consistently again.

And one thing I know consistent posting helps with is creating consistently.

No idea how long it'll be before I get completely burnt out again, but while the motivation lasts, there's no need to take it slow.

Here's another longhorn beetle, one I was very excited to find because they're my third favourite macro subject to photograph. Interestingly, this is a new species for me, and red looks so good on him/her/them 😅.

Unnecessary info, but my last post (the toad) absolutely flopped, which made me wonder if it was because I likened it to sugar daddies. This one's a warrior instead. Let's see what happens 😅.

For those interested:
📸: .cameras OM-1
🔎: OM M.Zuiko 60mm macro
⚡: V350o
⚪: Diffuser
🧩: single shots
🗓️: May 2026

Beauty and a Beast 🧡🪨