Dirk Johnson Photography

15/08/2026

Today I tried to time my quick trip to the eye Doc., to pick up the new “readers”, so I could miss the potential rain. It was looming not far away. I wanted to get them picked up in time to have them for the weekend. Recently my vision went from a -12 to only needing readers! Exceptional results. I recommend the "Toric and Astigmatism Contact Lenses" They not only replace the cataract lens of the eye, but they can add your own eye prescription numbers to the replacement lens... voila! Let there be light... and there was... and it is beautiful. (Insurance will not pay for that part. But it is worth for me.)
I am still trying to get accustomed to seeing so well. The procedure was not difficult or painful.
If you think you might benefit contact the Eye Institute of Utah for information.

Anyway... as I was leaving the eye Doc. It started to pour rain and it caught me out in the open, but I did have a small, not very manly, umbrella and popped that bad boy open. It was not enough. I was getting wet and still had about a block to get home. It was suddenly coming too heavy so I opted to pull into Killa down the street. A stunning new spot blends bold Peruvian flavors with elegant Japanese precision in a refined Nikkei dining experience.

As I pulled under the canopy, a young man opened the door and asked if I wanted to come inside and wait for the rain to pass. I thought it would be a chance to check out the inside of the new high end dining on my street. The rain was still pouring so I welcomed the offer and slipped through bar entrance.

I raised my chair and was able to park at the bar. It was delightful to sit and visit with him and a couple of employees for over an hour and half, before it got busy. I enjoyed a couple of Maker’s, one neat and one large ice, along with the most flavorful bowl of fried rice I have had for long time. It was a perfect rainy afternoon spent connecting with new souls. I will be going back.

Listen to Nature. She will show you the way.

Thanks for looking!

13/07/2026

Hey Folks, I want to do a quick update on my eye surgery, both eye's at the same time, last Friday. This is the first I have been able to let you know the surgery went very well. I am still not sure what to think now... being able to see this well (and it will improve even more) without any strong corrective contact lenses, glasses, or both together, is very different than I am used too.

"But Dirk, you're a photographer how do you...?"

Well, actually, I will be honest, it involves using some sketchy Voodoo stuff... OR I just set the camera on 'Auto-focus'.

It is very exciting to be able see this well... ever! Although, when I wheeled into the bathroom, and saw myself in mirror for the first time with my new high tech lenses... I thought holy sh*t I made mistake! I looked much better blind.

Thank You to everyone. Your support and encouragement got me through a rough patch. (I was not loving not seeing well enough to stay independent.)

Tonight I have much gratitude and happiness in my heart. With this incredible medical procedure, that took less than three hours, I now have been gifted years of sight which allows me back to full participation in life, as well as remaining independent. I am a SCI due to an accident when I was 20. I live in an electric wheelchair, in sweet little digs in downtown Salt Lake. I plan on staying here as long as I am able. So, getting my vision restored is worth me crying Hallelujah!

Thank you everyone, again. I will respond to your comments as my healing allows. (This took three stages to write. 😂)

11/06/2026

Another baby picture from the before times.

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe." - Dalai Lama

It is when the anxiety and depression become so heavy, the thought of doing anything sounds too overwhelming and exhausting. However, that is the precise moment you can reach inside, and force yourself to do whatever you can to accomplish the daunting task. Even if just walking around the block.

Facing the pain is the first step in changing it. Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.

Mama and her precious baby watching the end of the day arrive, as the sun slips below the horizon.

My hope is that all of you are safe and comfortable tonight.
Thank you for always helping me find hope through your love and support. So much kindness, by so many, truly inspires me to keep on, keepin' on. I appreciate it very much.

Thanks for looking!

15/05/2026

Hi Folks. Still here and loving each sunset. I am, and have been, struggling with my health. I seem to keep getting older... and cant determine the source of the problem... but have not given in.

I hope you are able to find some hope and peace in troubled times.

My thoughts and love are with you. ❤

"C'mon Little One. It's time to move..."

02/03/2026

Memories get me through.

"I always knew looking back on my tears would bring me laughter, but I never knew looking back on my laughter would make me cry." - Cat Stevens

Takoda the wild filly, soon to be a two year old. She is the one from the slide show I made of her birth in the desert.

Thanks for looking!

21/02/2026

14/02/2026

It is way past time to make a post.

It recently became clear to me that I have stopped living life. I am literally just trying to make it to the next day... and just living in the hope of a better tomorrow. Hiding like a compliant toothless clawless shadow.
I am not living. I am waiting. The trouble is I don't remember what I'm waiting for.

For those who have called, texted and messaged me. I am sorry. Truly. I am trying to find the energy to reply. Thank you! Thank you for thinking of me and caring to reach out. It is deeply appreciated... even if poorly responded to.

First, to everyone, thank you! Your words and thoughts have given courage and strength to me many times over the years.

Well, I believed I had been trying to speak out and warn people ever since he first appeared on the stage over a decade a ago... to the point of losing much of my family and many friends. (Not an exaggeration.) Whatever legacy I had ever worked for and hoped to leave on earth has been damaged. To me that matters.

At first, I really felt I was trying to raise awareness... however, turns out in vain. I was chastised, ridiculed and brushed aside for damn near a decade from my mormon maga people. I was devastated by the hypocrisy, and startling no longer hidden beliefs and hatreds, previously unknown to me. My belief that there was good in every man, and "all you need is love", has been heavily bruised.

One might argue, it is easier for me to speak up, I do not have as much to risk/lose as most others. (A significantly disabled old man with nothing left to lose.) True, but what I do have, I demonstrated I was willing to risk. To me it feels like a tremendous loss.

I just got to the point that it became clear how many of "my" people were not just ignorant or misinformed. They were choosing to support him regardless of how obvious it became that he was a very, very evil and dangerous man. They literally turned their backs on Christ in the name of supporting Trump in front of my eyes. Apparently, they are still with him and his authoritarian fascist regime.

Thus, now my worst fears have come alive and are playing out in front of me. The abuse of my entire belief system has left me struggling for any hope giving life force I can find.

Life for most folks was difficult enough without the destruction of democracy... and dismantling so much of the good parts of our Nation... in the name of Christianity, no less. I am just so beaten down, getting up again almost feels too overwhelming. It became critical, for me, to just shut down and try not to feel.

When C. Kirk died, I was asked/accused by someone who knows me; "How heartless can you be!?"... because I was defending "EMPATHY". Think about that ... That is when I said; “enough.” Time to shut down.

Months later and still not posting is f***ing k**ling me from the inside out.

I realize I have to try and do more. The current regime has ruined so many lives and is going to harm millions more... then I must find strength and patience to re-engage in life. (Thank goodness warmer days are coming.)

I am working at restoring myself with whatever I have left. I have made progress in recent days. I decided I may die alone, un-needed and feeling unwanted... but I know I will be on the right side of history. I am proud I made my stand and position clear for as long as I could, it was just louder in the early days.

Last October I realized I needed a recovery period I guess... but it is time to wake back up and be somebody again.

I promise I will get back in the fight.

I love you.

Thanks for looking.

17/01/2026