A Little Bit "About" Me...
Welcome to a corner of the internet where storytelling comes alive through photography and art, exploring themes like faith, science, nature, and life’s everyday adventures. Take your time to dive into the articles, browse the images, and see where a little inspiration might take you. It’s all here, free of charge—so feel free to explore and maybe uncover a story or two that speaks to you!
So, who am I? Great question—I’m still figuring that out myself, but here’s a little about me. My name is Thomas Paul Martin, and I’ve called Austin, Texas home for over 18 years. Originally from New York, I lived there for most of my life before my family made the move to Texas. Now, as an empty nester, I enjoy hearing about my daughter’s adventures on the West Coast and my son’s travels in Europe, some of which you can see reflected in the photos here!
I’ve spent much of my career immersed in science, education, and creative content development, with a particular focus on chemistry. As an Adjunct Professor and Subject Matter Expert, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and sharing knowledge, while collaborating with a variety of talented individuals to create educational products that make complex topics more accessible and engaging.
My creative work spans multiple genres, from science and technology to sci-fi, abstract humor, and faith. I write stories that combine factual accuracy with creative storytelling, always aiming to spark curiosity and inspire new perspectives. Photography is another passion of mine—each image I capture reflects how I see the world, with a focus on nature, science, and the beauty of everyday life.
In my teaching, I’ve embraced the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create more dynamic and personalized learning experiences. By integrating AI into my chemistry courses, I’ve streamlined content delivery, engaged students interactively, and provided real-time feedback tailored to their individual needs. AI also plays a helpful role in my writing and publishing processes, helping me refine content, enhance productivity, and ensure accuracy—all while maintaining a human touch in every story.
Whether I’m crafting assessments, simulations, or molecular visualizations, I believe in blending technical rigor with creativity. My goal is to create work that educates, entertains, and connects with others—whether through the technical aspects of science or the whimsical tales that bring a little lightness to the world.
The Navy Days...
I spent six adventurous years in the Navy, sailing the world’s oceans and collecting stories worth telling (and some better left untold).
My travels took me to Europe twice via the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, as well as to South America, the Caribbean, and even Cuba. Those years taught me a lot—like how to sleep through anything, dodge jellyfish conspiracies, and marvel at the vastness of the world and its endless tales.
A Career in Science
After my Navy days, I embarked on a diverse professional journey. As a research scientist, I collaborated with world-renowned experts, contributing to groundbreaking projects during six years at a National Lab.
As a chemistry professor and instructional designer, I developed educational content, authored textbook materials, and designed online courses for higher education. My path has always been rooted in curiosity, exploration, and a desire to share knowledge.
Make a Short Story Long
Creativity has been my trusty sidekick for as long as I can remember. I’ve been spinning short stories since high school and capturing life’s quirks through photography for, let’s say, a really long time—enough to say “over four decades.” At times, it feels like wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, but with fewer locusts and a lot more camera gear.
Whether through words or images, storytelling has been my way of connecting, reflecting, and celebrating the everyday extraordinary. And yes, I throw in some humor—why not?
Believing without Seeing
Faith has been a guiding force in my life, though my path hasn’t always followed a straight line. Once upon a time, I considered a career in Christian ministry—until life nudged me in a different direction (spoiler: no burning bushes were involved). Still, my faith has remained a cornerstone, leading me to roles like small group leader at church and even a two-year stint as a pastor for a retirement home outreach.
These experiences taught me a lot—like how stories, whether from scripture or life itself, can inspire, heal, and remind us we’re all in this together. And if you’ve ever shared a sermon with someone who insists on telling you the punchline before you finish... well, you learn to roll with it.
So... Why this Site?
This site is a collection of the many influences that have shaped my life—a tapestry woven with threads of faith, science, nature, and personal adventure. Here, you’ll find reflections on life’s deeper questions, along with stories about the wonders of the natural world, technology, and my various travels. Whether I’m unraveling the mysteries of the universe or sharing tales, each post invites you to connect, reflect, and explore.
Photography has been my faithful sidekick, capturing fleeting moments that tell stories of their own. Whether it’s a stunning landscape or a candid shot, these images are as much a part of the journey as the words. I hope you’ll find something that sparks your curiosity or resonates with your own adventures.
There's No Hitch...
Whether you’ve wandered in for the writing, the photography, or a little mix of both, I’m glad you’re here—unless you’re just browsing for cat memes, in which case, you’re in the wrong place. My hope is that you’ll find something that piques your curiosity or connects with your own story in some way. After all, life’s an adventure, and there’s always room for a few more companions who don’t mind getting lost now and then.
Thanks for stopping by! I invite you to join me in exploring the extraordinary in the everyday. Let’s embrace creativity, connection, and the occasional delightful detour together. Who knows what we’ll stumble upon next—probably not a cat meme, but we’ll see!
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