The Last Day

I don't know what to do about it. This summer and fall have been quite the ride. Living with a room mate instead of a wife, being in the mountains, never sleeping, and of course photography. The whole time I have been by myself but never alone. I have always had the support of my wife from afar and the friendships that I have built over the course of the entire summer. It was hard. It was exhausting. It was amazing. I don't know if I would have changed any of it if I could have.

I just wanted to remind everyone that although we are proceeding forward by ourselves, we built an amazing network of photographers over this summer and we should use it. Remember that every time we are stuck financially, creatively, or just having a hard week, we are all going through a similar problems. There will always be an ear to listen if you need to talk. Anyone can call me if they need it. We are each starting our careers in a very person career but this summer has taught us that we should never be alone in that pursuit again.

Neverending Journey

I left Minnesota without a path. I had bushwhacked my entire life but could never find it. This one summer has taught me that all that bushwhacking was just part of the journey. The basic principle of a path is that it requires a journey to take it. I would grow bored with my life if it wasn't a challenge here and there. This summer I was on a paved trail. I grew more this summer than I had in the last couple of years. I changed. I evolved. With 10 days left, I can see the branches closing in on me. I may get snagged here and there but I am still moving. When I get home, I know that things are going to be difficult. Change always is. This time though I have a purpose, I have focus, and I have desire. It's an amazing thing when you find what you were meant to do. From now on, I am going forward. For the rest of my life, I know my direction. I'd like to think of it as my machete.....

Savor it

What is it about this time of year? What makes this time of year so amazing for everyone and everything. Somehow fall always makes me motivated. Let me tell you, that I need that feeling right now! Assignments are piling up and things have been going wrong but, it doesn't seem to matter.

Every time I step outside I feel the excitement. It has been hard to attend class. Being a visual artist this time of year is just amazing. There is no lack of inspiration. Suddenly that street that I have looked down hundreds and hundreds of times is one of the most beautiful things that I can find. I can't walk around the block without wanting to stop and photograph a leaf on the ground. Too bad this time of year doesn't last a little longer but, I guess that is what makes it so special.

Really the only thing that I wanted to say was make some time. Photograph, bike, hike, or camp. Whatever it is that you do, do it. This time of year only comes for a weeks a year so take advantage of it! If I can fit the time into my crazy school schedule, so can you.