I once read that there is no such thing as lucky people, just people that keep their eyes open. Whether or not this statement is true is not the point today. The point is that I believed it, and it started changing my life in very real and tangible ways. Perhaps the most recent example, and
definitely the most exciting, is an encounter
occurring the other afternoon on my way to see a friend.
One morning, about eight years ago, I borrowed my mother's Canon
SureShot and met some friends down in New Castle. There were shovels and bikes for everyone, and a goal of creating the perfect ramp and riding it by sundown. We worked like we were our own bosses, we had a good time, we got the job done. That day, as the sun was getting lost in the trees, I took a picture of someone doing something that I could not do. They were flying to be so young, and fearless to be so smart. Rolls later, I had a stack of my friends doing the ridiculous.
It's what I love about photography. It's showing someone what they would never otherwise see, but doing it in a way that nobody else ever would.
Anyways, back to the story. Driving down
Youree, I saw some guys dragging a huge clothes rack across a parking lot to where some guys were jumping some stairs. There were about seven of them, some, of course, better than others. I looked the shit, was dressed nicely, had a wallet full of business cards, Blue Blockers on on such a sunny day, and most importantly, the camera was in the car. They were so stoked. An hour and 120 photos later, we split up with hopes of hooking up again, and talk of hiring me as their team photographer.
I'm really stoked, and it somehow seemed appropriate to mark this day for posterity. It's amazing how a single decision
can turn so much around. It was incredible to watch.
And there it went. And I'm kind of glad it's gone. Honestly, I'd rather know that I didn't have it and couldn't lose it than go through this horrible dance of "do I/don't I" every time grades are posted. This is a picture of me taking responsibility for my actions.
I have one of the strongest groups of friends I have ever seen.
Guys it is so effing cold in this house but I'm watching a special on the Blue Man Group on LPB and don't want to go to my room.
I don't feel empty. I can listen to Elliott Smith without being drug into his shoes. I'm on the ball. I'm getting used to it.
As we sat, we passively issued in a new era. It will be one of warmth and productivity. It will be one of great possibilities and introductions.
