Cherish it...

Today was a good day.

Funny, I'm kind of at a spot in my life and career where I can't talk about details in the same way I used to. Added responsibility, more stakeholders, a bunch of factors contribute to that, but one thing hasn't changed; I have days where I want to say something.

Today I want to say two things.

One. I'm thankful. 

After the kind of year we've had it's very nice to see a positive turn of events that serves as an affirmation of decisions we made--that we felt were right at the time--kind of a shot in the arm to encourage us to keep going, that we're on the right track.

That said, I know--firsthand--that things don't always turn out right and, just because they turned out wrong doesn't mean you're ultimately 'wrong' in how you're living or what you're putting your hand to and--more significantly--that God is still God even when you don't get healed or get that promotion or that positive answer to a dilemma you've been facing.

I find that part of faith very difficult to deal with.

So, having come to a place where I'm somewhat 'at peace' with trusting God to be and do who He is and what He does, in and of Himself (only took me 40 years), I'm all the more grateful for a turn of events that fits in with some of the hopes and dreams I have for my family and I.

Simply put. I've had a lot of 'down' days so an 'up' day is all the more sweet.

Two. Nothing *really* important has changed.

My sweet son off the top? That's YEARS ago. Sure he's bigger now, but in his heart--who he is (as evidenced by how hard he's working on his sand creation) hasn't changed at all, and how I feel about him--as his Dad, and someone who's SO very grateful to be a father--well, that hasn't changed either.

That helps me with perspective. 

See, when things are bad or things are good or things are somewhere in between, there are certain things in your life; like your relationship with God, your spouse and your kids (if applicable) that never change, or at least which you shouldn't *allow* to change.

It's the things that are really important, the things that really matter.

In any given day I face a dozen moments of real challenge, of disappointment, of hurt, worry, stress or concern. In those moments I'm learning to remember that the tide does turn (for better and for worse then for better then for worse and so on...) all throughout your life and that, so long as you keep your head screwed on right and keep doing the *right* thing moment to moment, nothing really important ever really changes.

And that's something to cherish.

To better days!

T

Grip it and rip it...

I love that shot.

We were on the beach and my wife had asked me to bring the camera, something I was reluctant to do because; 1) she's always asking me to bring the camera and it kind of bugs me (for no good reason) and so I want to rebel 'cause I'm a sinful wretch and 2) because the waves and wind were so huge I was sure something bad was going to happen to it, and it's a very good camera.

But, I'd repressed my selfish and fearful urges, and brought it with me.

POINT #1: Do the right thing even when you don't want to.

POINT #2: Always have your 'tools' with you (like a camera).

Man, was I glad I did. Once my kids started racing into the waves and getting worked over by 'em, washing up ten yards inshore coughing and spluttering and laughing their guts out, I raced over to where I had stashed the camera (in a hat, under a shirt to keep it safe) and--caution be danged--hopped to it, running down into the surf.

POINT #3: You never know when 'the moment' will strike, so keep your eyes open and be ready.

Now, here's the thing about shooting. I've learned (and I'm certainly not the *best* director among my friends, but I've learned a few things from watching them, and from doing a little myself) that, if you shoot from an unusual angle (ie: put the camera somewhere 'non-traditional'), you're more likely to capture an image that is outside of the ordinary.

Most people would keep the camera in their hands, at their eye, and shoot. To capture the above shot I put the camera on the right setting, dropped it as close to the rushing surf as possible, then shot as many exposures as possible before leaping away (hoisting the camera into the air) when the surf caught up to where I was.

POINT #4: Unusual is usually better.

The 'net' effect is the image at the top of the post where my kids are caught right in the middle of the action...

POINT #5: 'Spontaneous' is better than 'Staged'.

And, because I'm shooting from such a low angle, the waves look absolutely MASSIVE, which captures the essence of the moment much better than shooting them at eye level would've.

POINT #6: The 'image' should tell the story.

Pretty fun. 

Glad I listened to my wife.

T

Celebrating...

I've been getting some questions about my 40th, how it went, how I feel, did we do anything special? Well, my sweet mother-in-law and my wife conspired to take us away for a week so I got to sail on the Caribbean Sea for the first time.

Can't believe it took me 40 years to get there. I've been busy trying to survive, I guess, but I feel like I shouldn't have waited quite as long as I did.

That's me and my eldest boy hitting the water on the very old and busted hobie cat the resort had. There's a life lesson there. See, we had a great time. Doesn't matter how old the equipment is, if you put your heart into it, and the conditions are right, you'll have a great time.

Kind of like me (and the rest of you who're in and around my age range).

We've got some miles on the chasis by this point, but--properly loved and applied--we're capable of getting out there and doing what's needed. In fact, some would say, the years of experience help us do things others might not be able to do quite as well.

This was in evidence on the above day as I was the only 'guest' the staff let out on the water because the conditions were getting 'dangerous' for the average run of the mill western tourist with little to no sailing experience. Not me. I was able to convince them that I'd spent enough time on the water that they could trust me to get out there and not make a fool of myself or their equipment.

So, out we went, and we tore it up. Great sail. Nothing like bashing upwind, into the swell, getting soaked by eighty degree saltwater while the sun beats down on your neck and the boat surges like your heart.

A lovely birthday present all told.

Thanks Julie. Thanks Niki. Thanks Kids. This forty-year-old Daddy loves you.

T