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RAOK Day 8
08th September 2011 - 0 comments
08th September 2011 - 0 comments
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. ~Barbara De Angelis
One of Liviahs FAVORITE people in the world is a gentleman named "Grampa Jake". He goes out of his way to make time for Liviah every day he sees her. We often have really nice quick chats in passing, just one of those stellar human beings.
Today, I showed Grampa Jake how to un-mute his new iPhone 4, it was like I had "parted the Red Sea"! He thought i was the man!!!!
Little does he know, its he who's the man!
One of Liviahs FAVORITE people in the world is a gentleman named "Grampa Jake". He goes out of his way to make time for Liviah every day he sees her. We often have really nice quick chats in passing, just one of those stellar human beings.
Today, I showed Grampa Jake how to un-mute his new iPhone 4, it was like I had "parted the Red Sea"! He thought i was the man!!!!
Little does he know, its he who's the man!
RAOK Day 7
07th September 2011 - 0 comments
07th September 2011 - 0 comments
All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don't discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others. ~Danny Thomas
Today, an elderly gentleman was at the bus stop angry and talking to himself. He didn't seem to be very happy with the world? He was yelling out and swearing in blurts. I decided to ask him if he was OK, and was there anything he needed help with?
He told me he had Turrets and then told me to f*ck off, then apologized! We went on to have a really nice conversation while waiting for his bus. He thanked me for taking time to chat with him, he said that because of his Turrets not too many people come near him and he feels quite lonely and embarrassed at times. (I can only imagine)
His bus came along, he shook my hand, said thanks again, told me to f*ck off, and went on his way!
Today, an elderly gentleman was at the bus stop angry and talking to himself. He didn't seem to be very happy with the world? He was yelling out and swearing in blurts. I decided to ask him if he was OK, and was there anything he needed help with?
He told me he had Turrets and then told me to f*ck off, then apologized! We went on to have a really nice conversation while waiting for his bus. He thanked me for taking time to chat with him, he said that because of his Turrets not too many people come near him and he feels quite lonely and embarrassed at times. (I can only imagine)
His bus came along, he shook my hand, said thanks again, told me to f*ck off, and went on his way!
RAOK Day 6
06th September 2011 - 0 comments
06th September 2011 - 0 comments
Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love. ~Gandhi
Today I was approached by a somewhat aggressive panhandler on Portage Ave. Normally I just continue walking and don't give too much attention to the behavior. I often struggle if this is the right thing to do? Am I setting a good example for Liviah? This time I stopped and introduced myself and Liviah to him, we then sat, all 3 of us, and just chatted. He's an artist who hasn't been painting due to his personal struggle with booze. He and Liviah made fast friends, she doesn't care if he smells, that's her friend now. (Liviah now has several friends on Portage Ave...and so do I).
Today I was approached by a somewhat aggressive panhandler on Portage Ave. Normally I just continue walking and don't give too much attention to the behavior. I often struggle if this is the right thing to do? Am I setting a good example for Liviah? This time I stopped and introduced myself and Liviah to him, we then sat, all 3 of us, and just chatted. He's an artist who hasn't been painting due to his personal struggle with booze. He and Liviah made fast friends, she doesn't care if he smells, that's her friend now. (Liviah now has several friends on Portage Ave...and so do I).
RAOK Day 3,4,5
03rd September 2011 - 0 comments
03rd September 2011 - 0 comments
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~James Matthew Barrie
So I'm cheating a bit and blogging 3 days all in one RAOK, so sue me.
This weekend we decided to rent a car and do some traveling, we went to a Hutterite Colony, various points of interest near the colony, and to a few small towns, all in all a super fun weekend for us. I did a minimal amount of work this weekend, only did what I was committed to complete and that's it.
OK, the RAOK part, well, there isn't anything really? except of course the smiles and laughter we had for the entire weekend! The warmth and love that I feel when I see Amanda and Liviah smile, or when I hear them laughing, It's the most amazing feeling.I guess this weekend was a RAOK from God.
]
So I'm cheating a bit and blogging 3 days all in one RAOK, so sue me.
This weekend we decided to rent a car and do some traveling, we went to a Hutterite Colony, various points of interest near the colony, and to a few small towns, all in all a super fun weekend for us. I did a minimal amount of work this weekend, only did what I was committed to complete and that's it.
OK, the RAOK part, well, there isn't anything really? except of course the smiles and laughter we had for the entire weekend! The warmth and love that I feel when I see Amanda and Liviah smile, or when I hear them laughing, It's the most amazing feeling.I guess this weekend was a RAOK from God.
]
RAOK Day 2
02nd September 2011 - 0 comments
02nd September 2011 - 0 comments
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
Today I offered my hand to a blind woman to assist her in crossing the street, she graciously declined my help. We then went on to have the most amazing conversation about life in general. I hope to talk with her again.
Today it was ME that received a random act of kindness.
Today I offered my hand to a blind woman to assist her in crossing the street, she graciously declined my help. We then went on to have the most amazing conversation about life in general. I hope to talk with her again.
Today it was ME that received a random act of kindness.
Random Act of Kindness
01st September 2011 - 0 comments
01st September 2011 - 0 comments
September kicks off another personal project, on top of my usual photography work. I've decided to do, or take part in a random act of kindness every day for the entire month of September. I'm really looking forward to seeing the smiles from people that I effect.
My first RAOK, I gave an iPhone 3G, sync cable, and wall charger to a complete stranger to use for a while so that she can decide if she likes it or not. (she will LOVE it)!
I had the most amazing visit with her, she's quite an interesting person. I would've never had the opportunity to have the pleasure of meeting her if it hadn't been for this RAOK, I'm truly fortunate and blessed to meet such kind and friendly people in this world.
My first RAOK, I gave an iPhone 3G, sync cable, and wall charger to a complete stranger to use for a while so that she can decide if she likes it or not. (she will LOVE it)!
I had the most amazing visit with her, she's quite an interesting person. I would've never had the opportunity to have the pleasure of meeting her if it hadn't been for this RAOK, I'm truly fortunate and blessed to meet such kind and friendly people in this world.
Day 27
05th August 2011 - 0 comments
05th August 2011 - 0 comments
The power of parenthood. Wow.
I'm responsible for giving my children all the tools they will need to get through life, but how do I know that I've accomplished that? I don't even know what all the tools are?
I know about all the usual "just do the best you can.." blah blah blah, but am I REALLY doing the best I can? The practical reality is that I'm doing it, and I think I'm doing ok? The thing is, if I got my tools from my parents, what went wrong? Why am I so flawed? Am I going to pass it ALL to Liviah? It's kind of a dysfunctional "pay it forward"?
Today I vow to not take Liviahs hand, but to encourage her to want to take mine.
I'm responsible for giving my children all the tools they will need to get through life, but how do I know that I've accomplished that? I don't even know what all the tools are?
I know about all the usual "just do the best you can.." blah blah blah, but am I REALLY doing the best I can? The practical reality is that I'm doing it, and I think I'm doing ok? The thing is, if I got my tools from my parents, what went wrong? Why am I so flawed? Am I going to pass it ALL to Liviah? It's kind of a dysfunctional "pay it forward"?
Today I vow to not take Liviahs hand, but to encourage her to want to take mine.
Day 26
02nd August 2011 - 0 comments
02nd August 2011 - 0 comments
Things in life are not always black and white. The whole aspect of doing the right thing is a myth, all you can do is the right thing for you? It might not be the right thing for anybody else, but it has to work for you. As a photographer, it's my job to keep my subject in focus and never to forget that. In my photography life, my family is the subject, and I always try to keep them the focus of everything I do. My greatest fear is to lose focus on my family and then have them lose focus on me, I'm nothing without them. I love my career, but never more than I love my family. My career won't love me back, my family will. My career won't look after me when I'm sick, my family will. I'd throw it all away in a heartbeat if I had to choose between my family or my career. But I never intend to let that happen. Today I vow to continue to put my family first, even it means making some tough choices professionally. 
A walk at night
29th July 2011 - 0 comments
29th July 2011 - 0 comments
If there is one thing I love, it's to walk around my neighborhood at night shooting photos. Downtown Winnipeg is so rich with interesting buildings and beautiful scenery.
The photo here is Hotel Fort Garry, I've take thousands of images inside the building during weddings, but it's the outside that I love so much as I see it everyday. I'm A very lucky person to live in DOWNTOWN!!!
The photo here is Hotel Fort Garry, I've take thousands of images inside the building during weddings, but it's the outside that I love so much as I see it everyday. I'm A very lucky person to live in DOWNTOWN!!!
Day 25
27th July 2011 - 0 comments
27th July 2011 - 0 comments
Taking time to think is really what is at the core of change. I have to identify the behavior before modifying it. In terms of my photography work, I need to be more true to myself, now that doesn't mean sacrificing my work ethic or acting like someone else? It means acting like me. Work hard, produce good work, drawing out the tears of joy as people see the beauty in themselves trough my photos? There is no better feeling than seeing a client reach for a tissue during the final slideshow presentation. This whole process of life (and work) is an ever evolving changing experience. I think the ability to evolve and change with it is harder than one might expect? Today I vow to stop and think. Embrace and implement change. I'll try to encourage instead of hinder out of fear. Give respect and positivity both on a personal level and in my photography.
Day 24
26th July 2011 - 0 comments
26th July 2011 - 0 comments
Sorry this one is late, had a super busy weekend.
I often wonder what people say behind my back? The reality is that I have no control over what people say or think, I only have control over the way I behave. It's clear to me that if I behave in a certain way, that's no guarantee that what people say behind my back will change?
I vow to try to change my behavior, not to change what people say or think, but for me to feel better about being the best I can be...and not worry what others think.
I often wonder what people say behind my back? The reality is that I have no control over what people say or think, I only have control over the way I behave. It's clear to me that if I behave in a certain way, that's no guarantee that what people say behind my back will change?
I vow to try to change my behavior, not to change what people say or think, but for me to feel better about being the best I can be...and not worry what others think.
Day 23
21st July 2011 - 0 comments
21st July 2011 - 0 comments
I sometimes feel like I'm in the spotlight, not always the kind of spotlight on a stage, but the kind that police use to "brow beat"? Trying to explain ones self can be really difficult at times? The continued barrage of questions begins to feel like an interrogation. I'm the one asking the questions about myself...I can't seem to get all the answers I need so I resort to police tactics on myself to try to find answers?
Sometimes I feel beaten.
Sometimes I feel beaten.
For something different...
20th July 2011 - 0 comments
20th July 2011 - 0 comments
Sometimes I wanna just take it out to the parking lot. 
Day 22
20th July 2011 - 0 comments
20th July 2011 - 0 comments
Today I received several pieces of artwork that my father did over the years ranging from 1963-86. Included was an old portrait of my father photographed in the early 60's.
As I continue to heal from the years under his rule I'm moved by the beauty and gentle nature of his paintings, it's a side of him I wish I could've seen more of. It's very obvious to me the magnitude of his mastery in painting, I believe the true essence of great works evokes emotions and thoughts that weren't so present prior to viewing them. His paintings depict nature in it's raw form, just the way it was created, no bells and whistles, just the scene as it appeared to him. It's strangely similar to my approach to photography, simple, clean, just as it appears, no bells and whistles.
It's a bit strange for me to see these paintings, most of them I've never seen, but all beautiful and in the same approach of simplicity. It's revealing another side of him that I rarely encountered growing up.
I'm truly grateful and thankful for the wonderful people in my life, at times I feel like I don't deserve them, but I'm always in awe of them.
To Liviah & Amanda,
Please always know that no matter how mad I get or frustrated I get, I'm not mad at you, I'm frustrated with myself for not having the ability to fix what's broken? It's me, I'm broken. You guys are the glue that holds me together.
As I continue to heal from the years under his rule I'm moved by the beauty and gentle nature of his paintings, it's a side of him I wish I could've seen more of. It's very obvious to me the magnitude of his mastery in painting, I believe the true essence of great works evokes emotions and thoughts that weren't so present prior to viewing them. His paintings depict nature in it's raw form, just the way it was created, no bells and whistles, just the scene as it appeared to him. It's strangely similar to my approach to photography, simple, clean, just as it appears, no bells and whistles.
It's a bit strange for me to see these paintings, most of them I've never seen, but all beautiful and in the same approach of simplicity. It's revealing another side of him that I rarely encountered growing up.
I'm truly grateful and thankful for the wonderful people in my life, at times I feel like I don't deserve them, but I'm always in awe of them.
To Liviah & Amanda,
Please always know that no matter how mad I get or frustrated I get, I'm not mad at you, I'm frustrated with myself for not having the ability to fix what's broken? It's me, I'm broken. You guys are the glue that holds me together.
Day 21
18th July 2011 - 0 comments
18th July 2011 - 0 comments
I try to better myself in my professional life, i need to do so much better in my work, its an ever evolving process. This last year i decided to stop shooting weddings, I've been really unhappy for a number of years now. At some point i lost sight of me, and got comfortable with making money and being sad? The painful realization is, that, im not a master of anything...except not giving up? How does one measure success? Expensive equipment? Money? Fame? Respect? I'm really not the one to answer those questions, I'm still just trying to succeed? Photography has been VERY good to me. The ability to create memories for complete strangers is a great feeling. Thankfully, I can now afford to take a closer look at me and try to get back to what originally inspired me, the simple happiness of as a boy photographing with my dad and honing my craft. I'm far happier now (post weddings) than I have ever been, and thankfully I'm still working and getting the job done. All I can do is continue on my journey to be the best I can be, for that I'm grateful. You give but little when you give of your possessions, it's when you give of yourself that you truly give. 
Day 20
17th July 2011 - 0 comments
17th July 2011 - 0 comments
In my continued struggle with my weight, daily walking is whats going to save my life...I hate walking, try to imagine dragging a suitcase wrapped in Velcro over a carpet? That's what it feels like for me to walk. Thanks GOD for giving me a chance to change my behavior. 
Day 19
15th July 2011 - 0 comments
15th July 2011 - 0 comments
I'm becoming more aware of the need to address subtle anger issues that sometimes gets the better of me? Sometimes feels like I broke the key of success in the door knob of opportunity. 
Day 18
14th July 2011 - 0 comments
14th July 2011 - 0 comments
Today I found out that I'll be receiving a parcel of works that my father did. Included in the work will be an older photograph of him. I'm grateful to have the work sent to me, but I have no idea how I will feel looking into my fathers eyes after all these years, it was never a comfortable place to be. 
Day 17
12th July 2011 - 0 comments
12th July 2011 - 0 comments
As I look over the edge I see an infinite array of options, quitting isn't one of them.
Day 16
10th July 2011 - 0 comments
10th July 2011 - 0 comments
Today I vow to be the best dad and husband I can be. The time I invest in Liviah is only part of the whole picture, Amanda is the other part, today I vow to try harder to be all I can be with the love of my life, my best friend, partner in crime my sweet Amanda! 
