intermission: what's to come

Seriously, it's the end of January alreadyThis month has flown by.  I have been positively embroiled in all sorts of very awesome plans for the site, and some writing projects, as well.  I cannot wait to share them all with you, in good time. For now, though, instead of my usual posts, I thought should at least give you a heads-up as to what's to come...

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hasselblad friday: roll #4 (or the one where I ramble on about photography & metaphysics)

While I was in Salt Lake City, I was happily able to spend a few minutes chatting with my sweet friend, Justin Hackworth (who, incidentally, took my bio photograph for the inside flap of my book).  At one point I interrupted him: "Justin, you know what?" I said.  "I just need to tell you something I've been meaning to tell you for a while.  I really love your work."

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random thoughts: a change of scenery

So I have this Dark Side. Marcus and my friend Maile call this side of me "Klaus" -- the one they say is the "anti-Chookooloonks."  They take this side of me in good humour (I think), despite the fact that this is the part of me that is irritable with the entire world.  It's the one who gets angry with the television anytime a politician crosses the screen, or a negative bit of media crosses my path, or someone cuts me off on the road.  Klaus is curmudgeonly.  Klaus is misanthropic. 

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wildly convinced you're uncommonly beautiful

Isn't it beautifulThis 16"x20" print you see above is a result of a truly awesome collaboration with rockstar artist Kal Barteski.  It all started when one of my favourite online photographers, Rachel James, suggested that I create a poster for Chookooloonks.  I thought it was a stellar idea, and since I've been using the phrase "wildly convinced you're uncommonly beautiful" as my tagline on Twitter since 2010 (and will also be doing so on my soon-to-be-revealed new site design), the timing was perfect. A few quick phone calls with Kal, and she whipped up the amazing design above.  I was able to see the first run of the prints while I was in Salt Lake City last week, and it is seriously beyond any expectations I had.  They are just stunning, and I'm so grateful.  Best news?  The limited run is available for preorder, and based on the reaction we received at the Alt Summit, they will go fast.  Click here to preorder one for yourself!

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hasselblad friday: roll #3 (or, i finally found some focus)

Before I left for Salt Lake, I managed to persuade my new film-processing-guy, George, to process my third roll of film. As always, I thought I'd share my learning curve with the Hassie with you.  Honestly:  this is my favourite roll I've shot so far, mostly because I finally figured out how to focus this thing.  For example, when I saw how sharp the wilted tulip petals were above, I almost wept with relief.  Finally.

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salt lake city

This is my third trip to Salt Lake City, and based on this tiny bit of experience, I've come to my official conclusion about this town:  this is a peaceful place.  There is something so quiet about Salt Lake City -- I don't know if it's the snow or the altitude or what it is, but every time I'm here, it's like a huge exhalation.  This trip is no exception. I do love being here.

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random thoughts: on the wide world and why it matters

I remember having a conversation with someone a few years ago, mentioning how embarrassed I was that I really couldn't name all of the countries in Europe, or Africa, or even Asia.  "I mean, if you mentioned a country name, I can probably tell you what continent it was on," I continued to explain, "but if you asked me to sit here and name every country in, say, Asia* off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it.  That's not good."

"I don't know," responded my friend.  "I mean, does it really matter?"

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