I Married a Photographer

On the drive home from work I usually listen to podcasts.  I have become my father, in some ways; craving that brain stimulation rather than listening to talentless goons scream into the microphone.  Not everyone on the radio is talentless, that was meant as one of those I’m getting old and can’t stand teenagers remarks.  None of which is true. . . except, I am getting older -as much as I hate to admit it.  On this particular day, I was listening to a conversation between two fairly well-educated people; the man was explaining a specific mindset.  Picture this: you are talking to a coworker, you have this idea that isn’t debatable, lots of facts back up your claim, your purpose is to relay this information.  You don’t have any interest if s/he agrees with or believes you, but you also think it will help your coworker resolve and issue. You spew out this information, then look at the person in hopes that s/he has understood and listened.  Waiting, you think it is being processed then the reply comes out.  It is like spitting venom.  Not only did you tick-off your coworker but since you laid it out on the line, now this person’s convictions seem much more instinctual -as if there is something to defend.  In fact, you think that maybe you shouldn’t have said anything at all and in retrospect knew you couldn’t really help this person.  Help is only wanted when its not needed, for some people.  Some of the time it is seen as a weakness and once offered, the helper gets scolded.

I honestly, don’t know how many of you can relate to this but listening to this podcast, I had to chuckle to myself.  I remember talking with people who believe in strange things, and yes, it’s strange to me; after all, we only have our single, sometimes narrow, point of view.  Though I think I can help, I occasionally choose not to.  Not for fear of retaliation but because of those instinctual behaviors that are so emotional and offer no thought or higher functioning.  Leading up to this, I could think back to many examples in my life that illustrated this scenario.  Then the guy on the podcast said ‘. . . mis-perception is different than simple ignorance.  Its not just that you hold the wrong view but you think you’re right. You have confidence in your belief.”

This is my volitional activity!  Continuation soon. . .

Awhile back, I saw this posted on a friend’s Facebook page “Happiness is . . .”  I, am a long time Beatle fan who came up with the following lyrics “a warm gun, yeah. . . JL/PM”  Later that day, I received a few text messages in close succession to one another.  They were from that same friend, who thought I was suicidal.  Lesson learned, I shall quote the lyrics better, citing words with more specificity as to whom they belong.

Hello Everyone!  I skipped a post last week because of tons of homework and we were doing some family things, specifically celebrating little Jack’s 1st birthday.  Kristi (my sister) and Stan (her hubby) asked Dean to take photos for the party so I’ll have to post some when he processes them (we only have 100 or so)!

I knew there would come a point in the semester when the content in my classes and my life severely  intertwine.  This week was one of those times!  After picking up our son, partaking in a big birthday bash then spending all day Sunday attempting to get my homework finished for class; I was running on empty all day, by midnight I managed to get to a point where I knew I’d successfully complete my assignments -without too much stress.  Monday morning rolled around, 0515 the alarm sounded, shortly followed by a dong-chong (my text message alert).  I picked up my phone and read “Due to weather, Bloomsburg University classes are cancelled today, liberal leave for faculty and staff”  Oh really?  Seriously?! So I had 4, maybe 5 hours of sleep then went to work (driving in crappy conditions always burns more calories=more tired).  Good times!  This really was not my point of writing my blog post tonight.

My point was to link my philosophy on life to what I am learning about life.  Those of you who are close friends know what turmoil and stress Dean (the family) and I have been through last year.  Business-wise, we hit a turning point and opened our minds to taking on new and different avenues.  Personally, it was one of the most frustrating years I have ever lived through.  I am not to be mistaken for ungrateful, there were some high points.  With that said, I can appreciate a new point of view from my 2 classes this semester.  In my Psychology course, I gain new understanding and empathy for those that I share nothing with; the professor takes our course content (psychology of adjustment) and has us learn from a positive view point.  So instead of studying substance abuse, child/spouse maltreatment, etc.  We learn more broadly, that stressors are both positive and negative and that our perspective and approach is what we can add to the solution.

Taking that idea and applying it is where the effort lies.  Not every situation is good and not every situation has to be a disaster.  However, some of us have the capacity to find good through storm cloud.  I know it sounds cliche and it kind of is.  Where I can visualize this fitting into our business and life is through our current clients; having a sort of snowball effect.  I know it’s not much but I see the quality and such specific uniqueness in Dean’s approach to photography since having met him.  He’s evolving into what he ‘sees’.  Like everything in life, it’s a work in progress. -in a good way.  Cheeky, I know!

During Dean's down time, I think he enjoyed himself.

Spring 2009

A few things on our agenda for the next couple weeks but first and foremost. . .

A huge congratulations to Jeff and Christina, they will be getting married soon and we are very excited and happy for them!  New beginnings!

Next, we are continuing our search for a heavily tattooed model, torso covered in tattoos (front and back), age 20s-30s, Build- athletic/fit to slender.  Please, pass this on if you happen to know someone who may fit the bill!

I am so thankful to have the connection, interest and love with Dean as I do.  I don’t want to get cheesy here, but in complete honesty, I value our relationship on a level that I never knew existed.  I get an immeasurable amount of fulfillment just based on us.  In less words, it’s good. Real good.   Though I’m not perfect I do enjoy what we share together.  So thank you, Dean, for choosing me.

Besides being smitten, I pushed some of the grind out of the way.  Completed our tax reports for the accountant and such.  So this week I am hoping to have some mutually enjoyable moments with good friends, family and my love.

DJs from WQSU's Homemade Jam Program Rand and Terry

Since the near hit of losing the computer (our power behind our business) last week, things have been recovering nicely.  Thank whatever it is you believe in . . .

Dean has been working on tapping into a broader definition of photography and art, in compiling posters for local musicians.  I have to admit, I love going out to a venue and glancing up to see one of our promotional posters hanging on the wall/window/board.  It’s like meeting someone you like; you  know the feeling, the little flutter in your stomach and instant smile.

What Dean likes most about the poster aspect is that it allows him to use 1) and learn new computer software 2) his brain when he develops these images for bands.  The excitement on his face when he has satisfied his creative craving is so boyish and full.  Sometimes the hardest sell is waiting for the band’s reaction, thankfully we’ve not had unpredictable responses but there’s always a chance.

Over the weekend, Dean was able to attend PA Crude’s CD release party for Under The Wrecking Ball.  From his report, they rocked the Sunbury Social Club like no other!  Nice job guys!  Their next gig date is: Fri. Feb. 18 at The Scarlet D in Mifflinburg, Pa

Cheers!

To brief you all on our events of the week-

Sunday, Dean was in crisis mode ready for the panic button. As he was doing something on the computer, he turned his squeaky chair toward me and said “It doesn’t see the hard drive.”

I looked up from my homework, “What?” To which he repeated, “It doesn’t see the hard drive.”

Until I could pull myself out of my readings to understand what he was saying, I realized that all I had to understand was Dean’s expression. It was one of fear.  The main computer we use for all the photography business, all of Dean’s processing software, etc.  We were smart in backing up all our work over the past years and investing in off-site backups just last year -good move.

After hours and hours of testing the computer to get it to see it’s internal meat, it froze.  Dean made it to bed late Sunday night, woke up with me at 0515 Monday morning to check on the status of our baby (the computer).  Frozen.  UGH!  Hence, why there was no blog post on Sunday, I was stressed out formulating plans B-Z for our business!

I don’t recall the exact time but Dean sent me a MMS featuring his monitor . . . up and running.  I don’t know what scares me more that it didn’t see it’s harddrive or that it is working fine, now.

Until Sunday. . .

My husband has dreamed of having a photography studio few a few years now.  We talk for hours about how we could expand the business and better suit our clients if we had a studio.

Like everything in life there are things to consider, pros, cons, risks, etc.  The other day, Dean and I met with a woman from the Pajama Factory, who was wonderful!  She showed us every available space and answered all our questions about the studios, etc. It was one of those “Ah-ha” moments for both Dean and me.  On the drive home we discussed our dreams for the business and how opportunities would open up, if this is a financial step we can take.  To be completely honest, I was (and still am) very excited to take this leap.

If in fact, we do, I will be sure to announce it to the world via this blog/website.  More importantly, Dean would be surrounded by other artists varying in experience.  I think that having those connections would be priceless.  We are always looking for that uniqueness that sets us apart from other artists in the area, I see it in Dean’s art.  He is so talented and humble that it’s tough to get him to recognize his strengths openly.

Admittedly, I am excited for this year for many reasons.  I can’t wait to sit down every week to update you all on our happenings and connect with new friends and artists.  Feeling good is part of doing good, let’s keep this good karma rolling!