Long arm across the pond.

Last month we had a guest in our home from France. Romane is a senior in high school from a small town in southern France; we agreed to having her because we thought she would add a nice balance to our family for the two weeks she was in the U.S. I am not sure how she could have possibly added "balance" to our home as we have 5 females and moi. (About the only French I know by the way.)

When she arrived she was tired from the trip. With more than 20 students, accompanied by 2 chaperons, we were not sure how we were going to do with this arrangement. Why? Well we were under the impression she was fairly well versed in English; she knew many words, but communication in the beginning was not easy. We did a lot of sign language and pointing---we learned to communicate and it was really interesting to see it develop.

While she was in the U.S. , and specifically Chicago, she saw more in 13 days than the average Chicagoan has seen in 13 years. She went to restaurants, ballgames, and landmarks that make Chicago the worldwide destination it has become---living up to Chicago's reputation, the weather stunk while she was here. Figures.

We learned a lot about Romane while she was with us; we learned of her family, her boyfriend, her culture. It was not that different from ours, but in many ways it was a million miles from the life our kids live. In some ways better and in other ways the opposite. One thing I will say, she did not want to leave.
She said this more than one time, "I do not want to go back;" I said, "Sure you do...you have family, friends and your boyfriend waiting for you at home."

For a while I was concerned she was serious.

Life has gotten back to normal in our home; we now have more of the arguing back between the girls---it was fairly tame when she was here---but you can be assured it's in solid form and we are not going out as often. Although it was fun.

Romane has asked us to visit her family, and whereas I think that's a great idea, I suggested next time she is in the neighborhood to stop by. I don't see us going to France anytime soon. Although our oldest daughter at home will be leaving for Rwanda next month. Yes, that Rwanda. More on that in a future "Snap. Shot."

The photo above was taken of Romane and 2 of her friends; I don't know their names---but I know they were very nice and extremely well versed in French. By the way, Romane is the one on the right---you might notice she does not have a pierced tongue. She does however have a piercing where a necklace would usually lie. However, there is one thing missing---there is no chain. It's under her skin...ouch. We would like to see Romane again---I suspect the next time will be in a photo she will send to us.

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Fear. Factor.

Okay, I will admit, I am not a huge risk taker at times. I guess, as I have gotten older, I recognize the dangers in riding a bicycle with no hands, walking into areas I know are not safe and am sure I could not fight off anyone who approached me, or cooking. I am kidding about cooking although many will tell you, I am good for only a few dishes and they are usually prepared in the microwave or on the grill.

We all have our individual fears---they can range from phobias to the usual fear that is generally accepted by many such as snakes, sharks, or hockey pucks flying into the stands. (I have been “fortunate” to encounter 2 of the 3, and I have seen a shark in the ocean before---but it was well off the shore.)

Probably my ultimate fear, besides illness, death or financial insecurity, is the thought of encountering a shark. Thanks to Steven Spielberg and his “terrifying” movie, Jaws, I still hear the thumping sounds when I venture into the ocean. Fortunately I don’t hear it when I go into a lake or local body of water, because if that was the case I would be going crazy.

Within the past year or so, affixed to the largest building in Chicago, a new attraction has made its presence. It’s called “The Skydeck Ledge.” For those who have a fear of walking outside of a hotel room on to your veranda, this baby is not for you.

Located 103 stories above ground, you step out on to a glass “box” with plenty of sky above and street level more than 1300 feet below. In other words, if you step on and it has a structural flaw, you are not going to have the opportunity to tell anyone about your news. You will be the news.

I am fortunate to have overcome a number of fears as I have gotten older. I used to be terrified of public speaking and now, I am one of the guys who love to present in front of groups---a few months ago I spoke at a “community meeting” regarding adding lights to a football field in the area where I live. I was not scheduled to speak, I just raised my hand. Part of me is still surprised I did it, but something very positive came out of it. A topic for another “Snap. Shot.”

The photo was taken at Willis Tower AKA the Sears Tower in Chicago. There are 4 extensions on the 103^rd floor of the tower. I have to admit, before I took the first step, I looked down to make sure there was a floor; although it was glass, I took a very cautious first step. Fortunately I was not the news of the day. One funny event did happen that day; while I was taking photos I asked a group of teens if they would do something funny while they were on the ledge. If you look closely, you will see one of the guys is about 6 inches off the ground as he did jump up and down. Had the glass given way, I would have felt very bad, but I would have had one heck of a photo.

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Why Me?

I am reasonably sure we have all said the above at one time or another in our lives. It might be some great news where you were shocked into muttering these two words. Or, there is always the flip side where you struggle to understand why something has happened or is happening. For some reason, there is always a reason.

Looking back over the past few years I have pondered this thought. Many times from both sides. Having been unemployed, losing my mother, or having a daughter go through what we thought at the time was a near death experience, will cause you to question. For me it sure did.

Then there is the flip side. Why have I been so fortunate to see my children grow, spend quality time with the ones I love, and develop a business around a passion. In other words, “Why Me?” Too deep? 

You bet it is.

Fate is a funny thing. Just when you think you have reached your highest high or lowest low, something can turn your world upside down or right side up. It happens, and when it does, there we go thinking, “Why Me?”

In the past few months I have been working on a plan to shoot more football photography in the fall. I certainly have shot a lot in the past, but I want to take it to a much higher level. In late January a friend of mine probably did the biggest favor I could have asked for regarding photography. Greg is on our local football team committee and he asked during a meeting, “Why do we use a photographer from outside the area?” The response he received was, “Do you know someone who we should be talking to?” He simply said, “I sure do.”

The rest is history.

It is likely that this fall I will be shooting more than 200,000 photos. A ridiculous amount until I sit back and think, “Why Me?” Because I love to shoot pictures.

Life has it challenges and it has its rewards; when I was at a recent event at House of Blues here in Chicago (yes I was there to photograph) I was asked if I would be interested in shooting an event for the City Of Hope. Without their having ever seen one of my photographs, I said, “You bet I will.”  Why Me? 

Because no matter how upside my world can be I am fortunate for what cards have been dealt to me.

The photo above was taken at Millennium Park in Chicago; photographed probably a million times by a million photogrpahers, this image appeared and I knew I had to take it. I stepped back, focused the camera, and started snapping. Why did I stop? There is a hole in the middle of the tower and it sprays water; on this 40-degree miserable day, I got soaked. All I could say as I walked away with very wet pants was, “Why Me?”

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