American Idol meets Glen Ellyn Youth Soccer.

“And babe I tried to make the latest scene,

Hip and cool, just like Jimmy Iovine."

We are one of the millions of households who watch American Idol. Every year in January, we always claim this will be the year we don’t get “caught up” in the show, but once we start, we’re hooked until the finale. We discuss who should go home, who is the best, and now with our youngest they have their opinions and are glued to the tube. 

If you watch the show, you know there have been some recent additions over the past few seasons; sure we know about Steven Tyler and J-Lo, but the one we pay most attention to is Jimmy Iovine. (Yes, that’s how he spells it.) We are still not sure the role Tommy Hilfiger plays in it, but I assume it’s something.

What I like most about Iovine is the real talent he brings to the show. This guy truly knows his stuff and is not afraid to hurt feelings if he needs to. I can only imagine the stress on the performers when before they “learn their fate,” he lets the world know his opinion on their performance. I have no idea how they handle it, but then again I am only watching the screen.

Our daughter Audrey watches American Idol every week; she is not as into it as our youngest daughter, but it seemed appropriate this past weekend when comparing her soon to be game performance (this was before the game) with…”What would Jimmy say and do your best not to end up in the bottom 3.” When I said it, instead of getting the look of, “Oh Dad.” She gave me a huge smile. She thought it was funny---something that rarely happens in our household.

During halftime I looked at her and said, “Jimmy would be proud.” She was the happiest I have seen her at a game---I think I will use this strategy again.

The photo above was taken at a recent game; the lighting was perfect, Audrey did not run away from the ball, and best of all, Jimmy would have said she was not in the bottom three.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dad and his 'stache.

“Waiting here for everyman

Make it on your own if you think you can

If you see somewhere to go I understand

Waiting here for everyman.”

If there is one thing you will notice about the men in our family, it would be the lack of facial hair.  It’s not that we can’t grow a thick beard or mustache---actually I am not sure if I can---it’s just something that 

I have not seen on my brother, father or myself.

When I was in college it seemed growing a beard was part of the times. I tried but after several weeks, and being asked countless times, “Are you trying grow a beard?” I knew there was not much hope of my ever doing it. I remember one of my fraternity brothers wanted to see if people would notice if people could tell he shaved his beard by on only shaving one side of his face---the other side had a full beard.

He went to dinner that way...and...

I am not sure if people were just not paying attention, or were just not interested in making a comment, but I think I was the one who said to him, “That’s hysterical.” It also let me know people don’t pay attention if it’s not something they are involved in; funny how this carries on into every day life.

My father-in-law has had a moustache for more than 30-plus years I am told. In fact, I think I have seen a photo of him without one but cannot say for sure. He does not have it to hide hair loss---that guy has more hair than some teenagers I know. Point of difference---his hair is

white.

Recently when I went to my son’s wedding, I noticed something growing under my Dad’s nose. I said, “Dad I like it.” Now you have to know my Dad, he is not one to call attention to himself...so when I saw it, I asked, "How long he had been growing it?" He said a few weeks but only because the electric shaver nicked him a few weeks ago and he had just not shaved there. “Oh really Dad, you have to be careful.” I knew of course that he liked it, but would not want to call attention to it. He is a really good man---I hope it’s there the next time I see him.

The photo above is from the wedding. Not the clearest photo ever taken, I had to crop it to get closer, but you can see he it is on its way to being a full ‘stache. I doubt a beard is next, unless the razor nicks somewhere else---if either one does come in strong maybe there is hope for me. I doubt it.

Thanks for stopping by.

D-bloom is on D-Rose.

“Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;

Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;

Look at me, I can be Centerfield.”

It would be hard for me to say with a straight face that all professional athletes are model citizens on and off the court, ice or field. They are not, but neither are we at times.

If you are reading today’s “Snap. Shot.” and are sitting down, check this out. (If you are standing, check this out as well.)

In Chicago we have had some very good athletes over the years. Probably our most famous player, on a national level, would be Michael Jordan. That’s not to say he is the only great athlete, it’s just that MJ was plastered all over the world on TV, shoes, bottles and more. He was, and still is, a marketing machine.

So what’s going on here?

The hottest ticket in Chicago is for a seat at the Bulls game. It took years to rebuild but boy did they. It all started with good fortune when they Bulls got the first round draft pick in 2008. They selected Derrick Rose---a nineteen-year-old shooting guard. What we didn’t know about him was he is really reserved; not someone who puts you off in an arrogant way, but someone who needs his space, doesn’t show off when he is off the court, and if you saw him walking down the street (well no longer) he would seem like just another guy.

To quote from an upcoming article in GQ Magazine, here is how D-Rose spends his days off. (This is where I suggest sitting down because he is not going to Vegas, driving around town in his million-dollar car, or showing up at clubs at all hours.)  Rose, said…”Some friends may come over. I might get on the phone. That's it. It makes me super happy to have this whole day to myself, to be a little selfish, to eat whatever I want, to not have anyone asking me to do things.”

This is someone who grew up in Chicago, was sheltered by his brothers and mother from the gangs who wanted him. They said,  “No, you are not going to do it.” He didn’t. The rest is his-story.

Last season Rose won the MVP; this season he will not. He has been injured a lot, and whereas you know he is dying to play, he is the consummate professional; he cheers his team on, when he has been pulled out of games because someone else is playing better, and although he takes it to heart, he wants this team to win. I applaud that.

The photo above was taken in Milwaukee, WI. It was one of Rose’s first games back from an injury. To see him play you would never know he had been hurt. What I love about this photo is it represents not only Derrick Rose’s ability to fly---but at the end of the game he can come down to Earth and be one of us.

Thanks for stopping by.

Starry, Starry night.

“Starry, starry night.

Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,

Swirling clouds in violet haze,

Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.

Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,

Weathered faces lined in pain,

Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.”

Many years ago I spent more time in front of an easel than behind a camera---on average I would paint three to five paintings a year and take maybe a roll or two of photos during that same time. Boy have things changed---I have not touched a paint brush in more than 10 years and you can probably guess I have taken a few more pictures than I did all those years ago.

Some of my favorite paintings, ironically, were from pictures I loved. Many came from magazines and some from photos I had been given---specifically one from my former brother-in-law of Mark McGuire hitting his 70^th home run. Mark, his name, was a really good photographer and probably still is; but on that fall day, from his vantage point, he caught history in the making. It was a fantastic photograph—still is---however the photo has taken on less significance due to steroid allegations during that exciting time in baseball. But it still is one awesome photo.

When I was painting, I knew I wanted to paint this picture on canvas. Believe it or not, I was into painting in black and white; I loved black and white then and still do. So, I sketched it out and started to paint. Then I got the crazy idea of putting my family, all of them, into the stands. Big mistake as it took months to work them into it; some actually resembled the people, others, well if you squinted and turned your head sideways maybe you could see some familiarity. But Mark McGuire did look good. At least I thought so.

So why did I quit?

I found my true passion. One that can produce thousands and thousands of images in a day yet alone a lifetime. This was for me and it still is. Over the course of a year I will sometimes shoot as many as 250,000 photos. I know that’s a lot, and unfortunately so does my trust Nikon, as it has had some “issues” of late. But one thing has not dissipated, and that is the thrill of finding something that makes me stop and say, “I must have that photo.” It doesn’t happen as often as it once did (I have become more critical of what I shoot) but when it’s right, you will hear the shutter of the camera click---sometimes at 7 frames per second.

A week from Thursday I will be going to the Bulls last regular season game; to say I am looking forward to it would be an understatement. However, and this is something that happens every time I know an important opportunity to capture something I really want is awaiting, I get very nervous. The problem this time---I am going with a client. Yes, he loves the Bulls and yes knows I am going to be shooting, but at the end of the game he will probably saying one of two things. “Can this guy talk? or That was a great game, who did I go with? I will try to be more social, but I know it’s not likely.

The photo above was taken a few years ago in the middle of patch of sunflowers; when I saw it, I knew I had to capture it. The problem was, I didn’t have my camera with me and it was far away from where I lived. What did I do? I went back and when I did, I had a new friend waiting for me on one of the pedals. I am not planning to get back into painting anytime soon---if I did I probably would want to wait until my Nikon peters out. I really hope that is not in anytime soon—I don’t miss painting.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Circle of Life.

“From the day we arrive on the planet

And blinking, step into the sun

There's more to see than can ever be seen

More to do than can ever be done.”

For many of us, and myself included, this is a time of the year I look forward to; for sure some of it has to do with the fact that winter is behind us here in the upper Midwest. Sure, there is a chance for snow, but it’s very unlikely.

But as much as I used to look forward to it, there are memories that have made this time of the year more challenging than what took place only a few short years ago. Loss of employment, family and other matters have cut out what was once the happiest times and made them happy yet with an asterisk. Yes dear readers of “Snap. Shot.” this blogger is human. There…I have disclosed my Achilles heel.

Now don’t get me wrong, I still love spring, summer and fall, it’s winter that will never have a favorable spot in my heart—unless I end up living in a warm climate and won’t care about it any longer.

I was born in the spring in 1958; actually as my Mom told me years ago, I was late arriving and when I finally did, I was big. But to hear her tell it, I was big, yet she was still able to walk out of the hospital with her regular clothes on. One of these stories I feel is true and the other, which will never be confirmed, I believe is a tale. I will let you figure it which one.

Whereas I don’t remember being born, and I really don’t think I would want to even if I could, having a birthday with the same numbers of day and month must mean something.

Just the other day on my birthday, when I was renewing my driver’s license, I was asked the date and year I was born---I said, “4/4/58.”  All of the sudden I heard a voice from behind me---“we have the same birthdates---year and all.” I looked back and I knew immediately we were probably not twins, but we did have an instant bond. We talked for a few minutes, shook hands good-bye, and walked back into the every day life we were experiencing just a few minutes earlier. 

It was interesting, when I met someone who I had so much, yet probably so little in common with me, I felt like we had a connection. I then started to do the math in my head, and figured out, based upon the number of people born every day, that I had many connections out there. I actually went home, “Googled” my birth date and found I shared it with many well-known people. (I am proud to say Arthur Murray and I would have had a reason to talk each year---I guess he could have taught me how to dance.)

Many years ago, when my oldest kids were young, I saw the movie, “The Lion King.” Although Disney has had many movies since, and some were very good, there is little doubt the song “The Circle of Life” had an impact on me. So many times I feel like I have gone full circle, and many times I feel I have yet to see a fraction of what life entails. I am not sure which I prefer more.

The photo above was taken several years ago and was likely in a previous “Snap. Shot.” What I find so appealing about it is, how in the circle of life there is a child---whether it’s a reflection of us today or where we have been or will be, it’s important to remember there is always something ahead for us. I believe I am going to like it.

Thanks for stopping by.

The ride of your life.

“Fat man sitting on a little stool

Takes the money from my hand while his eyes take a walk all over you,

Hands me the ticket smiles and whispers good luck

Cuddle up angel cuddle up my little dove

We'll ride down baby into this tunnel of love.”

I would not be honest if I didn’t say this time of the year brings about some of my favorite times to photograph. Most people would think it’s because of spring, and sure that brings new and different photo opportunities, but probably my favorite subject this time of the year is the annual arrival of the carnival.

The carnival has many different appearances. During the day you find bright skies, families, and a very flat look to the scene. Toss in some darkness, the change from families to teens, and you have an experience that is as thrilling to me as the ride itself. The lights, the movement, and the creating of what appears to be an enormous platform, is actually quite small---here’s a secret, it’s the same size as it was a few hours ago during the day. (Duh.)

I have photographed the same carnival for the last 4 or so years; I did miss one, but I don’t remember when that happened. When I first ventured to downtown Glen Ellyn a number of years ago, I can honestly say I had no idea what I was doing. So, what did I do to learn how to take better pictures? I went on line and looked for the best of the best. They are all there and they focus (sorry for the pun) on the same rides.

I learned by leaving the lens “open” you can get the spin that looks like a Ferris Wheel is traveling at a hundred miles an hour when it is actually spinning quite slowly. The lights merge together, a glow comes from the ride, and best of all---if you don’t like the shot, you take more of them.

As a photographer I have been questioned about what I intend to do with the photos, was told not to take photos of the workers, and was essentially threatened that if I did take photos that were deemed invasive, that I would be removed from the premises.

So what did I do?

I became friendly with one of the workers who owns two of the game areas—I think he probably knows the trick to win. He also knows me, I have given him photos of his booth, and when anyone gives me a tough time, he says, ”He is fine, I know him.”

The photo above was taken in Chicago; even though it was taken during the day, it reminds me of growing up and when the carnival came to Chesterfield, MO. Just like today, I remember the carnival being so much larger that it actually is---I guess that’s part of what makes me love this time of year, all of the memories spring back.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Day the Music Died.

“A long long time ago


I can still remember how that music used to make me smile


And I knew if I had my chance 


That I could make those people dance


And maybe they'd be happy for a while.”

For anyone under the age of 40 who reads “Snap. Shot.” you may or may not remember the iconic song by Don McLean, “American Pie.” This is a different “American Pie” than the movies that followed---this song was all about how America lost three individuals who set the tone for rock and roll music. (In other words it’s much more serious than the movies--however, McLean sold the name, "American Pie" to the studios who produced the movies.)

Normally I don’t discuss the lyrics of a song that start out “Snap. Shot.” but this song not only is one of my favorites of all time, but I remember where I was when I learned what it was all about.

In 1972, when the album was released, I had heard the song; it was when I went to my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Joe’s house that I was told by my cousin Allan, that it dealt with the crash of an airplane outside of Clear Lake, Iowa that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson, also known as “the Big Bopper.” Although I didn’t know who these three individuals were at the time, it was the album cover with Don McLean giving a thumbs-up that was etched upon my mind. Allan had just purchased the album---it was so cool.

I love music lyrics. There is little doubt when I hear ones that I can actually understand (I don’t get hip-hop) they can touch a chord deep within me and become part of my life. I can say this about other songs, but none like “American Pie.” When I was in college, I would actually call up the local radio station, where I knew the DJ (he lived in our dorm), and would ask him to play it. I did this almost every day. Yes, I have issues.

Music, for me, and I know for others, conjures up memories of another day; maybe it has to do with where you first heard a song, someone you were with that was very special or a loss that only words in a song can explain. It’s funny how a few lines of poetry can have such impact.

The photo above was taken at a beach a few years ago; just like the lyrics of a song, the right ones leave a memorable impression. If they are just words, with no meaning, a moment from now they will be washed away and forgotten.

Thanks for stopping by.

Photo op.

"Peering out of tiny eyes
The grubby hands that gripped the rail
Wiped the window clean of frost
As the morning air laid on the latch."

It's been a while since I became a new born father---I am very happy to report it will never happen again. At least I sure hope not. But, I am more than fine with holding, or being a part of a new life, as long as I can hand the baby back to the parents.

It seems these days being a new parent requires a lot more research than what I recall; sure we had the same issues of health and wellness, but the internet has brought on so much information it's hard to believe children make it into this world without an "app, mouse, or ipad" in their hands when they arrive in this world. (I suspect they are familiar with some of the sounds they hear around the computer---whether it's music, Skype, or whatever is going on when Mom is online.)

One area that has changed, at least of what I recall, is the desire to capture every aspect of the pregnancy. When we had our children, we of course, had photos taken. Some were in the delivery room---you will not see these as my wife would kill me---and others were taken after the baby was born. We took 1000's but we also purchased the ones from the photographers in the hospital. Why? I still am not sure.

But there is a new trend---one that I didn't realize was as big as it is. They are the maternity photos; Mom wants to show her bundle of joy while they are still bundled, and we as photographers are more than happy to take them. We don't even have to encourage the baby to smile, look at us, or open their eyes. 

As easy as it might seem, it's not. 

Recently I answered an advertisement to take maternity photos; I had taken new born shots so I figured, "I can do this." Yeah, right. I did so much research to look for creative ideas---more than I have ever done for a photo shoot. But I am glad I did. It's not like these photos are the greatest I have taken, but I also know they are really important to the people you are taking them for--and they are trusting you to capture the experience. No pressure.

We met the couple last weekend; she was in her 9th month. What was so nice about the photo shoot was her willingness to help us capture the memory she wanted. We asked, "Would you let us do this?" She said, "Sure." The shoot went on for 2 hours. It was actually a lot of fun, but...then there is the next step. You have to show them the photos and hope they like them. There really are no retakes when time is limited--fortunately we got the thumbs up.

The photo above was one I liked. Sure, the baby is still waiting to make an entrance, but due to technology---way beyond what we had a few years ago--you can actually see the baby. It's called "4-D" and it is very cool. I liked this photo because no matter how many times I said, "smile," I knew the baby was probably beaming---almost as much as his parents. Yes it's a boy.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hell on the Heart.

“She's as pretty as a picture

Every bit as funny as she is smart

Got a smile that'll hold you together

And a touch that'll tear you apart

When she's yours she brings the sunshine

When she's gone the world goes dark

Yeah, she's heaven on the eyes

But boy she's hell on the heart.”

When you live with as many members of the opposite sex as I do, then you realize no matter how hard you try to be mad at them, they have a way of winning you over with their charm and smile. It must just be their way of getting what they want---which by the way they often do.

Okay, I admit it, I do give in way too much and I do know that it’s not a smart thing to do. But when there are tears---I guess they are real---and you know they are in emotional pain, you just do what you think will make them happy. 

Why are we men so gullible?

I have never been good at putting my foot down as hard as I want to. Sure I can do it at certain times, but all of the girls know they can eventually wear me down; my oldest daughter is quite good at this, and when the other girls witnessed her ability (I was known at one time as A.T.M Dad) they caught on. I have gotten better, but I still have my weak moments.

I think part of my weakness has to do with…I like to make people happy. When it happens to be girls, and how I really wanted them to like me when I was growing up, I guess it has left an impression on me. I wonder what would have happened if I had been thin, a jock, and girls wanting me instead of vice-versa? I probably would have been the same.

The photo above is of one of my daughters. Whereas she is one of 5, and they are all very attractive, I know that when the boys start to come around (and they have for 3 of them) these girls will all be “hell on the heart.”

Thanks for stopping by.

Take a walk on the wild side.

“Holly came from Miami, FLA

Hitch-hiked her way across the USA

Plucked her eyebrows on the way

Shaved her legs and then he was a she

She says, Hey babe

Take a walk on the wild side

She said, Hey honey

Take a walk on the wild side.”

When it comes to being worldly, I can say with some complete honesty I am probably more local. It’s not that I haven’t traveled or witnessed a lot in my life, it’s just that there are some things, many actually, that I am not in tune with---at all.

Even though I may not have experienced them first hand, I am usually open to seeing, and being a part of, what’s going on that is as long as I have my camera in hand; my trusty Nikon has been a door opener and has allowed me to do things I never would have dreamed of being a part of.

Really? Really.

A long lens has allowed me to move from the nose bleed seats at stadiums to locations where if you are not careful you can get a bloody nose from being too close to the action. My ability to talk my way into situations has taken me from where the parents are talking on the sidelines to being down on the field. Sometimes I have even been "on" the field and I did get yelled at for being there. But I also got the photos I wanted. 

Then there are times when I have no idea how I got into the situation or why I am even there doing it. I have been to the Gay Parade with my family shooting some incredible photos; hanging out of a 16-story window photographing a marching band down below; and probably one of my favorites, up 103 stories in a giant glass cube, where I asked people who were directly across from me in another giant glass cube, called “The Ledge,” to start jumping up and down. They did it and I got the photo.

Photography has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, ask people to do things I would never have asked, and they probably never would have agreed to. But I had my camera in hand and they did it. 

The Photo above was taken the night of my son’s rehearsal dinner. No, she (the tall one) was not part of the rehearsal dinner; they were having a gathering at the hotel in another banquet room. What I found amazing about this woman, and her friends, were their zest for life, their desire to have fun, and their absolute confidence of walking on the wild side.

Thanks for stopping by.

500 and counting.

“You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles

Not a shirt on my back

Not a penny to my name

And the land that I once loved is not my own

Lord I'm one, Lord I'm two,

Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four

Lord I'm five hundred miles away from home.”

On September 2, 2009, I acted on a personal dare; I was going to write a blog for one solid year. The only I way I was going to stop was if Sports Illustrated would let me shoot as one of their freelance photographers. One event, game, or portrait. Was it that much to ask? I guess it was.

Needless to say, even though I knew someone who worked there, 365 days came and went. Part of me was happy because “Snap. Shot.” became part of my life; part of me was disappointed because it would have been an incredible experience. But here I am and today we are on the 500^th entry.

I am really not into celebrating trivial items like the 500^th blog, but for this one day, until I reach 1000 entries (if I do), I figure what the heck!

In the first entry there was not a photo, it was very wordy, and I did not close each entry with “Thanks for stopping by.” It was only recently that I decided to include song lyrics. I can’t say for sure that “Snap. Shot.” will stay this way, but right now, I am fine with it.

If there is one surprise, and I have to thank you the reader, it’s that people are actually spending time, hanging out and stopping by, to read “Snap.Shot.”  If someone had asked me if I thought this would happen, I know the response I would have given…”No.”

The photo above was taken at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI. As the Chicago Bulls were giving it to the Bucks, my trusty Nikon was catching memories of the game. I loved every minute of it; oh yeah, just a quick mention to Sports Illustrated, I am still available if you are looking for someone to photograph.

Thanks for stopping by.

Coming out of the dark.

“Why be afraid if I'm not alone

Though life is never easy the rest is unknown

Up to now for me it's been hands against stone

Spent each and every moment

Searching for what to believe

Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now

It's shining on me

Coming out of the dark I know the love that saved me

You're sharing with me.”

There are times when life looks like a very small light at the end of a very long tunnel—often we have trouble gauging its distance from where we stand. I think that’s by design.

The expression of “having a dark cloud over you” is very real whether it’s visible to the naked eye or not. When it’s you, and you feel it, there is little doubt this is not a fun time in life.

But when the winds come, and you feel the sun’s rays start to penetrate your world, there is a feeling of “is this real or just a break in the weather?” If you have not been there, then you are probably the luckiest person alive today. Frankly, it’s healthy to go through what I will call challenging times, as it makes you appreciate the good ones all that much more.

These past few years have been cloudy; there have been many good times, some that I would love to forget, and many days in between. I suspect I am not alone.

But, I do believe, and it might be just a break in the weather, that things are going to improve. Not just for me, I mean for Americans who have been decimated by our economy, have lost friends and family members who have been driven into the doldrums, and who are uncertain what the future holds…not just for tomorrow, but miles down the road.

Why do I believe a change is in the air? Because the time has come for a better tomorrow. We have really been socked hard over the past half-decade or more, and the signs, while still murky in some respects, are looking better. Don’t ask me how I know this, it’s just a feeling---and I would rather have this type of feeling than the flip side.

The photo above was taken in California at a beach near Lake Tahoe; certainly this would be considered a “good time” and it was. However, it was not long before this photo was taken that our world was turned upside down with personal illness, job loss, and an economy that refused to let anyone feel a level of comfort. I know clouds come and go, but for anyone who has seen the dark side, let’s hope there really is a brighter light in our future.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's a rap.

“Don't pull the thang out, unless you plan to bang

Bombs over Baghdad!

Yeah! Ha ha yeah!

Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something

Bombs over Baghdad!”

If you are wondering what happened to the usual lyrics that set a tone for “Snap. Shot.” it’s understandable why there might be some confusion. Maybe this is an April fool’s joke? Nope.

Last night we were honored to be in the same company of World-Renowned rap star, F.M. Kat. Now you may not be familiar with this incredible talent, but I have known him for years. In fact, there are times when we are like blood, kin, and father and son. Well...actually we are, you see, F.M. Kat is my son Jason’s rap persona.

For those readers who are wondering if Jason married Lauren, I am happy to report, “yes he did.” (She married him as well.) It was quite a ceremony, and probably the biggest surprise from the service was a reading from his sister, Amanda. (It came from the movie the “Wedding Singer” and it WILL be the subject of a future “Snap.Shot.” so I will let it lie for now.)

F.M. hit the stage around 9:45; typical of a high-profile rap artist, he let the opening act, the D.J., do his thing before he came on. I am being honest here---prior to F.M., this was a typical wedding reception. When he grabbed the mike, the place went wild. I am not a big rap lover, but somewhere, somehow, deep within his genes, this kid can sing. He did not get it from me.

How good was he? Well he sang a song he had written, and the moment he was through, the crowd started to chant, “one more song.” He had literally lit up the dance floor and it was crazy from that point on. F.M. sang his next song, “‘Bombs Over Baghdad’.” By the way, Jason is one of those guys who will go to karaoke bars and get applause. You go F.M.

The photo above was taken last year at my daughter Sophie’s kindergarten class as they prepared to create a lasting memory for Father’s Day. Just like F.M. Kat delivered last night to an adoring crowd, I stood there speechless capturing every moment of an absolutely incredible day, still wondering, “Where did his love of rap music come from?”

Thanks for stopping by.