Too cool to be true.

"That used to be us, we used to be cool
With the music cranked up, hanging out after school
That used to be Jill, that used to be Joe
Tell me where in the world did we all go."

Something has happened. Just when we were sure we were as cool as we could be, suddenly the winds shifted and we were ice cold. It happens and when it does, you realize this is what reality is all about.

As we age, and we all do, the concept of being "cool" changes. When my daughters come home from school and talk about how so and so is "cool," I think about how when I was about their age I thought certain people were really cool and so much better than I was. Want to know how cool they are today? Look them up on Facebook, squeeze your index finger and thumb together as you look at their photo and watch the weight fall off their body or face; now you know how cool they are today. It's amazing. I have had to do this a number of times---but there have been other situations where I have had to squint or turn my laptop sideways because they have lost more than half their weight since high school or college. 

I am going to assume others go through the "wondering" what so and so looks like, what they are doing, and more?  If you have been to a reunion, or even seen someone in public you have not seen in say 30 years, I find it very difficult to go up to them and say, "You look just like you did when I last saw you." Pretty much the only way that will happen is if I saw them yesterday or at best the week before. 

However, I do have a fraternity brother, I am not very close with him but did see him on Facebook, and he has not aged. I have no idea how he does it, but unless he is photoshopping all of his photos, the guy has defied aging. Perhaps he has found the Fountain of Youth? 

Back to being cool.

The guys who I come in contact with who are for sure seen as cool are the football players at our local high school. Winning "State" has put them in a league of their own---but when I was talking with a friend the other day, and I heard his excitement about how cool these players were, I thought, "He must not realize these kids are going to be like us one day..." I am okay with it. Sort of.

The photo above is on the back of the minivan of a friend of ours. I knew when I saw this it was going to be in "Snap. Shot." There's nothing wrong with getting older and experiencing what life has to offer---but deep down, it is a good feeling when you are seen as "cool."  I guess.

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Shadows.

"I'm Standing in the shadows of love
I'm gettin' ready for the heartaches to come
Hope to see you standing in the shadows of love
Tryin' my best to get ready for the heartaches to come."

We all want to shine in the sun during our lives, however there are times when we fall into the shadows. It's not a bad thing, it's just human nature. We can't always be on---if we are, we are in many ways just kidding ourselves because we need to "observe" as well as be the center of the world we live in. 

Maybe its me, but there are times when I just want to step out and be by myself. I was talking to a friend the other day and the question came up, "If you could take 48 hours and do what you wanted, what would you do?" I didn't know if this was a loaded question that would come back to haunt me, so I said, "You go first." That's bravery for you! 

After I learned he would like to go out and play as much golf as possible, I knew saying "spending time with the family and going to family gatherings and events" was not going to be believed. What I told him was, "I would like to go to the Southwest, yes the family can come, but I would like to take photos for at least 3 to 4 hours a day while I am there." Hey, even if I did take photos for 4 hours, there is still 20 hours left in the day. What's wrong with that?

Apparently plenty as his wife over heard our conversation. I figured I was in the clear---I was---because we both knew there was no way I was going to go shoot for 4 hours a day; it would be for 6 hours. Sue me I am being honest---my wife just laughed.

It's when we come out of the shadows that we need to be who we are; whether it's the role of a father, mother, boss, or whatever it might be---when we show our true selves, there is no more hiding.

The photo above was taken at my niece's wedding this past fall. Whereas my family was not impressed with the idea of taking a photo of our shadows, I knew there was something there. As a family we always allowed the sun to shine on all of us equally---unless we just needed to be alone in our rooms and then, just don't bother us because my brother did it!

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Jump.

"Ah, I might as well jump. Jump! 
Might as well jump. 
Go ahead, jump. Jump! 
Go ahead, jump."

There are times when you just feel like risking it all; it might be going after that job you know is way over your head to asking out that person who you know will likely say..."umm, I don't think so..." to going to Vegas and putting more than you know you can afford on red. 

You only live once so you might as well "jump."

I would not be seen as one who is a huge risk taker; sure there are some things I do that would be seen as a bit of living on the edge, but in general the likelihood of my putting it all on the line in Vegas is not going to happen. However if it were to be something that I was passionate about, I might even surprise myself. For some reason, and I don't know what gets into me, I have little fear about talking with people; if I know them it's easy, if I don't, it's about the same as if I do. This is not something I have always done, I would say it started when I turned 40 or so. I think.

Actually, a lot has to do with photography. I don't know why, but when it comes to wanting that photo so bad I will do most anything to get it, I do some really nutty stuff. I have leaned out of windows from many floors up, laid down and watched football players come right at me as I kept on clicking, and probably the craziest thing, I have actually taken photos of other people's families.

That may not sound like much of a risk, but when people are paying you money to photograph their family at a special event or just in their homes, there really are only two options---either you get the photos and they are happy or they aren't. I have been on both sides and I can say it's a lot better when people are happy with your work.

Probably the worst photo session we had was actually at our home. It should have been easy. Just a couple of boys who were going to have their holiday photos taken. The parents said, "we might get in a couple of shots---we're not sure." Wrong. The family not only wanted to be in photos all together---they brought their dog without letting us know. Doesn't sound too bad? The father screamed and threatened his kids that if they didn't behave he was going to really let them have it...and the worst, one of the boys broke our back drop. When it was all said and done, they really didn't like the pictures and I vowed to never take their photos again. I still see the Dad---I just never ask about the pictures.

The photo above was taken at the Willis Tower last week. While I was up on the 103rd floor, I saw these two guys taking photos and lying on the ground on the "Ledge"---a glass cube that is attached to the face of the building. I went up and asked "if they would jump" and I would send the picture to them. They said, "sure." As I explained afterward, if anything had happened and the Ledge had broken loose and fallen the 1700 feet, it would have made for a once in a lifetime photo. Well that would have been a once in a lifetime photo for them as I would have probably continued to take pictures after I got home.

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Enough to take your breath away.

"I breathe in I breathe out
Put one foot in front of the other
Take one day at a time
'Til you find
I'm that someone you can't live without
Until then 
I breathe in and breathe out."

For some, being on the top of the world takes your breath away. For others, feeling like you are left on the ground while everyone seems to be at the top, does the same thing. In other words, life does have its ups and downs.

We all go through these times, and in some ways it seems unfair---but in the end, we get through them by either looking back and exhaling that its over or inhaling the good that has now come our way. There is not one that's better---it's all about breathing. 

With today being Groundhog Day, I turn to Punxsutawney Phil for his advice as I am very tired of winter and I know that spring, technically, is less than 2 months away. I do believe this is a  tough time of the year even though our winter has been less than difficult; snow is something we actually have not woken up to very often. We have a lot of grey days here in Chicago; I should be used to it by now, but for some reason when we have a day like we had yesterday where you could see for miles--today we are lucky if we can see 200 feet. 

I did learn spring, according to Phil, is only 6 weeks away; I am not sure how accurate he really is, but I do know that hope springs eternal and I am very hopeful we will be seeing the buds start to pop and the cold weather start to head north. (I assume it goes there.)

Today is one of those days where we find our own little space and work to stay warm. In our home the fire is burning---it's gas---and we have all found our private space. I am in one room, the kids in another, and my wife is watching one of her favorite shows she recorded for later viewing. (As you might guess, it's not a Chicago Bulls game.)

The photo above was taken at the Willis (formerly known as the Sears Tower) yesterday. A couple in love found what they thought was a nice quiet corner 1700 feet above the ground. By stroke of luck, I saw them and snapped away. When you are standing that high off the ground, and whether you are in love or not, it does take your breath away.

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No way. Oh yes, way.

"How can I just let you walk away,
Just let you leave without a trace,
When I'm standing taking every breath,
With you, ooohhh,
You're the only one who really knew me, 
At all."

Sometimes something out of the corner of your eye stops you dead in your tracks. It might be something as simple, and wonderful, as money on the ground---and better yet, if it's a penny having old Abe staring up at you. I do pick up pennies when they are facing up...why not? Doesn't everyone need a little good luck.

Many years ago when I lived in the city, I woke up and went to get some coffee at a near by coffee shop. This was long before Starbucks and the modern high-priced coffee shop, this was a neighborhood place where they served lousy coffee but it was still better than the brown water we drank at our apartment. 

As I was walking, I noticed something on the ground. It looked like a dollar bill; I was wrong, it was a $20 bill. I could not believe my good fortune and part of me, I have no idea why this bothers me, thought..."someone might be looking for this?" I looked around and when I saw no one, figured it was now mine and today's coffee was on someone who I didn't know. I wish they had come up, I would have bought them a cup of coffee.

We all have had this happen when something, for some reason, catches your attention. I know that many couples have claimed to have seen someone out of the corner of their eye and then started to talk. For some it is a fleeting "nice to meet you" and for others, it can be a lifelong, "you are not going to believe how we met story." Either way, it's that sense that is deep within us that makes life interesting.

A number of years ago, and I believe I have written about this before, I was at the opening game of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays an expansion team at the time. Over the years they have dropped the word "Devil" from their name---and unlike the Cubs, they have been in the World Series recently. 

Back to the game.

I was with my family when the crack of the bat is heard below where we were sitting. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something coming at me...yes at me...it was a baseball. There was little doubt it had its eyes on me and I was going to make my son proud. As it came toward me I wondered what it would be like to catch a fly ball---I will never know, as it hit my hands it spun as quickly out of them and fell to the stands below. It was embarrassing---and even till this day I still wish I had brought it to my body and trapped it. As the crowd booed, I could not wait to get out of there---unfortunately it was only the 3rd inning. Darn.

The photo above was taken with my iPhone. As I walked through our neighborhood grocery store, I saw a can on the shelf that I was sure did not say what I thought it said. I was wrong, it did and I had to take a photo. Apparently over the big pond to the East, this is found in many pantries---it's funny, I have use many Heinz products in my day, but this is one I don't think I will be trying any time soon.

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The last to know.

"So you're in love with someone else
Someone who burns within your soul
And it looks like I am the last to know
I hear you've never felt so alive
So much desire beyond control
And as usual I am the last to know."

Sometimes we think we are astute and on top of things, only to find out we completely missed the point. I know it all too well.

If I travel back in time to when I used to watch "The Wonder Years," I think back to when Kevin would know exactly what was about to happen only to learn he could not have been any further off base.For me, it might have been when I liked someone and was sure she had feelings; she did often times, but her her feelings went right around me and focused on someone else. It's okay, I lived through it.

Or it might have been when I was so sure our next child would have to be a boy---I mean how many girls can one guy have and still be sane? Each time I  learned one more girl just added to the craziness of our home. I am happy to report my youngest is 8 and there are no children on the horizon. That is unless my son and his wife decide to pop some news in the future. With my luck, when they do have a baby, it'll be a boy. 

Predicting the future has never been one of my strengths. Part of me wishes I could do it, but I am sure if I really knew the winning lottery numbers every time, I would likely be bored with the billions of dollars I would win. I am willing to give it a try, and yes, I guess as readers I will let you know what it's like when it happens.

One of the times I was truly duped was when I went to a sales meeting and learned we were going  horseback riding. if you have been reading "Snap. Shot." for any period time, you may remember horseback riding ranks at the very bottom of what I enjoy doing. Maybe, and just maybe, going to the dentist is fighting it for the dead last position--but it's a tough fight for that spot.

So here we are on our way to the stables, directly from the airport, and the entire sales team is talking about how they are looking forward to going riding after our long flight. I have to believe anyone who was looking back in the bus saw the excitement on my face. If they truly thought they saw it, they were mistaken. As we pull up to what I thought was the barn, I notice a hotel sign; I was confused. Then everyone, and I mean everyone, turned around and stared at me and then started to laugh. Yes, the entire team, probably 30 people, were all in on the gag. I was not mad, I just knew who did it and that there would be payback. Just another time. 

The photo above was actually taken by my wife. Whereas I really liked the photo for its artistic beauty, today I heard from a business associate who said, "I really liked the photo on your site that looked like a horse head was on a human body." I really thought that was funny as I had never thought about that when I looked at the photo. I came home, told my wife about what had been said, and she said, "That was the point of the photo, horse owners love this photo." Oh, I knew that---what did you think I really was the last to know?

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The other side.

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true."

No matter how young or old you are, it's natural to wonder what would it be like if things had not gone as planned. What if we really could go to the land of "Back to the Future, It's a Wonderful Life, or one of my favorites, Mr. Destiny"---would we change our lives or just marvel at where we have come and what lies ahead in the future?

Boy, that was deep...excuse me.

Maybe it's the time of the year, but this is when I look around and wonder, "Why am I in Chicago?" I really don't like the weather for more than 6 months a year and whereas it is a big bustling town, I wish I was more a part of it than I am today. I go into the city, out of the city, and I know the paths to take in order to make my commute back home shorter. That's just plain wrong. 

I think part of the issue, and certainly the weather plays a role, is the desire to stay inside when it's either too cold, there's too much snow, or better yet as screwy of weather as we are having now. We have gone from single digit temperatures to spring time in less than 48 hours. Might sound like winter is over in January, but it's not. We are supposed to see temperatures drop by 50 degrees this week. As my daughters like to say, "Whatever."

So what's missing? I know what's missing...I have not been motivated to take photos as often as I have in the past. In some respects I feel like I have taken so many different subjects that I need something novel to shoot. I have been to zoos, sporting arenas, countless family photo sessions, and museums---I need to find a venue that is going to excite me and my trusty Nikon. I am thinking.

Probably the most fun I have had recently, and I do believe it will become part of my stomping grounds, is photographing horses. There is something very challenging, yet simple, about these creatures who I have no desire to be around--except to take photos. They let you into their souls and I very carefully work to make sure they know I am only there for one reason, to capture their beauty. My wife and I are going to be photographing more horses for a few reasons---because owners really love what they have yet to do on their own with their camera and I know if we take good photos, they will end up on walls. From a pure business and greed point of view, they are more than happy to pay for our services. 

The photo above was taken a couple of years ago at the Morton Arboretum---my youngest daughter is taking the path to the other side of this short tunnel. I think we all dream of what's on the other side and what it will bring us if we go through it. Do we really want to know? I guess that all depends on what's waiting for us.

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