Wow. I’ve been gone for a while. Sorry about that. My avoidance/neglect of this space was for several reasons and most definitely intentional. I didn’t forget about the blog, or the many people that still check up on the goings on with my business and family. I just needed some time to wrap my brain around what this all is and will be. Initially this was to be a casual blog following my fledgling business with some anecdotal stories about my family and various topics that interest me. Then I began thinking...thinking too much about it all. What will people think if I post this...will I offend if I post about that...what do I do about equal time for business and family? A bunch of stuff that really doesn’t matter.

So here’s my solution, I will write about what comes to mind, post pictures I like, or think readers might like, and occasionally I will post about stuff only I am interested in (if anyone wants to talk Mtn. Bikes (bicycles) I’m your guy! (especially Moots or Ibis) ). I am influenced by many things, and put a lot of thought into seemingly random things, but that’s who I am. I think in analogies and in order to organize my thoughts I have to break down complex things into their independent pieces, then I rebuild and understand. Oh yeah, and I can’t talk and do pretty much anything at the same time (just ask Carolyn!).

So that is that. My relaunching of my Blog with occasional posts. As always, I welcome input and critique. I will post most any comment, unless it is my dad pointing out one of my mis-spellings or incomplete sentences. Then I will make the edit, but not post the comment (sorry). Also, know up front that no comment is posted unless I approve it. For some reason there are people out there that post some ridiculous and vulgar things on random blogs, so to avoid those situations, all comments are moderated.

Now to a blog I very much am saddened to post. Not because I don’t want to post it, but because it is an event that has affected me greatly in a short period of time. This past year and a half I have been a part of a loving and generous community of photographers that are willing to not only answer photography questions, but willing to also show and share their techniques. The common feeling among the group seems to be, “ A rising tide lifts all ships.” I have definitely grown as a photographer and a person from being a part of this group and can only hope I have somehow been useful to group in return.

Last year I was working on a couple projects (the details of which don’t pertain to this) when an incredibly generous woman came to my aid. She took time, and much effort, to send me some information, templates, instructions and even paper and fabric samples. Never once asking for anything in return. Some people warm your heart the moment you meet them, even if it is over email. Julie Steiskal was just one of those people.

I am saddened to report that Julie recently passed. This hit me hard and I have been trying to figure out why. I barely knew her. Spoke to her once and only emailed a couple of times. It is only in her passing that I find out I am not alone in being aided by her. She reached out in all directions to assist others. I have included a photo of her with some advice superimposed that she gave another photographer regarding family photo shoots. Also is the link to a song written by her friend Joel Hanson called You Didn’t Let Go (Julie’s Song) . She was the receptionist at her church , Church of the Open Door, in Minnesota and will be missed by many.

I think one reason this hit me hard even though we were by no means close this is she reminds me of my sister in law. The parallels are many. Not just the fact both are employed by their church, but the giving attitude, the investing in other people, faith in The Lord, creativity and demand of friends to have fun and be real.

Julie’s death need not be in vain. If for no other reason, let us all learn to love and love-on those we cherish. The people in our lives impacting us in spectacular and mundane ways. Reach out to those in need and never let go.