Me, Wendy (oldest) and Suzi (youngest)...growing up with sisters was tough!

Today is Valentines Day, which for most of you means taking your sweetheart out for a nice evening or buying some roses. And for the curmudgeons of the bunch, it’s about blaming Hallmark for making you feel like crap just one more day of the year. But for me, Valentine’s Day has always been about celebrating one more year under the ever tightening belt. Yep, that’s right, it’s my birthday. So today’s post has very little to do with photography. If you need a photography fix then sorry, but please go elsewhere today. But if you want a little lesson in humility then read on.

Here are a few random thoughts, observations and pearls of wisdom that I’ve been reflecting on these past few days….

1. Like many, I spent most of my younger years trying to grow up quick and take on responsibility. Ironically, now into my 40’s all I want is less responsibility – but damned if I can find anyone to take some off my hands.

2. You’ll never be in better physical shape then during a mid-life “crisis” (29 years of age for this cat) but mentally you’ll be challenged like never before. But for most, it ends up being a time of tremendous personal growth.

3. Mom’s brutal truth and words of encouragement, “It’s a good thing you’re cute, because you can’t spell cat.” She was something. And I miss her. Spellcheck has never had a dull moment under my tutelage

4. A good friend once said, “Don’t trip over dollars to pick up pennies and always buy wash and wear pants.” Best advice ever….

5. Dad’s words of wisdom, “a prime lens is a young mans game….get a zoom and let the action come to you.”

6. Why I think I might be getting old: I seem to be watching more of The Weather Channel and the other day I caught myself steering clear of a floor that had one of those yellow signs that said “slippery” and for a fleeting moment my mind went to how practical and safe a world of no slips socks would be….yikes.

7. Parenting…. I was a cocky young father and at Anna’s birth, I remember vowing that “having a child wouldn’t change me.” Stop laughing. Yes, 12 years later, I’m happy to report I was straight up wrong. She changed my life. I became less of a selfish ass, got my priorities straight, rediscovered photography and the best part…..we just get one another…

8. Grandpa’s words of wisdom….I sat there with my 99 year old Grandpa in a Hospice home two years ago, and as he finished talking to Anna on the phone he turned to me, and said in his raspy, tired voice “Getting old ain’t for sissy’s.” “You got one shot, make it good one.” Days later he passed. He was a brilliant, but simple- hearted guy. The best.

9. Slow down and enjoy….In my 20’s I was running, in my 30’s I was climbing, and now in my 40’s I finally realized it’s a marathon and there’s a lot of trail ahead. It’s time to sit back and enjoy it, because the very best is yet to come. As this final scene and theme song from the movie Moneyball shows, life can be a riddle. Just enjoy the show.

While I recognize this is a slightly different post for me, hey it’s my blog and I’m allowed one introspective post a year… So here are my parting thoughts: Good things come from positive energy and support. Fifteen years ago I was a much different guy than I am today. I owe a great deal of it to the wonderful group of people that surround me. I love you guys and thanks for being there for me….John