Nancy and John on assignment circa 1972, photo by Robert King
I’ve been meaning to write this for a bit, but I thought today would be the most appropriate:
I’ve been taking photos for about as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mother always had her Leica or Rollei in tow while my sister and I trailed along with our little Kodak 126 Instamatics. Photography was a way that we played together. It was a creative outlet that brought us together from time to time. Both of my parents were journalists, but I always thought my mother had the cooler job as the photographer. A newspaper photographer was always on the move looking for that next story. I remember the nights listening to the police scanner with my mom. Watching the red lights zip by as it scanned the frequencies and then all of a sudden it would freeze and there would be chatter “car 34 we need your 10-20.” I would look to my mom with excitement and she would relay the bad news, “they’re just requesting his location.” Yep, that was the life a of photojournalist in a small town. In the years to come my mother became an English teacher at the local high school, but still followed her passion for photography. I remember countless conversations about photo composition and subject matter. Most vividly I remember our conversations regarding portraits and the need to connect with the people. She had the gift of gab and truly enjoyed people; not to mention she had a big heart. What I respected most about her as I grew older was her honesty. She was incredibly blunt (think Simon Cowell) and she didn’t waste time making her point. “John, it’s a good thing you’re cute because you can’t spell cat!” To this day I double check all my spellings! While I love my dad and all that he’s done to support my work and writing, it’s truly my mother that I credit for my passion for photography. She would have turned 73 today if it hadn’t been for a stroke that took her some 12 years ago. So, happy B-day mom and thanks for all your guidance throughout the years.
p.s. I broke your Rollei, but it’s in the shop and I should have it back in a week or so…;)
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Great story thanks for sharing. It makes me remember the mentors in my life. This post would be a great example for high school students to write about their own mentors and inspirations in their art.
A great story, John. Sad that she was taken from you so early, but inspiring to know that she was able to help and influence you for many years.
Mentors are always a valuable part of life, whether they are directly related to our own goals and dreams or not. Sometime we don't recognize them until later in life, but sometimes we're lucky enough to realize their contributions while they're still in our lives.
So, happy birthday to your Mom, too. I think she'd be pleased to see what you've done with her teaching.
You truly are the sweetest guy I never met.
You truly are the sweetest guy I never met!
Such a touching story ~ Happy Birthday, Mrs. B.
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Very touching, John. Thank you for sharing it.
What a great tribute to a wonderful woman. You mom was such a delight, I can't imagine how much you miss her. Happy Birthday Nancy!
This is by far your most perfect blog yet…………..says a lot about a person. Thanks for sharing your thoughts John
John, you share so openly and honestly that I consider you a friend even though we've never met. Your blogs are always interesting and informative and have that personal touch that makes them seem like a note from a friend. Your Mom did a wonderful job raising and mentoring you. Thanks for sharing this loving birthday tribute.
How lucky to have such a great person as your mentor. It sounds like you must've had an interesting childhood between both your parents.
Aw, I love this picture… and your story also, which is so vivid… what a cool mom! Lucky you
I'm glad you liked the story. The photo always brings a smile to my face…;) Take care, John
Yes, I'm a very lucky guy to have both of them….J
Pat, thanks for the comments and your continued patronage….I always enjoy reading your comments.
Doodles….thanks….;)
Karen, thanks for the comments…..Mom touched a lot of people's lives. You take care, John
Glad you liked it..John
Gayle….thanks for the comments…;) John
Stuart, thanks for the comments. I too think she would be pleased. Thanks again, John
Hillary, that would be a good idea…John