Pure Magic..

I need to write…

…but lately I’ve been having a hard time finding the words.

So what better way to deal with it, then by doing it.

That’s the rub, right?

 

The thing that drives and inspires us…

…can also be a huge source of frustration when things aren’t flowing.

It’s rut inducing…

…and for me, the inner critic comes out at every turn…

…mocking (what appears to me as) my inability to create.

 

These days can (and do) multiply quickly.

Endlessly at times.

Piling atop of one another, creating a stifling weight.

…and it’s heavy.

Truly.

 

Ironically, these are the some of the best moments.

They make me appreciative of the flipside…

…and when that moment comes…and it will although it feels like it may never…

…when the dam breaks

…when the clouds dissipate

…when a breath of fresh air finds its way to the tip of your nose

…when things dry out and conditions become ideal for a spark

That moment.

That seemingly needle in the haystack…

…so elusive, yet so close at hand

…finds its way to you.

It’s magical.


Pure magic.

A Few with the Leica Q...

Today I had an opportunity to get my hands on the new Leica Q. I really wanted to get it out and put it through the paces on a family shoot that I had in the afternoon...but the DC store only had 1 on display.

I'm not a technical guy, so my apologies for the brevity.  Here are my first impressions...

Solid build. It's what you come to expect from Leica.  The Q does not disappoint.  It feels good in the hand and for me....just right.  It's slightly larger than the Fuji X-100T.  There was no strap on this demo unit, but I didn't feel apprehensive holding it.  It's not as slippery as I've heard others reviewers mention...although I would prefer some sort of leatherette/rough finish.  The built in notch for your thumb rest is a nice touch.  Later, I tried the optional hand grip and it definitely made the camera 'fit' and feel that much more solid -- note, using this grip does cover the battery/flash card.

The shutter is very discreet/quiet -- you're in stealth mode at all times.

Auto-focus is probably the fastest and most accurate (of any mirrorless camera) that I have tried.  I took a few shots inside (which was on the dark side) and didn't have any issues locking in. ISO performance, while better than other Leicas than I have tried, begins to introduce grain earlier than I would like (around 800)...but honestly the jury is still out for me -- I need more time with it. I left the camera on AUTO ISO for the duration of my time with it.

Outside, colors popped. The 28mm focal length seemed right and I wasn't disappointed with distortion. 

I didn't really have (or take the) time to go through menus and other features.  Those sorts of things are meant for a rainy day.  For me, it's more about how the camera feels in my hand.  This one got out of my way and made me want to shoot it. It feels like the Leica I've always wanted...

...but I definitely need more time with it.  Stay tuned.

Special thanks to Aziz Yazdani for taking the time to show me the camera and allowing me to take a few photos of him.

The way life could be...

Maine.

It’s been on my brain lately.

You see, we visited for the 1st time a few years ago and since then…

…I’ve harbored a deep love for it.

I’ve often wondered what a life there could be like.

 

So you can imagine my excitement when an online friend alerted me to a contest to win an inn there.


Tomorrow the winner will be contacted directly by the current owner via a phone call.

My fingers are crossed.

I’ll be running the Baltimore 10 Miler in the morning and the thoughts of what might be…will be prodding me along.

Regardless of the outcome, the excitement surrounding the possibility has been palpable for me.

For that, I’m thankful…

…and anxious to get back there again this year, even if it may only be for a week.

 

My essay was submitted handwritten.  For those curious, here is what I came up with…

 

I'd like to own and operate the Center Lovell Inn to keep its history alive. I'm a husband, father and lover of Maine.  I'm a simple man, with family at my core.  Perhaps my head is in the clouds.  Perhaps the beating of my heart is overpowering all of my brain synapses.  Perhaps the glint of support in my wife's eye had something to do with it. This opportunity is too genuine and generous not to try. The storybook setting would provide an ideal life for my growing family...providing life lessons of hard work, service and kindness to others...as well as an appreciation and stewardship for the surrounding land.  It's my hope to add a fruitful chapter to the Inn's history...to welcome back those that have stayed before and expose newcomers to the charm of the Inn and surrounding area...to ultimately be that home away from home for all that enter our door.  I'd also like to provide an opportunity for our children to continue in our footsteps if they so choose.  I'm appreciative of your consideration in the process -- just being a part of this chapter makes me feel like I've already won.  Many thanks. 

 

To my wife Sara…thank you! …for always indulging and believing in me…even when it could mean turning our whole world upside down.  Beside you, the possibilities are endless. I love you and our family with all my heart….and this adventure we’re on…

 


Madygirl...

Undivided, complete focus on one person is pretty hard to come by these days.

We all need it...

...and whether we admit it or not, on some level we all crave it.

I'm thankful for the few minutes that we shared here.

They're rare.

Valuable.

...and I need to remind myself to intentionally carve them out for everyone that matters to me.