Gun Control ... dig a little deeper

In light of recent violent events in US/China...

I have some thoughts on this that I posted elsewhere previously... let me just lay it all out for you as I see it.

In my former life in a law enforcement support job, and I'll be clear... I was NOT an office girl or a court clerk. I worked in the jail, up close and personal with all types of suspects and hard core convicted male and female offenders. I will never discuss what I have seen with anyone outside of law enforcement as I have to be honest here... it was not pretty. I've seen human beings at their absolute worst and also their lowest and for a a few years, I didn't stop seeing them even when I closed my eyes.

In my experience, gun control is not the issue at all, and before anyone decides to give me backlash, I am very much FOR gun control. You don't need a semi automatic to go hunting. PERIOD.

Ask any person in law enforcement and they will tell you, when a human being is so full of rage, everything... including a plastic fork can be made into a weapon.  If they want to hurt, maim, or kill another in their uncontrollable rage, they will find a way.  In fact, the choice of weapon is irrelevant. If they want you dead, they will find a way. Rage is not just a simple burst of endorphins and emotion. It can be a long drawn out process of years of thought and planning. In fact, most mass killings are somewhat planned. Regardless of what the theatrics of a defense attorney can conjure up in a courtroom, temporary insanity doesn't wash with me.

Gun controls will only stop the speed with which they can kill and maybe lessen the amount of killing. It will not stop the perpetrator from committing the act, planned or not.

Unless we all start walking around wearing full kevlar and safety helmets, maybe we should be looking a little further back and take preventative measures from infancy.  The issue is indeed society and a shortage of a strong family and community structure.

Building strength of character and good community involvement is essential to prevent the breakdown of moral values and social interaction. So as much as I would love to see gun control on the table, perhaps the measures should be deeper and more permanent. On that note Gun Control would be a really great start.

Happy Saturday!

Don't forget to check your Compass!

Cole
December 14th, 2012

A little wisdom from Bob...

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”
― Bob Marley

The Last Exit and National Geographic Update!

In photography, you learn to view the world in a different way than the average human. Your eyes are trained to observe moments in the scene before you that generally go un-noticed by the masses. A key part of this element is lighting. Different lighting can show everything there is to see in one eighth of a second, or tease you with only certain areas of an image lit well enough to see at first glance. It's these images I love the most. You look and see one thing, but with careful observation, you notice something else. The next time you look at the very same image, another piece of the scene becomes a part of your awareness. A well lit ( and I don't mean brightly, I mean well lit as in creatively with darkness and light) piece can tease you with it's image at first glance and keep you looking for the hidden objects that are just barely visible in the darkness or the peripheral edges of the work.

I walked into a place in Memphis and was blown away by the lighting in a very popular night spot. Bare light bulbs hanging from the ceiling on, what appeared to be the original early 1900's light fixture. One would think this would make for a hard scrabble existence in the night club world. Not so for this place. The owner was a friend to the man I was there to interview and photograph. Consequentially, I met the owner and we had a great discussion on the history of the building, it's previous owners, the current incarnation, and the ghosts that claim the building as home to date.

The bare light bulbs gave the club the depth and character that suited it's historical place in Memphis music history. My first visit was an experience I'll never forget and I'll have a full story on that in the book. (We are in the home stretch with the writing by the way). I serendipitously met a man who was a significant player in the change of history in the South with civil rights, along side Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. He took me there, introduced me to the staff and owners, showed me around, and gave me a great history of his part in the 60's, 70's.

The club has paint peeling off the walls, the lathing is showing in spots where the plaster has fallen away. Small club tables, that you'd swear were original to the building when it was a cool place to hang out in the 1920's, ashtrays, coke iceboxes, and claw foot bathtubs still in place from when it was a overnight porter rooming house during prohibition. The lighting is a key element in the character of this building and is the subject of a recent canvas I had printed to auction at the Diabetes Fundraiser at Hotel Arts in Calgary on June 15th. Tickets are $75 and it's called A Creative Affair. Please come out, it's for a great cause. I won't be there but the canvas will be! ( The canvas by the way, is a 14 x 26 Fine Art Canvas print of the upstairs hallway in this joint. and Yes I can safely call it a joint) The owner gave me a picture of Elvis and BB King standing together in the very same hallway. For those of you that don't know, Tupelo, Mississippi is a short drive away and some would say this club's original musical line up would have been some of Elvis's most influential experiences.

The canvas is titled 'Last Exit' and the description talks a little about what I've written above. The impact the image had on me when I first saw this upper hallway was indeed, the last exit. A hallway with an exit sign, a window up to heaven, or a partially visible stairwell leading below, with a guiding light (the bare bulb over the stairwell and window above.) For those of you like myself that were raised with serious religion in the family, the image clearly has hidden meaning about the pathway to either, the choices you can make with doors on one side and windows on the other. You have to see it to really read this description and understand the image. The lighting plays a key roll in what's visible and barely visible.

This is my favorite kind of photography, where there is a vision that emerges more and more with the study of it. Something that is not staged but already exists as it is. Someone, like myself, comes along and sees, not the bare bulbs and decaying building that it is, but an image of our history, whether personal or practical and photographs the scene with a whole new perspective.

If you all have a mind to see it, Get a ticket for "A Creative Affair" at Hotel Arts on June 15th, 2012. It's up for silent auction. For whomever buys the piece, it's signed and numbered as 1/1. There will never be another one printed on this medium. All future prints will be limited to 50 and not on canvas, or that large. The full story of the meeting, interview, and photography of this event will be in the book so it will have a history of it's own that the new owner of the print can refer to for their own enjoyment.

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

PS Update for National Geographic post... there are some people coming to Calgary this June for some NG business, not sure what their connection to NG is but I think I may have a meeting arranged... I'll keep you all updated! Keeping my finger's crossed...

The $50,000,000.00 question...

On a recent work/play trip to Naramata, my friend and I discussed the many options available to those with money and what they accomplish here at home, versus what other's do with it in many foreign entities.

I've heard many people wax and wan on the subject at length and what they would do with that kind of money. Now this is a side of me many already know and understand. It's also a notion of how our charitable system works. I've given this much thought over the years, when you're a single parent working yourself to exhaustion, occasionally you get a few spare moments to dream up a utopia. There were many hours of dead time when I was working in law enforcement with intermittent showers of furious activity in the dead of night where I could design my perfect world. Bare with me as I bare my idealistic soul to some of you for the very first time. Please be gentle on your comments as this is a subject dear to my heart.

I have had many mentors over the years that have shown me the value of having copious amounts of liquid assets to make the world a better place. I've always admired those corporate entities that take a portion of their company and get the employees engaged in a giving attitude. I love my friends at CAWST.org for their selflessness in assisting the third world in clean water and sanitation. Here at home, we take this for granted and consider it a right and not a privilege. We have governments here in the west that have passed laws to grant us these rights to disease free drinking water and sanitation. We have Civil Engineers that ensure our safety on a daily basis, and for this we are only just getting the message that our wasteful ways of the past are socially unacceptable. In the third world, this is the privilege of few that can afford it. CAWST.org makes it as affordable as possible to those that would not have the option otherwise. They offer education and sustainability over the long term along with their initial investments in each location they work with. I love to work with this group doing photography. They are true leaders and all have a direction not born out of financial gain. They all work for much less than what they could make in the Oil and Gas industry.  please look them up and get involved if you like what they stand for. A lot of their biggest supporters are our own Oil and Gas and banking big names. CAWST.org.

I have volunteered my skills for many non-profits here in Calgary and abroad and learned important lessons about each of their charitable cause of choice. A local company that I work for often and consider my most favorite, I have learned the most important lessons of all. When I have major liquid assets, I'll be following the model of charitable giving they have presented.
 Each and every event they throw is dedicated to a new organization except one. At Christmas, they support our Poppy Fund. The Poppy Fund gives to our veterans. Need I elaborate? These men and women put themselves in harm's way so we can live the comfortable lives that we live... everyday. I would make provisions for The Poppy Fund in my ideal world.

The one thing I would most certainly do, because it's a subject close to my heart, is build a scholarship fund for single parents. When I was a struggling single Mom, the help available was limited by my government, local, provincial, and federal. There was nothing in place that could help me better myself or the lives of my children. There were systems of assistance that made sure we would stumble along in poverty and government dependence for a lifetime. There were very few options available to us and I can say very strongly, I didn't feel that being a drain on the system or stagnant in the welfare-mother pool a path I wanted to experience, or an example I wanted my children to emulate as they progressed into adulthood. I worked, often to exhaustion to keep our heads above water and show my kids that working hard may be tiring and sometimes difficult, but worth it in the end. I am proud to say they both have this as part of their general life values. They learned to take nothing for granted as well.

Okay, enough poetry of my last life... here's my plan...

With 'money to burn', I would establish a foundation that makes grants, micro loans, and assistance available for single parents. The criteria would be simple and to show commitment, the parent would have to meet a strict set of non-negotiable steps to qualify for the foundation, and during the whole period of time, regular meetings, check-ups, and references to ensure the criteria is being adhered to would be required as well. There would be very little or no actual money available but bills would be covered for each successful applicant over a period of time. Bills would be living, childcare, transportation, and tuition/textbooks etc. Micro loans would have to meet a similar criteria as well as a viable business plan.

The whole point of the grant is to give people the tools to be successful. To be successful, sometimes people just need that little push to change their world for the better. The criteria required weeds out the ones who may not be a good risk, because essentially there will always be a risk of some people not being emotionally strong enough to stick with anything. A big part of this would be giving a first year of application to the foundation all about counselling, developing coping skills,  inner strength, and problem solving. Even those that don't make it through that first year of assessment, may benefit and become stronger, better human beings.

For every 4 single parents that qualify after the first year of assessment, 4 more from a developing nation would also get a grant, micro loan, or some form of assistance to improve their lives or the lives of their whole village. It is essential to keep the program small and personal so no one is lost in the system, no one falls behind, and everyone, including the future employers or customers of the successful foundation members, can go forward and be successful. Even the tiniest success can make a huge difference in the lives of a single parent.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have success, no matter how small their success may seem to the rest of us, it may make a major difference in their lives, the lives of their children, and possibly generations to come. This is something I take from working with the non-profits and corporations that spend major amounts of their money on helping others. Who knows what I could have done with a little help when I was a struggling single Mom? With my career success based on massive personal effort, sacrifice, and serendipitous moments, I can claim very few people had stepped forward to give me an assist. Those that have, I continually Thank them and remember to convey my gratitude whenever another big success is accomplished. I will continue to do so for all my future success as well. The best way I can show my gratitude is to take what I have learned and give it back to others. Who knows what they can achieve with a small lift up?

I know there will be groans of protest and perfectly valid points of rebuttal to my Utopian dream, but truly, I don't care. It only takes one small effort to give someone the power to get on their right path, make a difference, and change the world for the better. Even if you're only changing one person's situation, at least that's one more person who can hold their head up everyday. One more person who may be able to teach their children to live a better life. For any of you friends reading this who are screaming liberalist, socialism, communist, blah, blah, blah... I'll make my $50,000,000.00 the good old fashioned capitalistic way... it only takes a few years of good photo ops to make it happen... or Lotto Max... Hahahahaha.

SO yeah... don't forget to check your Compass.
Cole

PS... still no word from National Geographic.... I can only imagine the amount of photographers sending in their stuff everyday hoping to be 'discovered' and dragged out of obscurity to be stabled by National Geographic. After 28 years of chalking their boots, I've learned the patience of sainthood. I'll be sure to let everyone know how that pans out as it goes. Thank you all for the emails, comments, letters, and words of encouragement. Thank you for standing beside me while I wait. I am so grateful.

Thank you ... and about that night....

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing readers who log on to read my posts. I am so grateful that everyone is interested in what I know, what I think, and what I am doing these days. I know most of you are people I know personally and are secretly hoping I won't write about you and tell all your secrets, (so you keep checking back to be sure I didn't write about that night years ago when I walked in on you and that anonymous super star). Just so everyone is sure about this, I NEVER tell names, and if it's something particularly incriminating, I will always change the name, the time of year, and the place. I have seen many things and would never want to be the cause of someone elses personal implosion. Most people have a way of managing that well enough on their own without any help from me.

This blog has reached 2000 regular readers and as of right now 2002 to date. Thank you all so much, so I'm going to try and thank my largest audience by country, please don't be offended if I miss anyone or don't get the translation quite right. I'm sure you'll all get the gist of what I am saying. Other than Canada and the US, my two biggest audiences, a lot of the data is compiled by continent based on readership. To those of you that don't see your country here, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Pentru a tuturor cititorilor mei din România, o inimă vă mulţumesc pentru toate e-mailurile. Sunt atât de recunoscător şi mulţumit vă puteţi bucura de poveştile mele. Când am terminat de scris cartea mea, voi face cel mai bine mi sa tradus şi publicat în limba română.

Мои русские друзья, я скучаю по вам всем спасибо и надеюсь посетить родину когда-то в будущем. Прошло столько лет, так как я был дома и с нетерпением ждем встречи с вами снова.

เพื่อนของฉันเองในประเทศไทย ... มากรักในหัวใจของฉันและขอบคุณสำหรับการติดตามเรื่องราวของฉัน หวังที่จะเห็นคุณทั้งหมดอีกครั้งในช่วงเร็ว ๆ นี้!

Mein Deutschen, meine Freunde und Familie ... wir sind alle so weit auseinander, aber nicht so weit, wenn wir in Kontakt bleiben. Danke für das Lesen meiner Arbeit. Cheers!

A todos mis lectores de habla hispana y amigos, que son como familia para mí y mi corazón siempre está pensando en usted, no importa dónde estoy. Gracias por siempre leer sobre mi trabajo y viajes. Mucho amor siempre a México, Perú, Brasil, Argentina, Venezuela y España. No me olvido de mis amigos en el Caribe de habla española tampoco.

The friends and readers in the United Kingdom, we are all one and keep the fires burning, I'll be there soon! Thank you for tuning in and keeping me in your lives after all this time.

Mana latviešu ģimene un draugi, debesis ir zilas šodien un nākotnē ir spilgti mums visiem. paldies par skatoties uz mani vienmēr. Es glabāt jūs visi manās domās!

Lietuva, mano tėvynė ...Į prerijose mėlynas dangus atrodo tiek daug, kaip ir Vilnius.Architektūra yra ne tiek istorinis, bet energijos yra šviežia ir nauja.Dėkojame, kad mano gyvenime.Esu dėkinga ir laiminga, kad jūs darote.

لقرائي كل عربي. أنا أعرف بعض من كنت في حالة من الاضطراب في هذه الأيام، ولكن الأمور تتحسن. آمل أن يكون هذا وأنت بأحسن حال وآمنة وقلوبكم البقاء كبيرة وجميلة. وافتقد كورنيش، والأسواق، خصوصا سوق الذهب. خياط بلدي من قبل السوق الحرير، والسيد ممتاز، في الدوحة، لا يزال لدي جميع الملابس التي تمنيتها لي ولكم أزرار اليد التي قدمت ولا تزال الكمال. وافتقد الشمس الحارقة، والأصدقاء البدو بلدي، وجميلة البحار الخليج. البتراء، وادي رم، والكثبان الرملية الملك في قطر، وفندق شيراتون الدوحة كل ليلة السبت مع فهد وشارع...............

Grazie così tanto i miei lettori belli d'Italia. Presto mi recherò in visita e si possono incontrare a Roma in piazza per un tè pomeridiano e giornali. Si prega di tenere la lettura e ti farò sapere quando sono sulla mia strada! Tanto amore e felicità a tutti voi.

Pour mes fans français, les amis, la famille, et les critiques, oui, et même les critiques ... Je t'aime tous et je vous remercie d'être intéressés assez pour garder réglage pour mes émissions écrites, oui, même les critiques. Je sais que vous devez aimer certaines d'entre elles parce que vous revenez toujours à le lire et partager avec des amis. Quel que soit votre raison de continuer à accorder, Je vous remercie et je vais continuer à écrire afin que vous puissiez en discuter amonst votre auto et être ainsi très français dans vos commentaires! Cheers!

Finally, to my American readers... you are all so awesome. The letters, emails, cards, and texts are a big part of why I keep writing and you push me to be more bold, more bright, more everything. The boundaries are stretched a little more each time and you'll see it when the book is finished. Thank you for the support and well wishes. Whomever keeps sending me the anonymous donations... you have no idea how great your timing is for the help and I thank you so much for your patronage. Of course you all know where and when I'll see you all, as often as we meet. Book Launch maybe by the end of 2012/early 2013. So excited!

Last but not least, Canada, my home, my love, my haven. Canadians are the best, no offense to anyone else. It's my Canadian pride, where I was born and raised that makes me so proud. You always come through, my friends, fans, and family. Even if the post is a little slower, not as funny as the last, or not as colorful, you still read it to the end and comment anyway. Blessings on all your sweet Canadian hearts for your kindness and friendship. I hope you all love me as much when the book is done. Show your love in sales please! A portion of all profit will be donated to an amazing cause to help women in underprivileged countries be independent, educated, and business owners. When you educate a mother, the future of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren is likely to be much brighter. They will educate, they will share their knowledge in their villages and raise the bar for everyone else as well. Micro loans to help them be prosperous and live better lives. These are all things we take for granted here at home. Lets share the wealth and raise everyone else up with us as we go!

Again if I missed anyone, I am so sorry. Don't hesitate to send me a note or a comment and I'll be sure to correct my omission in the future.

Thanks to all!
Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole xo

PS... There is still no word from National Geographic on my last submission.

The Dream...

Most of you know, it's always been my dream to be a part of National Geographic. Since I was a little kid, sitting on the floor in our living room in front of the TV. We only had 3 channels on the farm so it was a foregone conclusion that I would either grow up to be Cher, Jacques Cousteau, or a photographer for National Geographic. Just so you know, Cher was already all that and a bag of chips, Jacques Cousteau was already a legend, so National Geographic it is. I briefly toyed with idea of being Marie Osmond but was disappointed to learn I did not have that amazing smile or all those brothers.

When you're a kid growing up in a difficult environment, anything is better than where you are. When your life is limited in real time, your daydreams become your solace and a safe place to retreat when it gets really ugly. I did this often, play acting with my friends that we were variety show performers on the swing set in my neighbor's back yard, singing at the top of our lungs, putting on one heck of a show for the dogs and cats. We scared away the magpies from the garden so the parents didn't mind so much. We had underwater adventures complete with workshop goggles as our scuba masks. The endless ocean of grass and alfalfa fields were places where all kinds of creatures could be found to examine, tag, and set free to be caught again the next day, and the alfalfa was shoulder height so we could wade through and pretend we were swimming and diving in a clear green ocean.

It's funny how when you grow up this would be an action that would get you psychiatric care, but really, do we have to cease dreaming and playing? Why do we need to lose our innocence and get serious about work, family, and life? I know that I did. I had to get serious fast. I had 2 children to raise and I had to do it alone and make it work no matter how bad it got. While I was being serious, I was losing my ability to daydream, to plan, to enjoy, to laugh. I did make it through, and so did my kids. We were all a little battle weary, but like my favorite quote from Vince Lombardi, once the kids were on their own,

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."

This was how it was when they left to make their own way. They are good people, my kids. They try to do the right thing, even if it costs them. They can laugh, enjoy, and dream and live. I feel truly victorious in the regard. even if they struggle here and there a little, they both have a solid foundation and I know if anything happened down the road, their ability to navigate the storms is so ingrained, they'll both come out of whatever it is okay.

I feel this way about my own situation now. No matter what the situation. I am no shrinking violet. I will come out of it okay. Only now there is no urgency to survive, no stress, no, pressure. Just planning and dreaming for my own future.

I graduated business school a few years back, too many to mention. One of the exercises they ask you to do on the first day is set goals. We set goals in a short term and long term plan. Set the goal and then build your plan backwards as to what methods you'll use to achieve your goals. The instructor asked everyone in class to stand up and say out loud what their goals were. As we go through the rows of student, everyone had some pretty reasonable goals. When it gets to my turn, I stand up, a little shaky as we all know I had stage fright back then. I clear my throat and read from my goal sheets.
"I will own my own photography studio, I will make 'x' amount of dollars per year. I will travel extensively photographing as much of the world and the life in it for National Geographic."
The instructor stares at me blankly for a minute and then says out loud in front of the class " Don't you think that you should set a more realistic goal?  I mean, that is just not realistic."
The silence in the classroom was palpable. To his credit, one of the guys that sat in the back of the class said loud enough for everyone to make no mistake what he said, " Well I think it's a really cool goal and I hope you reach it." His comment was seconded by a few other murmuring students, but the majority were either too stunned by her bullying tone, or too weak to speak up, but the general consensus was that they all wished me well.

Now keep in mind, I had given up so much hope, lost my will to daydream, and had lived in survival mode for so long, my ability to read her negativity for what it was, was still on shaky ground. I had just recently found my voice and realized I could do anything I wanted, like I did when I was 5 years old and singing my heart out on the swing set. My kids were just coming into their adulthood, I was free to dream as I pleased, and she wanted to stuff me back in that little box with broken dreams. I was that battle scarred warrior, kneeling on the battlefield, victorious, and she dared to wrest my victory from my still bloody grasp.

Let me just be clear, less than 2 years later, I spent two days with His Holiness, the XIVth Dalai Lama, photographing his engagements here in Calgary. You want to bet, I sent an email to my Alma Matter to keep them posted on my progress fresh out of school. Realistic? Really?! Where would we be if the Wright brothers had been told not to dream? Steve Jobs? I say go ahead and dream! Go big or go home!

So I sent some of my work, along with a proper letter to National Geographic today. I've been sending them stuff for years, but had never been given permission to send it to the people who matter. With very heartfelt thanks to the people who believe in my skills and have been kind enough to recommend me, I sent it. It will take 6 to 10 days by regular mail to arrive at the head office. By the time it makes it's way through their mail room and delivered to the right person's inbox, it may be a day or two more. This same person probably gets 100 pieces of mail daily so when said person has a chance to open it, we'll see how far I've come.

If you all would care to wait with me, I'd appreciate your support and faith, prayers, facing east, meditation, blessings, well wishes, if anyone wants to invest in some fairy dust, that's acceptable as well.
So wait with me, and we'll reach for the stars together.

"Puerilis animi bona, quia est via ad astra." Virgil

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

facebook, twitter, blogs, and work

I've received close to 1900 emails, texts, and messages, and everyone wants to know what my new projects are that are taking me away from Facebook, Twitter, and the Blog. Let's be clear about my goals first of all.

It's not just one project, it's several. Some are based here, some I will be very far away for. To add to the mix, my Mom, we have been told, will not be much longer for this world. So I will spend my time shuttling back and forth from Calgary to Edmonton to see her while I can. The fact that I tend to keep my serious personal info, very personal, it is not common for me to share a current event that is ongoing. I usually wait until all has passed by to fully evaluate it before I write or disclose anything. Much easier to find the forgiveness and humor in a situation once it's done and the dust has settled. As I was saying, these current events leave little time for Facebook, Twitter, and the other frivolities of social interaction. Some have been quite offended at my offhanded shuffle of information but to be truthful, sometimes you have to pare your life down to the essentials. Not that I don't consider my friends essential. You are all very valuable to me. My face to face friends as well as my virtual friends. So let's be clear, I have a big heart, I care about everyone, but I must stay focused on those that need me most just now, as well as keep my work growing. If you don't hear from me, know that it is in good cause and don't take it personal.

Aside from the new work, my Mother's time passing by quickly, more now than ever, my son has put in his application to the Armed Forces. I have mixed feelings about this. I have many soldier friends. Mostly US Special Forces. I know what this life entails, I understand the risks involved, I understand the odds. I am proud that I raised two children who have stood up against all odds of being raised in a one parent family, and become successful adults. I am proud that they have stood up to bullies and discrimination. ( Yes, coming from a single parent family is a difficult situation for kids and they face social discrimination from teachers, other married parents, and a few factions I care not to mention ) I am proud that my son is willing to put his life on the line for his country. I know the position he wants to be in with the military as a career, and I can fully see him there and support his decision. He is a brilliant young man and has so much heart that I believe in his ability to manage the situations at hand. Having been all over the world before the age of 5 may have had a hand in giving him the ability to adapt and have strength in any situation.

With all this new stuff coming all at once, you'll all understand if I beg off of posting on Facebook and Twitter for a short 6 months. It really just seems so trivial all of a sudden up against the big picture. If you stick around, I'll post stuff here, on the blog when I have time from my hotel rooms, or when I'm jet lagged at home. I'll be grateful for your company if you leave a comment or two when I'm stuck in some third world area. You're welcome to share this on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn if you like. If you scroll down to the bottom there are faded little buttons that will help you post it directly.

To all my regular readers scattered all over the globe, my fellow writers, travel junkies, journalists, and photographers, I Thank you all so much for your continued presence and comments. I usually respond personally to everyone but that may not be possible to do in a timely fashion for a while, but I will try.
Thank you in advance for being interested enough to read my blog and take the time to send a comment or email. In however manner you do it, it's no small thing and it's appreciated.

So if you're interested to know what I'm up to, check back here. Can't say I will be posting on a regular basis. Just when I can and I hope you'll all still stay friends on Facebook etc. and maybe I'll see you in the fall.

Don't forget to check your Compass!

Cole

Nothing like a little sports critique to get the debate started....

As a photographer, I have had the privilege to photograph some of the greatest NHL hockey players and goalies of our time. My son played at the higher levels of minor hockey and was considered a talented goalie and has a hard fast shot that can rival some of our NHL boys today. It made it much easier for me to get the right shots, at the right time, when watching the big boys play through my lens.I loved watching my son play, even though at first I would have been happier had he chosen a less expensive sport. To be truthful, I didn't like hockey that much until he started playing. By the time he ended his playing days, I loved it. I loved the game, not so much the parents that criticised and said rude things to his face as he was walking out of the rink with his gear. Even when he was one of the best, the criticizing became worse. It wasn't enough that the team played their hearts out, as adults, you'd think there were lives at stake based on the chatter from the parents.

As a hockey fan, and photographer, I love seeing these men at their competitive best. The freshly washed ice behind the Zamboni, the cheering fans, the slap of the puck hitting the goalies gloves at record breaking speeds, the sounds of skates meeting ice as the shavings fly up and spray the air when they come to a sudden stop. What I have never understood, is fans of the home team slamming their players when things aren't going well in the season. Most who appreciate the game, probably played, or knew someone who played as a kid. Really... this is Canada... who didn't?

This brow beating of our own team completely amazes me. They lose their momentum just a 16th of a degree because of a reason, we, the ticket buying public may not be able to fathom, and we lose our cool at these players. Then the magic is diminished and we bully them even more. The press takes up the gauntlet and not only are the fans booing and making them pay for little mistakes, but they are being skewered to the stake and members of the club, from the high profile players to the equipment guys are being thrown to the wolves.

Can you imagine what it must feel like to have 20,000 people giving you the evil eye because you were late for work, forgot to sign your rent cheque, or missed a Dr check-up? That's a lot of hate and bad energy we heap on one person, or one team of 21 guys. Whether you agree or not, they hear what we say, they feel the losses and triumphs so much more than we do. We are the fans, but this is their life. They live and breathe hockey. The emotional commitment to this game for them is 1000 times more than any fan, parent, or friend. When they miss a key pass, or fail to backcheck at a serious defensive moment, you can bet, they are beating themselves up inside more than we ever could. We're just making it worse, pushing them to lose their momentum, we are failing to be the support they need to want to win. It takes a huge amount of commitment and compromise for these guys to get where they are. They and their families sacrifice every day of their lives so we can have but a few hours of enjoyment a few nights a week. For them, it's not just a few hours, it a way of life. These same guys, get up on their days off, to come out to our community events to lend a hand, make an appearance for our benefit instead of spending the day with their kids, wives, or parents. What do we do in return? We slam them, sometimes to their faces. Honestly, some of the things these guys have to put up with from us, even on a good day, and they have enough self control to not show their disappointment in us as fans.

Being a hockey parent, you learn it's not your place to give your kid the gears about his game after the fact. That's the coaches job. Do we honestly think the coach isn't throwing around a few garbage cans or hockey sticks in the dressing room? Really? Isn't that enough? Do you think that we need to say it too? That they need to be scolded like spoiled little boys in public?

I personally, love these guys and their families for spending what few years of their youth, or as long as their bodies can take the punishment, keeping sports alive in my city. I love them for sacrificing time with their loved ones so I can spend a few hours at a game with mine. Yes, I want them to win. I would love to see our Red Mile with wall to wall Red jersey's celebrating a Stanley Cup win here in Calgary. I also know that unless you are surrounded by people that believe in you, you will have to fight so much harder to be successful. Why would we make it harder for them to win? It's time for us to pick up the slack and support our Calgary Flames. I love these guys, win or lose, because they have given so much to the city that I love. SO, where is your winning spirit Calgary? Give these guys a reason to sacrifice their time for a win. Be the change Calgary.

PS... For anyone who dares to say " they make XXX amount per year so I expect ...." How much is time away from your family worth to you? The commitment to the training, the lack of a private life? , so save it.

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

Setting the bar....

When I was a young mother, I was living the Ex-Pat life in the Middle East with my kids. Now keep in mind this was shortly after the Kuwaiti Invasion and right before the Somali conflict ( watch Black Hawk Down, the horrible true story was all over the news for the world to see. RIP to the US Army Rangers and Pilots). I was, if you've been keeping up with my posts, in Qatar during the Royal Coup in 95.

It was during this time I met a senior correspondent for a major wire service. We became friends when he came to cover Princess Diana and Madonna in Qatar for the Qatari Open Tennis Tournament. Boris Becker was the draw that brought HRH, and the Pop Princess to the desert. Many people didn't know this, HRH Diana, Princess of Wales and HRH Charles, Prince of Wales had been gifted a palace in Qatar by Sheik Kalifa on a royal visit many years before. Her visit was shortly after the BBC interview had been taped. The palace was not far from Aladdin's Theme Park, on the other side of Doha from where I lived.

When my news hound friend and I met, he was considerably older than I, attractive, well dressed, and had (still has) a sense of humor that would rival any major comedian in existence today. His infectious naughtiness was something I had grown up around. My high school football buddies talked the same talk, walked with the same swagger, and drank beer like it was water just the same. We seemed to always end up at the same functions with our cameras and stuck in the same corners shooting. We had the same taste in shot angles and height. Made shooting a little complicated at times but it became a running joke between us and a few other in the business. I was still very young and considered a cub in comparison, and not officially anywhere in their field because I was never officially in the country for that purpose. I was still officially a 'stay at home Mom' (even though the place we were living in was no where near anything that resembled a home).

Through the years and miles of his amazing news career, and my gypsy existence with my kids, we lost touch, gained connections, lost them again, and with the lovely invention of Internet and news people in common, we have been in close contact for a few years now. He is still one my greatest mentors in photography and his advice still rings true with the digital as well as the original film I burned through back then.

Through all my years of eeking out a living and just barely making the cut, I never asked him for a favor, hand out, hand up, or names of anyone I could contact to help push my career forward. I was a single parent and my passion was not a money making venture so I did other work to be sure my kids had a warm place to sleep and food to eat. I never asked because I valued the friendship so much, I never wanted him to feel I was his friend for his connections. I never asked because I knew the bitter reality when you open yourself up to someone for friendship and you find out later it was only about who you knew, who you were related to, or how much money you had. I loved hearing about where his assignments were taking him, where he'd been, who he'd met that made an impression on him. I value his humor and forthright opinions and never wanted to lose that. So I never asked.

I recently did an interview with someone so important to the civil rights movement in the 60's, just by chance really, I was so excited I had to share my coup with my much revered mentor. I knew he would understand the feeling of accomplishment. Once I had finally blurted out the chance meeting and resulting 3 hour interview with pictures, he asked to see what I had done. With trepidation, I attached all the images and 5000 word article to the email even though I knew it was some of my greatest work ever. Sitting in front of the glowing screen with my hands poised over the keys, waiting for his response seemed like a lifetime. A few minutes later, my screen popped to life. His words were keyed in capitol letters, screaming off the screen in my face.

"(his real words were much more colorful than this but I'm going to go with OMGOSH!!!!), I had no idea you had this in you, why are you still doing that mindless fluffy quasi-journalistic (poop)?!!! My god kid, if I had know you could do this, I'd had you set up years ago!!!!!" Among his many other epithets were congratulations, well done, brilliant, and then the somber tone was evident in the last sentence. "Why did you never send me this kind of thing before. I could have put you in touch with the right people. I could have gotten you a proper agency, connections, and you'd have been working everywhere?.!"

My response was simple. Other than not wanting to impose on our friendship, I didn't know if what I wrote or my images were any good. I had sent him images before, but usually the ones I had trouble with the exposure, or composition, so he really never did see any of my finished work. What he saw were images of me perfecting my craft and he taught me to be patient and hone my skills with thoughtful small adjustments. He thought I was just this sweet, clever, beautiful barbie in designer clothes with a tomboy attitude. I'd never said out right, "I want this photojournalism life beyond anything else." I never said once my kids were grown that I would be willing to abandon everything cozy, comfortable, and safe, for life of airplanes, deadlines, and living out of a suitcase. It's what I always wanted, but had responsibilities that I couldn't turn away from. With the words and images I sent, I laid bare my soul to this dear friend who never knew I wanted anything other than to photograph pretty parties and socialites playing dress-up. After much discussion and review of other work he'd never seen, he has promised to put me in touch with 'the right people'. There are no guarantees, he claims, but he clearly states that my work is exceptional and needs to be seen.

So my lesson is, ASK. Define my goals. Speak them clearly. You never know what can come of it.

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole
PS Can I just take a moment to say, to the US Army Rangers of the 82nd I met while overseas, you know who you are... My eternal gratefulness for all the laughs, tears, support and friendship over the years.
Quis est homo qui non meliorem facere mundum ... venit invenire me ... Ego sum ​​hic.

I have a secret ...

I was recently in Hollywood with some dear friends, where I discovered a part of my past I had forgotten. Well, let me correct myself, a part of my past I had buried. I buried it so deep as to never be heard from again. It all came whooshing back to show it's face in a matter of seconds with the mere mention of a name.

Let's start at the beginning then so we're all an the same page. When I was a little girl, I always knew there was something bigger than the little tiny eye blink of a town that I grew up in. My grandparents were successful enough, my Hippie parents were, well, hippies. I experienced both sides of the financial spectrum but all at once. Talk about confusion... but I knew which one I identified with the most. I also knew which one taught me to survive when it was crucial. The finer points of this story will be in the book anyway... so let's move on.

As a child, I had a certain gift that no one recognized or chose to recognize until I was in elementary school. I did not have the opportunity to take the necessary steps to gain an education in this pursuit. My Hippie parents would never allow the expense, or quite possibly the risk of failure. We were all supposed to grow up, be secretaries, until we met a decent enough railroad worker and got married and popped out a succession of offspring who could work the little farm, raise homegrown crops of vegetables and a sheep or two. Wow... I sure must have been a shock when I showed the early signs of being an artist. My wax crayon drawings of tigers, underwater scenes, and horses were not encouraged once I started making murals 2 feet up the walls of our little cottage. Did I mention I could sing? Probably much better back then than now. I had the freedom to roam around our secluded little farm and sing my heart out to the trees, the sheep, especially the dog. He was a great audience and only needed a few dog treats to keep him sitting for the whole show. I sang in church every Sunday when my Mom would take me. My sister's or my Dad weren't much for the church thing, but I went because I could sing and no one told me to shut up, put a lid on it, or made me feel bad because I could sound like Barbara Streisand at the age of 5 and they did not.

When I reached elementary school, I sang everyday. Music and art were my favorite classes, Language Arts a close second because I loved to write. They were my escape from an often unpleasant life at the little hippie cottage and my teachers encouraged and prodded me to sing louder, use more color, and write whatever came in to my head. They cared enough to decide I needed to be a soloist in the Kiwanis Music Festival in grade 1. They made time in each school day because they knew I would never get the time or the help to rehearse at home. They brought in a substitute teacher to manage the grade 4 class so the grade 4 teacher could come and play piano for me a few times a day. We rehearsed while everyone else was outside at recess. I didn't mind, I loved to sing. Looking back now, I was really amazing for a little kid. Back then for me, it was just fun, and I could escape the bullies on the playground. In the school gym, with my teachers, I was safe, loved, and encouraged to greatness. The outcome and details of the festival, I'll leave for the book, but it made a lasting impression on me. So much so that it followed me into adulthood until recently. Also in the book.

I worked a few jobs to pay for professional vocal coaches through my teenage years. My family did not support the arts, nor did they support need to create and express. It came out in other ways, of which they also could not tolerate. I had the coolest vocal coach at 14 years old. She was loving and supportive, much like my elementary teachers. She had a radio program on every Christmas where her students were able to showcase and perform once per year on live radio. She was adorable. After a few lessons, I had trouble getting a ride to her place on a regular basis. The bus was just too far out of reach for me at that time so she suggested I go to Giovanni's Music on Whyte Avenue and order a certain book. She also said after a few lessons, I had perfect pitch. She intentionally made mistakes on the piano to see if she could catch me but each and every time, my notes were true and clear, so this book, she said, would assist me when I couldn't be there for lessons. She admonished a family member, who drove me there once, that I had a gift and if they did not support my gift, they should be ashamed.
The book came with a vocal track, diagrams, and amazing coaching. I studied that book from cover to cover, did the vocal exercises daily, and religiously, much to my family's chagrin. One of my sister's once shut off the electricity in the house so I couldn't rehearse. It was strange to have this support from complete strangers but never from my own family. This book was a lifesaver for me, a great source of comfort in my artistic struggles and the man who wrote it has been on my Top Ten List of 'must photograph subjects' since I first picked up a camera. Incidentally, the camera became a close rival of music about the same time.

Let's skip forward to my recent trip to Los Angeles, CA. I went with my friends to a meeting at the Paramount lot and we passed a man on my way out that looked a little familiar. It didn't dawn on me who it was until we were in the offices for our meeting. The young man we met with is a great filmmaker and one I believe will be an Oscar winner in the near future. His recent entry into THE Sundance Film Festival was a winner and was also up for 3 Independent Spirit Awards a few days ago.
As were were all discussing our mutual acquaintances and his recent trip to Calgary for the launch of the Teenaged Paparazzo film, he mentioned that a very dear and longtime friend of his just left the office. Seth Riggs. Yes, non other than my long distance vocal coach. Vocal coach to Julie Andrews, Ann Margaret, Stevie Wonder, Micheal Jackson, the late Whitney Houston, and many, many other gifted artists. I was actually the only other person in the room who knew who he is. He is not an 'in-the-spotlight-guy' unless you train vocally so I did not feel that was unusual. My filmmaker friend said, we had to set up a meeting. I had to meet him. I was almost overwhelmed and had to sit quiet for a minute.
The day for our meeting with Seth Riggs was packed into an already full schedule. I was getting a little antsy, even though the people we were meeting with already were no small potato's either, but people I had met with on our previous trip, and will likely meet again for many years.
Finally came time to go to his house. We arrive, he is gracious and genial, welcomes us in. Normally better manners would prevail but I was so nervous, I had to sit down immediately. Now considering I spent two days in the presence of His Holiness, The XIVth Dalai Lama and really wasn't nervous at all then, this nerves thing was a bit of a shock. The meeting was short as we were delayed arriving, but my filmmaker friend made sure I was able to get my pictures as well as a picture of me with Mr Riggs. He is the magic behind the talent of many of the worlds best and brightest and another moment in time that will be replayed in my memory for many years to come.
SO yes, my secret. I can sing. Although the promise I made when I had my children was to let go of music and be a good mother, did not make it easy to cultivate my gift. I again, had to have my creative outlet and I chose my camera and a life overseas with my children. My vocal chords are now rusted and scarred from lack of use, the notes don't pour out as smoothly or sweetly as they once did. I still hear the notes in my head as perfect pitch but the lack of exercise doesn't always make them come out as they should. I am assured that with practise and the right coaching, I could have them back at will.
I dug out that old book the other day. When my daughter, at 3 years of age displayed the ability to sing a song, note for note, word for word, I replaced the old cassette from the back of the book with a CD. The book is dog eared and tired looking but the information and exercises in it are still as true as they were back then. Both my children are blessed with musical ability, but chose an easier road to make a living.

I was in the laundry room in my building the other day. The acoustics are almost decent enough to practice in. With the washer and dryer going simultaneously, I was sure no one could hear me... so I sang. I sang the kids favorite Disney songs because those were the ones I could remember notes and words clearly. When I finished my repertoire, I heard the mumbling and clapping from the doorway of the basement laundry. My warbling did not go un-noticed or un-heard. After a few minutes of embarrassed laughter from me, the compliments were forthcoming. I collected my clothes and sheets and returned to my floor, shut the door of my flat behind me and leaned against the door with a sigh and a smile. After a few weeks of travelling and laundry to catch up on, I'm sure I'll have a return engagement there the next 5 nights. Thank you and Goodnight Calgary!!!!!

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

Doing what I love everyday!

I'm in a place where the music from 100 years ago is still relevant today. Where not much has changed in the last 50 years. Where the differences of culture, class, or color don't matter. I'm talking about the Blues folks. Not the blues of depression or chemical science, but the Blues of the heart and soul.

I have stood where Elvis walked, and sang, where Jerry Lee Lewis pounded out 'Great Balls of Fire' on Sam Phillips piano, and Johnny Cash's deep timbre of vocals layed down 'I walk the line'. Yes, Memphis Tennessee.

There is a competition here once a year where some self proclaimed Blues Aficianados, 100 +/- of some of the most talented singer/songwriters/musicians I've ever seen,  and a few dedicated fans come to pay homage to the dark soul of the music.The competion is fierce. The bands I have seen are something to behold. If we could get half of these players up in Alberta, we'd have a heck of a compliment to our own thriving blues scene. I might add that as Canadians, we can proudly cheer on our own knowing that of the 17 +/- Canadian acts that made the journey, 6 have made it to the finals. I am so proud of our people, we have represented well. I'll let you know how it turns out.
They come from as far away as Australia, The Mojo Webb Band, and Pristine from Norway. France and Italy sent their best. I'd defininately come back to experience this again. As much for the comeraderie of the musicians as the quality of musicianship available. We all roam from club to club, marvelling in each other's talent and individual gifts. Supporting the connections and making new friends. I personally have a case full of business cards for the new aquaintances I've met. Perhaps made inroads to a job or two in the future.

The greatest connection I made has nothing to do with the music industry at all. I met someone here who was one of the people who made a difference to the world in the 60's with the civil rights movement. Our meeting was serendipitous really and will make an excellent column all in it's own, aside from the actual interview about his work and incredible career in changing history. I think the story will be a winner. Meeting him was truely a gift I am incredibly grateful for.

Stay tuned for the winners of the IBC in Memphis, TN and some really great stories of my adventures in the south!

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

The Directions of 2012

Another peaceful afternoon in my neighborhood coffee shop, just waiting to meet with a client I had done pictures for before. While I sit waiting, I'm making my schedule for the new year's projects.
Finish the cosmetic renos on my condo on the river, organize and archive my last years accounting, digital files, and paperwork. My least favorite part of the business end.

I have a few different projects in the works for my photography that will all be revealed in due time, and making the business plan is pretty fun for me. Much more engaging than filing the last year's paper work. My new assistant Andrea and I having phone meetings making room for her in the bigger picture. By the way, Andrea works when she wants and is strictly administration so no, my dear photographer friends, you may not borrow her. She's busy with her family and in school so she really doesn't have any extra time. Any extra time she has, she very kindly donates to me. Lol! (for a price). PS thanks for the great boots AD and I must say, I think I got the better end of that deal.

As I've mentioned before, my last year, and some of the tough lessons are in the past, but I haven't missed the value in the lessons. Once the paperwork is all signed and the work Visa's are in place, I can announce my major projects for 2012. If I start discussing it before the paperwork is done, it usually ends up in file 13... Lol! I can say, I am slowing down on the non-profit stuff more than I expected in 2012. I have my one favorite client that is a mix of profit and non-profit, so my work with them will continue as usual and the projects I committed to before the financial meltdown of 2010/2011. I am focused on rebuilding my financial empire to what it was in the past life, and once that's in place, I will have more time to help out with all the non-profits that need a hand.

The funniest thing hit me while I was travelling somewhere last year. The flight attendants go through thier safety briefing everytime with the same schpiel, and we all pretend to listen but really, we're all making our own mental check list of our luggage, our trip, etc etc. They know no one is listening but they do it anyway because it's the law and their insurance underwriters insist on it. The WestJet staff on the flight down did not do the safety briefing as usual. They added a little bit of a punch to it and made it interesting. As I looked around, I noticed everyone on the plane was really listening and interested. The witty remarks the flight attendants added were serious in nature but sharp and funny in delivery that they immediately had everyone's attention. With all the miles I've logged on airtravel over the years, I have to say, other than the very first time I flew ( more years ago than I can actually remember ) I listened. Want to know what major revelation I had from that briefest of briefings? .... "put the mask on yourself before you place the mask on your (child, wife, husband, partner, companion)". How simple is that?  Make sure you are in a position to help before you step up.

With that basic bit of safety information, I'm planning my next 4 years of business on that same thread. I can continue to help those that I've already committed to because those groups appreciate and value what I can do for them, and really, it costs me nothing but my time.

The direction for me this year especially... Just because I love everyone and want to help everyone, doesn't mean I can, and I better put my mask on before I try and help everyone else, because they will survive just fine if I take care of them first, but I likely will not. Lesson learned.

PS... Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

This was a New Years to remember...

There I was with no plans for New Years ... no personal plans anyway. I had a few job offers but the lack of a proper budget prevented me from accepting the work. It wouldn't have even covered my cab fare there and back with all my gear. Frankly I was insulted at the offers available, so I had an invitation to spend it in a beautiful location with just the girls and a few adorable little people... (and when I say little people, I mean children) .

We left on the Friday afternoon and arrived a short while later. The 'cabin' was magnificent. A place I felt so at home in, like I had been there before but truly had never set eyes on previously. In fact I had drawn a picture of something meant to look exactly so when I was a teenager. The stunning views were ones I had had dreams about over the years since I was a girl. Each corner I turned brought a wave of deja vu, but I know I had never set foot there before.

As our midnight approached, we were all relaxed and really had no plan for the evening. Just us girls and the kids. There were no pretty fluffy dresses, masques, or tuxedos. Just most of us in PJ's and wrapped in warm blankets around a roaring fire, laughing with the kids, playing board games, dinner, and a movie. We were so engrossed in the movie, or perhaps half asleep in our cozy stupor, we didn't mark midnight until the neighbors on the iced over lake shot off fireworks. Startling as it was, it sounded like someone was banging on the windows at first. Then we saw the glittery explosions shoot past the windows like rockets in the night.
We toasted New Years and the texts and emails from loved ones far away arrived to all our phones like a tropical rainstorm, hitting us with all the drops at once.

The past year was a mixed bag of blessings, licking the wounds of my lost dream studio space. Rebuilding from the financial losses, which I am reminded of each time I pay a bill, or see the newly made money disappear like Houdini. The ending of weak and one sided relationships, the strengthening of bonds with clients that become trusted friends, and the blessed appearance of new friends that feel like centuries old connections.

With the passing of the old year comes a bright new future. The endless possibilities of this bright shiny 2012 are yet to be realized. I make my new business plan, budget, and forge ahead. Undeterred by the past mistakes I made, acknowledging them, and swearing to not repeat those same mistakes again. My 2012 looks pretty bright, still I have hope and optimism beating in my heart for success, love, and peace. Regardless of the lack of material wealth, I am blessed with a true circle of friends, regular photography clients I have big Buddha love for, and happiness in abundance. My hope for the future is for financial independence ( perhaps I should have picked a different profession.... Lol!), the ability to travel and use my skills to shed light on the issues of the oppressed, endangered, and cultural differences of the other lands we share the globe with, but don't yet understand. I'd like to experience the countries I've already seen, but this time with the eyes of my grown up self, with more money, more time to learn, and less rushing. I'd like to be a Duchess, a baker, a candlestick maker... Lol! Sorry, too much tea today...

I will live with more compassion, empathy, and understanding. I will forgive those that can't forgive themselves, but most of all, I will squeeze every last drop out of life cause that's what it's for. Here's to 2012, may it be a wealthy year full of good things for us all!

Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole