Inviting the reader (or viewer) to deconstruct and then reassemble the initial story is a great idea and it looks to be executed brilliantly in based on a true story.

It reminds me, in some ways, of Sagmeister’s Things I have learned in my life so far. I’m sure these are going to move quickly — if you want one. I’d jump on it.

The following summer we went back to visit. Relieved, I could report “Yes, most people wore shoes.” And, “No, we did not have dirt floors.” After that, me, my parents and my brother returned. At that point, and since, North Carolina was home. I finished high school, then college, fell in love, got married and finally, eight years ago, started my business. All of that. Right here.

North Carolina grew up in its own way — a shiny example of how a southern state can be progressive.

I love North Carolina. And I refuse to be embarrassed by the result of tonight’s election. Why? Because it’s our fault. Mine. Yours. All of us like-minded individuals who see the amendment for what it is — a tacit, constitutional endorsement of bigotry. A means of punishing anyone who doesn’t fit some imagined status quo. It’s our fault this passed.

Not just because we may not have voted in this election. But that’s probably some of it since, as of this writing, Amendment 1 was passed by about 34% of registered voters. Even if you did vote, maybe you didn’t motivate that friend or family member to get out there. Maybe you spent too much time surrounded by all these people who have the same cozy view you do. Because it’s safe. And lazy. And I should have written on this a month ago.

It’s hard work to articulate why Amendment 1 was so wrong — wrong in every way — to someone who thinks otherwise. It’s uncomfortable. It’s challenging. It’s called democracy. And it only works if you do.

But this stage wasn’t set today. It was that other, off-year, election you couldn’t get out to. That’s the one — the one right before redistricting in the General Assembly. Or maybe the one before that. The one that just didn’t seem that important.

Remember this two, six or ten years from now.

Our Work Starts Today

Let’s fix it. This was the primary. There’s another election in a few months. I can be more specific: Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Let’s make sure it counts.

There should be fallout for spending millions of dollars to put this on the ballot and for losing millions more when progressive companies second guess moving here. There should be repercussions for embedding fear in our state’s constitution and taking us back to the dark ages. There should be consequences for supporting this. For encouraging it. For claiming that it represents what each and every single one of us believes in.

Let’s make sure the supporters of Amendment One aren’t re-elected. They should no longer have the privilege of representing me, you, or anyone else who wants to live in a forward looking state.

Repeal Amendment One

The only way we’ll repeal it is if we make sure we put the right people in office. We need to get to work, starting now. Call or email your state senators and representatives. Ask them tough questions. Ask about their votes. Ask about where they stand on repealing this amendment. And then remember their answers.

People can register to vote 25 days before an election. Get people who care about this to get registered. Then vote. Get your friends to vote. Get your family to vote.

You have a voice. Use it.

Keeping it brief. More later this month.

Anyhow, it’s the usual drill. Grab a copy below and enjoy.

The plan is to use stuff from this shoot for a bigger project later this year. I guess that’s all I’ll say about that.

Enjoy.

If you really like it, grab a print here. Put it up in your garage.

Since the days are getting longer this shot felt like the right call for March. I took this in either the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone. At that time of the morning, it’s hard to recall.

It’s actually a portrait oriented shot. . . and it looks better that way to be honest. Which got me to thinking — why not see there’s interest in actually getting prints. So I’ve started uploading a few of these. All of 2012 is up (that was the easy part). Anyhow, we’ll give this a shot and see if there’s interest. You can purchase prints from my Fotki account here. I can also start uploading others — if you have a favorite from the last couple of years hunt it down and post a comment. I’ll try and get it uploaded in the next batch.

I’ve been with Fotki for a long time — I’ve never been in love with the interface they have for ordering prints. If there’s interest, I might revamp it or move to a different service. I will say that the print quality from these guys has been top notch. It’s what’s kept me there for years.

Well, whatever works for you. The truth is this is from a cemetery in northern Lebanon. Not too far from Tripoli.

But if you want to call it a Cupid, I won’t tell anyone.

Ended up with a shot from Harissa, Lebanon. It’s just outside Beirut and there’s pretty amazing statue of  the Virgin Mary. This image uses the tiniest part of that statue, but i like the wide open possibilities of what a fresh year may bring.

You know the drill—image link is below. Enjoy and Happy New Year.

So to close out 2011, here’s to a nice snowy winter. . .

Thousands of people have written about him and his passing. What it means. What his legacy is. Many of those authors, like myself, had never met the man. And while some of those words were touching and brilliant. I don’t think any of them really sum things up better than the man himself.

Jobs was a commencement speaker at Stanford and his speech there really seemed to sum up how he viewed his life—and death. It’s frank. It’s sincere. And very inspiring.

I feel like an earlier version of this philosophy was behind the 1997 Think Different campaign Apple launched. And this version that was released a couple of years ago featuring Jobs doing the voiceover compounds that. The broadcast version was narrated by Richard Dreyfus.

For me? I think it’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be self-employed today if it weren’t for Apple. Everything around here runs on Apple hardware and operating systems. Apple builds the tools that let me do the work I want to do.

So thanks Steve. For everything.