Back in mrwaterslide's teaching days(before the notion, much less the reality, of mrwaterslide had even been thought of), he used to read a little essay to his students called something like "A Love Transcending Sadness." The essay was written by Willie Morris, the Mississippi writer, and appeared in a most unlikely venue: Parade Magazine, yes, that Parade, the newspaper's Sunday supplement.
In the essay, Mr. Morris talked about his feelings about graveyards, described cemeteries he'd visited, inscriptions he'd enjoyed (Here lies Johnny Kongapod/Have mercy on him, gracious God/as he would on you if he was God/And You were Johnny Kongapod). At the end of the essay, Mr. Morris provides this quote:
"All that we can know about those we have loved and lost," Thornton Wilder wrote, "is that they would wish us to remember them with a more intensified realization of their reality. What is essential does not die but clarifies. The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude."
At some point, this proto-mrwaterslide fellow began collecting photographs, and here, in this photostream, you can see the fruits of his labors. The 1000 (and counting) photos posted here are but a fraction of the 30.000 (give-or-take) photos in the larger collection, which grows almost daily.
In posting these photos, I, John, (mrwaterslide's alter ego) do not seek to mock, denigrate, or defame any of these individuals. Some of the photos may arrive with a bit of attendant tarnish or satirical content, but as many of you have pointed out, there is majesty in most any life, if one looks for it.
As to himself, mrwaterslide has a bunch of cds (played often) and a bunch of records (mouldering), several thousand plastic armymen, stored away in boxes, a cat, Ike, who whines a lot and sheds a lot, and a Dream, which does not even qualify, at this point, as a Preview of Coming Attractions.
As a Postscript, please note that mrwaterslide's DREAM is becoming a REALITY.

Photos of mrwaterslide (59)

  • "Oh gentle maidens fair to see / Accept this little gift from me" (1914) by pellethepoet
  • Himself and Thomas, eye to eye , almost. by bootpainter
  • Snapshot: mrwaterslide And Friend by mrwaterslide
  • fifi and the fluke by bootpainter
  • Happy Birthday mrwaterslide by Mrs Inman - Away for awhile...moving.
  • Inside the cat by bootpainter
  • The more you chaste by bootpainter
  • Cool beans by bootpainter
  • Painting one by ART NAHPRO
  • A Phil May Picture Book (c.1903) by pellethepoet
  • gravestone pavement by bootpainter
  • Photo by mrwaterslide..Happy Hallowe'en! by bootpainter
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mrwaterslide's favorite photos from other Flickr members (7,644)

  • Across a Crowd by Thomas Hawk
  • Induhvidual by Dean Ayres
  • murkel by saikiishiki
  • by Crafty Dogma
  • Young boys on stilts. South ethiopia. by courregesg
  • Meditating Buddha by JapanDave
  • Felix by Charlie Kinyon
  • burgdorf 096 KS by apfelauge
  • Pastel Drawing of Whippet by Antique Dog Photos
  • Great Grey Owl. by anthonynixon17
  • Nixon on board by ~BostonBill~
  • hairy armpits by hairy-lover
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Contacts (394)

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Testimonials (7)

  • view profile

    bootpainter says:

    "mrwaterslide is a one-man plague of locusts..."

    21st June, 2011

  • view profile

    littleoutrageous says:

    "Mr Waterslide is the best kind of collector - one with taste."

    26th December, 2010

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    lauralemur (life is upsidedown right now) says:

    "Mrwaterslide's photostream should be considered an essential Flickr staple. There are just simply no amount of superlatives that can express in words the level of visual and cognitive interest inspired by his vast collection, meticulous documentation, and witty, compelling, self-revealing commentary. Mrwaterslide is a true original - he sets the standard for other collectors to follow here on Flickr. I am continually inspired by the degree of his passion for vernacular photography, impressed by his discerning eye for the unexpected and the artistic, and intrigued by his unparalleled talent for describing these images in a way that adds further depth, dimension, and insight into this already stunning visual world that he has created."

    28th February, 2009

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    Antique Dog Photos says:

    "My wonderful "bro." I hope you will seriously peruse and enjoy his comments as much as his pictures. Thanks for sharing."

    12th August, 2007

  • view profile

    xaiya says:

    "your collection is outstanding! thanx for taking the time to post the pictures on the web. i've enjoyed it immensely ;)
    can't wait to see more!"

    7th February, 2006

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    nyctreeman says:

    ""The quality in mrwaterslide's selection and presentation is an obvious reflection of his talent".

    Someone who cares about these images the way he does is a rarity and a treasure.

    I look forward to viewing his photostream and reading his comments every day."

    1st February, 2006

  • view profile

    Kate O'Brien Creative says:

    "Beautiful Photostream. Nothing I love more than seeing faces from the past, especially when they are so meticulously documented."

    18th January, 2006

Name:
John Van Noate
Joined:
October 2005
Hometown:
Cambridge, Ohio
Currently:
Concord, North Carolina, United States
I am:
Male and Single
Occupation:
Environmental Activist