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I haven't seen these kids in a long long time. As it is with many things in life, it's complicated. Regardless of the complexities I'm ashamed that too much time has passed since I last held these two in my lanky and awkward arms. Among the many things about children that I love and admire is that they forgive quickly and love without measure. As soon as I saw them, it didn't take them more than a few seconds to run once again into my awkward and failing arms to hold onto me as tights as their small bony bodies would allow them and said into my ears, "hi, I love you." It took every ounce in me to not just sob right there and then (later on when I had to say goodbye and they wouldn't let go, I allowed myself to let it flow). I guess it's another failing of being an adult---we hold onto our emotions as if they are dangerous or shameful. Kids don't. I love that about them. And just like that, the past was forgotten and it was all giggles and play. Life is complicated and moments like this are rare. Things don't always get fixed with a hug and a whisper, but sometimes I sure wish they did.

Sitting and chatting it up with my buddy Charles and his brand new baby girl Mary Sue. His initial announcement and the lead up to Mary Sue's birth was a bit frantic and anxiety filled (as expected), but since then Chuck seems to have settled in very nicely as a father. It was clear the deep love he has for his girl and from the looks of it appeared to be very comfortable as a new father. Congrats Sherry and Charles! Mary Sue is perfect and she is lucky to have you two raising her in this world.

Sitting and chatting it up with my buddy Charles and his brand new baby girl Mary Sue. His initial announcement and the lead up to Mary Sue's birth was a bit frantic and anxiety filled (as expected), but since then Chuck seems to have settled in very nicely as a father. It was clear the deep love he has for his girl and from the looks of it appeared to be very comfortable as a new father. Congrats Sherry and Charles! Mary Sue is perfect and she is lucky to have you two raising her in this world.

My bookface friends seemed to like this so I thought I would share it with the rest of you. I didn’t mean for this to be a nice portrait (I was just doing my normal equipment functionality and consistency tests before assignments) so the background is blah and yucky (the official photographic terms btw). However, I thought it actual turned out pretty okay. I very much like it when unintended beauty surprises me.

My way of saying happy birthday to my brother-in-law Rich the best way I know how—through the lens of my camera. Behind the jokester persona, Rich is an exceedingly gentle, kind, generous and thoughtful human being. Once I got to know him I could easily see why my sister fell in love. A talented cook, an expressive singer, a playful husband, a giving and dedicated son and a grateful father. Just a few things that I have noticed about him over the years. I’m most grateful though that he is not only my family, but also my friend. Happy 35th birthday dude.

One funny story about Rich: Shortly after moving down to the Philadelphia area, my sister and Rich invited Heather and me to their house to watch football and enjoy a cookout. The Eagles were playing. Rich has been a season ticket holder since he use to attend the games with his father back in the day so this dude is a fan through and through. I enjoy my sports, but for me watching sports isn’t very fun (with the exception of soccer) unless I am watching it with someone who truly gets into it.

On this particular day the game was as games should be—close and exciting—and towards the end of the game the momentum swung back and forth several times. Yet I found myself not paying much attention to the game because of what was taking place in the room. With seconds left on the game the Eagles made a play that, had they converted on it, would have won the day for them. At the apex of that moment, I watched with great pleasure this grown man jump to the middle of the room with both arms in the air (one fist clenched in anticipation and the other clenched in hope) and with his yell attempte to will the play towards his team’s advantage.

As all stories like this must follow from time to time, the play was a failure (at least for the Eagles) and as the outcome became clear I watched Rich fall to his knees followed shortly by the rest of his body—plopping forward face first in defeat. I was thinking to myself, who cares about the outcome of that game when I could witness such enthusiasm in person. The best part is that even though Rich is a fan, he understands that a game is simply that—a game—and as such easily moved on afterwards. Just one more thing I respect him for.