castermer's photostream

The kindle has brought back my passion for reading. I read a lot. I always have a book with me. At least I used to. With my kindle, I have a library at my fingertips. I was so impressed with the ease of use and the convenience of my little e-reader that I went and purchased three of them as gifts. I also talked it up enough that my sister went and purchased one for herself. It's an amazing little device that has made itself at home in my world. And I couldn't be happier with it.

If you aren't familiar with "A Game of Thrones" then I suggest you get familiar. It is full of drama, fighting, sex, great character development, all enveloped in the fictional world of Westeros. And the best part is, there is an HBO series based on the novel that actually follows the story line. I watched it immediately after I was done with the book. All I can say was that I loved it! I'll wait a while before reading the second book in the series though. It's definitely not light reading, coming in at approximately 800 pages in paperback version, but it is worth the time invested devouring the fantastical world of Westeros and all of its inhabitants.

Strobist info:

580ex @1/4 - gold gel - snooted - above subject

I'm still behind on posting my photos. I catch up, just to let it slip out of my grasp again. I'm really starting to question why I would even do this damn 365 project again. Didn't I learn from the first time?

It's a commitment and requires more time and attention than I'm willing to give some days. I'm just in a bit of a slump. I get bored and lazy fairly easy. You would think that would motivate me to get up and out and capture some moments. The truth is, I just don't feel it most days. What happened to that spark?

I stick with it because I said I would. I try my best to stay true to my word but it is no simple task. Trust me; try this project sometime and give me your thoughts on it.

What's funny is, I really do love photography. I actually enjoy the challenge too. It's just brutal some days. One thing I've recognized is that regardless of how much I don't feel like picking up my camera on certain days, I'm always glad I did. :)

Now, a little about the photo. These are my boyz. They got my back anytime, anywhere, for any reason. Yeah, they may not look like much, but loyalties run deep and looks are most definitely deceiving. I would give my life for these guys. I'd kill for these guys. There is absolutely nothing I wouldn't do for them. And they have proven time and again that they would do the same for me.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/4 - 33" shoot thru umbrella - 10 ft from subject - camera right

Only the best beans from the mountains of Guatemala pass the sniff test of the almighty cocoa rhino.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/16 - thru DIY light tent - camera right

430ex II @1/64 - snooted - camera right for a little fill

So I got up this morning and was running late for work. I stepped outside and noticed how gorgeous the sky was. That made up my mind; I was definitely going to be late for work. :)

Strobist info:

430ex II @1/2 +0.3 - bare

I'm a hustla baby!

I was in deep. Poker took over my life for a while. I didn't lose my house, my car, or my wife, but I lost countless hours to this phenomenon. Every moment that I wasn't working, I was playing. The online world became my realm. With accounts on Full Tilt, PokerStars, and Bodog; I had access to every fish and shark out there.

It didn't take long to learn that the waters were infested with tons of sharks and we were all battling it out for the few fish that foolishly swam in our world. It was great for awhile. But it takes more than just knowing how to play the game to become a great player. I was good. I was really good. I lacked one vital control...tilt. I could not control my tilt factor.

You'll never make it in the poker world if you can not handle the ups and downs of this game. It happens all too often. I couldn't take it. Variance was my ultimate downfall. I'd work my up to a few grand in a few months and lose it all in a weekend. Why? Because I would chase my losses. I'd play way out of my bankroll trying to make up for it and eventually lose it all.

Our government took away my options though. No more online poker. At first I was disappointed. I found that I had more time than I knew what to do with. It turned out that it was a blessing in disguise.

I realized all the experiences I was missing while sitting at the virtual felt were passing me by and I wasn't living; I was just alive.

I do miss playing, but I like my life a whole lot better now. It has substance again. Now I'm living again.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/4 - 28" soft box - camera lefty