Skip to main content

Puerto Rico, Nikon, Curtis Mayfield, and Me...

There are moments in your career when you know that something's special is about to happen. I call them, "Vision Spots". They're the small things that remind us of the possibilities of greatness when our dreams are in motion.

Prior to my recent trip to Puerto Rico, I had that familiar feeling of knowing that something special was about to unfold. However, that feeling didn't come without serious opposition. The day before I left I had to purchase a new Nikon D750, assist my elderly uncle, and manage tons of other adult responsibilities. Fortunately, I know that there's always sun on the other side of rain clouds.

It was my first trip to Puerto Rico, and I'd heard from many of my friends how beautiful it was. So while our flight was descending I could see much of what they'd told me about. The small villages and beaches along the coastline. I knew that when my feet hit the ground that I couldn't be anything less than pleased. Before all of the excitement of working in a new location hit me, the reality of the ever so dreaded luggage fight sunk in. Even that turned out not to be so bad, because shortly after I grabbed my luggage I look up and see one of my former college football teammates. That moment confirmation that it was going to be an amazing trip. I quickly realized that I was going to be having a number of inner sidebar conversations with myself about how this trip was going to flow.

I also came to the fast conclusion that I wasn't going to paying twenty plus dollars every time I want to go somewhere. So when we arrived at the hotel wouldn't know that they had courtesy bikes! The big fella had FREE wheels.


My Ride 










I took advantage of the early morning rides. I put on my "Beats" and road out at 7 am to tunes of Curtis Mayfield. The soundtrack reminded me to see the world the way that I see it. It was a reminder that the humanity that I capture stateside, should also be captured along its' borders. So I took my new Nikon D750 and maximized the moments.
Dominos 

Cocco Man


Older Couple 
Real People 
Don't lose your purpose. Take it all in, and see the world the way that you see it...

Puerto Rico, Nikon, Curtis Mayfield, and Me!

To be continued...




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time.  It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns.  People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over.  I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history.  Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens.  However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption.  With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed fr...
5 comments
Read more

Fences

Several days ago I stopped to talk to one of my neighbors about a vacant private pool property in our neighborhood. We briefly shard our perspectives on the what if's of the property, and the countless possibilities for the local children if it were open. Needless to say many of the residents where we live share the same vision. Ironically days after that conversation, I had the pleasure of witnessing two middle school aged girls jumping the fence to play basketball at the property. Usually I wouldn't think much of this observation but being a father with two daughters, I couldn't help but notice. Especially when they're no trespassing signs posted everywhere.  However, me thinking like a rational adult, I had to quickly remind myself to think like a kid and note that the fence obstacle wasn't going to be the girls end all for getting some shots up.  On the heels of the conversation with my neighbor it was confirmation that we're all on one accord. So, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

My Why!

Not long ago Sean "P. Diddy" Combs played the leading role in the television movie, " A Raisin in the Sun".  I posted a blog on my myspace page in response to his characters', character.  I talked about his drive and determination to succeed.  It was amazing to watch the movie in 2008 after having read the original screenplay from the 50's.   I'm often asked what is it that motivates me to do what I do besides money.  If you look below at the photos the story tells itself.  Trinity, NC is where I lived until I was about 9 0r 10 years old. Most of the homes there are still like the ones in the photos below.   I took these stills about 5 years ago, I'm glad I did. They are a constant reminder of how important it is to stay humble.  They remind of the importance of a sound education.  They remind me to always respect hard work. They remind me of what strong families can do with little to no resources.  These photos are my moti...
Post a Comment
Read more