Friends

Since I've announced my departure from the state (NC) many friends (those I haven't seen in a while and some I haven't met, online only) have been wanting to hangout. More and more of them. Its kind of a weird feeling. On one hand I really appreciate any time someone wants to hangout with me, because if you think about it its a pretty remarkable thing. Someone wants to put themselves into your life for a brief period of time just for a few moments in order to create (hopefully) memories.

Unfortunately I have less and less time to do so because there's a lot to do. I'm still trying to get work in order to save as much as I can, I still have to finish work that I owe, I still have work lined up to prepare for, I have to pack and make arrangements, I have to see family and then I have to see the friends that I can. I really wish I could see and spend time with everyone but i know its impossible. And a lot of them want me to come to them and unfortunately its just not financially possible. That money will be going to spending time on the road, and its probably not something they can understand but its the truth.

There have been some people I've been able to make time for and I'm grateful for being able to. One of them is someone I haven't actually hung out with too many times but we get along great and admire each others work. I'd venture to say I'm definitely more of a fan of his than him of mine, but I'm OK with that. His name is Jeff Howlett and some of you reading may know him, but for those that don't you should Google him. Or allow me to brag on him on him in his absence. He directed and produced a beautiful and inspiring documentary that you can currently find on Netflix called A Band Called Death. Now I'm not defining him by this one film, but its very popular and great reviews.

He's an amazingly nice guy. Down to earth, humble, generous. He invited me to Rock Hill, SC where he lives to do an old school wet plate portrait of me. When I came down, we (him and his gf and myself) went out to dinner, and on top of that gave me a few pieces of photography equipment to take on the road. Regardless of the cost to him or of what he gave me, he still gave it. He also extended an invitation to crash at his house whenever I'm passing through town.  See? Generous.

This from a person I've only hung out with a few times. It doesn't matter the amount of time you are with someone , it matters the quality of time you are with someone. I don't just mean Jeff, I mean with anyone. Make time count, dont take it for granted. Make friends with everyone and never ignore an invitation for conversation. Get to know the next person that stands next to you waiting for the bus, or someone outside smoking a cigarette, or the server at the restaurant you're at. They could be the most interesting person you know. Or they could be total shit heads, but you never know until you say hello.

This post is dedicated to Jeff Howlett. Thanks for being a friend, and for being so gracious. I do appreciate it amigo.

Salut!