I think I'm seeing things. http://johntographer.posterous.com Words from a man of pictures. posterous.com Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:58:00 -0800 She is joy. http://johntographer.posterous.com/she-is-joy http://johntographer.posterous.com/she-is-joy

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Tingly, icy goosebumps.

I'll never forget how I felt when Stacy told me. I was standing in the living room. She as sitting on the arm of the couch. "John, I'm pregnant."

I didn't think about what I thought I would think about in that moment. It wasn't "Oh my God!" or "I'm gonna be a daddy!" or "Yee-haw! My boys can swim!"

The first thought that entered my mind was gray and fuzzy. I heard her, but my mind was behind my ears. Then the tingly sensation. It was like my blood suddenly turned into ice and I could feel the valves in my heart suddenly struggling to do what they had been doing just fine for 26 years. Somehow I was instantly aged. Then the lights came back on. Excitement. Pride. The idea of opening a new chapter.

Maybe it's just the journalist in me, but I felt that simply spreading the news was the most exciting part of the process. After all, the experience isn't my own. My daughter is also a granddaughter, a niece and a great-granddaughter. She already has friends who she doesn't even know. She's now the number-one most asked-about topic in my conversations with friends and family - and I'm okay with it. My Facebook page is covered with her face.

She brings joy to many people. My first fatherly wish is for her to understand that idea someday. For the people who have seen her smile, she is joy.

As Stacy and I fight to keep social lives and try not to disgust our Facebook friends with over-sharenting, we feel especially blessed during moments like the one shown in the above photo. It's my daughter with her great grandma. I can't describe how I feel when I look at it. Words don't do it justice. These profound, mind-blowing, heart-melting moments are why I love being a dad.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:37:00 -0700 Real Birthday Presents http://johntographer.posterous.com/real-birthday-presents http://johntographer.posterous.com/real-birthday-presents

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Things like this are what make my birthdays happy. My 9-year-old self would be a little disappointed (mainly because birthday wishes ≠ Legos or Hot Wheels). Nineteen-year-old me might even shrug his shoulders. I don't care. Things change, and so do the things I value. As the anti-materialistic saying goes: There's much more to life than toys and money. 

I'm intensely grateful for my friends and family. These are the types of people who say "Good morning!" and sincerely mean it. They stick with people like me and - if I don't see them often enough in person - swing by my Facebook page from time to time.

Nicknames from this year's birthday wishes:

- Tiny (The gold standard since 2004.)
- Brother 
- Johnny (Favored amongst my cousins.)
- Big John
- Johnathon (Favored amongst my parents and their siblings. Still not recognized by spell check, BTW.)
- Mr. Photographer
- Cuz
- J.Nel
- Little John
- Favorite Brother-in-Law (he only has one)
- Johnny Nels

These are the names by which I am known and by which I feel loved. 

I don't care what my birth certificate says. It's just a number, and it's also just a name. 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:19:44 -0700 Life status update: Knocked up, but not out. http://johntographer.posterous.com/life-status-update-knocked-up-but-not-out http://johntographer.posterous.com/life-status-update-knocked-up-but-not-out
2012-02-29_08

If you know me well, you know that Stacy and I have gone through many milestones within the past few years. I'm not sure if it's because we're impatient or because we're just plain crazy. One thing is for certain - We've been crazy blessed, but the best thing is yet to come. 

I'm happy to announce that the play-doh-ish looking thing above is our first child, a girl. She's due July 5. This means Stacy and I have about 102 days until we experience the biggest change of our lives. 

I'm incredibly nervous. In fact, I debated whether I should blog about it simply because I want things to be perfect. If any one thing in my life can be perfect, I pray that the little girl in this little orange mashed-potato sculpture is it. 

Being pregnant (er, having a pregnant wife - however you want to look at it), is intense. It's exciting and scary and it forces a self-assertion unlike anything else. Since we've found out ('bout 5-ish months ago), I've managed to keep my sanity while Stacy becomes more and more beautiful every day.

Don't get me wrong here. I wasn't expecting pregnancy to be this tv-drama-like, cry-all-over-the-place kind of problem. I've been praying for and about this for a very long time. As Stacy and I go about our daily suburbanite routine of work/eat/play/sleep with the understanding that things are going to change whether we like it or not, and I'm ok with that. The nature of change (however you look at it) has knocked us up, but not out. To my 20-something friends and other hooligan aquaintances: I'm still alive. Very alive. 

I can't wait to introduce you to our little girl sometime in July. Until then, I'll try my best to keep you updated. 

Thanks for sticking with me.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:09:00 -0700 Book review: Freedom by Jonathan Franzen http://johntographer.posterous.com/book-review-freedom-by-jonathan-franzen http://johntographer.posterous.com/book-review-freedom-by-jonathan-franzen

This was a really long book. 

Franzen received lots of attention when Freedom was published back in late 2010, so I put it on my Christmas list. Stacy bought it for me. I read it mainly before bed, about 5 pages at a time due to my tiredness, which probably ruined the momentum of Franzen's writing for me. 

I'm giving it 3 out of 5 because it wasn't as good as everybody said it was. I try to read objectively, but The Corrections (which I would rate 4.5 out of 5, BTW) was simply more fun to read. I spent a huge amount of time on this book and didn't get the payout that I usually get from novels of this length. 

On the plus side, I do still have respect for Franzen's ability to describe, in great detail, the moments and emotions that the characters share. He's obviously an obsessive writer, but I felt a little underwhelmed with this particular novel. 

Favorite intrinsic message: Acting on freedom is more important than having it. Freedom is only as good as what you do with it. 

Favorite scruffy rock star character: Richard Katz

Favorite funny scene: When Walter (the progressive songbird-loving protagonist) tries to persuade his stubborn conservative suburbanite neighbor to keep her house cat indoors. 

PS: I won't blame you for skipping this book, but I do think you should take a few minutes and read TIME's well-written profile of Franzen

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:37:00 -0700 Deep thoughts from the garage http://johntographer.posterous.com/deep-thoughts-from-the-garage http://johntographer.posterous.com/deep-thoughts-from-the-garage

Thanks to an array of electronic screens in various shapes and sizes - when we're not consuming material things - we're consuming media.

We tune in to anything that wants to hum a tune for us. 

In the process, we're loosing the important space and time to create our own ideas, our own words or our own tunes. 

According to the inspiringly creative British comedian Jon Cleese, brilliant creativity isn't all that hard to achieve if we follow one simple rule:

Set boundaries of time and boundaries of space. Tune out of others so you can tune into yourself. 

This is precisely why the Great American Husband enjoys puttering in his garage. He may have never realized it but, by spending some time at his workbench, he's essentially creating boundaries of time and space from the constant hum of everyday life.

You know that feeling when you catch that big idea in the shower? When you remember that actor's name while you're brushing your teeth? That's because your brain is acting within these boundaries. 

I firmly believe that we can all can tap into our inner Monty Pythons, our own Jack Johnsons, our own Annie Leibovitzs, or our own Picassos if we just set ourselves aside. 

Don't get me wrong here: We need to consume and to draw inspiration from things, but we also need to give back. To share and inspire.

Give yourself some time and space. 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:02:30 -0700 Learning to Share Again http://johntographer.posterous.com/learning-to-share-again http://johntographer.posterous.com/learning-to-share-again

The past year or so has been the biggest of my entire life. In the flurry of decisions, events, changes, additions and challenges, I've failed to tell you about most of it. This stuff is too important for me to hide.

Starting today - due to my re-discovered motivation (and because my wife says I should) - I'm going to share much more of my life with you. It takes time, but I'm going to commit to this. Even after getting hitched and buying a home, I've still got some commitment left to use. Please hold me to it. 

Although this was in the context of social marketing for business, my friend Scott at 9 Clouds Inc. said it best in a recent blog post: "If you do not share, you are invisible."

I'm here to climb out of obscurity and share what's worth sharing. Let's do this. 

Cheers to being visible. 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:20:00 -0800 How to Always Do Your Best: An Insight http://johntographer.posterous.com/how-to-always-do-your-best-an-insight http://johntographer.posterous.com/how-to-always-do-your-best-an-insight

I'm an idiot, so take this post at face-value. 

"Art is a guarantee of sanity. That is the most important thing I have said." - Louise Bourgeois

I found this quote today, and it really struck a chord. 

My friends would agree that our minds have never been more in the present than they are today. We're working. We're blogging. We're tweeting. We're buying. We're building. But why?

Let me pose a bold answer here: Our efforts, no matter what they involve - photographing, caring, volunteering, sweating, believing - are an artistic expression of the highest degree. They create our lasting self identity (that's why I picked that photo for this post, get it?). An identity that is deeper than our work or its material products. This expressed identity keeps us "sane" and it lasts long after we're dead.  

I believe that all people are naturally good and conscientious on the inside, but for some reason or another, many have trouble letting their true selves show. I would also argue that one cause of insanity is identity confusion. People want to contribute to this world, but they fail at finding their intended path to do so. What should have lasted did not. This is why it is inherently important for us to express ourselves beyond ourselves - to create, care, write, volunteer, ask, sweat and believe. 

This is how (and why) to always do your best. In a nutshell: Put your natural good, conscientious intent into action, and it will be your contribution to this world and it will also be your lasting identity.

I'm certainly not the first person to have this thought, but it's pretty deep for an idiot photographer, eh?

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:19:28 -0800 Life in My Cubicle http://johntographer.posterous.com/life-in-my-cubicle http://johntographer.posterous.com/life-in-my-cubicle
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This is my friend Sanford. He's a two-year-old Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant) who lives in my standard grey cubicle here in Sioux Falls. His father, McKennan, lives at my other standard grey cubicle in Brookings.

Sanford enjoys sunning himself under fourescent lights, listening to complaints, making messes, taking naps and drinking leftover coffee.

He's a good friend, but sometimes I wish we had less in common.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:09:00 -0800 Day 6 of 365 http://johntographer.posterous.com/2011-365-6 http://johntographer.posterous.com/2011-365-6

D6


New Years resolutions are usually not fun, and usually not fulfilled. 

Seven days into 2011, I've managed to keep all of mine:

 

1. Don't buy chips. 

2. Don't buy soda. 

3. Build and publish a fancy new website for John's Photography. 

4. Take and post at least one photo every day on Flickr. (Mr. Peanut is #6 of 365.)

5. Contribute at least 11 projects to The Post. (I'm doing 11 in 2011, get it?)

6. Give 10% of all John's Photography revenue to the American Cancer Society, Charity: Water, and United Way. 

 

There, I've got it all out there. The world knows about my goals. Now I've got more incentive to keep going with all six. 

Have a good day!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:23:52 -0800 Two Photographer Clichés Which Bother Me http://johntographer.posterous.com/two-photographer-cliches-which-bother-me http://johntographer.posterous.com/two-photographer-cliches-which-bother-me 1. Watching action instead of creating it. 

"It's hard to be successful today because everybody and their brother can afford a 18MP DSLR and set up a website on the cheap."

I used to agree with this statement, but it's completely false. Sure, cameras are getting better and cheaper by the month, but is the value of being a good photographer also getting cheaper? 

It's never been more easy to get lost in the mix, but it's also never been easier to stand out. If a photog knows how to create a real-life, face-to-face social connection with a client and can actually give a crap about that client's needs, the rest will fall in place.

With more affordable, more powerful cameras, there's a lot of great photography happening out there, but there's also more crap. Instead of throwing disdain and negativity at the struggling beginners, I throw celebration and appreciation at the good. Instead of telling my friends why somebody shouldn't hire my competition, show them why they should hire me. It's a much more worth-wile activity. 

Besides, is that new camera going to make sales calls, answer e-mails, pay bills, send proofs, design albums, order prints, drive to the post office, post to a blog, hand out business cards or edit photos until 3 a.m.? You need much more than a camera to be a photographer.

My advice: Instead of trolling your competition's websites and feeling threatened, go take some freaking amazing photos somewhere and then post them wherever you can. That's why you bought your camera in the first place.

2. Claiming passion instead of demonstrating it. 

"About me: I have a passion for photography."

Good for you. Join the club. If you were really put here on God's green earth to take photos, then why hasn't your portfolio been updated in 4 years? Actions speak louder than words, and your customers will be able to read between the lines. One needs vision and motivation to be a good photographer. Great photographers create ideas and then fulfill them with photos. As Chase Jarvis put it: Good photographers need to "Create. Share. Sustain." 

My advice: If you're telling your potential clients that you have a "passion for photography" you might as well tell them that you have a "passion" for taking their money. Here's how to de-grease your sales pitch: Instead of saying "I have a passion for photography." you should be more specific. Tell them that you have (for example) "a passion for helping people preserve and appreciate the important things in their lives." You do, right? 

Satisfying a passion is powerful. It built my portfolio, it serves my clients and it makes me feel pretty darn good. Because of this, I firmly believe that real passion leads us to new places - physically and emotionally. Stop being a grease ball. Be real to yourself and go feed your passion.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:53:06 -0800 Happy New Year! http://johntographer.posterous.com/happy-new-year http://johntographer.posterous.com/happy-new-year
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We're bringing in 2011 with some Mexican Train. I love my family. Cheers to a prosperous 2011!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:09:57 -0800 Looking Back at My 2010 http://johntographer.posterous.com/looking-back-at-my-2010 http://johntographer.posterous.com/looking-back-at-my-2010
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Well, it's December 31 again, and I'd like to take a moment to share some of the highlights of what was a very special year for me. Here they are in no particular order:

Stacy and I tied the knot.
On August 14, I married my best friend in a small white church in the Minnesotan countryside. My dearest friends and family were all there. We prayed. We danced. We drank. Life doesn't get much better. I don't mean to gloat, but it can indeed be classified as an epic win. This is by far the biggest highlight of any highlight list I've ever made. 

John's Photography grew.
With the support of my awesome clients and family, my photography biz reached its annual goals. I ended up shooting several beautiful weddings, friends and families in 2010.  Despite moving into a more competitive photography market in Sioux Falls, my camera stayed clicking throughout the past 12 months and I'm going to continue enjoying every minute of it. It's not yet my primary profession, but I'm looking forward to keeping the momentum which has been a blessing for me and my passion. 

Sioux Falls became home.
After six-and-a-half kick-butt years in Brookings, I finally packed up my life and moved it down the interstate to an apartment (hopefully my last one) in south-central Sioux Falls. So far, Stacy and I have been enjoying the city very much. We're both farm kids, so it was quite a transition, but we can both dominate I-229 with the best of them. 

I kept my pop-on-Fridays-only resolution. 
Exactly one year ago, I vowed to curb my ridiculous Diet Coke addiction by scheduling my soda intake to Fridays only. It worked, and I'm proud to report the loss of 10 lbs. without lifting a finger. The only downside to this resolution is that, although I reduced my sodium and HFCS intake, I consequently juiced my body with loads of coffee. I believe 2011 will have to be the year in which I finally gain control of my caffeine addiction.

My clients gave me some awesome photo assignments. 
I won't list them all here, but you can go to my photo blog to check out the curious diversity of work I shot in 2010. Everything from rap concerts to business portraits. It was an incredibly fun year for photography, and I can't wait to see what 2011 puts in front of my lens. 

Southeast Tech gave me more teaching opportunities.
The kind people at Business and Industry Training at STI called me up to teach Basic Photography in Fall 2009. The students in my first class gave me some very thoughtful and generous reviews, so STI decided to let me organize and teach Advanced Photography in addition to Basic Photography in Spring and Fall 2010. In Spring 2011, STI is letting me add yet another course to the catalog - a one-day portraiture seminar which will definitely be a fun day for me and my students. BTW - Business and Industry Training (BIT) at STI offers all three of these courses to the public at trainsiouxfalls.com

I started a legitimate blog.
I know it's not the world's most life-changing RSS feed ever, but I enjoy the feeling of turning thoughts and experiences into something more permanent. To tell the truth, I have some really inspiring friends who have some really inspiring blogs. I spent an unhealthy amount of time reading articles and drawing inspiration from the internet in 2010. Early in the year, I realized that I'm wasting an insane amount of stories and moments by not recording them for future reference. I obsessed over how I would set up my blog - what I would name it, what platform I would use, what my focus would be. The truth is - none of it matters nearly as much as actually producing and posting the content. Taking in others' blogs has become a daily habit for me, and I hope to contribute to the blog-o-sphere much more - in my own way - in 2011. 

We finally went to Hawaii.
Snorkeling with graceful sea turtles. Gawking at a Northern Pacific humpback whale. White-knuckling a rental car around hairpin turns on a cliff 1000 feet above the sea. Finding waterfalls off the beaten path. Napping on a beach. Double rainbows. Insanely colorful sunsets. Island hopping on a catamaran. Sorry, I'll stop now. It's by far the most awesomest place Stacy and I have ever visited, and we hope to go back sometime relatively soon. I'm overwhelmed with memories from that trip. Stacy already created a series of blog posts with photos from the journey, and I hope to organize my thoughts and experiences into my own blog post soon.

My family doubled. 
When I said "I do." to Stacy back in August, I became part of a wonderful clan of people in South-central Minnesota. I strongly believe that family grows vertically and horizontally. Families add children and spouses - and this grows the family literally, but there is also another dimension in which the family grows. I experienced it in the final two weeks of 2010. My aunt Elaine passed away, and my extended family demonstrated its most important activity - it gathered together with strong support and sincere love. My extended family doesn't come together as a whole very often, but when it does - I get this sense of place which tells me that we're all where we need to be. Right where we're meant to be. Togetherness grows the family figuratively. It's the fertilizer for the tree. I'm proud of the history and heritage of the Nelson and Kiecker names, and thanks to a little thing called love, my family tree now throws much more shade.  

My eyes really opened. 
Getting a little deeper here. The experiences and emotions and developments in 2010 gave me an advanced focus on my life goals. Instead of figuring out what I want, I can now work on how I'm going to get it - a much more satisfying activity. As you can see in this list - a lot of things happened to me in 2010, and they've helped me mature, realize and appreciate the things that make me who I am. Every opportunity. Every person. Every idea. Every feeling. Every photo. Every day. I'm grateful for it all, and I can't wait to see what will be on the list in 2011.

 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:26:09 -0800 An early Christmas present from Stacy http://johntographer.posterous.com/an-early-christmas-present-from-stacy http://johntographer.posterous.com/an-early-christmas-present-from-stacy
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She knows what I like. Happy Holidays!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:17:00 -0800 A Beautiful Girl from Minnesota http://johntographer.posterous.com/a-beautiful-girl-from-minnesota http://johntographer.posterous.com/a-beautiful-girl-from-minnesota

Five years ago yesterday, I ambled nervously into Mathews Hall and held out my sweaty palm to beautiful girl from Minnesota.

She took it without hesitation and we then walked down the stairs and out into the winter air towards my car. 

In a desperate, mentally-rehearsed act of chivalry, I opened my rusting passenger door. She shot me a gracious smile, tilted her head, tucked her hair behind her ear and gently seated herself in my stale SUV. 

The cold door clicked shut. My heart melted. 

I performed another successful door-holding at the theater. I went to the ticket counter, took a deep breath, and squeaked: "T-t-two for Walk the Line, p-please."

I stared at the screen but didn't watch the movie. 

We held hands. Mine perspired throughout the entire evening, but she didn't seem to mind.

This was our first date. It was her idea.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Fri, 29 Oct 2010 06:54:46 -0700 This was Made for Me http://johntographer.posterous.com/this-was-made-for-me http://johntographer.posterous.com/this-was-made-for-me
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Please don't forget to appreciate the little things. Have a good weekend!

John

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:18:15 -0700 You know what they say about men with big hands: http://johntographer.posterous.com/you-know-what-they-say-about-men-with-big-han http://johntographer.posterous.com/you-know-what-they-say-about-men-with-big-han

Here's a little something to brighten your Saturday. 

Warning: Watching this video may result in a common ailment known as random giggling. If you work in serious, formal or professional environments, please do not think about this video after watching it. You will giggle randomly, and you will be embarrassed. 

Thanks,

John

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:40:13 -0700 Why I love my morning commute: http://johntographer.posterous.com/why-i-love-my-morning-commute http://johntographer.posterous.com/why-i-love-my-morning-commute
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It's a cold, damp and dark 6 a.m. in September. My feet finally levitate from the warm embrace of scrunched-up bedsheets and swing in a clumsy arc to the cold carpet beside the bed.

My body feels recharged, but my weekly mental habits prevent any sort of positive sentiments. After all - it's Monday morning. Why should anything be good right now?

My dark mood reaffirmed itself when I railed my big toe into the side of the cozy bed from which it sprang not four seconds earlier. Again when I rediscovered that the shirt I had intended to wear had not been washed. Again when my bed hair refused to be tamed. Again when my bagel smeared cream cheese across my car seat. Again when my garage door would not obey the radio signal from its opener. Again when large trucks continually obscured and delayed my vector on the interstate. My mood was a drought of hope.

Then, the sky went ablaze.

The eastern horizon glowed all colors of Fall - announcing the sun before its appearance. The north followed suit with wrinkles of lavender and pink. The west and south were painted gold and red.

I immediately thanked my Creator as he made me realize how silly it was for me to wollow in self pity for such petty reasons.

Who decided that Monday mornings have to be so gloomy?

Keep your head up.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:36:56 -0700 Feeling Posted http://johntographer.posterous.com/feeling-posted http://johntographer.posterous.com/feeling-posted
 
Yesterday, my good friends at The Post featured my photographic work on their home page.
 
Time for some gratitude:
 
First of all - I'm very excited to get the exposure - particularly because my wife and I recently planted ourselves in Sioux Falls and I'd love to have some more opportunities to serve the awesome people and businesses in this town. As my pretend friend Donald Trump would say: "This is heewge."
 
Secondly - I'm especially honored to have a connection with this awesome, authentic fountain of modern journalism. The Post offers several opportunities for writers and photographers to excercise their craft and gain valuable experience and exposure. Complete awesomeness.
 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:40:00 -0700 Get Off Maui Back http://johntographer.posterous.com/get-off-maui-back http://johntographer.posterous.com/get-off-maui-back

(Image (c) Doug Hammond, Baltimore, MD)

I'm writing this post to give you some juicy details. It's a chance for you to put your big snoopy nose up in our honeymoon plans. But first, please let me go on a disgusting, boastful tirade. 

A handful of weeks from now, while you're scraping the first layers of frost from your windshield here in God's country, I'll be sunning my pure-white Norwegian glow into a raw pink on the fine sand of Ka'anapali Beach. 

That's right. Maui. Hawaii. Pacific Freaking Ocean.

Needless to say, Stacy and I are pretty dang excited. In preparation, I've done an almost obsessive amount of nerdy honeymoon research. After carefully weighing our options, we made the reservations as follows:

Flights: 
United Airlines. Sioux Falls > Chicago > Honolulu > Kahului (Maui). Homeward: Kahului > Honolulu > Denver > Sioux Falls. 

Hotel: 
Six nights at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel: Why there? Great location, nice beach, not as crowded as neighboring hotels, good snorkeling spot. Although it's not the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons Maui, the humble Ka'anapali Beach Hotel has impressively positive online reviews

Stuff to do: 
To keep ourselves from morphing into stressed-out, itinerary-worshiping controlfreakzillas during our honeymoon, Stacy and I decided to plan just a couple of activities without filling out an entire itinerary. (This approach has worked very well for us in the past.) 

Probably the most notable activity will be a day-long sailing/snorkeling trip from Maui to the neighboring island of Lanai. Check it out. 

As with any honeymoon destination, there's a bunch of crap to do in Maui. I, for one, would particularly enjoy some snorkeling with sea turtles. We could drive our rental car to a few remote waterfalls or up a few mountains. We might try some local restaurants, such as Charlie's Restaurant, to possibly be greeted by owner and house entertainer Willie Nelson (no relation). 

Quite honestly, I don't care what we do specifically. If we want to sleep all day on the beach, that's cool with me. It's a honeymoon. Throughout our first month (plus change) together, we've learned to find refuge and relaxation in a modest two bedroom apartment - so there's no doubt that we'll be able to do the same on a big 'ole Hawaiian beach. 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson
Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:37:07 -0700 Drinking from a Fire Hose http://johntographer.posterous.com/drinking-from-a-fire-hose http://johntographer.posterous.com/drinking-from-a-fire-hose
I don't feel like talking right now.
 
It's not that I'm grumpy, crabby, pissed, angry or - as the central Minnesotans say - "bucky."
 
It's just because I don't know where to start.
 
In the flurry of recent events, happenings and changes, I've let the talkable topics of my life collect steadily in my mind like a factory without exit doors.
 
Also, I think of blog topics more than I remember them. This is why it's been a while since you've heard from me. 
 
Not to worry - I've got a list. This is my starting point, and I don't intend on having a point at which to stop.
 
In a nutshell - I've gotta lotta stuff ta share. Expect more from me. Soon.  

Until next time - enjoy this video from Weezer's new album: 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/575480/avatar3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AGiAS9kghQB John Nelson John John Nelson