LONG CAPTION WARNING:
As a kid growing up skateboarding and surfing, the coolest of the cool were the guys who didnāt stick out. They worked a job, didnāt chase sponsors or fame, had humility but were stoic and confident. They existed as an element of their environment. They helped others and supported those they loved. They were essential to the budding ecosystem and community of the next to come.
There were moments where I would zoom out when I was with James and Ben, where I saw us becoming those men. When I first got sober, they had years ahead of me. They had already started growing into people who could be depended on and could truly be helpful.
They built a bond beyond comprehension. Real brothers. Theyād drop anything for each other, fly across the country, cancel plans, drive hoursā¦anything. And this ethos was carried for others. Especially for their selected families.
4th Street was where I could find James. Always. He hated crowds, and loved finding empty waves. It felt like punishment sometimes. Packing closeouts, navigating shit onshore conditions. I think he loved watching all of us struggle while he effortlessly made the best of it. The merit of 4th street didnāt strike me until recently. Another one of Jamesā many lessons he gave us all without us asking for them and without a thank you in return.
The love and outpouring that happened over the weekend was incredible to see. It was even better to witness Jamesā and Benās comedy manifest in all the natural circumstances that occurred. Jim(Jamesā Dad) constantly getting flipped on his surfboard, pounding closeouts when half the people who paddled donāt surf, rain on Sunday, onshore chop to get sorted, windā¦
Maybe thatās the last lesson he left us. Touch darkness and donāt be afraid to hold it, but use it to love those that mean the world to you. And let it go. Laugh at it all, even when all you have are closeouts. Keep those who are your chosen family close, cause when the timeline stretches out they are your family. Thank you to everyone whoās honored James. I love you all, and I love you James. JK Forever.
In honor of Mikeās best in show this weekend at The Reunion show, hereās another one of his appropriately green bikes thatās also won a best in show.
As manufacturers outsource, expedite, automate and consolidate, itās refreshing to see handmade equipment being constructed. Matt Grote glassing my Eaton style bonzer at Mangiagliās manufacturing.
#35mm #bessar4a #blackandwhitephotography #kentmerepan400 #homedeveloped #handmade #mangiaglimanufacturing
As we pass the 7th month mark yesterday, Iām leaving on a trip thatāll take me away from my growing family for the longest time in its existence. Reminiscing on baby moons and picking salmon berries helps make counting the days easier.
ā¤ļø you both!
#kodakfilm #35mm #35mmphotography #tmax100 #pushyourfilm #bessar4a #theiconla #oregoncoast
Roughly 12 years ago my mother moved out of the city where she raised me and found herself in the middle of the country in Indiana. Both of our lives were equally disheveled in different ways. Now things look vastly different with my mother spending her days exploring the forest and picking mushrooms in contrast to punching numbers and keeping up with office drama. Through it all weāve always managed to help guide each other even when we disagree. Thank you for always reminding me to do whatās right, consider others and be honest with myself. Thank you to all Mothers. We wouldnāt be here without you and we sure as shit would be lost without you.
#pentax67 #120film #ilfordhp5 #tracy
