Indeed, I’m back, I really am OK and focused on the positive aspects of life. The image of my friend Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith was taken almost ten years ago on Thanksgiving after dinner. The lady in the background is my mother-in-law.
Chinna played the guitar, we listened and I shot a few pictures. Had I worried about the negative aspects this lovely portrait wouldn’t exist. I was using an old Pentax Spotmatic film camera I had just won on eBay. In fact it was the first roll of film I ever put through this camera so I was flying by the seat of my pants. Really — no light meter in this old guy. The composition was a bit cluttered and I was shooting handheld, lens wide open under the available light of a dining room chandelier. And to make things even more fun, the camera focus was off and I didn’t know it until I had the camera CLA’d a few weeks later.
Ah, but the portrait turned out well because I focused on the positive aspects. I was taking pictures of a new friend using a new friend camera that evening and not concerned about negative aspects.
Chinna is a world class musician who was on tour, away from his home in Jamaica. Jim, my brother-in-law, is a good friend of Chinna’s and asked if he could bring a friend to Thanksgiving dinner — We are so glad Jim asked and that we said yes.
It’s been almost six years since Chinna’s last visit. Jim and I were talking the other night and I asked how Chinna was doing. Jim told me that Chinna was doing well and that Chinna asks about me each time he and Jim talk.
Thanks Chinna. I’m back, I really am OK and focused on life’s positive aspects.
Thanks to you too IMUS. I love the way you told cancer to kiss your ass. Cancer can kiss mine too. I refuse to be defined by ‘my disease.’ Chemo seems to be working. My markers are good and I do feel better and ready for the next round of chemo on Monday.
Hi John,
I am so glad you are back and looking for the good.
Lovely, comfortable portrait. I am sitting in the living room with you, enjoying the fellowship and music. Thanks for the invitation.
I thought of you today, John, and I’m so happy to hear you’re refusing to be defined by an illness. Great shot. Great memories. Thanks for sharing the warmth!!
Very happy to see your post today. I don’t comment very often, but I do subscribe to your blog and have been thinking about you and praying that everything has been going well.
What a telling portrait! Your words share a needed message!
Great photo and perfect B&W post!
I think your title says it all, we all need to focus on the positive, no matter what the situation. This is a really cool portrait.
I am so grateful you are focused on life and the positive. Thank you for this wonderful memory and portrait.
This is a wonderful portrait!
This photo is so beautiful
Welcome back! It’s good to hear from you again, and extra good that you’re doing OK.
This photo works really well. Sometimes fortune works with us.
Very glad to see you back, John and focusing (pardon the pun) on the positive.
Re the image…if you hadn’t mentioned the issues (with the equipment and conditions) that you had to overcome, I never would have guessed. Perhaps the positive focus is catching…
Glad you’re feeling better John.
I like this photo John, but I like even better to see that you are doing OK. I’m glad to hear that your markers are good and that you are tolerating the chemo. My Mother was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago and is having radiation from it is mostly palliative. I was happy to hear that she felt well enough to do some sketching today and hopefully will get back to her painting. Meditating..I need to get back to that myself…Michelle
This is just what I needed to hear, John. I am thankful you are back and being feisty.
It is a wonderful photograph. I like the way your mother-in-law is OOF in the background. Give the photo an ethereal feel and a good focus on your subject.
Red.