Candles and The Vintage

California Highway Patrolman D. Craig

One of the most significant people over the course of my life has been my grandfather.  Today is his birthday. He still gives me that go-with-your-gut answer when I look to him for advice. He still lives for baseball and at 76, plays up to 180 softball games annually (at last count) and he still is very much the father figure in my life. I have a small collection of photos of him early on in his career as a patrolman and sheriffs deputy, slowly working to restore them. It is important to me to preserve and share these vintage photographs.
Happy Birthday Papa!

This photograph is sacred to me and sits in a frame on a table. I still love root beer popcicles and the San Francisco Giants to this day (see above bib donned on yours truly). 

Today also marks the birthday of another exceptional person who has touched me profoundly (you know who you are!). I miss you deeply and my life is not the same without you! Happy Birthday!

Fade To Grey

From the marina

As the day fades away

And the fog rolls in

San Francisco, CA 2012

Armed Forces Day

                                                                                        

As Armed Forces Day approached I remembered I had a picture of my flight in Basic Military Training.  I spent the summer of 1994 at Lackland AFB, TX and it was definitely the hottest place I had ever been. I arrived a scared 18 year old and left a proud man. 

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX 1994

High End

One of the highlights of my trip to New York City was getting out and spending a couple of nights walking around areas of Manhattan with my camera and tripod. On this night I probably walked fifty blocks taking in the stunning architecture and active street scenes. I love to photograph at night and trying to capture it all proved impossible and often overwhelming. While walking along the edge of Central Park I came across The Plaza Hotel and was impressed with how regal it looked. This image stood out to me because of the silhouette that was captured of the horse-drawn carriage swiftly moving across the scene. 

The Plaza Hotel, NYC 2010

Cooling Off

Gizmo enjoys a shower on a warm Saturday morning. It's all about playtime with this fella.

Gervais, Oregon 2012

Red Zone

Construction zone, San Francisco style

North Beach 2012

Cattle Callin'

 A single light illuminates the guitar during Hank III's 3 Bar Ranch metal set

Roseland Theater, Portland, Oregon 2011

A Girl and Her Bear

Bear and family wait with enthusiasm as his fence is built. This dude is all smiles, all the time.

Woodburn, Oregon 2012

Gratitude

My pal Derek and a fluffy fella named Bear exchanging a hello and thanks to each other before Bears fence build. There is a mutual gratitude and understanding that occurs between the Fences For Fido volunteers and the dogs that spend a majority of their existence chained up. As a fellow volunteer, I am able to spend my Saturday mornings looking through a lens, capturing a deep and special bond that takes place between Derek and all of the dogs. 

Woodburn, Oregon 2012

Forever

A moment of silence at The Grotto

Portland, Oregon 2011

Epic

In 2010 after a long hiatus, Faith No More played three sold out shows in their hometown of San Francisco. Even after being fortunate enough to catch two out of the three engagements, my favorite band of all-time left me wanting more. 

The Warfield, San Francisco, California 2010

I Can Almost Taste It!

JP waits very patiently for a treat in his newly fenced in area

Molalla, Oregon 2012

In The Red

Walking under the red light

Stick With Mac

 

Making colorful use of my wait time at Mac in Manhattan

Getting The Shot

 

Filmmaker Brian Grubb getting some footage of Jake during an early (and very brisk) Saturday morning. 

Flowers & A Windmill

One of two dutch windmills in Golden Gate Park near Ocean Beach

San Francisco, California 2012

Blue

Where the Willamette meets the St. Johns

North Portland, Oregon 2010

Flying Dane

The newest member to the pack Kane, shows off his aerial skills during playtime with the other fellas. A flying Great Dane is much like an Air Force cargo plane going airborne.

Portland, Oregon 2012

Introductions

Volunteer Ryan politely introduces herself to Apollo, as a large group gathered to build him a fence. Often, dogs that live on the end of a chain can be overwhelmed and frightened with a sudden group of people that show up on their property. However, Apollo seemed to be thrilled with all of the attention and the days end result. No more chain for this fella.

St. Johns, Portland, Oregon 2012

Welcome Back, Boys!

I believe in the church of baseball. I've tried all the major religions and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan. I know things. For instance there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance. But it just didn't work out between us. The Lord laid too much guilt on me. I prefer metaphysics to theology. You see, there's no guilt in baseball. And it is never boring.... I've tried them all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in and day out, is the church of baseball.

RON SHELTON, Bull Durham

Sitting behind an army of Jeter fans on a warm summer night at Yankee Stadium

The Bronx, NYC, 2010

In The Shadow

The Bay Bridge is another structure I am particularly fond of. I started photographing it at night a few years ago and wanted to spend some time during my last trip home capturing some lasting images of it. The views of this bridge are striking when it is lit up at night. Often, The Bay Bridge lives in the shadow of the mighty Golden Gate Bridge. However, I find it to be equally symbolic and iconic to the San Francisco Bay as its sister is to the west. The eastern span of The Bay Bridge is under construction and its replacement is scheduled to open to traffic during Labor Day weekend, 2013, at an estimated 6.3 billion dollars. The new span will no doubt offer breathtaking views from Oakland when it is finished.

Bay Bridge along The Embarcadero 

San Francisco, California 2012

Keep Out

Hiking along the railroad and Willamette River in North Portland. Graffiti artists and homeless populate the area but are rarely seen, making the atmosphere ultra creepy.

Portland, Oregon 2010

Touch The Sky

There are certain places in my journeys that are special to me. Even though I leave them, they seem to never leave me. The Golden Gate Bridge has always been close to my heart and this particular spot at Crissy Field has always been my favorite. The views are magnificent in every direction and I can sit for hours just taking it all in without a trace of boredom. It is a place in which I feel connected and at peace with the universe.
San Francisco, California 2012

In Search

Walking a giant stairwell in Golden Gate Park with my buddies. A friend trailing behind us stopped to snap off a few shots of. 

San Francisco, California 2012

Park Nod

Looking up from the cold ground

A troubled mind tries to focus

 Master and servant at its blackest hour

Calling out to whatever listens

Only upon surrender does the guiding light shine

I pick myself up and take that first step of courage

Angels wings carry me away from the darkness that was

The Warmth

Sunset in Alexander Valley

Dark Wave

A dose of Gary Numan and his industrial sounds

Roseland Theater, Portland, Oregon 2010

Imagine NYC

One of those perfect moments

Central Park, NYC 2010

Heart In The Night

A moment to reflect on love that is lost

Free Scratch!

Scratch, the pittie, is released from a life chained to a tree

Southeast Portland, Oregon 2012

Everlasting Dim

And when the day arrives I'll become the sky and I'll become the sea and the sea will come to kiss me for I am going home. Nothing can stop me now.

-Trent Reznor

Transformation

Oso has spent most of his life chained to a tree on an empty lot. To prevent anyone from taking him, his chain is secured with a padlock around his neck. Here, he is moments away from a new beginning as fence builders Derek and Ken give him some love. 

Hubbard, Oregon 2012

Significant Actions

Kelly & Oso

Some people come along and do significant things in this world. Ms. Kelly is responsible for freeing dogs from chains in the Pacific Northwest by advocacy and action. Simply an inspiring individual. 

Hubbard, Oregon 2012

Bullet For The Birds

Elvis full speed ahead after catching sight of a gull

Arcadia Beach, Oregon 2012

Heaven Is Listening

Looking back on the years in which I lived my life in the dark I absorb the gratitude that fills me today. A moment of despair suddenly a moment of clarity. Hanging my head down low, abusing my body and relationships, and an attitude of giving up acutely released. A decision to step out of that darkness like dropping a world of weight from my tired shoulders. To trudge forward even though the consequences of caused destruction patiently await me along my fresh, chosen path. Learning a new way to face the obstacles that forever attempt to pull my mind back to the dark. Realizing life and the people in it are golden.  With each new day a prayer to heavens light for guidance and inspiration. A story of growth and evolution. To never give up. just one day at a time.

A break in the midnight sky offers a sense of relief as I return home from a fishing trip

Turnagain Arm, Alaska 2004

Feeling The Warmth

 

After all of the presents were unwrapped and as everyone gathered in the kitchen for breakfast, my niece Caitlyn was getting to know Lexus, the newest member of the family in front of the fire.

Christmas Morning

2011 

One

Sign of the times

NW Portland, Oregon 2011

Moon Over Maui

The rising moon is momentarily obstructed by waving plams during a walk along the beach on Christmas Day

Maui 2002

Radio City

Just Another Corner Scene In NYC

2010

Hello Dolly

Like most of us, Dolly finds comfort and peace in the arms of another who cares

Molalla, Oregon 2011

Canine Shine

Veteran fence builder and devoted dog man Derek takes a moment to absorb some of the breaking sun on a very cold morning with Cameo and Dolly. Today was their lucky day and are now free of their chains.

Molalla, Oregon 2011

California Dreamin'

GusGus napping in the hot California weather

Windsor, California 2009

Gliding The Embarcadero

Cal Train leaving Folsom & Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge

San Francisco, California 2010

Touch Of Grey

Carved Jerry stump at The Edgfield

Portland, Oregon 2009

A Glimpse At Hope

Volunteer Tim takes a moment to show Nike just how much he means to him during the railroad fence build. Often, there are many unfavorable emotions that surface when working to unchain dogs. However, as this image proves, there is an overwhelming tenderness and sense of accomplishment that soon takes over in all of us making it all worth it.

The Railroad Dogs

"Nike" looks on at the volunteers working to build him a new fenced area

 "Doger"

This special guy is confined to a short zip line at the back of the property

"Gordo"

 One look into this dogs eyes proves that he is anything but a ferocious guard dog

Volunteer Sue gently approaches a frightened and shy "Gordo"

A volunteer talks to a newly freed "Nike" as he looks for "Gordo", who soon will share a brand new fenced area on the other side of him. 

Derek taking off "Gordo's" chain for the first time

"Nike" looking on at all of the excitement taking place. Most likely the greatest day of this young pups life.

Derek and Cedar have an intimate moment with "Three Legs" (now named "Trike"). The two had just learned that the owner is going to allow them to adopt him and take him home at the conclusion of the fence build. This pup has just hit the jackpot.

 This is what we do

On a rainy and muddy November day a group of volunteers took time off from their schedules to help change the lives of five "guard dogs" recently discovered chained up on piece of property along a railroad. Each dog was strategically placed along the property. The volunteers come from an organization called "Fences For Fido", a group whose purpose is to unchain dogs throughout Western Oregon and Southwestern Washington by building fences and hopefully changing some thought processes along the way. After an emotional negotiation process with the dogs' owner, the group was given the go-ahead to provide a couple of fences and zip lines for the dogs. There was something dark and disturbing about the dogs discovered on this particular property. The dogs were confined with heavy chains to a distance of about five feet and most lived their lives alone, never seeing the others throughout the property. The weather contributed to filthy conditions. Wet and muddy. As if these conditions were not enough, one of the two dogs at the back of the property was missing a leg. It was learned that this young pitbull called "Three Legs" had lost a leg when he was hit by a train one day after getting loose. Upon his return, he was simply chained back up minus one leg. Another dog on the property was an expecting mother. The list seemed to go on and on. It was apparent that these were all truly broken dogs. There was a sense of urgency and the turnout by Fences For Fido volunteers proved that. Within a few hours two dogs, called "Nike" & "Gordo" each had a large fenced area which was split down the center, allowing them to see each other. "Nike's" chain had to be cut off and he immediately ran the entire span of his new area. Along the way he gave thanks to each volunteer with some fresh mud. The release of "Gordo" was equally heartfelt. The transformation from a life of chains to freedom was instant and amazing. I want to really reiterate the latter. The apex of the day came when it was learned that one of the volunteers, Derek, was going to be allowed to adopt  "Three Legs" at the conclusion of the days events. This process was started upon Derek's first visit to the property to set posts for the fence build. He immediately fell in love and was willing to do whatever it took to give the pup the warm and loving life he deserved. Reluctant at first, the owner conceded after a lengthy negotiating process ("Three Legs" is now named "Trike"). Witnessing the days events evoked deep emotion to all involved and many to tears. A process in which all of us will never forget. I'm sure of this. It also proved that all of these dogs were anything but ferocious "guard dogs" and like most other living beings in this world just want to experience love and affection. Unfortunately, the story is not over. There is still the pregnant dog (that was not seen on this day) which means more dogs that will almost surely fall under the same predicament. Moreover, "Doger", the spry and good natured sheppard at the back of the property remains confined to a zip line. With more hard negotiations and the selfless work of the volunteers of Fences For Fido, these pups will be freed hopefully someday very soon. This is what we do. One dog at a time.