I was back in my old places couple of weeks ago. My best buddies are going to be moving down to where I live. So, it will be great having them around, but... one more connection to 'home' gone. And the strongest link I've had. A place without the people just isn't the same place. But it's all changed so much anyway, it's been a long time since whatever the place was for me ceased to be. But I still get called back... which I guess means that enough of what I seek survives there. And when I can't get back, I can always grab a guitar, go sit somewhere quiet, and play those tunes that take me back inside. Hmmmm ... think I'll go do that right now. Thanks
cheers
MikeC

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Once was cute...

Hi Mike,

I am in a dead rush to get to work, but I am delighted to hear from you....

And I know EXACTLY what you mean about the beloved places not being the same without the beloved people being there !.....The Sonoma valley is no longer, for me, a place where my soul is at home.....
Oh, it's still lovely, but without my friends there, not the same.....most of them have left, it's just too expensive now, the people with lots of money have moved in and driven up the cost of living to the absurd.....

gotta run , but we'll talk soon eh ?????

and I gotta say, I miss your comments on my work....I am curious if you think I still have it ...so to speak.....sometimes I think yes , sometimes ...no.....but we are rarely the best judge of our own work ....

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What a long strange trip it's been

Hi Sally,

I've been pretty much occupied with family, moving house, finances, kids etc before I even begin to think music and writing ... and photography is some long ways behind all that. When I do get here, I tend to make some considered comment about something that grabs me in particular rather than just the "That's nice" and attach some relevant emoticon. I'm not really into the social network thing so much ... but then if that was 100% true, why am I talking to you - so there goes that comfortable theory! I'm glad you appreciate the comments - when they do happen. Re your pics - gee, not sure I'm the person to ask! There are shots that are - I gather - really here as records; others where it's more obvious that the shot is composed to be 'artistic' and I don't mean that in any derogatory sense at all. Of course, some of the best shots often tend to be randomly captured moments - right time, right place, right instincts ie to take the shot at that moment rather than some other, or not at all. Sometimes I think it's just throwing mud at a wall, and hoping not only that some sticks, but that it also leaves an impression - evokes thoughts, feelings. Both in ourselves and in others. Ah, gee, I'm telling you how to suck eggs. Sorry!

Back to 'home' - yep, exactly the same thing. Although there always was money, but it was confined to particular places and it was 'old money' - associated with big old places with wonderful gardens. I spent quite a bit of time being a gardener in a number of them: getting to know the gardens and the people. The rest of the wealth was unseen - hidden in the capital of the land, and the lives of those that worked it. Now, so much new money and people associated with that - playing at being on the land - kids in expensive schools, three 4WD shiny never get mud on them monsters in the driveways. The two original cafes that used to serve milkshakes and burgers now replaced by a dozen boutique coffee shops, gourmet food bars etc. People come, and everything changes. Just what we do. While the original people remain, there's still connections, but when they go, what's left is just images in the minds of those who have left. But somewhere I am grateful that it also made us who we were, and who we are. And that remains - at least until we die ...then I don't know what's left. Guess I'll find out one day.

Great to hear that you've sorted some things out - work, a place to be. And yes, you still have 'it' - and when I've figured out exactly what that is, I'll let us both know!
cheers
MikeC

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Once was cute...

Jeez Mike.....it's weird how we are an the same wave length, and even have places the same in our lives.....Sonoma is precisely the place you described.....I about fell over when I stopped into the little burger place by the driving range, and found the price of a burger, fries and a coke was over $10 !!!!!.......

But, you're too right in saying that those places made us who we are today....or rather...the people in those place did......we were both incredbly (sp?) lucky to have had those times.....

I hope things are going well for you down under ... family all in good health, and relationships happy...I am still working my way back to a "real" life, but considering how far I had to go....I am doing ok....That work I mentioned? I have been buying huge lots of old watches on ebay, refurbishing them, ( I am now able to put a battery in almost any kind of watch !) and selling them at the flea market....but I do love old watches, so it's kinda fun ....

Last year I had a job for a short while ( good ole ADD....sooner or later, I pay the price for having that, cost me that job) in a frame shop....ooh boy I loved that a lot, putting together the right art with the right frame and mat filled a creative need.....8 hours of "making stuff" yah, I loved it....was awfully good at it too. It sounds a bit strange for me to declare that framing stuff is creative, but it really is..and satisfying too....I loved when the folks would see the finished product...I swear, sometimes they would actually get tears in their eyes....

I live in Emeryville now, right next door to that most notorious of cities.......Berkeley!!!.....and you do see some wondrously strange things in that town...."only in Berkeley" is said quite a lot around here...albeit with a great amount of affection....like right by the BART ( Bay Area Rapid Transist) station, there's a little bit of lawn with some trees behind that....and over on the left, is a group of stand up letters....about 10 feet tall...they say HERE and over on the right...about 50 feet away is another group of letters standing up and they say THERE.....don't know why they're there...they just are !

It is a lush and green town, with many an odd house peeking from behind thick greenery, and bright flowers...I am trying to put together a photo group of the town, but it is hard to capture....but I persist...I take my best work when I like what I see, and eventually I'll get it ....

and you're also right about the photography I have been doing...the "record" ones, by the way, are records of a different type of craft or art that I do ..the Christmas stuff from Michigan ....I made everything in those photos...the wreaths, ornaments, and everything on that tree !...oh it was a glorious sparkly mess ! I love making Xmas decorations..and invented those wreaths ...using redwood cones and deodor cedar "roses" I shipped them out from California, cause they don't grow in the midwest...and they take about 800 pounds of hot glue to make each one !..not to mention patience...and the beads and the chest of drawers? ....also my work....

sigh, just a show off I guess....but at least I have a record of something I made somewhere !....everything else is lost, the actual things and the records of them ....

well, time to stop babbling on....write when you find time .....and ...well, it really is nice to hear from you ......

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What a long strange trip it's been