A Magical Life I Lead and I Don't Apologize

On my list of people to photograph resides a brilliant singer, Santigold.  She is brilliant and lovely and talented in so many ways.  Oh and that's right, I get to meet her next Thursday and see her perform...  I'm already trying to remind myself to "be cool, be cool" for I may say some stupid thing that makes me sound creepy.  I mean similar things have happened when I have been so excited!



(by the way it was well worth the few year wait for a purely magical second CD release.  And hey she doesn't use auto-tune.  Imagine that, a real artist!)

-Gawdun

A Year Of Learning

'What's Wrong With Me?'
-Julia Stone

(Disclaimer: I have chosen to speak very frankly below.  By doing so you may feel offended and angry. Just know I wish you peace as there is no time to truly be angry in your day at the words and thoughts I choose to share.  I mean you no harm and hate, just that we are of different paths now and that is ok.)

Dear Readers of 'The Gawduner,'

When things happen in ones own life that cause a inner reflection at what they really want out of their life things begin to change.  Things can change for good or even bad.

As I have said in the past 2011 became a pivotal year for me, and it was a good one in the end.

I accomplished my goal of distancing my self from the constant addiction of Facebook except in regards to the ARG IMAG Photography page which needed keep up for my business.  I experienced a once thought to be a budding relationship turn to dust over night (Literally), which later turned out to be one of the biggest plays I've ever been through.  (And I've been played before.)  I experienced the forced loss of a job and the luck of being offered a job all because of the impact I have left on people around me.  I gained a powerful recharge in my photography that has taken me light years of where I was this time last year.  A charge in the way I look and practice physical health was embraced this past year, I have never looked nor felt better.  I have also experienced the sifting of friends and finding those that have stayed close to me even when they live miles, city's and states away.  I have also started new friendships by the common connection of simple iPhone apps and love of music.  During that same time with friendships I have greatly learned that several I called friends in my own town were not such.  It was more of a friendship of convenience, one in which they took and gave when they felt inclined.  And if I did not do the "keeping in contact 100% of the time" it was my fault I was not part of parties or get togethers (just a heads up a phone works two ways and there are many ways to contact me other than phone.)  I experienced a look at my own beliefs and religious beliefs, and just where I stand in regards to them.  And I experienced a dark and deep depression.

I am not bitter for any of the things I learned and went through in 2011.  I thank those who helped me in depression and despair, sometimes even making sure I was actually eating.

My Family
Sydney
Kenley
Nicole
Fred
Daniella
Channa
Emily
Kevin
Katie
David
Molly
Roxanne

I take to 2012 with this new mind.  Full of knowledge and ability to accomplish greater things than ever before.  My blogging may pick back up and it may not.  I have chosen to live my life doing what I like and enjoying my passions.  This means the pull of the inter-webs to blog and Facebook my every moment, unless for photography related items, may be infrequent.  But do check back from time to time.  You have not heard the last of me :)


'The Memory Machine'
-Julia Stone


-Gawdun

Late Night Food

Tracy - "Why do people die?"

Nate - "To make life important."

(Six Feet Under)

What are you doing? How are you treating others? How are you treating yourself?


-Gawdun

Centered and Resourced

Change comes and so does the change of the seasons.  In what I call one of the roughest years so far in my life I have come to close several doors that made it tricky as the year winds down.  I never thought it would be here and yet we are finally under 60 days till 2012.  :)  Raise the roof!  

The other day I was feeling over whelmed with the changes I have been presented a head of me and then the thoughts of this last year, with specific events in the front.  As I was discussing this with my dear friend Kenley Chapman he sent me this photo...

-Gawdun

Of Course I Would

'Cobrastyle'
-Robyn

I thought about not posting on the passing of Steve Jobs, but I feel like I should pay respects to one of the great technology innovators.

I get a lot, and I mean LOT of slack for being an Apple fan from social acquaintances, and friends.  My family never really comments now that I think about it, other than my Aunt Dawn, but she's an avid Apple user as well.  I understand and know that a good majority of Apple owners just own them as it is a status symbol and cool factor.  I on the other hand own them because of the line of industry I am in, photography.  I do not need to own every object they invent or revamp.  Heck I still need to upgrade my OS from Snow Leopard to Lion but am fine for now, and currently use and do all my business on my 13inch white MacBook.  (Although it is time to get a desktop from the increase of work and clients I'm now having.)  Let's get to the purpose of this post though...

Steve was not flashy from what I ever noticed in his Keynote presentations.  He and his design team created things with the client and users in mind.  While at a 'Beloved' photography seminar recently we spoke on how your appearance in public can describe your product before the client even sees it.  From my opinion Steve knew that.  Jeans and a black turtle neck is all we ever saw him in.  That translated to his creations... Simplicity and comfort, less confusion, beauty and shine.  I'm always learning something new about his inventions that I own every time I use them.

I guess there is no concise theme to this post except how grateful I am for the awesome and simplified technology that Steve envisioned and brought us.  (I mean Microsoft, really?  Do you have to be so confusing?  Take a lesson.)

Thanks again!

'Deep Blue'
-Arcade Fire


-Gawdun

My MInd Has a Part 2

Earlier this week I posted a blog of two topics that were on my mind...

I had a feeling was leaving something out and that would be #3...

3.   This Darn NFL Lockout!

Back at the end of the NFL season the stupid NFL moved into this "Lockout" mumbo jumbo.  I mentioned it to a few people that I found this to be a giant waist of crap news.  Here is why...  If I remember right almost every darn year at the end of EVERY sport season there is some sort of strike or lockout.  Mostly they want money is the underlining theme but they usually cover that up with some sort of other bull crap.  

So there I was talking to a friend and I said, "mark my words the NFL lockout will come to an end right before the training and preseason kicks off."  Boy I need to be paid for my predictions.  There I was this last week in the gym locker room and on EPSN they were talking about they players were being allowed back into the locker rooms now as training season begins as long as they got their physicals.  Huh ironic.  Pre season is just weeks away and the "lockout" sounds like it is vanishing away.  

Just be honest and say you are giving your players more money for the next season.  I believe they just use the "Lockout" also as a cover up to make it so much easier for us to accept the fact they are going to once again get pay raises and they deserve it.  We wouldn't easily accept a raise if they just gave it to them.  This is just further proof that the majority of America is blind and can't think on their own.  

(Once again this is just my thoughts and opinions if you did not like this post then you really should... I don't know, but you should do something.)

-Gawdun

My Mind

I have two things on my mind right now...

1.  Dear Officers of the Law, I can not take you seriously when you wear WHITE sunglasses.

Today while I was running on the treadmill at the gym I watched as a car pulled over due to the fact that the police behind him was flashing him to stop.  As the police man pulled up behind him I noticed the officer was wearing WHITE sunglasses.  My fellow readers should know by now my loath and repulse to the WHITE sunglass look.  Especially when guys where them.  As soon as I saw them on the officer I immediately lost any sort of respect for him.  I tried as hard as I could but I could not gain respect for him.  The WHITE sunglasses made him look un-professonal and like a complete joke.  I had more respect for the officers of CHIPS than I did him.

I think more people need to be aware of what they wear in the public when they are representing their business or profession.

2.  The locker room at my gym is wayyyyy to small.

My good friend Karyn shared this 'Modern Family' clip with me when I told her about my locker room stories while at the gym...

Click me for a "Splash Down Moon Landing"

Now the last couple of days I have had this above clip stuck in my head and begin to laugh while in the locker room thus making it seem that I am probably crazy or making other guys uncomfortable thinking I am judging and laughing at them.  (Which is not even happening as the eyes stay straight ahead on my locker.)


-Gawdun

And Where Has Summer Gone?

'And The Boys'
-Angus & Julia Stone

Summer has been busy.  I've been around.  Sadly won't have my annual August trip to Tahoe.  Sample of of my summer thus far, in no particular order...

Much more to come including a few more CA trips this summer for work and housing and several events.  Hope your summers are going swanky!

'You Can't Keep Me'
-Amy LaVere


-Gawdun

Drink Responsibly & Get Sponsored Responsibly...

'Home is a Fire'
-Death Cab For Cutie


It's about time I posted a blog about this...

Let's face it!  I am a water racist.  I wont drink any other water but a certain Glaceau kind.  What kind would that be?  SmartWater.  It just taste better, smells better has better ingredients and I could keep going on for hours.  Oh but I must not forget to mention has the coolest packaging.  I have been drinking SmartWater exclusively for 4 years and before then I would mix my water purchases with tap water or San Pellegrino.  But I have been a avid fan of the Glaceau brand since I read an article on them in the Entertainment Weekly back in spring 2001.

There is just something magical about SmartWater.  No I don't feel smarter (which is the same lame joke people ask when they see me drinking it).  ---> I have always wanted to tell them that just talking to them makes me smarter, but I refrain.  Seriously the only ingredients are; Vapor distilled water and Electrolytes.  "So pure and crisp like from a cloud," as one of their marketing campaigns stated.  It's just down right tasty.

Thus brings me to my current goal...

I have spent enough money on this company that I deserve to be a major share holder in the company but I will actually settle for a major sponsorship of some sorts.  I'm sorry Jennifer Aniston may make drinking SmartWater look sexy in black and white (another campaign that ran last year) but I look sexy drinking it in color ALL the time, not just at the turn of the page.  I am a major advertiser for them and they don't realize it but it's high time they do.

So by year end I want a sponsorship with them!  I sent out a tweet about this a few months ago and one of my photography network members actually tweeted back saying Glaceau sponsored one of their wedding promo events and they ended up with tons of bottles left over.  To prove that I drink this liquid heaven everyday and everywhere I will be taking a photo of me and the SmartWater everyday until they notice.   I am creating a separate Tumblr page then my "Behind ARG IMAG Photography" page.  I will have the link for you by Friday as I am in the midst of designing the page :)

It's gonna be sick!

Let's look at the dedication I have to this liquid heaven:

1.  I have a 1L bottle with me during my gym work-out, which I attend 6 days a week.
2.  I have at least a full bottle and a backup one here in the office at all times.
3.  All road trips consist of a separate area in my car where I can reach a SmartWater at all times, even if I'm not driving.
4.  I will not waste a single drop by dumping out.
5.  Before crossing airport security I will guzzle the entire bottle I have left (see #4), which then causes me to pee a lot before flight and in flight.
6.  On my mission my dear friend Roxanne would send me packages in the mail with at least 3 of the 1.5 L size bottles at least once every 6 months.  I would ration it out to be used only during meetings and when I had a rough day teaching.
7.  I have a bottle with me whenever I do any public speaking.
8.  When I find it on sale it's all over.  I will buy a shopping cart full, but not in one trip, I make several trips.  I don't want people to think I run a mini-mart.
9.  I don't just throw the bottle away I will place it in the proper plastic recycle location just as it suggests.
10.  I actually just paused between 9 and 10 to drink some.
11.  Only water I will put in my protein shakes after each work out.
12.  I will turn my nose down at you if you reuse the bottle with any kind of water that is not the SmartWater.  I am not afraid to admit it.
13.  I can tell you are a good friend if you actually knew all this about me and don't offer me anything other than SmartWater at your BBQ's, parties, etc.
14.  Even when I was laid off I still managed to buy it and support the dedication.

AND ONE MORE:

15.  I have a bottle with me at EVERY photo shoot I do.



See I deserve a sponsorship!  So get ready for me to have it by year end of 2011.

(I totally just took this)

'You Are a Tourist'
-Death Cab For Cutie


-Gawdun

The Arms of Another Man

'Extraordinary Machine'
-Fiona Apple

I sit in my office way past normal business hours (1:30am) and I hear rhythmic pounding from the office upstairs.  I think this might be the plot of my favorite Woody Allen film 'Small Time Crooks' happening before me, except we don't share a building with a bank just a consignment shop.

At least that's all I hope the noise from upstairs is...

On a sad note Sydnee said I missed a most awesome lightning show tonight due to being stuck at my job.  I sure hope things change in the very near future as far as employment goes.  *fingers crossed*


'Take a Letter Maria'
-R.B. Greaves


-Gawdun

Fergie Say's

'Don't You Evah'

-Spoon

Why must we label?

-Gawdun

I Am Here

As much as I love blogging it sure sometimes feels like a job.  

With that I am here still, and storing up on the topics to put down here for you fellow readers, but I just don't have the time.  Ok that is a lie, as of this very moment I do have the time I just don't feel like posting a long winded story from the travels of Gawdun.  DEAL WITH IT...

Here is a photo to swing the mood... into what way it swings I will leave that up to you.

And yes this is one of my images.  In fact if you would like to purchase this in the form of a print to hang on your wall or somewhere else contact me through...

arg.imag@gmail.com

-Gawdun

Ok You Can Stay

'Pick Up The Phone'
-Dragonette

I have been very fortunate to know some swanky and swell people in my life.  If we were to go by my Facebook friend count I would have over 400 friends but then again I don't go by that, let's be honest that is not a perfect gauge on friendship.  (I think several are business contacts and networked friends that will come in handy in the future.)

While on my run today I had the chance to do more thinking even though Madonna kept singing to me about 'Burning Up.'  I thought about those that I associate with now and those that I have in the past.  I created a mental rolodex of all those that have been major impacts and true friendship in my life.  I am going to introduce you readers to them.

(NOTE):  I don't consider this to be a complete image rolodex as I do not have photo's of all of you so if you are not pictured don't be sad you are still good I just need to get a picture of you to post here :-)

Bill, Fred, Me, Kenley:  No matter what your life has for you in difference, that doesn't make the friends, it's the person(s). 

Nicole the perfect roller derby enthusiast

Karyn  

Molly there from year back no matter where we live 

Erin, Alex, Me, and Katie.  Reno isn't a trip without this gang! 

Aunt Dawn, supper supportive and hysterical! 

And MOST IMPORTANT!!!  My family!  Alycia, Me, Lucas, Mom, and not pictured would be David. Y'all worry to much about me but I love it.

'Photojournalist'

-Small Black

-Gawdun

Blessed And Highly Favored

2010 has not been an easy year.  2010 was the year where things I thought were not and things that were, became a thought.  I have learned of being confused and then of having a clear mind.

My family has been a great support and I know and hope will always be as things get interesting in 2011.  I can just feel it being a interesting year, but then again I say that every year and I am always right ;-)

I owe a great deal of thanks to a specific group of friends I have.  They have accepted your blogger, a certain Gawdun, and been a great deal of support and sound board.  They are a great group of guys.

Ok that is the limit I have on emotion for this year.  Quota full.  Enjoy your final day of 2010!!!  Here's looking to 2011

-Gawdun

Bows of Holly

'Christmas Lights'
-Coldplay

I have been gone from the blog world for a minute.  I know, I know "The Horror!"  I could tell you that I have been busy which is yes very true as I have had family photo shoots and also a wedding shoot in Vegas, along with bartending and table waiting but that would be a lie if I used just "being busy."  I have had no desire to sit down and blog simply put.  I have been a blog party crapper.  Maybe it has to do with the fact I am running 3 blogs (or attempting) with one being ARG IMAG Photography, the business blog.  Whatever reason may be I have taken a blog hiatus but am back now.

I've begun compiling the listing of all the music mentioned at the start and finish of blog posts from this year.  That playlist will be available to view come January 1, 2011. (1/1/11)

St. George this week has flooded.  Not as bad I guess damage wise as the 2005 flood.  HOWEVER I have just one irritation with the hype around it.  Some of you may have seen this remark as my Facebook status but I must explain.  I HATE when people make reference to floods as a "common occurrence."  Unless you have factual evidence I don't want to hear the phrase, "oh this is a 100 (90, 75 etc) year flood.  Simply put I don't think weather truly has a pattern like the human race does.  I think the simplicity of my brother backing the toilet up has more of a pattern and can be called one than flooding does.  I had someone this week tell me that the flood of 2005 (which I didn't live here then) was a 100 year flood and the one of this week was a 90 year flood.  I won't lie, I laughed in their face and called them out.  Not nice but had to be done.  -The end of my flood rant-

December has been a busy Sin City Roller Girls month.  Nicole is also back from her master program in N.C. so we have attended most of the events.  I did the Twitter feed once again for the team during their bout this month.  We also attended yet another roller disco event they hosted.  They moved it from the Rain nightclub at the Palms to The Joint at Hard Rock.  Not as fun I will admit but it was a good time.  I opted to not skate it up and took some sweet photos.  I will be posting them tonight along with my photo's from the H&M opening at the Forum Shop.  That opening blew my mind!


'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'
-Aimee Mann


-Gawdun

Yes, You Did Ding Me!

'Emancipated Minor'

-Ani Difranco

Last night we had a rockin rain storm bust it's way through St. George. I'm not talking cat's and dog's rain, I'm talking small children from 3rd world countries were dropping on our lands. It was insane! Not to mention the lighting that came with it was amazing. I have NEVER seen lightning completely surround and entire town. I mean it was ALL around, usually it stays in a central area but not last night.

Anyways.

I was called by my Elders Quorum President as I was leaving work to show up for a meeting. I agreed, even though I am still having a hard time with this ward. Upon my drive there I found a parking spot right up front of the institute building, which was nice as I didn't have to run in the rain very far and look like a wet llama. The meeting was interesting and I left. Upon returning to my car I sat there and spoke to a friend on the phone right there in my car not leaving my parking spot. A few minutes into my conversation I watched two guys walk up to different sides of the car next to me. Obviously they belonged to it. I'll have you know what took place next SHOCKS me!!!

I was parked in my lane and not in any other lane. So I was perfectly legal in my parking. I'm there talking to my friend and all of a sudden the guy getting into his drives seat opens his door and lets it swing right into my passenger door and then proceeds to leave it that way and out his backpack in his back seat door!!!! You read it right. This kid ALLOWED HIS DOOR TO SMACK INTO MY DOOR!!!!!!!! I was shocked. My mouth dropped and I told my friend Nicole to hold a moment. I proceeded to lean over and roll down the passenger window and say, " Really!? You just did that?"

Yeah he just looked at me and got into his car and said nothing!!!!! NOT ONE WORD!!!! You know just a sorry is all I would like. BUT NOTHING!!!! So I explained the ordeal to Nicole and stared the guy down. I decided before it happened again by this guy I would back out and move. So I did, however I also memorized and wrote his plates down that way I can leave him a nice note next time I see that car about proper manners in times like that. I may even check out Emily Post to see if there is a rule on situations like said event.

I forgive the dude totally as upon inspection today there is no mark left from his Maroon Buick.

On a side note to make last night worse I really wanted Annie's Shells and White Cheddar Mac n' Cheese with hot dogs cut into it (totally against my healthier eating habits). Yeah what is it that whenever I want turkey franks they are NEVER on sale, but when I don't even need them they are dirt cheap? Really??

On a happy note it's almost Halloween and I can't wait! Two days of events to be two different things! (more on this later)

'Got Nuffin'

-Spoon

-Gawdun

Not Just the Magazines

'Belong'

-Cary Brothers

When I was a wee laddie, (I still feel that I am) I tore up the pages of many books. For clarification I would read them. Oh how much I loved them. I had no problem clearing a Box Car Children or similar style of book in one day tops. I mean I loved the literary world. As with most of us the desire to read and time to read escaped me. I blame the iPod as I love me some podcasts and I also blame the great Google Reader since it delivers all the daily news and blogs I subscribe to via RSS feed each moment they are newly posted.

I am trying to better my ways of the classic for of words. I have began to purchase books and read them. Last week while I was watching Brothers and Sisters with the family, the book, 'Walden' was brought up. I was always told how much I needed to read it and that I would love it. Although unlike movies I don't go out and read all that are referred to me. But after the dialogue on TV about this book and thinking about the excerpts we read in high school I decided it was time to read it.

So yesterday while on yet another Vegas trip (this was a photo working one) I stopped by our lovely friends at Barnes and Noble and picked up a copy of Henry David Thoreau's book, 'Walden.'

Literary world ready or not here I come! Let's embrace and have a moment.

'Everybody Hurts'

-R.E.M.

-Gawdun

Don't Hate

I understand that the following video may get me A LOT of hate mail and such but you know what that is ok. I understand the views of the subject are very mixed and that while my faith does not condone the subject, I have always been taught that no matter what we are ALL still God's children and we CAN'T hate. You don't have to agree but you can't cast stones as YOU are not perfect and are not the final judge of this life.

I have known many gay and lesbian people in my life. They have always been kind to me and NEVER bashed me (even knowing I am L.D.S.). I have friends who have family members who are gay and or lesbian. I also have really good friends who are gay and would do anything for them like I would my straight friends. They are human too and shall be treated that way!

While I am also NOT supporting suicide I find it troubling that we live in a world where we treat others the way we do and cause grief on others. I find it troubling that in doing such said things, the victims sometimes only find it easier to end their lives. I hope you readers never have to have that grief on your heads and I as well hope to never feel it. I believe that while they will answer for their choices to end life early, in the end I believe ALL of us will answer for our actions to those and others we have harmed. I am by no means perfect and have done and said things in my youth that I would love to take back and have reached out to those I harmed, but I can't to all. I have to move forward and teach the younger to not follow in my past heinous ways.

Hate this post, hate me, or love me, but it's time we stop the verbal and physical abuse to those around us. You don't have to support the lifestyle that others live but YOU DO have to LOVE each other.

For you never know what those around you are struggling with. If anything keep that in mind.

(please feel free to leave any comment good or bad, I am interested to read)

-Gawdun