Hey guys. I thought I would post my final copy of my story for writing class. We had to write about the word "Blah." I wrote about loneliness. Enjoy.
"Pixie Dust"
Suicide brings a list of pros and cons. I only considered it once. I hadn’t changed clothes in three days. I was using a steak knife to cut a microwave pizza into four pieces and I wondered how easily the knife would pierce my skin. Am I as penetrable as melted cheese? Instead of experimenting with variables, I dropped the knife, threw away the pizza and burrowed myself in the couch.
When people are lonely a vast percentage of us would settle for being anywhere else. I always thought of Neverland. Imagining Tinker Bell fluttering into my apartment, casting a soft light in my face. I squinted, feeling a pinch of warmth being emitted from her fragile wings. My fragile wings sure didn’t bring warmth. She sprinkled me with pixie dust. It felt like a beach breeze casting tiny grains of sand on my body. Nothing happened. Peter Pan was nowhere in sight. Is he lost? It’s the third apartment building to the left and straight on ‘til sorrow. Tinker Bell’s glow dimmed. I think even she was worried and confused. She eventually let herself out.
Peter Pan is selfish. A brutal truth I learned. As sure as God made green apples. It was fall and the leaves had changed to colors of sunsets. I had the love of a woman that disappeared too suddenly. I was alone.
Since when does Peter Pan get to play Neverland god? Did I do something wrong? Was I supposed to have a teddy bear like Michael did? Nothing happened, and the magic pixie dust barely made my wings flinch. Peter Pan never came. There is no anecdote for loneliness. My personal Captain Hook would be battled with time.
Through the time, I felt like an Olympian clearing hurdles in my path. Sometimes the hurdles fell and other hurdles were cleared with ease. There were days when I dreamed of her. I’d awaken to the thought of seeing her in my room, but it was shadow games. It was the closest I came to become Pan. I was chasing a shadow. Every time my phone would ring I’d think it’s a second chance calling, but it was a wrong number.
The loneliest part of my life was one giant sword fight. Hook can really brawl. I returned each volley with sharp, double-edged technique while the crocodile waited to consume my nemesis. I became a witness that time, and a little faith, will defeat him. That only you can carry you to Neverland. The magical pixie dust will finally bring flight.
So there you have it. Haha. Not too bad. I had a good time coming up with Peter Pan references.
I met with the Photography head professor today just to show some of my work this quarter so far, which isn't much. It was a nice talk. I was able to express some concerns I had about the school and how I personally feel really behind and not as good as other students. He just explained that it is a natural feeling and probably a good feeling to have because it'll either push you to produce better images and ideas or it'll push you further away from your craft. I don't believe in failure in anything, so I know it'll only push me to be better. It's just difficult this quarter since I'm not used to these assignments, etc. But I know I'll get it eventually. That's why I'm in school, right? :)
Next Wednesday I have my quarterly meeting with Hank, the president of the school. He and I decided to meet once a quarter to talk about my future plans and ideas. He is super helpful. So by next week I need to type out a list of ideas for my magazine and what I want it to be and show and tell. That should be a nice assignment for this weekend. I can't believe second quarter will be over in about 3 weeks. I'm kinda looking forward to it.
Church groups are going well. I'm slowly coming out of my shell and making good friends. I asked a few ladies if they wanted to take me up on my extra ticket to Cirque du Soleil and Dave Barnes concert. We'll see how that turns out haha. But I'm really blessed to be involved in an awesome church and finally meet people my age who share the same love for our Creator. I know thats cheesy, but Im just thrilled about it. I'll keep you guys updated as things continue.
Have a great week. God Bless!!
More to come
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Kenya, Philippines, the World!
Hey guys! Look at that. I didn't update for a whole week! I don't know how the weather is where you are, but here in Atlanta it is high 60s to low 70s. It feels awesome! But anyways...I have some exciting news.
When I started joining my church down here, Buckhead Church, I signed up for information on a few global impact teams they have. I applied for a few that happen during breaks from school. I got an e-mail the other day saying I've been accepted onto the team to Kenya! I'm so psyched! The trip is June 18-27th. It costs $3,500 though, but that shouldn't be too big an issue. I have dozens of weddings to help pay for the cost. Plus the Lord will provide. The reason I wanted to go was because I have a strong passion to impact the world around me, and not only that, document things I see with my lens. Heck yes! Here is a rundown of what we'll be doing:
"Team members will work alongside the people of a 410 Bridge community, focusing on service projects and discipleship programs that have been identified as strategic priorities by the community. These include water projects, building construction and renovation, teaching in schools, and more. You will have the opportunity to interact with local leaders, community members, and children while building relationships throughout the week. On the back end of the trip, you will enjoy a safari day at a Kenyan national park where you will see a variety of animals and enjoy the Kenyan landscape. More details will be provided as you get closer to the trip dates. This will be a life-changing week, serving and building relationships with our brothers and sisters in Kenya and sharing the love of Christ!"
Amazing right? I can't wait to get more details and get started. We have a meeting in 2 weeks at church where I'll get to meet everyone going with me on the trip. Not sure if it is a varied group of ages or what. Then, next Summer I'm going to Manila, Philippines for 10 days with my Aunt and friend Amy. We'll be going to visit my sister Rachel who is a missionary. I can't be more stoked about that trip too! Just amazing the places God takes you in this world. Even more exciting serious news...
An opportunity has come to me involving traveling the world for an organization documenting what I see with my photography and writing. When I went to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, our guide for the journey was a really awesome Godly man. It has been at least 2 years since I've heard from him. About a week or so ago I got word from a school friend in Greece that he was looking to get in contact with me. He had seen some of my photos and wanted to see how I am. So I finally got a hold of him on the phone. When I told him who it is he like screamed in the phone and said "Evan how are you man?!" Hahaha so funny. You'd have to know him. Anyway, I told him about Atlanta and my dreams for afterwards, etc. He asked me if I wanted to see the world, and I was like uh yeah. Basically he now heads an organization based out of Nashville. They are in need of a Photographer. Only problem is finances and funding. (Something we talked long about and he is supposed to email me this week). He said he also knows people who work for International Mission Board, etc and there might be a way there. We were talking about how awesome an opportunity for me it would be to get started on my magazine now using the stories I see and hear over there wherever I go.
BUT Im comfortable here in Atlanta. So, unless the finances get sorted through another outlet, I won't be able to take this opportunity. I wouldn't be able to afford it without worry. Especially with school loan payments. But God has a way of working things out. So for right now, I'm still putting 110% into school and waiting to see what happens. But it is potentially one of the biggest opportunities of my life. If it works out, I'll have no reason to say no and get going. I'll let you know more as I do. Keep that in your prayers.
I'm entering week 6 of second quarter in grad school right now. We're just over halfway done with this session. Time has flown by. The last half is when things get busier it seems as people get cracking on final projects. I have a few to do this week. Thank God for my 4-day weekends this quarter.
I have another wedding this weekend on V-Day up in North Georgia. I am actually looking forward to it. Gotta love that money! My sister did my taxes for me and I'm getting back about $1,300. I've decided to put that money towards something I have been needing/wanting. An external monitor display for my laptop. That way it'll make editing wedding pictures and other assignments a whole lot easier on a bigger screen. Tax refund well spent haha. So all in all things are going well down here. Church is going well, school going well, the weather is awesome. I might try and jump up and click my heels if it gets any better. Thank you Lord for guiding me on this journey even when I was unwilling to walk it. I'm ready to pick up the pace. :)
More to come...
When I started joining my church down here, Buckhead Church, I signed up for information on a few global impact teams they have. I applied for a few that happen during breaks from school. I got an e-mail the other day saying I've been accepted onto the team to Kenya! I'm so psyched! The trip is June 18-27th. It costs $3,500 though, but that shouldn't be too big an issue. I have dozens of weddings to help pay for the cost. Plus the Lord will provide. The reason I wanted to go was because I have a strong passion to impact the world around me, and not only that, document things I see with my lens. Heck yes! Here is a rundown of what we'll be doing:
"Team members will work alongside the people of a 410 Bridge community, focusing on service projects and discipleship programs that have been identified as strategic priorities by the community. These include water projects, building construction and renovation, teaching in schools, and more. You will have the opportunity to interact with local leaders, community members, and children while building relationships throughout the week. On the back end of the trip, you will enjoy a safari day at a Kenyan national park where you will see a variety of animals and enjoy the Kenyan landscape. More details will be provided as you get closer to the trip dates. This will be a life-changing week, serving and building relationships with our brothers and sisters in Kenya and sharing the love of Christ!"
Amazing right? I can't wait to get more details and get started. We have a meeting in 2 weeks at church where I'll get to meet everyone going with me on the trip. Not sure if it is a varied group of ages or what. Then, next Summer I'm going to Manila, Philippines for 10 days with my Aunt and friend Amy. We'll be going to visit my sister Rachel who is a missionary. I can't be more stoked about that trip too! Just amazing the places God takes you in this world. Even more exciting serious news...
An opportunity has come to me involving traveling the world for an organization documenting what I see with my photography and writing. When I went to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, our guide for the journey was a really awesome Godly man. It has been at least 2 years since I've heard from him. About a week or so ago I got word from a school friend in Greece that he was looking to get in contact with me. He had seen some of my photos and wanted to see how I am. So I finally got a hold of him on the phone. When I told him who it is he like screamed in the phone and said "Evan how are you man?!" Hahaha so funny. You'd have to know him. Anyway, I told him about Atlanta and my dreams for afterwards, etc. He asked me if I wanted to see the world, and I was like uh yeah. Basically he now heads an organization based out of Nashville. They are in need of a Photographer. Only problem is finances and funding. (Something we talked long about and he is supposed to email me this week). He said he also knows people who work for International Mission Board, etc and there might be a way there. We were talking about how awesome an opportunity for me it would be to get started on my magazine now using the stories I see and hear over there wherever I go.
BUT Im comfortable here in Atlanta. So, unless the finances get sorted through another outlet, I won't be able to take this opportunity. I wouldn't be able to afford it without worry. Especially with school loan payments. But God has a way of working things out. So for right now, I'm still putting 110% into school and waiting to see what happens. But it is potentially one of the biggest opportunities of my life. If it works out, I'll have no reason to say no and get going. I'll let you know more as I do. Keep that in your prayers.
I'm entering week 6 of second quarter in grad school right now. We're just over halfway done with this session. Time has flown by. The last half is when things get busier it seems as people get cracking on final projects. I have a few to do this week. Thank God for my 4-day weekends this quarter.
I have another wedding this weekend on V-Day up in North Georgia. I am actually looking forward to it. Gotta love that money! My sister did my taxes for me and I'm getting back about $1,300. I've decided to put that money towards something I have been needing/wanting. An external monitor display for my laptop. That way it'll make editing wedding pictures and other assignments a whole lot easier on a bigger screen. Tax refund well spent haha. So all in all things are going well down here. Church is going well, school going well, the weather is awesome. I might try and jump up and click my heels if it gets any better. Thank you Lord for guiding me on this journey even when I was unwilling to walk it. I'm ready to pick up the pace. :)
More to come...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Capturing "Blah"
So the new word for my writing class assignment is "Blah." It can be on anything and everything we think of to express the word. For some reason, loneliness was the first thing that came to mind. Weird right? Of all the topics. So I decided to jot down a few sentences on paper to see where it takes me. And, naturally, the loneliest part of my life started taking shape. I know a lot of people have heard it time and time again, but I've been trying to write it in a way I've never expressed it before. What loneliness does to a person. Somehow, don't ask me why, Peter Pan got involved. Hahaha you'll see when you read it in a week after class Tuesday. It starts off "I didn't get my first kiss until ninth grade." And it goes on about first loves and ultimately what the loss of that love does to a person. Could be good or really bad. Time will tell.
I've been having a lot of thoughts this week about school in general. After talking with some fellow Photography students, I've decided to give it til the Fall, after I've been here a full year, and start to weigh my options. See if I feel like the Lord needs me to stay the final year. And don't get me wrong, I love it here. I truly do. It's a terrific program. Only thing is...am I here to learn something from the school, or does the Lord want me to learn something outside of the walls? It's been a thought on my mind for a few days now.
I came across something interesting in my reading. "Only a life lived for others is worth living." And it struck a chord because helping others is the main area of my dream with my magazine. Oh gosh it's like if I had the opportunity to start it now I totally would. I miss Nashville more and more too. No matter all that happened out there for me it was a terrific place to live. I miss my friends and family out there. I was telling my mom if an opportunity came up for employment out there, I wouldn't give it a second thought and would begin packing. But, on the other hand, if I don't stay and pursue my dream and NYC, I know I'll always wonder "what if?" later on. So thoughts are, as always, heavy on my mind.
One day last week my iPhone rang (I specify "iPhone" because it always makes my Dad jealous haha) and it was my niece Carson on the phone. Always a nice surprise. She said "Buddy guess what? Jadd (my nephew) just said your name." How tender is that? Apparently he actually just made a noise that sounded like my name, and Carson said "He just said Evan." So her mom asked if she wanted to tell me and she said "Yeah!" Oh I miss her so much. Jadd too of course. And my nephew Gavin back in VA.
This is probably me jumping the shark in a huge way, but I think there is a tiny chance I might get asked to do some photography work overseas. This is the reason I think this...Abraham was our guide on the college trips to Greece and Turkey/Cyprus. I got a Facebook message from a friend over there saying that he wanted to get in contact with me regarding photography, etc. So naturally my passion for capturing the world rushed to my mind, and I started hoping that was it. I haven't heard from him yet. Haha it's probably some random question like "My camera won't focus. Any idea why?" Oh but how awesome it would be to travel the world and show the world what I see. Gosh! AHHH!! Hahaha. Anyway....
A friend contacted me to donate some of my prints to an art auction to raise money for Boys & Girls Club of America. I said definitely. I even thought it might be a good idea to maybe have a free Photography session auctioned off and see if anyone bids on it. Might be a good way to get my name out there and offer my talents for a good cause at the same time. We'll see what develops out of that. I'm not sure the full story. Was just asked tonight. Keep you guys posted.
I must get to bed now. Today will be a fun day, hopefully, Super Bowl party at church tonight with the Fusion gang. The Varsity is catering. Yum. Keep me in prayer as I'm getting more involved with this church group. I'll post an update sometime this week. Hope everyone has a good one. Keep my sister Rachel in prayer as she is now boarding the ship in the Philippines. God Bless!
More to come...
I've been having a lot of thoughts this week about school in general. After talking with some fellow Photography students, I've decided to give it til the Fall, after I've been here a full year, and start to weigh my options. See if I feel like the Lord needs me to stay the final year. And don't get me wrong, I love it here. I truly do. It's a terrific program. Only thing is...am I here to learn something from the school, or does the Lord want me to learn something outside of the walls? It's been a thought on my mind for a few days now.
I came across something interesting in my reading. "Only a life lived for others is worth living." And it struck a chord because helping others is the main area of my dream with my magazine. Oh gosh it's like if I had the opportunity to start it now I totally would. I miss Nashville more and more too. No matter all that happened out there for me it was a terrific place to live. I miss my friends and family out there. I was telling my mom if an opportunity came up for employment out there, I wouldn't give it a second thought and would begin packing. But, on the other hand, if I don't stay and pursue my dream and NYC, I know I'll always wonder "what if?" later on. So thoughts are, as always, heavy on my mind.
One day last week my iPhone rang (I specify "iPhone" because it always makes my Dad jealous haha) and it was my niece Carson on the phone. Always a nice surprise. She said "Buddy guess what? Jadd (my nephew) just said your name." How tender is that? Apparently he actually just made a noise that sounded like my name, and Carson said "He just said Evan." So her mom asked if she wanted to tell me and she said "Yeah!" Oh I miss her so much. Jadd too of course. And my nephew Gavin back in VA.
This is probably me jumping the shark in a huge way, but I think there is a tiny chance I might get asked to do some photography work overseas. This is the reason I think this...Abraham was our guide on the college trips to Greece and Turkey/Cyprus. I got a Facebook message from a friend over there saying that he wanted to get in contact with me regarding photography, etc. So naturally my passion for capturing the world rushed to my mind, and I started hoping that was it. I haven't heard from him yet. Haha it's probably some random question like "My camera won't focus. Any idea why?" Oh but how awesome it would be to travel the world and show the world what I see. Gosh! AHHH!! Hahaha. Anyway....
A friend contacted me to donate some of my prints to an art auction to raise money for Boys & Girls Club of America. I said definitely. I even thought it might be a good idea to maybe have a free Photography session auctioned off and see if anyone bids on it. Might be a good way to get my name out there and offer my talents for a good cause at the same time. We'll see what develops out of that. I'm not sure the full story. Was just asked tonight. Keep you guys posted.
I must get to bed now. Today will be a fun day, hopefully, Super Bowl party at church tonight with the Fusion gang. The Varsity is catering. Yum. Keep me in prayer as I'm getting more involved with this church group. I'll post an update sometime this week. Hope everyone has a good one. Keep my sister Rachel in prayer as she is now boarding the ship in the Philippines. God Bless!
More to come...
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