Stand or Fall

"Crying parents tell their children
If you survive don't do as we did
A son exclaims there'll be nothing to do to
Her daughter says she'll be dead with you
While foreign affairs are screwing us rotten
Line morale has hit rock bottom
Dying embers stand forgotten
Talks of peace were being trodden

Stand or fall state your peace tonight
Stand or fall state your peace tonight" The Fixx

This song was in my head today. I was taken back to 1988-89 for a brief moment as it started playing on my Pandora Internet Radio Station. It was the last song for the month as I ran out of free time. Time is a funny thing. Music and pictures lock those memories in for us. The next time you are out and with friends, bring a camera and listen to what music is playing. 20 years later you'll thank yourself or that friend or photographer that took those shots. Life is more than a job, making money and trying to get a head, keeping up with the neighbors, having the most toys. It's about family, friends, memories, and time spent helping someone other than yourself. It's your time to Stand or Fall. What are you going to do?
JJ

The stuck key

As I was taking out the recycling this morning I noticed the start of what you see before you. I grabbed my camera and walked down to the beach. It was very windy and a bit chilly, but that didn't matter. I thought for a second about what has been going on in my life and was thinking about all of the research and looking up I have been doing on the internet. I noticed on the laptop that the left shift key didn't work all the time. So I tried to unstick it by clicking it 3 times. (I so need a MAC.) That didn't work so I opted to using the opposite shift key on the right side of the keyboard. Now, for someone who actually took typing on the old IBM Selectric II back in the 7th grade, I was taught to type the correct way with all fingers. Now, after forming a habit of using the left shift key for so long, once it was stuck I had to resort to something different. So this morning while I was looking at this wonderful scene, I thought about that and I am doing exactly that. I am doing somethings differently these days, my key is stuck and I have to adapt and overcome. Do I throw away the computer or my life? NO. You reinvent yourself and keep on going.  So to those of you out there who are jobless, hopeless, and tired remember this, look at things differently, it is going to be ok. Trust in God and ask him to lead you in the right direction. He won't steer you wrong.

Don't take yourself too seriously

...because no one else does either!!!
Found a few minutes to blog and with all that is going on in my life I wanted to remind some of my friends to lighten up a bit. Don't take yourself so seriously. Laugh at yourself, everyone one else does! (laugh at me I mean...) I have been hearing from some of my photography friends and even others in business pretty much giving things away to get customers. There are other ways to gain customers, trust me. I do some freebies at times but they are the ones that get me a lot of exposure and contacts. Don't sell yourself short, stick to your guns, stick to your prices. If you are that good, the customers will pay. I hope that most of you are ready for the holidays and didn't go overboard. Trust me, my kids have learned to appreciate the wonderful heartfelt gifts they get every year vs. the overload of junk that ends up sitting in the bottom of the closet by mid March. I get them stuff like socks and underwear, tooth brushes, oh and the food I make for them... hahaha.... hahaha, just teasing. Laugh a bit, you'll feel better about things.

Least we never forget

I find it odd that most days people tend to forget what historical disasters have occurred in their lifetime and in their own parents/grand parents lifetime. I could not imagine waking up on a beautiful Sunday morning in Hawaii with the sound of swarming planes dropping hell on the military personnel as well as the civilian population below. I believe some of them never woke up that morning. As I look at this image of a peaceful beach scene, I am reminded to the fact that we are a free country and for that I am thankful. On Dec. 7th, 1941we became militarily involved in World War II, and everything changed. I am proud to say I served in the United States military and was prepared to defend our great country to the best of my ability. I am also glad I didn't have to see any bloodshed while I was in. On this day remember what had happened, and the people who died. Do not fret, but at the same time, do not forget.

Pecan Pie and what's important

As the pecans were being picked off the ground out at Dave and Lori's a thought came across my mind on growing up back on the farm as a child. My mom was a cooking, baking, canning, freeze- it- fresh mom. Things always tasted good, (except for the spring skillet and Brussels sprouts - Sorry mom) I loved to watch her cook and loved to smell and taste and listen to her talk about everything. Nothing better than eating fresh grown veggies from the garden in Dec., canned of course, but the vegetable soup and homemade chicken and noodles was the bomb. Still is...I had asked her for her Pecan Pie recipe and she gladly sent it on. Glad she did! It was awesome.Thanks Dave and Lori for the pecans and for the great company on Sat. We will be seeing you guys soon!

Down on the Farm

Sometimes it does my body and soul good to get away from all the craziness of living in a heavily populated area and just get back to my roots of being a young man growing up in a rural area of Small town U.S.A. This past weekend was such a reminder. Had a great time visiting with Lori and Dave. The chickens have grown! Wow. The last time we were out there they were just chicks. The eggs were just wonderful too. Farm fresh.

Sign of the times

I heard the faint sputter of a small engine out the second story window. I looked out. It was my friend Gabor flying around in his Powered Paraglider. It is amazing to meet new friends. It is also amazing to remember your old ones and write them and tell them how much you miss them and how you are so glad that they knew you when you were just a young, dumb kid trying to make a difference in this world. I was just trying to figure it all out like everyone else. I had a great chance to take some really cool pics of Gabor and of course he set up some shots by following my lead and coming in lower and turning around for me. It was awesome. I am finding that I am drawn to people who have just as much drive as I do. And that is a lot! Positive vibes are everywhere.
Take a moment and read the signs. Interact and have a cup of coffee with your friends, meet once in a while and discuss ideas, have them over for dinner and kill a couple bottles of vino. Laugh, love, live. I finally figured it all out and am passing it on. Maybe you should too???

Purple Haze

...the name for this piece. It will be one of many pieces being featured at my art reception in January 2010. I took this picture at the last art walk at the beach. I knew when I took it, it was going to be a wonderful evening and a new beginning. I used to take my pictures, share it on my blog and that was that. I have found out that by printing it on different mediums in different situations and showing it in the right arena that it becomes an art form that people like and will purchase. That makes me very happy. As I progress with my endeavors I find that starting a business can be both scary and exciting all at the same time. But if you do what you love it will all come together.
Thanks to all of my support groups who believed in me.

Do what you love...

All things happen for a reason. Things happen in their own time. I am getting a lot of buzz over this and am really excited. It is my time, it is written.

My Art walk

As I walked the streets of Downtown Jacksonville, I came upon the Carling. I looked up and said, interesting view and snapped off a shot. I looked at it and smiled. I was at the Artwalk. I had just left seeing Clyde and his art, finished talking photography with Lynita and was about to walk around and see the bands. A few thoughts crossed my mind concerning my own art walk. I just secured a January viewing of my photography at Shelby's Coffee Shoppe at the beaches town center and am finally on my way. It has been a long walk for me to finally see some of my ideas and perspectives hanging in a gallery. It leaves me speechless, I hope it does the same for you.

Winter Roses

Funny thing I thought, roses in the winter. There is always a place that is warm enough, sunny enough and perfect enough for growing anything. We just have to adapt. We as humans sometimes forget that all we need is the air that we breath and to love and be loved. Some search their whole life to find their rose in the Winter. Depending on where you physically live it could be buried deep in a snow bank or it could be washed up on a beach in South Florida. It doesn't matter, as long as you have positive thoughts on what really counts in life.

May you always find roses on your table of life every morning when you get up regardless what time of year it is.

Northern clouds

I stood in the street tonight, a quiet street. The wind was howling and great northern clouds went streaming by. My mind was filled with a million things I want to achieve, yet I know I can only get to about 989,333 of them. As I looked up, I was reminded of my childhood where as a young boy from up north I saw those very same clouds. Or so it seemed...
The seasons have an ironic way of reminding you that you have been there before. A smell, a scene, a briskness in the air, cooler temps.
Now, if I only had the ocean on that small town farm in Ohio I would have had it made.

Once in a while

You know, once in a while you decide to do something fun with your life. Today was one of those days. I had a meeting this morning on a job, got a call for a job on Sunday and had several calls from some old friends.
So, when I decided to head down to the beach for a meet up with the Jax Shoot Out Group, I didn't know what to expect. Glad I went. Met a lot of wonderful people with the same interests as myself. The way I figure it, it was the icing on the cake for the day.

This was the next to last "hurrah" pic to end our session. Good stuff...

" Do what you love, and the money will come..."

I was in Orlando over the weekend and we happened into the convention center @ Epcot. Me, just browsing, checking out the lovely prices on the Silver Oak wines... ouch! Hava was just checking out everything else! As we turned the corner on my way out, I looked up and saw some of the most beautiful carvings ever. As I approached Judy I felt an instant bond in the fact that some people can speak to you without ever saying a word.
As I introduced myself I felt that we both had something to say. I handed her my business card and she handed me one of hers. Her art is amazing, detailed and the fact that they use tree limbs that have broken off the trees to create what I saw before me, was fascinating. I found it hard to stay focused on any one piece as they all truly had their own story to tell.
Judy tells me she in Florida for about 8 months out of the year. Connecticut is home. As we talked further I revealed to her the fact that I was standing on the ledge and just took that first step of faith into doing what I am passionate about. She looked me dead in the face, with all the seriousness in the world and said to me, " Do what you love, and the money will come" It was at that very moment I was changed. It's as if she knew what I did and how passionate I was about it. Now, my close group of friends have been telling me the same thing (and I have been listening guys, really!) but it's as if I heard it on the mountain when she said it. She revealed to me that she was in the same position where I was before. She is a very well educated woman with an artistic soul that speaks volumes to those who choose to listen. I believe I will be in touch with her very soon to discuss future possibilities. She would do well in some St. Augustine and Jacksonville area Art Walks. She had some of the most amazing hand made, of the earth leaves and natural item photo books that I have ever seen. I kicked myself in the ass for not buying one then. But like I thought, instead of buying one now, why not work with her and her group to buy larger amounts in the future? I didn't want to be rude and take pictures of all her work, but I would like to go back with her permissions and do so as it was amazing. Thanks Judy for being someone who cares and is passionate about what she does. Before I left I wanted to snap a picture of her. I am bad with names but rarely forget a face. I will never forget our discussion.

John

Re-invent yourself.

Necessity, who is the mother of invention ~ Plato 380 BC

Recession, who is the father of re-invention ~ John Binkley 2009

Time to re-invent myself. With the sun setting on a beautiful evening comes the thrill of of a bright new tomorrow.

Brain, Heart and Soul

"Your brain yells at you telling you what you should do and your heart talks to you showing you how to do what you love. But your soul softly whispers and reveals what you need to be doing in life." John Binkley

As I went to bed last night, I thought how I have been driving myself crazy looking for a job. Online, uploading resumes, checking mail, responding, calling, worrying. I have missed meals being so caught up in it all. I finally fell asleep.

As I awoke I thought about some things and an idea came to mind. I can't fully explain it at this time, but it involves a book and some marketing. As I look at this picture I took a few years back, it reminded me that the most vivid colors in my sunrise sets come from the coldest, wind-blown-nose running mornings.
Sometimes you have to suffer and deal with uncomfortable situations a bit to get the outcome you were looking for.

Search and you will find, seek and you will discover

I have been finding out as of late that life is not necessarily tough, or fair, or easy, or the way someone thinks it should be, but it is what it is . Now, I've thought about this before and said to myself, John, you know your book is written and your faith will carry you through but why do you doubt yourself at times?
I have been "searching" for jobs and it is not an easy thing to do. I have been looking at myself and trying to figure out how I can make my own thing happen. It gets a bit depressing when your printer tells you it's ugly out there. But I am in the mindset that I am seeking and I will discover what I need to do.
Just like sifting through the pile of shells, if you look you will find, if you seek, you will discover. The problem with most is that they give up too soon. What would have happened if Christopher Columbus gave up and turned around? Or if Ponce De Leon never made it to St. Augustine?
So at this time I am practicing what I preach. I am determined to do what I need to do in life to prosper and be happy. I would like to thank everyone who supports me on so many levels. You all know who you are.
Just like finding sharks teeth, friends are few and far between, but when you finally sift through and find them, you cherish them and keep them forever.

Little Sis

You know there comes a time in your life where you stop and ask where did the time go? After I received the call that my little sister Kim was diagnosed with cancer I screamed inside NO!! You see Kim has been working on opening this Pre-K day care program in her small town. She did everything right, went to school, worked in the field and had the day care area up to code and ready to roll. She wants to get these kids ready for school.
I myself know in my heart that what is happening in my life is nothing compared to what she is going through. The general feeling was that once it was announced that one foot was in the grave all ready. NOT! She has too much to do on this earth I thought, she has God's children to prepare for Kindergarten, she has her own kids to raise, family and friends to experience life with.
Now is the time to educate. To be informed. I also thought, what is it? How can it be treated? Life is worth living, it is worth giving it your all.
I look back at these pictures from my grandparents house in Lima and the memories of my childhood come flooding back. I also look back and know that when both of my sisters see these pics they are going to kick my butt for posting them... hahaha Oh, the 70's...

Thanks for all of the support and love and prayers placed upon my sister. I even have the support and prayers from my friends at my old job.
This is for you Kim, you are blessed, you are loved. You are going to make a great teacher and caregiver.

I love you,
John

Fall in Florida...

I was walking out to the beach last night with camera in hand and as I looked out over the water line I felt the fall air creeping in. It's different along the coast than what I am used to up north in the midwest, but it still has a certain "feel" and smell and color to it.
As I drove to work this morning, the windows were down and the air was cool. It was wonderful. For those of you who live here know having the windows down can be a treat. Usually it's 95 degrees at 7:10 in the morning with humidity like no other place. (except a tropical rain forest)
It may be time for a visit to North Georgia to watch the leaves changing into their fall spectacular. The second week of November is perfect for this. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but to be standing in the water seeing what I saw almost left me speechless.

My life, your life, our life... the reason for starting this blog

As my career shifts gears mid life, and with Fall just starting out, I am reminded of how we all go through our own changes and interactions in life. While a lady bug rests on the blade of grass, a gentle breeze blows over it, reminding us that as seasons change, things change, but one thing that does not change is your friends that care about you. Here are a few emails I have received from friends and co workers. The names were left out for privacy reasons. I am humbled like no other... Thank you all..

John,

I have always enjoyed working with you. You are one of the most outgoing, positive, great attitude, decent individuals I know. That’s why out of all the engineers impacted you where the big surprise for me. I would have never guessed. I never will forget the day you saw that I was worried about a test in school that evening. You silently said a little prayer which by the way I believe made all the difference for me (thank you). That’s why I will continue to keep you in my prayers and if I can do anything for you just ask. Like you told me before this door is closing however another door is opening. Always keep close to Christ and you will always be OK. Thank you for helping me out here and for the kindness shown to me. God bless & God speed!

~

John, Thanks for your note. I would like to touch base as well. I am working at night but should return to days on Thursday or Friday. It has been good, and lots of laughs too, working with you over all of these years. It is going to be quite different without you and so many others here. Talk to you later.

~

John,

I wish you all the luck because that is what people say, but I know it isn’t luck that will guide your success it will be your character. You are one of the realest people I have been blessed to have worked with. I probably will not see you before the 2^nd because I have been promoted to night shift. I am sure I will need a photographer in the future and you will be on the top my list. Great to know you dude! I’ll see you soon.
~
John,
It’s been a pleasure working with you John. Your sense of humor, strong work ethic, and your values have made life here better. I pray this becomes the launching pad for greater things. God has a way of making everything work together for our good.
~

You will be missed, for sure.

Wherever the roads may lead you, make the most of the journey.

If you need anything, you have my emails, etc.

Good luck and god bless.

~

John if something we have in common is that, we both believe God have a perfect plan for each one of us. God’s plan is not always clear to us, but I assure you that he has one that is the best.

God bless you my friend. Go and find that happiness out there waiting for you. And please, always remember to find that purpose. Sometimes it can be difficult for many of us to see it or find it. And it is because it's simpler than what we though it will be and it is right in front of us.

~
John,

It’s sad to not have you here any more. You are one of the one’s that made coming to work more enjoyable. I suspect that you are one of the few that may actually find that this may be a good thing for your career. Getting away from here may help make your photography business take-off. Keep in touch.

~

John,

It was a pleasure working with you too bud. Back in the day when I had my own little shop in the back of the mold service area, you were one of my favorite guys to work with. You always had good ideas, were willing to listen if something needed to change due to a machining issue and most of all just had a great sense of humor and were easy to get along with. I know had my period where the stress was getting to me and I turned into a asshole and apologize that you had to see that side of me. I was SHOCKED when I heard that they were letting you go but you know, I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I hope that this ends up being a positive event and something better comes along for you. I wasn’t aware that you had a photography business on the side. I went and checked out your site, you do some nice work. Is this the direction your planning on heading?

Anyway, take care man.

See ya,

~

John,

I was truly looking forward to working with you again as we were going to be combining technologies. I will always look upon our experiences with a smile and know that we overcame many obstacles and challenges together while always keeping a positive outlook no matter what the circumstances..

You are the man !!! and always will be…..

In closing I want to just say that yes, I truly am blessed and have hopefully been a positive influence on the people I touched while working at this place of business because they certainly were on me.