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.

In a matter of minutes

A coworker of mine evidently wasn't feeling well a few days ago and called in. From what I understand later on that night he had some seizures. By the next day I had heard he was in a deep coma and by morning had passed away.
In a matter of a day this mans' life went from normal, nothing out of the ordinary to this. My heart goes out to his family.
I left a funeral last week and what was said rings true in my head this very moment. You can wake up one morning and your not going to know what is going to happen at 5:00 that evening. Life is very unpredictable. I know that life is not solely about the workplace or about money. It is about going to lunch with friends, laughing together, sharing personal stories, learning from each other, and taking the time to listen\help your fellow man.
Yes, we all have responsibilities, and bills to pay, but if you don't take the time to live life, none of that is going to make a hill of beans...it all can change in a matter of minutes.

Simple words to life by.

In Remembrance of 9/11/01

No strings attached...

The family took a trip out to Mickler's over the Labor day weekend to go on a Shark Tooth expedition. Of course we decided to go on Labor Day and it was really crowded. We spent a few hours huddled up together and at times sprawed across the beach. All in all we found about 52 teeth. What a wonderful memory the kids thought.
{As most of my friends know I had recently been told that after 19.5 years of work service, I was being laid off. I find it really odd, the reactions I get from friends and coworkers. You would think I was a leper to some. I know God has a plan for me and my family. I can take pride in knowing that. I also know that my dear friends that care for me and are there for me have another message - they love me for me,"no strings attached".}
Now, back to the crossroads story. As we were leaving the beach we came upon a group of smiling individuals with multi coolers filled with ICE cold water. As we approached them, they smiled and said, take one, they are free and for you. I offered to share mine with Hava, but they said it's ok, it's free, " no strings attached ". I walked away from that with a sense of love in my heart and a huge smile on my face. It is nice to know that there are good people still out there with "No Strings Attached". Thanks to the representatives of the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church for doing what they did, it did not go unnoticed.

Do what you do best and love what you do.

I went down to Shelby's on Sunday to meet some friends of mine for a photo shoot. I got there a little early and had a coffee. As I was standing there a woman asked if I wanted to sit with her in the shade, but only if I didn't smoke. I smiled and said thank you, but I was fine. I found that a little odd and wondered why she thought I smoked? Oh well...
As I walked around the corner, I came upon the Bali Cargo Company. I was trying to get a shot through the window but was met with a bright morning in Florida.
As I maneuvered around the store side I was met with more resistance. As I glanced up I noticed the owner Kim preparing to open for the day.
I motioned to her the fact that I wanted to take a few shots inside. She nodded and smiled. I went in and was amazed at the new store setup. The store used to be off 3rd street in Jax Beach. I felt a sense of positive vibes in that store. Back in the late 80's I used to frequent this store as it was the old Ed Smith Lumberyard. The wood floors fit in perfectly with her exotic wood pieces.
We chatted, talked about doing Art walk out in front of her store and I went on my way taking photos of my friends. Wonderful experience.
As I returned to "the place" (my last month there) I noticed somethings. A real Negative vibe. People on the phone looking for jobs, talking about how their relative has a really great job, had it for 20 years, but they hate it, but the were going to try and get on there. ( I know , wtf right?) As the week rolled on we were reading about re orgs in the Mother company and more negative vibes. It was an enlightening experience, both the weekend and at the current "place". I thought and pondered, when jobs first came about, most people worked because they had to. Some did what they loved to do while some worked to just make money and some were forced into labor they hated. Some learned skills and did it until the day they died. Some were family businesses, some were production facilities. Some were restaurants, some were clothing stores.

Bottom line--- yes we all have to make money, yes we all have bills, yes we all have obligations, but that shouldn't deter us from figuring out a way to do what you do best and love what you do while your doing it and making money.

A new day has dawned

One of the last pics I took while in San Francisco. I was talking with my mother as I walked down the street towards my hotel. I had just helped out a fellow man who was down on his luck a few minutes earlier and while I was on the phone with my mom, something came over me, a feeling of ease, inner peace. I walked up and saw this sign. Warmth and a huge smile came over me. I'm sure my mom felt it all the way up North where she was.

It was then at that very moment I knew that my current job was over and my new life career was getting underway.

Today was just confirmation that I was being let go. Downsizing they call it. A blessing in disguise I'd like to think...

Time to close that door and figure out which series of doors are next. Photography, Art, all things unique. A willingness to succeed.

so it is written.

A mighty tree first starts with a seed

Funny how a trip to San Francisco can leave your mind open and aware of so many things. We had a wonderful time. Muir Woods, Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Sausalito, Japantown, Chinatown to name a few stops. Of all the wonderful things I saw, I believe the few hours spent out in the woods hiking around the trails and smelling the life that was all around us made the trip what it was. It wasn't staged, it wasn't set up, on sale or flashing in lights. It was nature at it's finest. I thought about alot of things on this trip. Life, family,friends, loved ones, and acquaintances. What my future holds for me and what I hold in my hand can be my future. Thus the acorn representation.
This weekend holds many memories for me, divorced 2 years this weekend, a trip to Maryland I'll never forget, and finding myself wondering what my true purpose in live is. Monday is significant as all employees will be told if we have a job or not. The last 2 years of performance evaluations and seniority will play a part. Will my eval and 20 years be enough and\or will my passion for photography and drive to suceed in my own eyes take me above and beyond my wildest dreams? God knows that answer and soon I will also.
So the seed is planted...

What matters part IV

It's not about the money, it's not about the rent, it's not about the hell you catch at work, it's all about what's heaven sent...
It is about picking fresh fruit, it is about growing your own vegetables. It's about friendships, it's about being real to yourself and to others. It about getting home and sticking your toes in the sand. It's about listening, understanding and being there.
It's about give and take, it's about doing the dishes, cooking because you want to, having a beer with some neighbors, laughing at yourself.
It about smiling when you don't feel like it. It's about taking the time with your kids to listen and understand. It's about spending time with your family, friends and people that love you.
My friend Leo and Hava at Landons Birthday party. Glad I went.
What matters to you?

Blurry

You know, when things come at you at 100 mph you do one of two things... 1. You can fight it and go crazy or 2. You can go with it.

Sometimes you just have to go with it, even it is blurry at first. It will eventually come into focus...

go with it,
it is written