New Places and Old Books

After three weeks in my new apartment with such beautiful surroundings things are beginning to come together as I had hoped. I had been thinking a lot about making some changes in my life after my break up some months ago. It was as they say an awakening one that I think back to now as a rude awakening but with positive outcomes. As I approach my late twenties I have yet to take a large leap into the world of my choice career as a filmmaker still in my final stages of college I often feel left behind by the friends I enjoyed spending time with along the way. Don't get me wrong I'm inspired and sure of my choices thus far but I have only made small strides along the narrow road to success, finding myself falling off track when things just begin to advance to my liking and for no other reason then just plan circumstance. I'm often asking myself how can one cope with the distractions of daily life that inhibit or deflect my own creativity. It's those completely random things in life that I allow to get in the way all to often. Sometimes I feel that I have no control over my scattered mind which sometimes can be overly spontaneous. But today is another day, for the first time my life everything is starting to feel organized and complete. My new apartment is quant, sized to perfection. Its completely furnished everything in its place from the couch to the lamp and includes all the bare necessities with little excess to clutter the floor as it has always been in the past. College life has finally come to an end.

I was in NJ this past weekend visiting my new girlfriend who is becoming a bit more than a platonic interest after only a few weeks. She is the first in a long time to have that title. The commute has been less than enjoyable and expensive. The amtrak service between here and Newark is steep but more pleasant the the bus. Her and I came across a small antique show in a town not far from hers while we were out to lunch. For some time I had been looking for these old photos called daguerreotypes which are from the early 19th century when photography was in its beginnings. While walking along the street full of old items I came across a book printed in 1970 full of descriptions of early daguerrean gallery's and their photos along the northeast including Boston, CT, NY and NJ. I Flipped through it for a few minutes and asked the old veteran who was wearing a US navy ship hat how much he wanted. "$30 young man" shortly after showing Heather whom I had discussed these photos with earlier said it was a good find. I came back with 25 and took it home. Last night I went online to find out a bit more about the author and to my surprise found out the I had found a bit of a treasure. The book which was published by Ploughshare Press out of Sea Bright NJ had a fire the in there warehouse the year this book was published. Only 2000 were originally printed and more than half were lost in the fire never reprinted except for a 2nd edition that is not exactly similar. Today it is considered a collectors item and with the stereoscope glasses found in the back for viewing the stereograph images in the book is worth $250. That of-course is not going to make me a millionaire but the historical significance and personal interest in the subject matter makes me happy to have made the purchase. So thank you navy man for the great deal and my Jersey Girl for taking me to lunch in that great little town.

Rising Gas Prices and American Compassion

I have always said and many would agree that it would only be a matter of time when the U.S would find it self paying higher gas prices just as many other countries around the world already do. Yes, Katrina was a devastating hurricane and we are still to this day and for many more going to wake up to horrific stories from Katrina's aftermath. But one great thing Katrina has done just as all tragedies do is bring people together and connect them in such a way that it generates new ideas and in the end a brings opportunities to all those affected. It may take some time before the victims recieve help but those who are patient will experience americas compassion for those in need and they will no longer feel that help is a shameful thing.

Cape Cod is among one of the places in the US that has opened its doors and has taken in many evacuees from New Orleans at there National Guard barracks Camp Edward's. Its only one of the many communities around the US that has helped those who are in need. I can only thank them and commend them on their efforts as I sit back and pray for those who lost everything. I just wish others would too.

I cant help but to also discuss the gas prices. Although I do not want to be among those who complain. We should still be able to live our lives without discomfort even with the presence of higher prices. People should realize that there are times when you don't need to get in your car or boat burning fuel for recreation or leisure. In the week to follow Katrina we have experienced the highest of gas prices to ever hit the US and americans of all incomes are feeling the impact. In some ways I feel that it is going to be a hardship for many but in the end I hope that the US can make strides only spoken of in the past for the better, such as lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and bettering our response to catastrophes such as Katrina and Post 9/11 events. I can only hope as you watch the new and read this that you will step up and make a difference in some way. Use this event as an excuse to help someone else in need or look for ways of conserving the fuel that we spend so much time wasting. God Bless those effected by Katrina we pray for you!

Photo Site

DeviantArt.com

The new Apartment

Finally Ryan and I have moved into our new apartment and it looks great. Its set on a nice tree lined street in the South End of Boston, The architecture in the area is very Brooklyn and the restaurants are phenomenal. Ill post some outdoor photos later. Check it out