Second Thoughts

Another "unabandoned" draft from a while ago... not sure what I was having second thoughts about, but I don't think it was related to these images of Kate. (Would enjoy the chance to shoot with her again, but she seems to have dropped off the radar.) Sometimes, I have second thoughts about a blog entry, in that something isn't suitable, or a rant I typed to get off my chest, but thought better of posting. But it's lost now.

Have had some minor wake-up calls as to the passing of time lately. The other day, someone mentioned a movie, and in my mind I thought, "oh yeah, that was fairly recent... maybe 5 or 6 years ago." Then I looked it up on IMDB, and it came out in 1994, or FIFTEEN years ago. Also this week, I was given an invitation by a co-worker to a graduation party for his son... from college! Again, I had to stop and rewind, but realize that we've worked together for probably 12 years now. (The other thing that means is that his son is older than Kate here.) I'm sorry, these time spans are simply NOT possible. Maybe with another birthday on the horizon, I'm subconsciously more aware of stuff like this, but geez, I think a recount is in order.

Speaking of recount, I read the other day that over $50 million has been spent on legal fees and such between Al Franken and Norm Coleman in the Minnesota senate race, that more than six months after the election has still not been definitively settled. When it was "too close to call" but seemed just a hair in Coleman's favor, he was demanding that Franken concede without dragging lawyers into it, like it was just the proper and polite thing to do. But once Franken's pursuit of a full counting of the ballots and the recount show that FRANKEN actually seems to have the slim lead, there's no legal ploy that Coleman won't attempt. It's conceivable, given some very specific laws and possible appeals, that Franken won't be seated until fall or winter. Come on, Norm. Just give it up. You lost. Get over it. Get a job on Faux News with those big bleached teeth of yours and let your state be represented.

Remedy

Here are four more semi-random shots from the "recovered" hard drive. While I was proud of the recovery success, I guess that's the sort of personal victory that everyone else sort of shrugs their shoulders at. Oh well. That's Nia in the tree, Kate between the sheets, and a bodyscape of Jacquie.

Have my first shoot for the year scheduled tomorrow with a model I've not shot for going on 2 years. That's her bum at the top of this entry. Hard to believe time has flown like that. Hopefully we won't get too much nasty "wintry mix" as the weatherfolk like to call it these days... although she's already volunteered to do nude snow angels, so who knows?

Nearly caught up on editing the trade shoot images I owe models, so will be picking up the camera some in the next few weeks. But also need to go back through the "non-trade" shoots from last year and edit those images as well.

Part of the plan in the new year is to be somewhat more selective so as not to "swamp my boat" again with editing. It's tricky to find a balance between getting ahead of myself, and getting out of practice. Been in the new studio over a month now and have barely managed to do any shooting in it. Guess I'll need to get busy and remedy that situation.

More random notes...

Kate -- the shots here are of a lovely new model working under a couple different names, so I'll just call her Kate. Quite a few nice shots from this recently edited set, so look for more soon.

Erotic Art of Today -- just got word that the oh-so-modestly titled "The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today - Volume II" is now shipping, and my complimentary copy will be on its way to me soon. I was considering buying a supply to make signed copies available, but the logistics just aren't going to work out. If you're interested in getting an unsigned copy, please click these links: Vol. II - Hardcover ($32.97+shipping), or Vol. II - Softcover ($23.07+shipping). Again, this book features my "Cruel Shoes" shot of Iris as well as photos and art from many talented people from around the world. As was pointed out elsewhere, the work was selected from those who paid to enter the competition, but nevertheless, the competition was quite strong, with many well-known artists taking part, and many beautiful pieces not making the final cut. "The World's Greatest" part of the title seems a bit grandiose... simply calling it "Erotic Art of Today" would sit better with me.

No time to blog -- technically, I should NOT be doing this. Have a ton of stuff to take care of before heading out to LA this weekend for what should be an amazing workshop and a couple of other fantastic shoot opportunities. Going to get the full coverage on the rental car, too, you betcha. Hope to be able to report in from the road, but who knows?

Pitch a Fit -- speaking of cars, as you may have heard, I'm shopping again. I'm seriously considering a Honda Fit, their peppy little hatchbackish thing. I have driven one, and I actually fit in the Fit. I've never bought a "new" car before, but it might be time, rather than spending a lot of time trying to find something and rolling the dice on its reliability. While it's small, it's smartly designed, so should make it easy to haul stuff around to shoots if needed. But if anyone else out there has recommendations for something in the same (or lower) price range, especially something that might be available used, be sure to let me know.

Passed -- Dancer and actress Cyd Charisse passed away just recently. Probably best-known for her "Broadway Ballet" scene with Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain" she had about the best legs ever, once insured for $5 million. Check 'em out. Seems there's been a lot of celebrity deaths lately, but I guess there always are.

Bo Diddley is certainly someone I expected to live forever.