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Today I got an email from my sister in law, whose picture of three deer made it onto the list of National Geographic's top 35 pictures of 2011. Her name is Karen Rand. Remember that name, you'll hear more about her someday.
Last week I had dinner with Jesse Schwarcz, who lives across the street and whom I've known for over 10 years. She was a little girl the same age as Becca when she moved here, now she is 21.
Again, thank God I didn't get any older during those years, because its amazing how grown up she is now.
A few weeks ago Jesse had come over to have me and Mary help her choose some photos for submission to a show.
I love beautiful photographs
I love animals
So, it seemed like it would be easy. But it wasn't. Choosing 25 photos was very difficult. I found myself really loving many of them, and as I had to vote some off, I was kind of sad.
Great beauty evokes deep emotion.
A few years back we had a Kindred Spirits Photo Contest, and I asked you to submit pictures that spoke to the Kindred Spirit theme. The pictures are still on the website, and if you weren't there, you should check them out.
Also, if you want to see some amazing photos, go to Jesse's Website.
This whole thing makes me think about how difficult it is to be an artist. Not having any artistic talent of my own, I haven't had to think about the relative value we put on art.
We've all heard of Ansel Adams, Leonardo DaVinci, Maya Angelou, Bruce Springsteen, Andy Warhol,...the list goes on.
But how many people along the way have had amazing talent that wasn't recognized or rewarded with enough money to keep it going?
Last night I watched Madonna's movie Truth or Dare. It was a documentary of a tour of hers when she was at the peak of popularity. She got plenty of financial reward for displaying her talent (I will avoid the obvious joke here that wasn't all she displayed...damn...I made it anyway).
So this Christmas I am shopping for gifts from local artists.
We just started up the Kindred Spirits Facebook page again. I took it down last year because I was having trouble keeping it current and fun. Now a year later, we have a bunch of great ideas and we've developed a large community that can interact on the facebook page. Plus I have Erin and Betsy, who are young social media queens and can make this rock.
For instance, this and all future emails will be posted on the facebook page.
Join our online community. If you are still saying
"I'm not going to do that Facebook thing, dag nabit!"
Then reconsider....you can just have one friend.
Kindred Spirits.
Then you can see that you are not the only nutcase that loves their pet to distraction. By now you know there is at least one other person, and if you "Like" Kindred Spirits, you will find that there are alot more.
...and visit Jesse or one of the other amazing photographer's websites in the area....
BEL Portraits
Joles Photography
Thomas Morelli
Jesse Schwarcz
...all Kindred Spirits, and all are crazy about their pets and amazing talented photographers.
Bernie, Chris, Tom, Jesse...sorry about the crazy crack. Its true though.
Think about this for the person that you just can't figure out what to give...a pet picture by a professional by a local photographer.....
Or a bunch of cards from a local artist..
Or a CD from a local band
Or a painting that you love from a Maine artist.
Or a carved Pen from a Maine artist
Or Jewelry from a Maine Artisan...
Or a book written by a local author
(Stephen King does count)
The list is endless really.... | 
