We Share Birthdays!

Last night, I got my very first comment on this blog page, and I have to tell you that I was so excited...for a few reasons.  1. The comment is from a perfect stranger, who saw my project posted on another photographer's blog page...and even he is someone I have never met before, but who just stumbled across my page, and was moved to share it with others (Thank You!)  2. Well, you will see what John has to say below, as I have reposted his comment...we share something besides both being photographers... 3. All of this is so exciting and yet another reason this project is so fun, the diversity of our connections tell their own, separate story!  Thank you to these fellow photographers for their support and encouragement!!  I have linked their blog pages... Check Them Out!

Hi, my name is John Shields and I live in Clinton Township, MI (suburb of Detroit).  I just came across your blog for the first time today, by way of J Sandifer's Blog (jbridges.wordpress.com).  I was looking / admiring your images, and then I started reading the story on the side bar.  For some reason, it didn't click at the beginning of your story but the very end.  You share a birthday with a few people I know.  Me, my twin brother, and my Dad.  Well anyways, I thought I'd leave a comment and wish you the best of luck.

I hope to purchase a few prints as well, just have to sit down with some time and look at them all (instead of racing through them on my lunch break at work).  Best of luck.  And I'll be forwarding your blog to a few people as well.

P.S.  While I don't have any type of formal photography training I pretend to take pictures too, my blog is www.jshie234.blogspot.com.  I learned everything I know from my Dad, his blog is www.jimshieldsphoto.blogspot.com

Maybe there is something about that day that turns people into photographers.

A Cousin's Poetry

I was very touched to find out that one of my first cousins, Rene', had been inspired to write the two following poems after seeing Image #1 - Gram's Hands. Rene's father is our Gram's eldest child. Rene's mother made sure I knew how touched she was not only by her daughter's writing, but also that Rene' wrote these poems on her mother's birthday, November 19th, 2007. Thank you Rene'!

Gram’s Hands

Weathered hands
Brought to life
Holding springs
Little delights
Colorful blooms
Standing bright
Brought energy
To the wrinkles of life
Each with a story
Each with a line
Telling you things
Of this aging rhyme

--Rene’ Miller

Flowers holding Gram

Spring with its blossoms
All bright and new
Being held in hands
All wrinkled and used
What’s the story?
Where’s the life?
Who’s to care for
This glorious sight?
Water the soul
Feed the life
There’s a story amongst
The strife
Listen closely and you’ll hear
Youth fading away into life…

--Rene' Miller

Artist to Artist

Of the many wonderful things that have happened since starting this project, my connection to M.E. Dunlap, thanks to my sister DaNel, ranks high on the list. We have sent several emails back and forth, and I also stopped off in Eugene on my way back up from being in Applegate for Thanksgiving, so we could meet and chat about our possible, now probable, collaboration of arts. I had forgotten that we had briefly met once before a couple years back. M.E. is very inspiring both as a person, and an artist, and she has offered an enormous amount of encouragement to me. I just wanted to share some of her encouraging words and wonderful insights... these are snippets from her emails and letters..............................

---2nd Degree of Separation- How do I know DaNel?... Well we met while in a teaching program in Ashland Oregon but I think that the moment that I truly got to know DaNel was when I made a silly comment about giving her a gold star in a computer class we were both in... Probably not the smartest thing I have ever done but it WAS funny and things evened out. From that point on, I have watched DaNel grow as a fabulous teacher and a true friend. But first and foremost she has always been dedicated to her family. She always spoke fondly of the time she spent at the Applegate ranch and is always excited to be going back for a visit. If you are lucky enough to have DaNel in your cheering section you are sure to get to where you need to be. And there is no doubt that DaNel is Melanie's #1 fan for this project not to mention life in general. To Melanie, there is no doubt that this project will be a success and that you will reach your goals. I am always glad to participate in a great art game... and this is a great one!---

(From DaNel)---My friend M.E. sent this back to me in response to a comment I made about some people not agreeing with your choices and the amount of debt you have. I love her response and thought you would too.---

---DaNel,
First of all regardless of what others say, this is a great art project and Melanie has every right to take it on... and I should know because I bought a piece of paper for $60,000.00 that says I have a BFA. Oh, AND a MAT... you can decide what the letters mean but to me it was worth every penny even though I am going on my third year of uncertain (un)employment. To those who find Melanie irresponsible, they have either been given things monetarily and not had to find their own way or they don't believe enough in themselves to take the chance and educate themselves, OR perhaps they do not have a drive within them that tells them to be true to their passion regardless of what others think. What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular!---

---"How would people react to a project such as this proposed by a 30 year old man with a degree in architecture selling prints of his building designs in an effort to pay off his college loan debt?"---

---What a fantastic art/life project. I am quite interested in art that addresses “things we don’t talk about.”---

---I too understand your dark cloud as I am also in financial aid debt… without a steady job and I am also working on an art related project that is in the prototype stage as of now. I figured if I participate in your project, I may collect a few good Karma points for later on. Anyway, great project, you will be successful!---

---p.s. I love the idea of sending real money in the mail for several reasons…mostly because they say NEVER TO DO IT!---

---I want you to know that your project came along at the perfect time for me. And you may not realize it, but it has helped me out so very much! I needed to be reminded that I am not alone on this artistic path that I have chosen and that in fact, I am on the right path for me. It has rarely been easy for me (and I am sure many could say the same) but it has all been worth it for what my spirit has gained. And finally, it is so wonderful to see your family supporting you, not all of us have this, but it gives me a boost of hope. I am sure I do not have to tell you that this is a great gift.---

---Thank you for taking the chance and putting yourself out there... I am sure your project has started conversations, opened minds, and sparked imaginations... We never know when someone may be affected by our actions.---

---Just want to send you a quick note while a few things are on my mind. First of all, thanks so much for stopping by, sharing your artistic ideas and a bit of your story. Many things both artistically and personally became so much clearer to me. Like the choices I have made no matter how difficult, for the most part were right for me regardless of what others thought or wanted. And, as for my artwork, if you can do it, so can I. It is time for me to truly believe in myself, and my art and do everything I can to get it out there and after talking with you and seeing things from your perspective, I can see my work in a marketable way for the first time... What a gift! Thank you so much, you rock!---

---By the way, you are one of the most easy to be around people that I have ever met. I admire your strength, your opinions, and tenacity. They are contagious and wonderful. I completely lost track of time as we were talking as I rarely have the chance to talk with someone with an artistic way of seeing things.---

---I am grateful for this connection as well and the spark of energy it has given me. And I appreciate you believing in my work enough to want to collaborate with me, thanks... OK, have a great week, I will talk to you soon.---

M.E. Dunlap - 2nd Degree
Eugene, Oregon

Coffee and Weddings

Hi Friends,

In this email you'll see a beautiful and inspiration letter written by my girlfriend, Melanie -- many of you may know her from our wedding and the incredible job she did photographing and designing our invitations and programs. Melanie is embarking on an admirable journey over the next year to eliminate her personal debt by providing beautiful, low cost prints of many of her beloved photographs. Please read on for her explanation of her project and how you may choose to participate.

I first met Melanie when we worked together at Starbucks in Santa Barbara. We began working there within two weeks of each other; with our matching Starbucks uniforms and our long, blonde hair pulled back in ponytails many customers mistook one of us for the other. We got a kick out of that, and quickly formed a connection. We worked together for two years, but it wasn't until I quit the store that our friendship really began to develop, and it wasn't until the year she spent by my side helping me brainstorm and plan many elements of my wedding that I began to think of her as one of my very best friends.
Not only did we wile away the hours hand-making wedding invitations, addressing envelopes, editing photographs and working with color, layout and design, we made time for happy hours and dinner out and coffees downtown. We shared many a good bottle of wine and for awhile were each other's frequent date to the movies. When Will and I moved it was Melanie who packed boxes until well past midnight and then appeared on our doorstep before sunrise the next morning -- coffees in hand -- ready to help unload the U-haul truck. Melanie is one of the most selfless, giving, inspirational and talented people I've ever had the privilege to know, and her friendship means so much to me. I love her dearly... and wish her all the luck in the world with this admirable project.

Kelly Sweda - 1st Degree
Santa Barbara, CA

A Best Friend's Response

Melanie Bess..............

WOW!! and if I had a larger font option I would make that bigger!!!!!!!
I have to say that for the first time I am speechless, but at the same time filled with so many emotions that the only way I can share them with you is written over an email!!! I absolutely had chills dancing over my body while reading every word of your email. It put a smile on my face adrenaline in my veins and tears in my eyes. I can say I am humbled and proud to be your best friend; reminded again of what an amazing and strong person you are (not only benefiting yourself but effecting thousands of others that surround you) and how fortunate I am to be apart of your life; dedicated to helping you achieve your goal and I have to admit saddened because I can hear your desperate plea for financial help and know the weight it bears as I have felt that same hopelessness. This is a truly brilliant idea....and you have far surpassed what I was expecting (although in true Melanie fashion I am not surprised)!!!! You have created a movement...one that will cross over the nation and world....one that will without a doubt touch the lives of people everywhere and will be more rewarding than paying off every dollar of the 150,000 necessary to pay off your debt....not to mention a possible book deal with the numerous stories you will receive. You are an inspiration...and the hope that enables everyone who reads your message and the others that will contribute to it will fuel their desire to know they can succeed in any dream imaginable!!!

(and this is what I was feeling before even opening up the images)

Each image chosen stands strong and creates a statement similar to each carefully chosen word in your email. Some of the images I already know the story and some I am anxiously awaiting the bio as the picture really does speak a thousand words!!!! I am eagerly awaiting the progress of "Debt Free by 30" and can say confidently that my best friend will be, without a doubt DEBT FREE BY 30!!!!!!

I have the chills again and can relate to the feeling you must have been experiencing while trying to write down your ideas while going 80 on an open road with nothing but endless opportunities!!!!!!

I am so very proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allison Birkmeyer - 1st Degree
San Diego, CA

2nd Degree

Date: November 3rd, 2007

I just wrote back to DaNel and now to you. And then to my daughter.... a photographer with her MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago.... another fine school educating special folks like you.

I am 99.9999999999 % sure we met while you were in Tucson visiting your sister.... if not, I feel like I have met you. One thing for sure, your photography is not new to me. DaNel shared with pride your website.

I wish you the very best in this adventure in life. I have my favorites picked out and I am ready to join your team -- and watch it work all year.

If I may be so bold to say.... I love DaNel and now you.... I am positive your Mom and Dad are so very special. May life always shine! May the stars be in your site forever.

Off to the stars I go on this beautiful night.

The next shooting star... a wish for Debt Free by 30.

Caryl Jones, DaNel's friend. - 2nd Degree
Tucson, AZ

First Email

Date: October 28th, 2007

1st degree of separation - Let me start by saying that Melanie Bess is my sister. I am so excited for her and this project. It has been fun to watch Melanie grow as a photographer and chase down her dreams whether it was leaving home, traveling the world, or going to photography school to pursue her dream career. Too many times we let obstacles get in the way of our dreams and Melanie is not one to let that stop her. I hope that you will find her story as inspiring as her work. I have, of course, ordered one of each print. Each one speaks volumes - again the old adage - a picture is worth a thousand words. Some of the 30 images are places I recognize, all are gorgeous compositions, some are new images I haven't seen before but touch me just the same. I have always been envious of the artist talent and eye that Melanie possesses. My hope for each of you that I send this to is that you will be touched and inspired by one or more of the images, that you will be motivated by a story of dream chasing, and that you will participate in what could be a life changing project and a fantastic testament of human connection. I will say no more as I want you to get to the good stuff. Please read on and read all of what is to follow! I guarantee that it is worth it! Best of luck Melanie! I believe in you as always!

DaNel Huggins - 1st Degree
Meridian, Idaho

The First 30

This was the beautiful bouquet I received for the first prints sold on the first day. My sister Jennifer surprised me with this very precious display of 30, $2 bills! Thank you Jenn & Jeremy!