In 1944, today, my dad was born. 81 years ago. But, I only see him up to his 64th. Some days I wonder what an 81 year old dad would look like.
I actually reminisce of him most from the 1970’s… He was my Buddy Holly. Strawberry blonde hair, thick rimmed glasses, and the man I adored growing up. I recently found drawings of him that I made while I sat in his darkroom while he was printing and I was on light-switch duty. He was the best dad ever.
Today was a big day at our house…my sis and I cut down our beautiful maple in the yard. It’s about my age or a little older. It was dying and it was time to put it down.
It was sad to see it disappear through my Ring Camera as I watched from the West coast. It was the second tree to go… Last year its twin across the lawn also outgrew its stay after 50 some-odd years.
Before my mom passed, I did two amazing Chameleon Shoots. The further tree incorporated our great grandmother’s phone. The one we lost today incorporated my bare feet and about a zillion leaves.
I am so glad I captured these two trees in my art. I think of them as my tribute to the years they gave us as we grew up…including second and third base during 2017 baseball games between me, my son, and his incredibly awesome aunt.
Sometimes, taking the time to do a portrait is the best time spent. I will miss these two quiet forms of life that we took for granted for so many years, but they will always be remembered by my portraits and memories… Not only these two images below, but all of the ones taken with my dad and mom in the front yard with them. Happy bday and tree day, Daddio.
