Conspicuous consumption

I am sure, I’m in Naples!  The Florida Camera Council is going well, and the people of Naples are too.  Hey I’m not against success, but when you’re in Naples it’s on display!  I couldn’t resist snapping this image of a beautiful Bentley convertable parked in front of my FJ when I went out to get my car tonight! &

I went off to have dinner with a couple of photographers friends, Wayne Bennett, and Ken Blye,  from the conference.  It was more than a pleasant conversation, it was an affirmation of all we have to be thankful for, and none of it involved a Bentley!   We talked about photography, of course, but soon the conversation went into much deeper things, like the most important things we valued in our lives.  When we got to that subject it soon was apparent that all of us held friends and family right up at the top.  For me faith takes first place, but family, and these kind of great friends are right at the zenith of things of real value.

Often when I work these kinds of shows I talk to people all day long about what camera or what lens, and of course I understand the enthusiasm, but the older I get the more my thoughts turn to other things, like friends.  Each night before I fall asleep I take a moment to talk to God and thank Him for all the blessings of the day.  Tonight, as every night, I will thank Him for Sherelene and my family, right after that I will thank Him for a great time with Wayne and Ken, and the wonderful group that came to Old Car City, whom I still think of often.  Jim Begley and Chuck Summers have been dear brothers and the list is way to countless to continue now.  One thing is for sure, it’s great to feel so blessed!!!!

the pilgrim