A SPECIAL PLACE CALLED QUEST U
There’s lots of special places in this world, this post is about a special place called Quest University. Never heard of it? Join the club, not many have.
For the last four years my eldest son Maximilian has called Quest U home. Nestled in the foothills of Squamish, British Columbia, this is a special place indeed. Of course the surrounding mountainside and gorgeous architecture have something to do with it. But there’s more. Much more.
As a parent, you can only hope that your child will go to University and come back a man (or a women). I know that sounds a bit rich, but I’ve witnessed a transformation that was both breathtaking and beautiful.
Along the way Max figured out how to survive on his own; how to shop for food and cook (why ruin the nice story, so we won’t mention cleaning ;) but mostly how to survive on his own in the thousand little ways that requires.
So this story is about that, but it’s also about his education. About the mind expanding nature of a good old liberal art’s curriculum. I believe he’s the better person for it… job opportunities be damned (which by the way he’s done quite well with so far landing a two year Masters degree at the University of Waterloo in Mathematics along with a summertime internship with autonomoose).
But this story has many layers and maybe the best one of them all is about Three Friends. Maximilian, Claire and Kristophe. Three kids from three very different places (Toronto, ON, Breckenridge, CO, Hearst, ON) and backgrounds. Yet they came together at this special place to form a unique bond, living together for the last three years and becoming the very best of friends. I believe lifelong friends.
And finally this story is about the three friends and their incredible families, coming together over a few days in May to celebrate. To acknowledge their triumphs… to take their victory lap, because that’s what it was.
So a very big and hearty congratulations to these three awesome young people. And a very special thank you to Quest University for creating this magical kingdom that nurtured and cared for our children. We are in your debt.
SHOT WITH FUJI X100F
BABY ELLIOTT
It seems fitting that the first post on this new Squarespace website is dedicated to Elliott, my grand-nephew. There’s not much you can say about a new born. They’re cute and cuddly, and they need a whole boat load of time, energy, patience and love.
For sure Elliott chose the right parents for all of those needs. And I can confirm that Elliott has a very good set of lungs as well. Welcome to the world my dear boy.
SHOT WITH X-PRO2
THANKSGIVING 2018
I'm writing this on November 11th, Remembrance Day here in Canada. Today marks the 100th anniversary of the ending of the first world war. Commonly referred to as the war to end all wars.
It seems appropriate to finally be getting around to posting a few Thanksgiving images from last months trip to Port Cunnington, Ontario just outside of Algonquin Park. Today should also be called Thanksgiving. Here's a thought, let's call every day Thanksgiving and hope we keep everyone in the moment and maybe prevent all the crazy world leaders from starting WWIII.
Over dim sum this morning we took a moment (a minute actually) to stand up and honour those that fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. For the first time in my life the thought that we've learned nothing from the last 100 years seemed too real.
So today I'll give thanks again and again and again. And I will remember again and again and again.
SHOT WITH X-PRO2
IAN MACDONALD WORKSHOP
A big thank you to Ian MacDonald - @ianmacdonaldphotography - for a wonderful 2-1/2 days in mid August. The recent workshop was held in downtown Toronto, beside myself there were 10 other willing photographers.
Always a great experience learning from a new instructor and Ian was a willing and gracious host with lots of terrific tips.
SHOT WITH X100F AND X-PRO2
PORTUGAL BIKE TRIP
The beautiful people of Lisbon made this trip very special. What can you say about a city where you're met with smiles at every turn. In spite of the onslaught of tourists, Lisboetas are gracious and kind. This place could feel like home real fast.
SHOT WITH X100F
While the project title is "Lisbon Bike Trip, there are no images of bicycles, sweaty cyclists and thankfully you are spared the site of spandex. I have lots of snaps taken with my iPhone during the 400 or so km we rode along Portugals coastline but non of them made the cut.
Our daily rides spanned distances from 35km to 100km. We visited Setubal, Sesimbra, Sines, Sagres and finally Lagos before driving back to Lisbon. Portugal is a fantastic country to cycle. The motorists are generally very patient and polite. I think I had one car honk me the entire five days on the road.
It's almost two weeks since we've been back in Toronto, yet these pictures pull me back as if by a Star Trek transporter.
PETER + ZOE'S WEDDING
June 3, 2017: In spite of the wettest spring I can remember, the clouds parted and the sun came out for Peter & Zoe's wedding. It was a perfect day for a wedding.
For context, Peter is the content marketing specialist at the company I own. In truth, he wears about a half dozen hats on any given day. His bride Zoe is also in marketing and I hadn't met her before yesterday but after a brief introduction and listening to her deliver her speech, clearly she's a formidable companion for Peter.
Alice and I as well as a bunch of our associates from Reliable were also invited. The ceremony took place at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Mississauga. The reception was at the RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton which looked glorious as the sun set and golden hour set in.
I brought my Fuji X100F which admittedly has been somewhat ignored as I've devoted most of my time to the X-Pro2 with interchangeable lenses. Even though these are just casual shots, as I was sifting through Lightroom, it was a reminder how incredibly difficult, technical and frustrating shooting weddings is. I have the utmost respect for wedding photographers who routinely make this look easy. Trust me, it's not.
SHOT WITH X100F
While the project title is "Lisbon Bike Trip, there are no images of bicycles, sweaty cyclists and thankfully you are spared the site of spandex. I have lots of snaps taken with my iPhone during the 400 or so km we rode along Portugals coastline but non of them made the cut.
Our daily rides spanned distances from 35km to 100km. We visited Setubal, Sesimbra, Sines, Sagres and finally Lagos before driving back to Lisbon. Portugal is a fantastic country to cycle. The motorists are generally very patient and polite. I think I had one car honk me the entire five days on the road.
While friends and family of the guests were throwing back shots of Ouzo and snacking on a variety of tasty hors d'oeuvres, I managed to stay sober and took advantage of the beautiful light.
The sun was finally setting, our bellies were full. It was time for the old folks to head back to town and let the youngins have their party. Tomorrow Peter & Zoe are off for two weeks of spanakopita, retsina, fresh fish, sunshine and the crystal blue Mediterranean. Not a bad way to start your marriage.