DARKNESS

DARKNESS

What is darkness? Darkness is the absence of LIGHT.

Once again we are going through dark times. Some times we go though darkness, whether it be personal, with family, friends, at work in our neighborhoods, our communities, city, state, country and in the world.

On Monday we were left to witness the horror and hatred of some demented individual or radical group trying to instill FEAR.

Seeing the news coverage on Monday of the bombings in Boston at the marathon brought back all of the horror of September 11, 2001. More recognizably  known as 9/11.

I personally have not watched much of the coverage. I JUST CAN'T.

It took me weeks to move beyond the grief that took place @SANDY HOOK in 12/12.

Before Sandy Hook, going threw and being in the eye of Hurricane Sandy. Being disconnected and not being aware of the devastation the storm caused.

 Once I was able to reconnect and become aware, I decided to not seek out all of the destruction of the storm.

My heart goes out to all those who were affected by the tragedy of Monday. God Bless all those that were injured as well as those lost due to this cowardly act of hatred and violence towards the US.

Threw all of the darkness, so much light was shining thru with all of the HERO'S of the day from the first responders to the many selfless  civilians.

It is so good to be witness to all of the good deeds happening as a result of the events.

I applaud everyone for their kindness, bravery and generosity of SPIRIT.

It leaves me questioning why it takes a disaster of this magnitude for people to come together and show REAL SIGNS of LOVE and COMPASSION.

I am left wondering and fantasizing how different the world would be if people were just loving and kind to their fellow man ALWAYS.

THE WORLD WOULD BE A BEAUTIFUL AND MAGICAL PLACE IF WE FOCUSED ON LOVE AND PEACE.

I wish the family and friends of those suffering and those lost the STRENGTH & FAITH to move through the unimaginable grief they must be feeling. I also WISH we as a NATION & WORLD find PEACE.

R.I.P    Heaven's Newest Angels

Martin Richard
Krystle Campbell
Lingzi Lu

WE WILL FIND LIGHT AGAIN.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

GUARDIAN ANGELS.

DO YOU BELIEVE?  I DO.

My angel came to me in the form of a grandmother. Here name was Madeline Corina. Everyone called her LENA.

She loved me unconditionally, and she always had my best interest at heart.

It was 18 years two weeks ago since my grandmother made her transition.
I can tell you she has been working just as hard PROTECTING & GUIDING ME as I fumble and try and find my way through this life..

Gram I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the unconditional love that you have given me. You never judged me and in your eyes I could do no wrong. BELIEVE ME I HAVE MADE MANY WRONG CHOICES AS I TRY TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT.

Thank you for your LOVE.

You have been gone 18 years now. Yes I miss your physical presence and always will.

But I carry you with me each and everyday. EVERYTIME I SEE A BUTTERFLY I KNOW IT IS YOU CHECKING IN.

THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO WATCH OVER ME.

Love you.

I hope there is someone in your life that you feel is your GUARDIAN ANGEL.

It is amazing to know that after death the spirit stays with you and we are given SIGNALS to know that our loved ones are near.

ANOTHER REMINDER

ANOTHER REMINDER.

A reminder of what you may ask? LIFE IS PRECIOUS. NOT TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
We must cherish who and what we have in our lives and the time we have been given.

IT IS FLEETING. We do not know when our time will run out.

I remember many years ago when I was on an extened journey through Europe. That was my first  of many LIFE ALTERING JOURNEYS.

I read an article on the actor Michael Landon who was diaganoised with terminal cancer. One of the things that he said which I copied in to my journal twenty plus years ago.

"I WISHED SOME TOLD US AT THE BEGINNING OF LIFE, THAT IS ALSO WHEN WE BEGIN TO MOVE CLOSER TO DEATH"

Something along those lines. If we had realized that we would do things differently.

WE CAN NOT PUT OFF LIVING. IF YOU DO, YOU MOST CERTAINLY MISS OUT.

This past week on facebook I was saddened to learn of yet another friend, former co-worker and neighbor has suddenly passed away. WAY TO YOUNG.

I always find it disturbing, to learn of someone that I personally know, about their death on facebook.
But at the same time I am grateful for facebook, if not for facebook I may have never known this person had transitioned, seeing our lives through the years only reaquainted us sporadically.

Steven, I am sending LIGHT & LOVE to your family and friends DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME FOR THEM.

Hoping you are having a beautiful trouble free new adventure.

Thank you for being in my life for the time that you were.

REST IN PEACE

ANNIVERSARY GIFT.

ANNIVERSARY GIFT.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME.  JANUARY 28, 2009  4 YEARS. BOY DOES TIME FLY.

It was four years ago this week that I worked my final shift as a bartender at the bar that I worked in Los Angeles for almost 13 years.

I also decided that upon leaving my job, I would also leave Los Angeles where I spent almost 23 years.

That was the beginning of one incredible journey that I have been on.

LOTS & LOTS OF TRAVEL. 2 in one half years of being on the go. AMAZING.

The travel began with my drive cross country with my faithful companion who I lost at the end of 09.
After driving cross country and getting my girl Rio used to my family I hit the road.

It started with a trip to ARGENTINA and travel a bit in BRAZIL before renting an apartment in RIO
From there it was living in NYC for a bit before heading to CHINA and THAILAND and than The Earthquake hit in HAITI and I made two trips there to assist and build a school. The travel wound down with a life love dream a Safari trip to AFRICA which covered 9 countries beginining in
SOUTH AFRICA,NAMIBIA,BOTSWANA,ZAMBIA,ZIMBABWE,TANZANIA,MALAWI,
DAR ES SALAAM,KENYA.

After the travel I thought I needed to get resettled so I can try to build my photography business.
I always wanted to live by the ocean so on a whim I moved to Ocean Grove, NJ where I have been for the past 18 months without any travel. So needless to say it has been a very stressful 18 months not working and burning through savings. 2012 I wasted much of the year looking for work that I had ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN DOING.

I decided it was time to REFOCUS MY ENERGIES.

So that is what I have been doing and slowly my photography business is growing.

I have been a resident photographer in a gallery in town and am now on to my second Solo show for 2013 already. Things are going pretty well.

The only thing that I realized I needed to do different this year was that
TRAVEL IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST.

So this year I am starting my travels with a trip tomorrow to FORT LAUDERDALE and PUERTO RICO. My Anniversary Gift to Me.

If I do not travel I do not feel well.

LIFE IS ABOUT THE JOURNEY.

I thank all of you who continue to read my words and follow my journey.

What I want to share with you is that none of this would have been possible if I did not just take a chance.

It has been an amazing 4 years.......There have been struggles and doubts. But WORTH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. (CAN YOU HEAR ME SHELLY)


RIO THANKS FOR BEING MY COMPANION. I MISS YOU.

JUMP, THE NET WILL APPEAR. THE LIGHT WILL ALWAYS DIRECT YOU.

ONE WEEK IN

ONE WEEK IN.

It is so hard to believe that we are just closing out the first week of 2013.

Does not seem possible.
For some reason it seems like the holidays were so long ago.

The year is off to a good start. After lethargically entering the new year I am more determined than ever to find SUCCESS & JOY as I continue to follow my PASSION.

I am realizing that it is all about FOCUS & DISCIPLINE.

My head is spinning with mapping out my road to SUCCESS & FREEDOM.
My hard work I know will pay off. WHY?

Because I had the COURAGE to take a LEAP OF FAITH 4 YEARS AGO BY SAYING YES TO THE INNER CALLING.

IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY BUT SO WORTH IT.

I have not only decided to think outside the box. I have decided to rid myself of the box.

Living inside the box for me keeps tripping me up. HOLDING ME BACK.

In order to live my life CREATIVELY, 100% CREATIVELY, I cannot listen to the voices family, friends,society and FEAR.

I need to allow everyone to live their lives the way that they want.

I need to focus on my life.

I began this year with my solo show running through 1/20/13
I am in negotiations to move the show to another venue for a 4-6 week run.

I am researching other galleries and many other creative outlets.
I have already sold 3 pieces this year and CREATING many more pieces.

Working on putting together another show.

I am truly humbled by the appreciation and support of my work.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT WHEN YOU ARE WILLING TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO FLY.

All I can say is THANK YOU.

FRESH START

FRESH START.

The timing is perfect.
The begining of a new year is a great time to start over or begin again.
Actually the begining of a new year can be overwhelming because we promise ourselves things are going to be differnent this year.  We set very high expectations. At least I do.

RESOLUTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes we are successful and sometimes we are not.

This year I have many, many things that I want to accomplish. What I realize is that sometimes we stumble into the new year.

I wrapped up 2012 not feeling great and entered 2013 excited for the promise of a new year but still not feeling well.

I am hoping by next week to get back on track.

I have broken it down for myself to a very simple formula.

What I came up with that I have adopted is that yes a new year is a great time to make a
FRESH START TO BEGIN AGAIN.

But we get that opportunity every day, every hour and every moment to do things differently.

LIVING THE LIFE THAT I WANT TO LIVE. THAT IS WHERE MY ENERGIES WILL BE FOCUSED IN 2013.

If I get sidetracked. I will just begin again.

I have never been able to do life the way others do life.

LIFE IS ABOUT FREEDOM.

You design the life that you want, and it does not come with an instruction manual or a set of how to rules.

The most important bit of wisdom I can give to you is DO NOT WAIT TO LIVE YOUR LIFE.

We are not here to just merely exist. FIND WHAT YOU ARE MEANT TO DO, AND DO IT.

You will be so happy you took the risk.

I wish each and everyone one of you a wonderful and well LIVED LIFE.

Thanks for your support.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Remember it is never to late to BEGIN AGAIN.
Enjoy the journey.

IT'S A WRAP

GOODBYE 2012

Well we are just a few days of yet another year gone by. WAY TOO FAST. WOW.

Another year coming to a close and a new year begining.
What does this mean?

For me a new year is a great time to begin again, focus, and to become the person that I want to be by doing the things I want to do.

2012 was a very challenging year for me for a number of reasons.
One of the main reasons was that I wasted valuable time and energies doing things that I did not want to such as looking for work an jobs that I had no interest in having. For a very big part of the year I was spinning my wheels letting fear rear it's ugly head and dictate my actions.

What I realized was that if I just really FOCUSED my energies and set my intentions on what I want to do than that is what would happen.

This year as every year reminds me how fragile and precious life is, and also it goes by really quickly.

It is very important that whatever you do with your life and who you spend it with  you are able to find happiness and joy.

I learned a huge lesson this fall after going through and surviving Hurricane Sandy.

What I learned is that the saying KINDNESS OF STRANGERS IS THE TRUTH.
My heart was so moved by the out pouring of concern and love from around the globe while going through the storm and being displaced. Some of these messages from people I have never met.

It was nice to know that I crossed their thoughts and they found the time to send a message to let me know. It was much appreciated.

Than on the other hand there were the people that I thought for sure I would have heard from expressing their concern. NOT A WORD FROM.

Disappointing. ABSOLUTELY.

What I realized with these people is if you can't cross their minds in the middle of a disaster which was named The Storm of the Century, than these would be the last people that you would be able to call upon if your car was broken down or if you just needed someone to speak with.

I know that we as people are not suppose to take anything personal and to have no expectations because by taking things personal you wind up with many disappointments.

But what going through this storm was like for me was a message that I hold on to people and place alot of value on what they mean in my life.

I need to learn to let go. And it is ok. NOTHING IN LIFE IS FOREVER.

I need to let go so I have room for people to find their way into  my life that want to be a part of my life in all of its forms.

LETTING GO IS IMPORTANT.

So for me the new year is going to be all about FOCUSING AND LETTING GO.

HERE IS TO NEW BEGINNINGS AND ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE RECIPROCAL AND WORTH MY/OUR TIME AND ENERGIES.

Wishing all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.
MAY 2013 BE A BLESSED YEAR FOR ALL.

Also I wish you all a journey guided by the beauty and power of LIGHT.
SOAR. Why? BECAUSE YOU WERE MEANT TO.

Thank you all for reading my WORDS.

Peace,

Joe

HEAVY HEART

12/14/12 SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL SHOOTING.

SO SO SO TRAGIC.

My heart is broken.

I have been so emotionally raw and crying since the news broke.

I was at the gym when the news broke, but really was not paying attention and just went about my workout. It was not until I returned home and logged back onto my computer that I REALIZED what had just went down.

As I was reading and listening to the news I was left with the same overwhelming sadness that I had after learning the news of Columbine. HORRIFYING.

I really try not to watch the news or read the paper because rarely is anything uplifting and positive reported.

The target of this crime was BABIES. WTF.

I just three weeks ago began working as a school photographer, photographing children the same age as these innocent babies that were just taken from this earth.

I am so emotionally drained by having to witness such hatred and metal illness in the world. WHY?
WE ASK WHY????????????????????????????????

How is it that a troubled young boy gets to the point where he not only plans a mass murder and suicide but is able to execute it with NO ONE SEEING WARNING SIGNS. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

WHAT WENT WRONG?

While I was at school photographying these babies, because that is what they are. I witnessed all types of children, well behaved,bold,outgoing,shy,joyful,sad,insecure,confidant. Every child is different.
The one thing all these kids had in common was they are all at the beginning of their journey and were INNOCENT BABIES
So learning that 20 children the same age as these beautiful little kids were just wiped out along with their caregivers who died trying to protect these children and shield them from the evil that was going on is beyond comprehension.

THESE BABIES NEVER EVEN GOT A CHANCE. HOW IS THIS FAIR?

GOD BLESS THE NEWEST ANGELS IN HEAVEN.

Charlotte Bacon,Daniel Barden,Olivia Engel,Josephine Gay,Ana Marquez-Greene,Dylan Hockley,Madeline Hsu,Catherine Hubbard,Chase Kowalski,Jesse Lewis,JamesMattioli,Grace McDonnell,Emilie Parker,Jack Pinto,Noah Pozner,Caroline Previdi,Jessica Rekos,Avielle Richman,Benjamin Wheeler,Allison Wyatt,Rachel Davino,Anna Marie Murphy,Lauren Russeau,Mary Sherlach,Victoria Soto, Dawn Hocksprung and Nancy Lanza















Charlotte Bacon,Daniel Barden,Olivia Engel,Josephine Gay,Ana Marquez-Greene,Dylan Hockley,Madeline Hsu,Catherine Hubbard,Chase Kowalski,Jesse Lewis,JamesMattioli,Grace McDonnell,Emilie Parker,Jack Pinto,Noah Pozner,Caroline Previdi,Jessica Rekos,Avielle Richman,Benjamin Wheeler,Allison Wyatt,Rachel Davino,Anna Marie Murphy,Lauren Russeau,Mary Sherlach,Victoria Soto, Dawn Hocksprung and Nancy Lanza

SETTING OURSELVES FREE

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.

We can either change with the times or resist change. OUR CHOICE.

I can tell you from alot of experience, resisting change is not only exhausting it leaves one extremely frustrated.

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHANGE.

Change of season is one of my favorites. With the change of season you are forced to adapt to climate change. It dictates what you can and cannot do at different times of the year depending on where you live.

Some things are simply impossible.

That is not a bad thing. It is actually a good thing.

Change is wonderful and exciting and absolutely necessary.

Without change and growth life becomes stagnate and my opionion pointless.
Life is about finding our PURPOSE. We can not do that by remaining the same.

Life is about being lived. LIVED FULLY.

That means that we will have bumps,bruises, get beat up by life have heartache, joy, stress and triumph.

It all builds our character.

Some fall into the role of VICTIM. I know, I played that role for many years.
Where did it get me? Where will it get you?  NOWHERE.

 My suggestion to all is to fully EMBRACE Change. Allow yourselves all of the wonders that come with a life lived FREELY without fear.

FEAR IS OUR WORST ENEMY. Stops so many from living.

In life we must follow are heart and be guided by the light.

The new year is almost upon us and a great time to decided to do things differently.

Wishing freedom to all.

BEING THANKFUL

THANKSGIVING 2012

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS

THERE ARE MANY.

I really try and practice gratitude everyday. Not just for the big things in life, but for everything.

Sometimes I get sidetracked and caught up in distractions which keep me from reaching my goals.
I am a master of procrastination and self sabotage. I need to work on this more diligentally in the new year.

I NEED TO FOCUS.

I will get myself on a good path and really be making progress towards my goals and before I know it SELF DOUBT AND FEAR WILL START TO SHOW UP and sidetrack me and slow my progress.

I have really worked so hard at removing fear and the self doubt from my life.

Some days are better than others. I still have some work to do.

2012 HAS BEEN A REALLY CHALLENGING YEAR FOR ME.

The first three quarters of the year I was in a battle with myself which drove me away and depleted me of my creative energies.

I got out of rythm with my writing. I have only done half the amount of blog entries as last year. Without being to critical I believe my writitng were more from the heart and authentic last year.

This year they seemed forced and edited.

My drawings which I was also doing daily I got away from as well.

I split my focus and was drivin by fear most of the year.

I wasted hours and hours looking for survival jobs that I  had no interest in having. I would than get upset by not getting any of these jobs. I know CRAZY.

The lightbulb  went off at the end of September and i finally realized that the only way for me to live the life I want to live is to FOCUS ON WHAT I WANT.

ONLY WHAT I WANT.

I can no longer waste my time and energy on people and things that I do not want.

So what I am thankful for is THE LIGHTBULB FINALLY GOING OFF.

I need to rid myself of self doubt.

I AM A TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER WHO HAS A GIFT TO SHARE.

BELIEVE
FAITH
HOPE
TRUST.

What are you thankful for in your life?

Remember to be thankful everyday...Every day is a gift and opportunity to start over.
IT IS NEVER TO LATE.

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.  SHINE YOUR LIGHT.

Peace

BEAUTY AFTER THE STORM

CAPTURING BEAUTY WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

I as a photographer and an adrenaline junky was right out there tracking, monotoring and recording the storm every step of the way.

For those of you who did not know already which storm I am talking about it was

HURRICANE SANDY.

I have been living here at the Jersey Shore for the past fifteen months photographing the ocean and the surrounding beach towns on a daily basis.

The amazing thing about shooting the beach and ocean daily is that evey single day it is different.

So when Sandy set her EYE on the Shore I was going to be out there capturing the beauty. I have said many times before there is beauty in everything if we just look for it.

I did not put myself in any unnecessary danger, but I did want to witness and feel the power and presence of Mother Nature at work.

To me it is fascinating that a storm could begin thousands of miles away and just continue to grow and build up the strength to wreak the havoc that it has along the Jersey Shore and NYC.

I am not here to tell you all what to believe in but the way the Universe works and does what it does is pretty AMAZING.

Right after the storm we as a community were out cleaning the beach and town, when one of the volunteers had asked me if I had noticed the ocean.

I said to him that I was out with my camera numerous times that whole day.

The Ocean this day reminded me of when I was in Thailand or in Africa specifically in Zanzibar.

The hurricane totally changed the colors of the ocean here even if it was just for the day.
IT WAS STUNNING.

Please enjoy some of what I have captured.

I also have an online gallery where the images will be uploaded and available for purchase by weeks end.

15% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS
THIS INCLUDES ALL PHOTO SALES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

 PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIEND AND FAMILY.

The Holidays are coming and this is a great way to get a great gift for someone and help someone in need.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

The link to my online gallery is http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/joeburnsimages.html.