ONE YEAR LATER

One year ago today I was living at the Jersey Shore and was given notice to evacuate my home in preparation for HURRICANE SANDY.

Well the storm arrived packing a punch. I just one year later am seeing some of the images for the very first time. WHEN YOU ARE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM YOU ARE DISCONNECTED.

HOLY SHIT. I HAD NO IDEA.

Once I was able to reconnect I did not go in search of the disturbing images.

I was out of my home for 5or 6 days and with out power for like 15-16 days.

IT WAS INCONVENIENT YES.

IT WAS ALSO REFRESHING BECAUSE YOU WERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE WITHOUT THEM BEING DISTRACTED BY THEIR PHONE,COMPUTER OR TEXT.

It brought things back to the basics.

I personally was very fortunate. I was prepared and OJ with losing everything. I LOST NOTHING.

My neighbors not so lucky.

Over the course of the year. I have had many changes in my life. I decided to leave the Shore at the beginning of the season. I decided to take a road trip cross country with the plan of settling in Vegas. Instead I wound up back in Los Angeles and have now been here for four months.

Trying to make it work. Not sure how long I will remain. Trying to build my business out here and work survival jobs to keep my head above water.

I am just trying to say YES. It is important to say YES.

I am willing to be open to the journey that I am on.......I  AM TRUSTING THAT I AM BEING LEAD TO WHERE AND WHAT I AM SUPPOSE TO BE DOING.

I AM GRATEFUL. IT IS ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE.

SO I SAY YES AND THANK YOU.

I ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO DO THE SAME.

P.S Wishing all my friends at the Shore nothing but health and restoration and success moving forward.

The Shore allowed me to recharge and tap into my creative spirit. It allowed me to live and create and to be an ARTIST.  THANK YOU.

REMEMBER AS YOU CONTINUE ON YOUR JOURNEY.......THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TO LOOK FORWARD TO AS YOU PASS THROUGH THE DARKNESS.  YOU JUST HAVE TO KEEP WALKING.....TRUST. THE LIGHT WILL ALWAYS SHINE THROUGH.

SEASONS CHANGE-ENDINGS 1+2=3

1+2=3

3 what you may ask.

The loss of 3 friends already this year.  Like in 2011, where I lost 7 friends all way to early and way to young. they were all 52 and younger.

The three friends that I have lost this year, all under 50 years old.
48 CANCER
30 HEART ATTACK
42 ACCIDENT

The lesson in all of this is that we only have today. This is all that is a guarantee. NOW.

That is it.

So many of us in the world put off living. We make up 1001 excuses why we can't just live NOW.

Because of all of the excuses that we tell ourselves many never get the chance to live and I mean really LIVE.

I challenge everyone including myself to just LIVE.

To find LOVE, JOY & HAPPINESS before we miss out.

This challenge is also to be KIND to others including MOTHER EARTH.

We need to be more aware. We need to be more gentle with one another as well as our environment.

Our role is to share our gifts and to be of service to one another.

I am not saying that my friends who have transitioned did not have a chance to live. My belief is we are all here for a predetermined amount of time. When that time is up our job at least here is finished.

My thoughts is that three lives lost at such an early age makes me realize that there is an urgency for those of us left to continue on our own path of SELF DISCOVERY AND SELF EXPLORATION.

I wish all of you an amazing JOURNEY.

To my friends who have gone. I wish you all a BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY AND TRUST THAT YOU ARE ON THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE.

R.I.P
Steven
Rich
Scott

SOAR MY FRIENDS.......THOSE THAT LEAVE BEFORE MAKE IT EASIER FOR US TO MOVE THROUGH THE DARKNESS OF OUR OWN LIVES BY PROVIDING THE LIGHT WE NEED TO FIND OUR WAY.
THANK YOU.

10 WEEKS AND COUNTING

So after 4 1/2 years of being away from Los Angeles.

 I AM BACK.

When I left, I was DONE. I never thought I would be finding myself living back in Los Angeles.
Not only living back in Los Angeles, but living in the same house that I lived in 20 years ago with the SAME roommate and landlords. CRAZY.

Lesson that I have learned. NEVER SAY NEVER.

So being back has taken some getting used to. I forgot how exhausting it is to make ones way around Los Angeles. In the time that I have been gone it has only become more of a challenge.

My plan coming back was/is to have no expectations and just be open to whatever opportunities present themselves. Finding STEADY WORK HAS BEEN CHALLENGING. But at the same time I have been finding some work and making it all happen.

There is no option to fail. I am here to get my piece of the PIE.

I WILL NOT GO HUNGRY. I NEED TO JUST STAY FOCUSED.

Although a little hunger is a good thing. It makes one THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

When you think outside the box you somehow make it happen.

CREATIVITY IS BORN.

I AM HERE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Whatever you are waiting to do. Start working on it now.

Why you may ask? Because we all deserve to live the lives that we want to live.

Wishing everyone DREAMS REALIZED.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN/GOODBYE JERSEY SHORE

POST DELAYED

Today is June 13, 2013

I am spending my final day living here at the Jersey Shore. Place is all packed up. Driving out of town tomorrow.

Right now I am sitting here on my front porch listening to the waves crash loudly on the shore.
I am not going to lie. I am going to miss living this close to the ocean.

For the past two years I have had the privilage to everyday have access to one of Mothe Natures most amazing creations.

The water is so healing and soothing. I am so grateful for being able to give myself these two years to RECHARGE AND CREATE.

Now it is time to jump back into LIFE.

I have decided to relocate back to Los Angeles.

I am looking forward to going back now that I have made the decision. I am going back with zero expectations and will be open to the possibilities the city of angeles has to offer the second time around.

Sometime when you read a book for the second time you actually enjoy it more. Also I am looking forward to discovering things that I did not on my first stay.

I am so happy that I am open and willing to allow myself this second chance.

I am going to take a few weeks to drive cross country and photograph my journey. I look forward to sharing.

LIFE IS TO BE LIVED. LET'S GO LIVE.

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