The Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice
Yesterday marked the Winter Solstice, the day with the least amount of sunlight and the most darkness of the year. For anyone unfamiliar, it’s a moment that holds deep significance in many cultures, both past and present. It’s often seen as a time to set intentions for the year ahead, gather around fires with loved ones, enjoy good food, and, most importantly, to rest. For many, the Solstice feels like the true end of the year—a closing of the season and the start of the gradual return to light.
For much of my life, I didn’t know anything about the Winter Solstice. Growing up Mormon, my understanding of the world was shaped almost entirely by that framework, leaving little room for
exploration of other traditions. It was about a decade ago that I first encountered the Solstice, and its themes and rituals resonated deeply with me. Over the years, it has become increasingly meaningful, a quiet yet profound cornerstone in my personal journey.
Yesterday, I spent the morning gathering materials for what I can only describe as an offering of sorts, placed in my backyard. It was born from a mix of creativity and inspiration, and I’m pleased with how it turned out. While I don’t worship or follow any specific deity, I like to think the universe received it with goodwill.
The rest of the day—and much of the night—was spent by the fire. There’s something grounding about watching the flames dance, feeling the warmth, and letting the smoke cleanse away lingering burdens. Even now, as I sit writing this, I’m wrapped in the hoodie I wore last night. The comforting scent of smoke lingers on the fabric, a subtle reminder of the embers that burned into the night.
As is often the case during moments of reflection, my camera accompanied me, becoming part of my observance. When the sun set and the light faded, I captured a self-portrait—a visual memento of the day. I quite like how it turned out, and it feels like a fitting way to mark the occasion.
To those of you who celebrate the Winter Solstice, I hope it was a day of peace and renewal for you. And as we step into the coming year, may it bring light, blessings, and growth for us all.
31 Days of Halloween
As the calendar turns its pages and we usher in the crisp embrace of October 1st, my excitement reaches its peak – for this marks the commencement of my most cherished month. With the falling leaves and the whispering winds, the Halloween season graces us with its enchanting presence.
My love affair with Halloween traces back to the days of my childhood, adorned with pumpkin patches, the meticulous artistry of carving intricate designs into chosen pumpkins, and the warm embrace of hot apple cider during neighborhood trick-or-treating escapades. There was even a mischievous phase where I, hidden amidst the Halloween decorations adorning our family home, delighted in startling passing kids and adults alike. Needless to say, I reveled in their startled reactions.
Every passing year has been a canvas for crafting unique and special Halloween memories, and this year is no exception. Collaborating with my talented wife, Leslie, who happens to be a Special Effects Makeup artist, and myself, a photographer, we are embarking on a thrilling journey of creativity.
In the spirit of this spooky season, Leslie and I have decided to gift our Instagram followers with 31 distinct pieces of Halloween content. Brace yourselves for an extraordinary visual experience, where the artistry of Special Effects Makeup converges with the lens of photography to create something truly magical. From eerie transformations to hauntingly beautiful compositions, our 31 Days of Halloween promise to be a spectacle you won't want to miss.
So, if you haven't already, I strongly urge you to join us on Instagram. Follow Leslie and me as we unfold a month-long Halloween extravaganza, a labor of love and creativity. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this captivating journey through the mystical realms of October. Let the countdown to the 31 Days of Halloween begin!
From Hot Mess Express to Happily Ever After
Valentine's Day is upon us, and I'm not the biggest fan of the corporate nature it has become. But, that doesn't mean I can't take a moment to appreciate the woman who has made my heart skip a beat.
After my divorce, I vowed to never get married again. I was in a vulnerable and lonely state of mind and the last thing I wanted was to open myself up to that level of vulnerability again. I did dabble in the dating world, but I made some rookie mistakes.
Firstly, I started dating too soon. I wasn't over my divorce, and instead of finding meaningful relationships, I ended up just bleeding all over the people I tried to date. Not cool, Adam, not cool. Secondly, I had this idea in my head that I was unworthy of love, so I dated people who were not a good fit for me. Let's just say it wasn't a successful strategy.
But, then came "her." I wasn't expecting her at all. I was ready to swear off not only marriage, but dating altogether. Then, out of nowhere, she caught my attention. We had known each other for years, but during a late-night chat session, I found myself saying words before my filter could kick in and stop it. Thankfully, my filter failed because having her in my life is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
When we first started dating, I had nothing to my name but a cute puppy dog, nine boxes of books, two garbage bags of clothes, and a mattress on the floor. I was literally a hot mess. But, she chose me, and that's all that mattered. She saw something in me, and despite having no money, no home, and no place that was mine, she chose me.
She has been by my side through everything. We have gone on adventures to many places, and she has stood by me through unemployment, family hardships, and the death of a friend. She's even supported me through my bizarre career changes and strange ideas. And, when I didn't deserve it, she forgave me and reminded me of my self-worth time and time again.
She is my person, my safe place, and the one who makes me believe that love is worth fighting for. Together or not at all, it's us vs. the world from this day and forever.
So, on this Valentine's Day, I want to give a shout-out to my lovely lady. Thank you for being mine and for choosing me even when I was a hot mess express. I promise to keep being the weird, quirky, and slightly chaotic partner you fell in love with. Here's to many more adventures, laughs, and bad jokes together.
