Was on the road early, bound for the coast. Not my usual photo-hike adventures, or surf strike missions. Nope, on the morning of June 7th, I was bound for the coast to attend my friend Guy’s wedding; and of course to document the occasion.
What a beautiful morning. Fog skirted along the canyons of the watersheds. Windows were cracked, because the cool air felt good. Metallica’s Master of Puppets, spinning metal yarns from the Ford’s old speakers… and Highway 20 was relatively empty. I drank coffee and found that sweet rhythm of Chinese rubber and Chicago steel.
Just so you know, I’m a fraud. Rarely do I ever push myself out of my photography comfort zones anymore. There have been no challenges, just complacency. Photographing a wedding is something I’ve done twice before, but never did them with any kind of confidence. So I shied away from this kind of work.
But on the morning of the 7th, there I was, driving over the Fort Bragg Road to shoot Guy and Christy’s intimate wedding.
Guy was hired on at the company I work for in the late teens. He was our maintenance, while I ran the day-to-day operations in the office. I liked him immediately.
Over time, he became a friend, not just a co-worker.
Opportunities arose for him. He held all the cards. And eventually moved over to the coast with his girlfriend Christy. Guy still worked for the company, however, he was commuting two hours round trip each day. I told him it would only be a matter of time before he would want to start staying closer to home. Ha, no no, he assured me that he loved to drive and the commute was nice.
Well buddy, I love to drive. Have commuted most of my working life. Even drove for a living. However! When I was hired on with a crew who was part of the dismantling of the old Georgia-Pacific mill site in Fort Bragg, I was leaving early and coming home late. I was rather surprised how much I didn’t like that drive during that time.
Sure enough, Guy became a “coastie.”
I am incredibly proud of his transformation. He’s earned the good life!
I met Guy and Christy’s friends and family. I drank A LOT of coffee. Had good conversations… all the while meandering around the house and back yard, searching for cool little moments to photograph. I kept an open mind—kind of treated the experience like how I imagine street photographers would.
Honestly, it was a hell of a lot of fun!
I couldn’t stay much beyond noon, though. Other engagements over the hill. I was told several times before that I couldn’t leave without being fed first. Definitely took them up on it, and, the tacos were excellent! I ate them on the road.
So Guy and Christy, congratulations!
And thanks for having me.
Back onto Highway 20, eastbound. Heading for home really quick, before venturing to Redwood Valley for Arlo’s class’s special performance of ________. Sorry, there was an “oath of silence” surrounding this, so I can’t go into great detail.
But I can say enough.
The 2024/25 school year was an interesting one for Arlo. It began with anxiety and doubt. That quickly melted away. His older classmates, a core group of friends who have been a part of the Montessori experience since forever, accepted him into the squad. His guide, really more of a teacher of practical life skills and unique opportunities, brought Arlo out of his shell. For the first time, school actually mattered.
Unfortunately, if you can call it that I guess, almost all of his squad are moving on to different schools or different towns. His guide, more of a background player as she pursues other interests in life.
With this being a special year, Arlo’s class chose to do a special performance of a popular play for parents and the staff who have been there to support these kids since day one. Think of it as their way of saying thank you.
I arrived while the kids were still rehearsing. The “lighting department” were getting ready. The 24mm lens was attached to my DSLR and I fired off some low-light frames before the performance began. Once the kids were ready to begin, I put the camera away, so I could simply enjoy the show.
And what a show it was! Damn. The entire class nailed their parts. There was real depth. Emotion. Some laughs, too. I was reminded that when Arlo puts his mind to something, he’s got talent; whether it be photography, mock trial, or this performance. I actually shed a tear, I was so proud!
Afterward, Arlo’s class and a host of chaperones, headed down to Ukiah’s Oco Time for dinner. All of the kids sat together, ate together, laughed together and, there was a hint of sadness… because this might possibly be the last time they will all be together at once. Again, you have to remember that these kids grew up together—including Arlo really, because the Montessori school is small and he’s also been there since the first “grade.”
Anyway, a good time was had by all.
I wish these kids all the best in whatever they do in life.
Arlo will be back next school year.
For now, its summertime.