It keeps happening.

Three times in a week, someone not handling their own life properly took weaponry into a crowded public space, and opened fire. Far to frequent of an occurrence in this nation, and the people we've elected - well, enough of the people we've elected - refuse to take action to work on stopping these tragic events.

If you think thoughts, and prayers will stop it, you are among the most foolish, deluded people in existence. 

If you're trying to blame this on video games, or iPhones, or social media, or the current divorce rates (which are lower than they were 30 years ago), or not enough religion in our over-saturated with christianity society, or mental illness then I can state right off that you don't understand religion, nor do you understand psychology, or physiology, nor do you understand cultures outside of your own, nor do you understand your own culture, nor do you understand data, nor do you know history. So, what exactly did you do in school?

The shooter in El Paso posted a Manifesto of Hate online just 20 minutes before walking into a Walmart and killing 22 people. He drove 9 hours to go to that specific location, which means he uploaded his Manifesto to the internet probably while sitting in the parking lot. That's pre-meditated, not insanity. He knew exactly what he was doing, and what he was about to do.  A Manifesto of hate against immigrants, non-whites, all the people he vilified in his mind.

People think having a good relationship is a lot of effort. Hate seems like so much more effort, and what good ever comes from it?

My Manifesto of Love

Religious people are fond of saying "God is Love." What I hear is, Love is all powerful, and Love is what we should be a faithful servant to. God, as an entity, doesn't exist in the form that religions seem to think it exists. Love does exist, and it is something we can put our energy, and efforts into every day.

I choose love.

I choose to share my love, and when I can, to share who I am, my talents, and my blessings with others.

For my partner, I will do my best, every day, to show you how much you mean to me. To consider you, to give you my love, my affection, and my efforts toward a fulfilling, supportive, and healthy relationship. I know I'm not perfect. I know you sometimes have to deal with the things I struggle with that exist within me. I appreciate your patience, and your support, and I will always do my best to give you the same. Your passions, and your priorities are my passions, and my priorities. As we walk a path together, or our own paths apart, I will stand in front of you when you need protection, stand behind you when you need support, and be at your side as we are equals in all things.

For my children, you three are my spirit. You show me constantly the potential of humanity. You show me that you are the change I want to see in this world. I am proud of all three of you. I will love you, and support your choices, advise you with the best of my knowledge, and experience, and be the best dad I can be. I know I don't always do this, and I appreciate your love, and patience when I don't. I want to help fill your lives with experiences, not things. Experience is the best way to learn about life, to learn about compassion, and to grow into the amazing people you continue to become. I want to give all of this to you out of my love for you.

For my family, I am here for you with love, and understanding. I appreciate the support you've given to me, in good times, and in bad. Our relationships aren't always as close as what might be seen as ideal, but there is never a time when we don't care for each other, help each other, or  enjoy each other when we have moments to spend together.

To my friends,  I love all of you. I'm not afraid to say it, but I sometimes hold back because I'm not sure if it might be taken as inappropriate.  It is a powerful word that holds many varying connotations for people. and I'm not always sure how it might be interpreted when said.  But be assured, I do love you, and I try to say it even if it isn't directly said. Ever ask me for help with something, then ask how much you owe me, and get the answer, "Eh, we'll figure it out," or, "We'll work it out some way." That's me saying I love you, and the things that are important to you, are important to me. Your success. Your creative endeavors. How you support the people you love, and your community. What brings you happiness, and fulfillment.  My love is expressed in giving back, paying it forward, and helping however I can.

That doesn't always mean I'll work for free - I still have bills, too, and my bills seem to love me, because after I set them free, they always return...  😉

But no matter how far away you are, or how infrequently we might see each other, or talk, or hang out, if you ask me for something, whether it's help with photography, or writing an article for something, or even just a donation, I might not always have the time, or the resources, and those are my limitations, but I rarely ever say no, even if those resources are running low.

I do those thing, and will continue to, out of love.

For the people in my professional communities - photographers, film makers, creatives - we might all be at different levels of learning, skill, practice, business acumen - but you are all welcome to me. I don't want to live in competitive rivalry; I want to live in a cooperative, supportive, people-boosting community where we can all find success. I don't often turn down opportunities to learn, or to teach. I often take on a little too much trying to build community, build my own skills, learn new things, and teach others what I know. We might not always get along, but it's never due to hatred. I will work on being better, and doing more to work, and see the work of others with love. 

To this city, and this region - Buffalo - the City of Good Neighbors. We don't always exemplify that, but I would like to think we exemplify it more often than not. Yes, you'll see more examples in the media of us not being good to each other, but the media doesn't often tells us about the acts of kindness we see, and perform every day. Rarely do you hear stories of the success of our refugee programs, of the community organizations that help welcome the world to Buffalo, and give them the help they need when they get here. Rarely do you hear of how those same refugees are building their own communities, and running successful businesses while adding to Buffalo's diverse culture. There is no coverage of neighbors helping neighbors daily, not out of obligation, but out of a want to be helpful, and to foster a kind, and cooperative community. 

I want to be a bigger part of this. I want to show love to my neighbors, those who come here seeking a better life, and the future generations who will call this region home.

I want love the planet we live on, protect it from the harm we do, and make sure it is a viable home for all the years to come.

Love. Love will be my goal, and as part of that, I will do my best to stop all of the hate this nation, and this world shows by choosing to give my love.

The Weigh-In

Maybe it doesn't really matter. I'm trying to get to the gym now at least on Lunch breaks until I can get my schedule better situated. I'm doing ok.

My love is bountiful as my midsection. Maybe that's ok, too.