a man. a camera. a day.
December 31, 2011
new years eve ©2011 Gary Garbett
Twelve months ago I wanted to be challenged creatively every day. It didn’t matter if the inspiration was for five minutes or extended five days. From that idea, this daily photo blog was born on January 1. I committed to it. Not only was I dedicated to the process; it was equally important that I share it with the world. Every… single… day.
The daily promise I made to myself was for one year. Today marks day three hundred sixty-five.
Over the year, my cameras and I became best friends, opening my eyes to the world probably more than they’d ever been before. I saw average things that had gone unnoticed for years and I saw remarkable things that I’ll never see again. I met new friends, greeted the mornings, and anxiously looked forward to tomorrows. Surprisingly, I learned a great deal about myself by documenting each day. The images I took became diary entries, my words a road map.
After three hundred sixty-five days, A Passing Glimpse went from seven views on January 1, 2010 to over 13,000 visitors as of last night. Those numbers pale in the corporate world, but for a guy that just wanted to share a new photo every day, I’ll take it. I’ve stood behind my cameras to capture more than 30,000 images using three different cameras. Some of them will never see the light of day, but a few are keepers. It’s interesting to look over a year’s worth of images. They take me back and remind me. They celebrate moments, days, and light.
Upon stepping into 2012 tomorrow, I don’t plan to do much different than I did this year. I’ll continue unfolding my creative path. I don’t have much choice with that. It’s what I do. New Years always invite new direction and with this post, today fulfills the creative promise I made to myself one year ago. I love how this blog has become such a healthy retreat for me. As I look toward 2012, A Passing Glimpse will continue to be the home for my images and my thoughts… just not on a daily basis. Bookmark this blog, share it with a friend, and follow me on my Gary Garbett Art + Photography page for all of my creative updates. Happy New Year.
And yes, I promise to still be creative. Every… single… day.
restoring yesterdays
December 30, 2011
restoring yesterday ©2011 Gary Garbett
Today was one of those kinds of days. It was beyond fabulous and the weather even more so, especially for late December. I spent my entire day working on the restoration of the 1944 dinette table I gave Karen for Christmas. After eight hours, everything on the table had been totally disassembled including every screw. Following hours of elbow grease, steel wool, vinegar, oil, and sunshine most of the chrome was restored and reflecting its original beauty. I still have a bit more to do, but with a little luck and tomorrow’s weather looking even better than today, there’s a chance that we’ll celebrate New Years Day with dinner on our new dinette set.
This full cleansing project seemed relevant with today being my two-year anniversary of personal cleansing and sobriety. Last year this date marked an achievement, a celebration, and a hurdle all wrapped into one. I certainly wouldn’t dilute any of those. December 30, 2010 was more than life changing for me. It was reaffirming for me to re-read my post from last year.
Today however seemed more normal. It was a day balanced with fond memories of my making such a life decision and confession two years ago. I know that I’m a better man for having made that decision. Perhaps not better at math, but certainly far better overall.
As usual I drank my share of coffee today and listened to hours of classic rock while restoring that old table. At one point I stopped to take another sip of java and heard the Who sing out “The Kids Are Alright”. They just might be right.
still on holiday
December 29, 2011
holiday breakfast ©2011 Gary Garbett
I’m a lucky guy who has some of the greatest pets known to man, at least to this man. Ask another man and I’m sure there’d a be debate.
Still on holiday vacation, I decided to treat the critters and I to fried ham and eggs for breakfast this morning. Everyone was more than pleased. Let me reemphasize. Make that far more than pleased.
I do remember the days however when Pita wasn’t quite the greatest pet, nor did she sit patiently for ham and eggs. Instead, she disobeyed nearly every single command that fell from my lips and dined on a beautiful antique oak armchair.
That favorite antique chair is no longer with us. Pita is. She loves ham and eggs and me. I’m a lucky guy.
a calming storm
December 28, 2011
a calming storm ©2011 Gary Garbett
Yesterday, the morning was filled with plenty of rain, a coffee pot of endless cups, a collection of Bogart films, mental down time, and a nap.
A shade of blue and sunshine surprised the afternoon. It opened a window for the pups and I to take a walk to the mail box. We watched our reflections in the puddles.
counting on yesterday
December 27, 2011
santa brings yesterday ©2011 Gary Garbett
I’m not sure there’s anyone that knows me much better than Santa Claus. It’s almost like he’s inside my head… kinda like we’re one in the same.
The jolly guy left several gifts of Christmas pasts this year under our Christmas tree: a 1950′s Magnavox phonograph with AM radio, a 1944 Arvin dinette set, and a 1940′s Hunter Zephair hassock floor fan. Some of these are restoration projects. Others are already in use.
The older I get, the more yesterdays mean to me. I can always count on them being everything I expect them to be… with no surprises.
beautiful life again
December 26, 2011
the restoration ©2011 Gary Garbett
I find the greatest beauty and joy in bringing life back to something discarded and abandoned.
After searching for quite some time, I was finally able to locate the perfect vintage 1944 Arvin dinette set on the evening of December 23. Beneath its scratches, rust, tape, stickers, and years of neglect, I knew there was something there. With very little time before loading the sleigh, I had my work cut out for me. After lots of elbow grease, steel wool, oil, lemon juice, flip flops, late night secret hours, fresh paint, and lots of care and love, I managed to refinish one chair by the late hours of Christmas Eve.
It really is gorgeous and I’m looking forward to refinishing the rest of the set. Santa pulled it off for another year.
Quite a lot has happened and changed in the world since this 1944 set left its U.S.A. assembly line. Beautiful however still remains beautiful.
archiving goodness
December 25, 2011
the archive ©2011 Gary Garbett
The morning is quiet and everyone’s asleep except the critters and me.
I’m drinking coffee and typing my mother’s recipe for her famed apple chocolate chip cake. She brought the cake and the recipe last night for Christmas. It’s one of my absolute favorite things and has long been a staple at family gatherings. Mom’s had the recipe for nearly 50 years, clipped it from the back of a C&H sugar bag, and keeps it safe in a zip lock sandwich baggie.
I’m archiving this pulp gem… today. It’s time for another cup of coffee and maybe even a slice of cake. Merry Cakeday.
i do
December 24, 2011
believe ©2011 Gary Garbett
I believe in great, great things.
victory and havoc
December 23, 2011
victory ©2011 Gary Garbett
VCU had another game last night and once again came to play. Shaka Smart has his Rams believing in themselves and raising havoc. They’re succeeding at both.
The Ram Nation believes. Go Rams and bring on 2012.
cadillacs and santa
December 22, 2011
santa's cadillac ©2011 Gary Garbett
It may not be what he uses to make his runs on the 24th of December, but occasionally you know he’s opting for some Skynyrd, cruise control, and horsepower over reindeer power.
Cruise on big man.
