And sometimes I forget to look.  I try and take one of the girls to school everyday I can.  Most of the time I am headed off to first grade. We are usually rushing out the door finding backpacks, coats, lunches, shoes,etc.  I usually get to do the drop and go. When it is nice we get to hang out. I mostly just watch her play from the sidelines and notice how my role is to just watch and talk with other parents.  I have noticed lately all of the beautiful markings at her school.  I am sure one summer day they will all be gone. A new coat of asphalt will once again take over the playground. New lines and words will be painted to add the little extra knowledge that every kid needs. I feel good that I got t hem before they are gone. Now when I go there, it is pretty much all I notice. Trying to find if there is something I missed.  I think you could shoot all day and get something different. They are simple and beautiful.

I have been going through a bunch of images lately from  the Skinny Dip shoot in California.  I am getting ready to bust out  the new ad. In doing so I have a bunch of images that seem to have gotten lost in the shuffle. It was nice  to find the images, it was like a little photo present. Here are a few from the shoot.

I have a lot of things to be thankful for this last year. It was a good year, a challenging year, and a year of change. Some things went really smooth and others felt like they would never end.  I am happy to have my family and my good friends.  Here is a small list of the best of 2008.

Best Album : I would have to say MGMT. It was one of those albums that I didn’t want to listen to .  I had no desire really, then a friend gave it to me and I haven’t stopped listening to it.  I would have to also say that I was inspired by older artists as well. Going back and listening to people like Hank Williams, Gene Autry, and Ernest Tubb .  I also now can’t live without hearing the music of  Robert Johnson.  His music is pure, stripped down, and comes from deep within. If you don’t know it, check it.

Best new toy:  My Iphone.  I actually don’t know what I would do without it. I think if I had to make a choice I would easily trade my car for my phone.  I may use it too much. Maybe I would get more artwork done if I didn’t have it.

Best new ride: My bike and the light rail. If I could only figure out how to get all my equipment trailered on my bike without killing myself, I would be set. I hope this year keeps me riding more and driving less.

Best times as a dad: Watching my 6 year old learn how to read.  What a cool thing to see happen.  I wasn’t sure how long it would take and sometimes it seemed like it was an impossible task.  Now having her read to me a night is quite a cool thing.  The next is experiencing my soon to be 4 year old turn into a creative, hilarious little lady. She has all the energy of a Jack Russell terrier and the creativeness of  any artist out there.  I am truly inspired by her confidence and strength to take on the world. She wears me out, but I wouldn’t change it a bit.

Best Friend: My wife Lisa. I am amazed that she can put up with me. She is the list writer, the super mom, the artist, the glue that keeps us all going and together. She may have more on her list than she can handle, but without her cracking the whip on all of us we wouldn’t get things done.  Thanks for dealing with all the shit I throw at you.

Best memories: Any random dance party or sudden impulse to turn up the music and dance. All my ladies, Lisa included have the ability to bust a move at any given moment. Not many are ever captured on tape, but if they were…. we would all be really embarrassed.

Best new hobby: learning how to play the guitar. I have always wanted to learn and never had the chance.  I finally decided it was time and do something for myself.  I very rarely do anything for myself.  I have to say it is one of the most enjoyable things I do for myself. It is probably the only thing I do for myself.  I suck, and I may suck for a while but I am trying. I love it, love it, love it.

Best new song learned on the guitar: Folsom Prison Blues. A super fun song to play. Maybe it is more enjoyable because both of my little ladies do the singing for me.  I think it is funny that their favorite line is ” I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” It is even better to listen to them try to sing low like Johnny Cash.

Best old person I know: Val. My family and I have really enjoyed every minute we get to spend with him.  He is such a special person in our lives and true grandfather to the girls. We have been lucky enough to have him at our house numerous times for dinner, dinner at the studio all sumer long, and coming to our house for Christmas.  He may get cranky with me and some of the things I do may not be exactly what he wants, but oh well.  I hope Val lives forever.

Best Hike: A hike with the family at the base of Mount Evans on the Chicago lakes trail.  The family has discovered they all like to hike now.  We were only able to go a few times this summer but hope we can make a new habit out of it. Something I will always remember.

Best Xbox 360 game: Grand Theft Auto IV. Holy crap, what a great game. I had waited and waited for it to come out and it finally did this summer. The event did not go unnoticed. I had my reserved copy, waited in line at midnight, played til 5am, slept til 7:30. Got the girls ready for school, played from 9:30 til 1pm. Packed it all up and moved the party to the studio. Friends came over and we ate food, drank beer, and killed thugs  til 4am. 

Best new President Elect: Barak Obama.  Lets hope he can continue to inspire.

I know there are many more things to say about what was the best of 2008.  I know there are many things that could be on the worst list as well, but I don’t think I need to revisit any of those. This year will be a year to stay positive and really work towards a healthy and happy life.  I am excited to start.