From last week’s Ellis Island Tour. So, these are rare views of the Statue of Liberty from the off-limits sections of the island. Most of these views were from nurse’s housing, the infectious diseases wards, and some from rooms where souls ended their journey in the hope of making it to the new world, only to perish in these buildings due to illness. I had multiple conversations with our guides about being in some of these rooms, which were final resting places for many, knowing you would pass on, with your only view symbolizing what you were trying to get to. I am not sure how I felt about it. Part of me considered it cruel to have hope that close and in view yet unobtainable, while I got comfort from knowing they could enjoy this incredible vision that others could only dream of. I will post a deeper post about the trip soon with more photos. Today is simply the Lady as I saw her throughout the exploration.

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The alarm went off this morning, getting ready for my day, anyone could have told me I would have a photo of this house by the end of the day I would have laughed at them… then I got a text. Apparently, I left my camera bag and a lens in the park yesterday after a session. Second time in my life I have left equipment behind just sitting on the ground, not bad odds I guess until I admit both times were in the last month –  losing your mind is not fun kids, but that is not the point of the post. The text “Good morning, Tim. This is Jeff, a resident in Medway. We found your camera bag with a Nikon lens in Choate park. Let me know how I can get it back to you.” Until that moment, I did not even know it was missing. I was horrified, yet so relieved the right person came across it. I have not even gotten to the crazy part yet. Jeff follows up with his address, and some times, I can grab the bag. The address belongs to the house in the photo. This is the house I grew up in, the front left corner is/was my room for 16 years. 13,000 + people in town, my bag was randomly found by the family who lives in my childhood home. I am not too crazy that I am losing my mind and all that, but I have to say, kind of cool it happened. I got to meet Jeff, who also is a photographer – he got to shoot the full eclipse in the path of totality, awesome photos – tour my old house, which Jeff and his family have made into even a more beautiful home than I remember. A lot of changes in 30 years, my Dad’s Silver Maple I loved as a kid is huge, I would kill to have the new kitchen they have, I miss that pool which now shares space with the ultimate entertaining area, walking through the front door was strange but comfortable at the same time. Things happen for a reason, good people are still out there, and in the end, we are all just caretakers of these addresses. I was happy to revisit one of my favorites and meet the new caretakers. Thanks to Jeff and his family. I hope to pay forward the good karma. 

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Took in an Ellis Paul show to ring in the New Year at Club Passim.

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So an early dailypic, today is going to be busy and I am still celebrating yesterday. Stop back ere tomorrow for Labor Day Bash photos but for now more on the New England Songwriters Retreat, and Dan. I have been around musicians/singers for years, in high school, at a record store, friends, wife, photography, though I can not play or sing, music has always been a massive part of my life. To watch that part of my life branch off to Dan is something on an entirely different level. I spent the day yesterday photographing the New England Songwriters Retreat led by Ellis Paul. The event itself is incredible, 70ish songwriters taking classes, sharing music, and just having a blast. Dan joined me, but he was there as a student, as a songwriter. And among these talented women and men, he held his own. Participating in the classes, sharing his music, offering advice, listening… and absorbing it all. One of the youngest there, I did not get to, nor want to stay by his side the whole time. I had a job to do. I would turn a corner and Dan would be laughing and smiling with other musicians, I would step into his class for some photos, and he would be there on stage sharing a song and how he wrote it. At dinner, another songwriter was taking notes as he spoke about his process and what he has learned from Ellis. But that was not the most impressive part, that was when others sought me out to talk to me about Dan. Most conversations were similar, “He is only 17?”, “Old soul,” “Pure talent,” “Just a great kid,” “You must be so proud.” I am proud, every day that much more. To see Dan where he belongs is one of biggest joys in my life. The night ended with a staff concert, and then song circles broke out. Dan, five others and Ellis Paul sitting in a circle, each taking a turn sharing a song. It gets to Dan, and Ellis requests his song Day Dreamer. I know the exact thought going through his head, “Ellis f’n Paul is requesting a song I wrote.” But he remained calm, collected and killed it. And of course, I was the proud Dad in the back recording it. 

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I have spent (and as I write this still am here) the day in Connecticut at Ellis Paul’s New England Songwriter Retreat. I am here photographing it, my son Dan is here as a participant. It is inspiring to be around so much pure, natural talent. There is music everywhere I turn. Classes, breakout sessions, people sitting in a corner working on songs. I wish I could add to the sound of it all, but I will leave that to Dan, I will let my photos join it all.

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