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Thursday 28 February 2013

Day 59 Why so serious?

Today marks a new start in my photography adventure. For the first time since I had a Pentax MZ 50 and Canon EOS 33 I have 2 camera bodies. This is born not of greed but of requirement.
I had a little bit of a scare at a wedding last year when my 7D decided to develop a little bit of an electrical fault. So I need a back up for when I'm doing weddings, to be honest I know I've been lucky up until now.
So the decision process was long and arduous, go for a more modern backup but one that doesn't produce similar levels of IQ and image quality as the 7D or go for an older camera that doesn't have all the bells and whistles but consistently produces excellent quality images.

With the help of a fellow Canon user and blogger Helen Brabon I plumped for the Canon Eos 5D, the original one, not the Mark II or III as both are currently well out of my price range.

First impressions are good. The body seems to be in excellent condition and from the test shots the metering system although outdated seems to be workable if somewhat different to my 7D, and importantly the images seem to be nice and sharp.

So todays image is one of those test images. Nothing fancy today, just a simple shot of my daughter, no fancy lighting just a nice big window.


So thats today, and for those interested my mood seems to be a lot better since the golf yesterday, amazing what getting away from it even for a few hours (or 5 and a half if you go with Lee Oakley) can do for you.

Have a good one

Paul

p.s. a quick thanks to Kay Priestley who sat and waited patiently for UPS to deliver said camera today!

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Day 58 - Foremidable

You may or may not have noticed that I have been a little down recently, however today I got to relax and get out on the Golf course with a couple of the guys from work.
I don't play as much Golf as  I would like to but I do generally find it a very relaxing past time, and it generally gives me some time to take stock and re-evaluate things. Today was no different.
It was touch and go if we would get to play today, but thankfully even though we couldn't get onto the course we had booked, we did manage to get a round in on the Priestman course at Slaley Hall. If you are a golfer then I cannot recommend the 2 courses at DeVere Slaley Hall enough. Both offer very different challenges.
This morning there was a deep frost, and one of our biggest challenges was being able to see through the mist far enough to see where our balls had gone, that said, we somehow managed and a good day was had by all. The scoring wasn't fantastic but I can say I was very happy with breaking 100, this is generally my target whenever I step onto a golf course, so job done today!

This is the view we had on the first course before the mist descended.


Slaley offers some amazing views across the Northumberland countryside, so even if you aren't a golfer, its well worth just taking in some of the woodland works.

Massive Thanks to Paul King for arranging the golf for me,

Thanks

Paul

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Day 57 Manely Insane

This last few weeks have been a bit mental. So today I took some me time, well not really me time, I was supposed to be listening to what people were saying but decided instead to doodle.

And this is what I came up with.

Hope you are having a good week

Paul

Monday 25 February 2013

Day 56 - By the light of the moon

So another last minute image from me, back to school and back to work this morning meant not a lot of time for image making.

So I bring you a little bit of a spooky effort, from the back lane....


Happy trails

Paul

Sunday 24 February 2013

Day 55 - Tynetastic

So this week has been a bit of a strange one and today has been no different at all. From Harlem Shakes (http://youtu.be/ZgbAehANmpo) to big defeats, and then wins and photoshoots.
I seem to be on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster at the moment so its probably for the best if you ignore me and focus on the pictures for just now.
Today's image is from the great Tyne Quayside, of one of the most photographed bridges in the world (I have done the most photographed bridge too, and would love to go back sometime). Since its on my doorstep it would be a little bit silly to not include it in my blog. Even though its not my favourite image from today.

My favourite from today would be this one.....



I have a real thing for black and whites at the moment and also for skies, so thats probably why its my favourite. But anyway to keep things ticking along here is today's image for your perusal.


Have a good one people

Paul

Saturday 23 February 2013

Friday 22 February 2013

Day 53 Hide and Seek

Just in case you hadn't noticed its half term. Those that use the roads at peak times will have certainly noticed.
And for all I really couldn't be bothered to get up this morning Erin and I had a walk planned. So up I got. And off we headed for a walk, that would take in a game of Dungeons and Dragons (the tv show), a game of Thundercats and a lot of shouting "POO".

It took about 30 seconds after leaving the house for Erin to suggest playing a game, for those that have ever spent any time with Erin, you will know this is some kind of record. I asked what game and she replied with "Dungeons and Dragons, I'll be Sheila", suddenly remembering that all Eric does was complain about stuff I decided to be Eric. This game lasted for a good 15 minutes before Erin got sick of me complaining and saying everything creeped me out. So then we just walked and chatted about wildlife for a bit. It really is amazing how much children learn in their early years, from a blank slate to a vocabulary consisting of thousands of words, and amazing facts in under 7 years.
Anyway we continued our walk looking for wildlife and took in the fishing pond, which no-one was fishing at, mainly I assume because the fishing pontoons are under a foot of water. On we trekked in our hunt for wildlife until Erin decided she had had enough and wanted to play Thundercats. Suggesting that I was Tigra so I could turn invisible. But then when I did Erin would always shout, "No you aren't I can see you". So this game gave way pretty quickly to Erin shouting "POO" every time she saw a bit of poo on or near the path. So the hope of seeing any wildlife was pretty much non existent now, unless we happened upon a deaf ant. That pretty much brought our walk to an end. We didn't see any wildlife but we did get some fresh air and have some fun.

As I type this Erin is busy watching Scooby Doo and writing her own version of events from this morning, I'm sure that will be more interesting than mine to be honest. I may even let you see them another day.

For now, todays picture is Erin playing hide and seek in the tree's. I'm not sure how she thought she wouldn't be found with that hat on though!


Have a good day folks.

Paul

Thursday 21 February 2013

Day 52 - Man of Bat

Ok so today's image is a little bit of a hastily put together operation. But this was never meant to be about taking over my life again, and as I've already said more times than enough, Life is rather hectic right now.
So if I can take 5 minutes to quickly snap something then thats what I'm going to do.

This one was an idea I had a while ago, and I have to be honest I wish I'd given it a bit more time and effort, so maybe it will get revisited.

Anyway since the image only took a couple of moments, it would be unfair for the blog to get a lot of attention or time. So here goes.




Fingers crossed I bring you something better tomorrow.

Paul

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Day 51 - Desperation sets in

Now I don't know if its because I'm just rather busy or if its because I'm tired, and maybe just maybe a little bit emotional, but today has been a real struggle. Both at work and then trying to find something to photograph.
I've been in one of those moods where the littlest thing pisses me off, and I've tried to not let it get in the way of my day. This always happens when I have too much going on and can't concentrate on one thing for long enough.
So what do you do when you are feeling like that? You've got to try and keep things simple. I didn't I tried to do something that showed how I felt, and ended up with just a terrible image. Which I then immediately deleted.
So then I had a thought, go right back to the beginning, what happened at the start of this blog that made me feel inspired, the sunrise and the music. As I've already said music is one of my great loves. Its something I use to help me change moods, or to enhance a mood when I'm feeling better than I am today. So for todays blog I bring you another musical related question, once again the album in shot is Of Monsters and Men's My head is an Animal. I thoroughly recommend it.

Thats it from me for just now. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day, one things for sure, I'm going to make sure I have my headphones...


Paul

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Day 50 - Bright Starts

I will never apologise for taking pictures of sunrises or sunsets, however I will try and keep them interesting for you and make them as different as possible.
Today's sunrise was again a corker as the sun rose it was like a giant Orange hockey ball. Quite fitting for the weekend that has just passed.

One last quick note on the weekend, if you are wondering what its all about then check out this great video from the guys at Sky Tyne and Wear. - http://tyneandwear.sky.com/othersport/article/56894/hit-the-dek-fantastic-fours-tournament-returns-to-gateshead

After the success of the weekend yesterday felt a little surreal and I awoke this morning feeling a little flat. So this amazing view this morning really helped pick me up a little, and hopefully made me a little more bearable at work today.

Moving forward now, the weekend seems not only to have been a success for the Dekstars and Ball Hockey in general but also for myself with more enquiries about my services, so things are looking good.

If you are interested in paying me for my services then get in touch, I'm always looking for new challenges so no matter what it is I will give it a go. Obviously I mean my photographic services, I'm not going to try and fit a kitchen for you. Actually on second thoughts, ask who knows I may give it a whirl!


I will close simply by saying if you wake up and you are on a bit of a downer, really try and take 5 minutes to get out and watch the sunrise. I'm sure you won't regret it.

Paul

Monday 18 February 2013

Day 49 Recuperation

Well today feels a little numb, after the hustle and bustle of another successful tournament.
After getting very little sleep on Saturday night, I slept like a baby last night but still feel like I could have slept for another 12 hours. So the last thing I really needed this morning to be was the start of the half term holidays. But since it is I'm just going to chill, watch some movies and cuddle up with my little angel.

Have a good week with all the cherubs off!

Paul

Sunday 17 February 2013

Day 48 - All over for another year

Well thats it all done, another fantastic day in the history of Ball Hockey in the UK.

I have to be honest I am far too tired to really write the blog today, this weekend has seen me get about 7 hours sleep, and spent over 14 hours at the wonderful Gateshead Leisure centre.

So it is fitting that on the day the London Jets secured their third Fantastic Fours tournament in a row and with secured the trophy would remain in the capital forever, I present to you, The London Jets.


Congratulations guys and we shall see you in 12 months, for the new Cup.

I must however before going thank all of the players who travelled from near and far and all of the wonderful volunteers who helped out across the weekend. You know who you are.

Time for sleep now

Paul

Saturday 16 February 2013

Day 47 - Everything else is just hockey.

Today reminded me that no matter what my family will always come first. I am very proud of how the whole club performed today.

But there is one moment that made me prouder than any other and this picture captured it. Its quite a personal thing so I'm not going to expand.

Today has been good if very tiring. But the good news is we are nearly half way through and I'm still standing.



Have a nice sunday.

Paul

Friday 15 February 2013

Day 46 - The Calm before the Storm

So this weekend is one I look forward too and dread in equal measure, so today has been about putting final preperations together, making sure nothing has been forgotten and generally just getting a bit of a stress head on.

So what to do for a photo. A while ago a fellow Dekstar had asked me if I could do some photo's for her, as she needed a couple of headshots for her Drama Society, for use in programmes and the like, would I be able to help her out. So we set a date, and that passed, so we set another one and stuck to it.

I spent some time studying poses and lighting diagrams, and then decided to just go with what I felt was right.

I had a great conversation with a fellow artist (photographer) the other day about what Photography means to us. We are both very much believers that photo's should really be about more than just being a picture. They are an interpretation of a subject or a moment in time, and I would like to think that people would be able to tell my work from someone else's, but can't put a finger on what is different about my images. I've been told by several people that my images are different to the norm and in a good way, so fingers crossed that continues to be the case.

Anyway Amy is a very laid back lady, and I always get the feeling she is quite cheeky, but it bubbles under the surface, so once we had finished with the more classic shots, we had a little bit of fun with some hats. This isn't what i consider to be technically the best image I took today, but it does to me give a window into Amy. I hope she agrees and I must thank her for allowing me to share this image with you.

So without further ado I present Amy..


Have fun, and fingers crossed the weekend is a success.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul

Thursday 14 February 2013

Day 45 Love is in the Air...

So very predictably today is about love, what with it being Valentines Day.

However it may surprise you, or it may not to know that I am not a fan of the commercialised celebration of love.

Love to me is all about the individuals, and for all it reeks of cheese I don't need Hallmark (other large card suppliers are available) to tell me when I tell my wife that I love her.

I love my wife very much and I try to show this through my actions rather than through buying an overpriced piece of thick paper once every 12 months and some overpriced flowers.

I am proud of the fact that my wife knows I love her no matter what no matter what day of the year it is and I love that I can still surprise her, and that we can comfortably sit in the same room without talking to each other without feeling any sense of unease.

So tonight we aren't going out for a meal, we aren't spoiling each other with gifts, we are simply going to sit on the settee, enjoy each others company, and maybe just maybe, I'll give her a little hug without trying to grab her boobs (Unlikely to be honest).

So this is my Valentines Day ....


Enjoy yours, however you spend it.

Paul

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Day 44 - Shepherds Warning

No not another blog about horses I promise. Although the warning was a day late really after the discovery in lamb products yesterday, but no I will stay well away from that subject.

Today despite the snow can only be about one thing.... that sunrise this morning. It was simply breathtaking.
So today I'm going to let the image do the talking......


Have a good day folks

Paul

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Day 43 Horseplay

Ok so for those who know me well, you must have guessed that I wouldn't let this whole horse thing go by without at least one photo pertaining to the hot topic. So this is that blog post.
Now I've read quite a lot around this story and I have to admit, the press are missing the real story here. The thing I want to read about isn't the Bollotics (copyright Paul Lynch) behind the whole story, or who's fault it all is, or even the morality behind the whole thing.
The thing I want to hear more from is the people who really feel affected by the story. The people that had consumed the meat. Or even better, people that have eaten a similar product and have automatically assumed that they have eaten tainted meat. The over-reactions I have heard in the past week have been nothing short of thoroughly entertaining.
I don't think I have seen one story informing us of the symptoms associated with any side effects of eating the tainted meat, which means 1 of 2 things. 1) there really isn't anything to worry about, or 2) its a continuing massive cover up and we are heading towards a Walking Dead style scenario. With option 1 there is nothing to worry about and with the second one we're kind of all screwed anyway, so lets enjoy the time we have left!

Ok so the image possibly isn't in the best possible taste, but it kind of mirrors my dark sense of humour.

Enjoy your Horse Burgers and Lasagneigh.


Thats me done now, I'll Lego of this topic. ;)

Paul

Monday 11 February 2013

Day 42 - Running out of ideas.

And judging by this publication I saw in a local supermarket I'm not the only one.
I know running is becoming very popular again, it's like the late 80's all over again. The main difference now is the availability of technology to even the simplest of people. Technology that was once only available to top athletes and the rich is now the everyday. I'm sure it makes for better fitter people, but is it all just a bit too much. It's been a while since we had a runner who chose to just run bare foot. So these shoes must be good things really!

Anyway bit of a lazy blog today but time is money and all that jazz.

Have a good one

Sunday 10 February 2013

Day 41 - Seeing Stars

Ball Hockey, the bane of my life or the joy of it. I really can't decide.

Due to many factors I haven't been playing for a while and have recently felt the need to step down as the chairman of the NE Dekstars due to the fact that my spare time is much more limited. However, the wife is still very much interested in playing, and if I'm honest she probably needs it. It gives her something to take her mind off things.

Anyway I've been kind of involved with the set up of the dekstars website and for a while its just carried the ugly mug of a certain Ali Cree (I love him really). So today I headed down to Gateshead with all my studio stuff in tow and set about getting some shots for the front page of the website.

I have finally bought a roll of background paper, and dear lord does it make things easier. I'm quite pleased with how the website is looking, although it still has a long way to go, if you want a neb pop over to www.nedekstars.co.uk to have a look.

So in finishing I have made a little player montage for the facebook page for the Dekstars and that is today's image.

L-R Dan Flavell, Richie McFarlane, Becky Farren, Michael Dunn and Sarah Boulton
If you have never played Dek Hockey before, get down to Gateshead next weekend where the Dekstars host the UK's biggest tournament. The Fantastic Fours (sponsored by me) is a fast frenetic tournament with short games played on a small court. Its on from 12 till 5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday.

Hope to see you there.

Paul

Saturday 9 February 2013

Day 40 - Alien Invasion

Aaargh the Aliens have arrived, well except they haven't really. Its just my daughter getting ready for a swimming party, but I am sure you will agree it was an easy mistake to make.

I just love kids parties, I mean whats not to love, other peoples screaming kids, fights, and parents all trying to out do each other. Luckily I like to read so I will take a book or my iPad and sit and read.

Its amazing how akin it is to a playground at school once you get a group of kids parents together, the only thing missing is the my dad is bigger than your dad arguments. And to be fair they are generally replaced by the my child is better than your child "conversations" because we're adults now so we don't bicker and fall out, we just smarm and beam about our own children before slagging off other peoples kids behind their backs, because that is way more adult.

Sorry this wasn't meant to be a rant, just an observation, anyway before I get myself into too much trouble and find myself totally ostracised from the parental group here is today's picture.


Ha ha I couldn't resist!

Have a good day folks.

Paul

Friday 8 February 2013

Day 39 - Desperation

Today i very nearly ended up just taking a picture of my hand, but now I can bank that for another day.
I had hoped to take a picture of a horse today, just to be topical, but alas the only horses on the way to my work were away in the middle of the field and I only had a short lens with me, so alas no horses, apparently my blog is pretty much the only thing in the world that doesn't contain horses. I feel left out. This blog shall contain horses at some point!

So instead on my way home from work I decided to take a picture of this building down next to the beach, it has a proper name but I can't remember what it is. Its an educational centre / lifeguard station/ observation tower / toilet. It always looks quite pretty at night so I thought why not, it beats a picture of my hand.

So here it is (the thing not my hand)

So there you have it.

Have a good weekend.

Paul

Thursday 7 February 2013

Day 38 The sky is the limit

Thanks for the support regarding yesterdays blog, it means a lot.

I'm really sorry but there isn't a lot to say today, I don't feel too good, but headed out this morning determined to get you guys a picture. You deserve it, you have been good to me.


Today is definitely a day that is all about the image. I love watching the sky, its never seems to be the same twice and this time of year always brings some amazing skies.

I'm off to bed and tomorrow is a whole new day.

Paul

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Day 37 Time is Money

Todays image is a little bit of a cheat. its a creation, rather than a photo. But I felt I had to say something and it illustrates my thoughts well.

There seems to be an expectation currently that because everyone takes photo's that they are worthless. I have been the victim of this myself, but it is an experience that one of my friends has had recently that has led me to write this post.

Photographers spend years honing their skills, and are often their own worst critics, meaning that they do tend to be quite sensitive soles. So there is generally 2 ways to use the images of a photographer, 1) Pay for them or 2) give us credit for them.

So imagine if you will one of the worlds biggest companies asking to use an image without paying for it, or without giving credit to the artist. I'm talking about a company that thinks nothing about spending over £22,000,000 per Premier league game it shows just for the screening rights. But they don't have a budget to pay a small Business for a photo, and can't even extend them the courtesy of giving a photo credit, when the image is going to be seen by thousands of potential clients. Simply crazy!

Its bad enough when you take photo's at an event, then see them plastered all over facebook without any credit given, and often cropped and edited beyond recognition of the original image.

I've tried to not rant too much but had to say something in support of my fellow photographer.

So on to today's image, it depicts the 2 ways of recognising the photographer.



The first is simply a photo credit, in this case from the very well written blog by James Dixon (http://thegeordiegeek.wordpress.com) who used some of my images from the recent Team GB hockey camp. The second was a paid gig for Gateshead Youth Council, who are a charity organisation, who couldn't pay me much but did insist on paying me.

The message of today is if in doubt then please, please just ask. The worst that can happen is that we say no. And don't be offended if we ask for something in return, we are people too, and our time and our skill is worth money, or at least recognition.

Back to a photo tomorrow..... maybe

Paul


Tuesday 5 February 2013

Day 36 - Suddenly everything is right

Woke up cold one tuesday,
I'm looking tired and feeling quite sick,
I felt like there was something missing in my day to day life,
So I quickly opened the wardrobe,
Pulled out some jeans and a T-Shirt that seemed clean,
Topped it off with a pair of old shoes,
That were ripped around the seams,
And I thought these shoes just don't suit me.
Hey, I put some new shoes on,
And suddenly everything is right,
(Lyrics from Paulo Nutini's New Shoes)

Funny how a new pair of shoes or new t-shirt can just make everything seem that bit better isn't it.

I'm sure one of my most avid followers so far, Mr Knott, can empathise with where I am coming from.

Most women would go nutty for a pair of heels, or maybe even some boots, but I know the way to my woman's heart..... so I bought her these......




And it has to be said, she has been much happier since getting them. 


If only all life's little problems could be resolved with a pair of new shoes.... who know's maybe they can.


Paul

Monday 4 February 2013

Day 35 - Nail Biting

Nervousness is a funny old thing. When I think back of all the times I have been truly nervous they aren't particularly numerous, school and Uni exams, having to own up when I had done something naughty as a kid, Wedding Day, Birthday of my child, first day of a new job, and every single time I take my car in for its MOT.
That day was today. Now for those not in the know, mechanically I have not had the best of luck with cars. Just under 12 months ago I lost my last car to a broken Cam Belt, that wasn't due to be replaced for another 30,000 miles, after not long spending £1000 on repairs. I got £250 back for it, and was pretty heartbroken. That is just one tale of woe when it comes to me and cars.

So my current car has been pretty good, its high mileage and has needed a couple of bits and bobs done in the last 12 months, a service, break callipers (pads and discs) and a Mass Airflow sensor. So off I popped this morning to Uncle Dave's motor engineers (Otherwise known as D.Holland Motor Engineers in Walker). Full of dread I pulled the car in to the garage and handed the keys over to Pro Ice Hockey player Dean Holland, who would be putting my car through its test.

I commented to Dean on how I don't know how they remember everything they had to check as he gave my car a good going over to make sure that it was roadworthy. At this point the nerves were really building, I don't know if you have ever watched your car be put through its MOT but its like watching a pet be prodded and poked by a vet, you want to make sure everything is ok but in the back of your mind is always the thought that you hope that your wallet is also going to be ok.

After what seemed like an eternity (but was only actually 55 minutes) Dean gave me the good news that my car had passed, and there weren't even any advisory notices! To reward my car I may wash it, or more likely take it to an immigrant to wash (Non immigrant hand car washes are also available).

Then off I went to a paid photography job! Unfortunately I can't currently share the images with you, but in the next couple of days I may share some images of websites that are currently using my images.




Have a good day folks

Paul

p.s. I didn't post to facebook or twitter yesterday, and got 1 view on my blog. :(

Sunday 3 February 2013

Day 34 - Kit and Caboodle

I've often wondered what a caboodle is. I'm sure one of you lovely readers will educate me.

One of the questions I have been asked so far is why would you use your phone when you spent so much money on your kit. The main thing is time. And then their is the awkwardness of carrying everything around. The phone is a handy to have and since the purpose of the project is not necessarily to take stunning images then it is ideal.

Just to give an idea of the time and effort that goes into some of the images. Day 1 saw me stood on the freezing cold beach for over an hour until the light was just right, the image of Christine took 30 minutes set up, then a 20 minute shoot followed by 30 minutes editing. So sometimes grabbing a quick picture on my phone fits in a lot better with my schedule.
To give some sort of idea of what I would need to carry round on a daily basis today's image is a picture of my standards kit for a shoot. All in all it's quite heavy too, I'm jot anal enough to weigh it hut you get the idea. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little hit more interesting for you all.

Paul

Saturday 2 February 2013

Day 33 - Back from Beyond

So by now you probably have a pretty good idea of how this blog is going to go, there will be a lot of me talking absolute nonsense, a little bit of me putting myself out there to be judged, a whole lot of whining and moaning, and even a little bit of humour.
You probably also have a pretty good idea of what I as a person am about, so today's blog is back to one of those recurring themes. This time its family again, with a little bit of lego thrown in.

Yesterday whilst shopping I spotted a total lego bargain, so I just had to buy it, what can I say I am a total schmuck for a lego bargain. Now this was pretty early in the morning but I somehow managed to wait all day until Erin got in from School to start building it. I was really looking forward to building with some assistance from Erin, well that didn't go exactly to plan. Erin built the whole bleeding thing. So I am now pretty much redundant as a dad. I am however so very glad that I was able to wait as that meant today I was really able to appreciate how much it meant to me.
As you may or may not be aware, I now work 12 hour shifts, which on the upside means I get half the year off, it does however mean there is half the year where i pretty much don't get to see my daughter. So today I left for work without seeing her, got to work and looked at my phone and she had sent me a message from her ipod saying "My heart is broken when you are gone" complete with about 5 heart Emoticons and 1 broken heart emoticon. Now as you can imagine that made me feel amazing as a father. But then it made me appreciate the time I had spent with her yesterday encouraging her to build the lego, and playing with the completed toy with her.

So today's picture is the said lego toy.....


Oh yeah, thats the other thing, today is another one of those days where because of the 12 hour shifts I look for something around the house to shoot.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Paul

Friday 1 February 2013

Day 32 - Eggsplosion

Sometimes you just feel helpless, there is nothing you can do but watch as the people you care about seem to go through hell. Nothing you do seems to make any sort of change. They know you are there for them but at the same time there is nothing you can do at all to change whats happening.
You can give them advice, you can try to make sure that you are there when they need you but ultimately you know they are going to have to sort this shit out themselves. 
I tend to be neither a glass is half empty or half full kind of guy, not to say that I am not known to dwell in my own melancholy, but generally I bounce back pretty quickly from things. I prefer to think fuck it, there is still something in the glass, lets drink it and see what happens! I guess the one thing I would rather change about myself is not to be so affected by the moods of others, but would I really change the fact that I put these people before myself? Sometimes I guess I should.
There has been quite a lot in the news over the last couple of years about Depression, but yet it still seems to be a bit of a taboo subject. Sometimes a hug or a smile can make all the difference to someones day, maybe even a wink (unless you look like you are having some sort of seizure when you wink, in which case this is best avoided). 
So with that weighing on my mind I thought how could I convey this feeling in an image, but yet still maintain a little bit of fun.

And this is what I came up with.


I had hoped to just use one egg, but it didn't seem to capture the carnage. That and I didn't manage to capture the egg at the point of impact. 

I hope that everyone reading this has a great day, and if you know someone who isn't, do something about it!

Paul