Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.
—Mitchell Kapor

I hate the saying, “Out with the old, in with the new,” because it implies that we have to get rid of old things. Recycle, sure. Rid, never. Who thought of that saying anyway? Probably someone who was trying to make himself feel better at the act of replacing one thing for another.

When we are out and about and I see an old house, or an old car, or an old whatever, something inside me ignites. Something inside me screams for that artifact of life. Something inside me begs to remember it. And now I can, justly. Very rarely do I leave home without my camera. I’ve come to learn that when I do, I see something that calls to me.

Photography has become something more to me than just capturing the kids at the zoo or around the house doing cute things. While I love to take photographs of family moments, for posterity’s sake, I also like to–as Benjamin says–take pictures of ugly things. Oh yes, I thought these once ugly, too, but not anymore. Now I can see beauty in a rusted gate, or a faded doorway, or a discolored vehicle of yesteryear. I use my tools to document the old, as well as the new, and I appreciate that both hold a key. This is the key to life. Without the old we cannot have the new, and vice-versa.

Today is my Grandfather’s 80th Birthday. That’s a life right there. Eighty years: countless countries traveled, a family raised, emigration to a whole new world, learning a [hard] language, plants harvested, foods and drinks prepared, hugs and kisses given to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, headaches, heartaches, hard-times, good-times, life. He has lived eighty years, in good health, and high endurance.

“Out with the old, in with the new?” I beg to differ.

Happy Birthday, Dedo!

A little while back I was contacted by Jeremy of Discovering Dad about participating in a series called “What Dads Think”. There would be five moms, each with a select topic, and five dads to give their opinion on said topic. Brilliant!

This week that series begins. My friend, OHmommy, kicks it off with “What Dads Think About Honest Communication”.

We want to hear what you think, too! So, please visit Discovering Dad and give your input on these interesting topics.